20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Poorly organised, vehicle not as advertised, terrible communication
I did a three-day safari organised through MJ. It was a really disappointing experience in terms of the organisation, and not matching what I actually paid for. I contacted the company afterwards and was impressed by Jackson's swift explanation, apology and offer to partially refund the cost - but after successive emails and excuses from them went quiet, and never actually did refund me, which is a really poor way to run a business.
I am aware joining safaris are liable to be a little slow and chaotic, and I was patient about this - even when I nearly ended up being taken to a different country! But not being provided with the agreed kind of vehicle on the final day made me feel like I needed to officially complain.
On the first day, on arriving in Arusha, I was put on a bus that was going to Kenya - and only realized it wasn't the right vehicle when I was asked for a passport! No-one from the shuttle bus transport company knew anything about a safari. This was alarming, as a solo female traveler suddenly in a different city, not knowing where to go.
After being driven around for a while by a taxi driver who had no clue what was happening, I had to use my international data roaming to get online to find MJ Safaris number, which cost me a further $10. No phone number was provided when booking. I was then taken to the correct hotel to join a safari group, but it was not a great start!
On the second day, I was told to get up for breakfast at 6am. After waiting three and a half hours, we finally left at 9.30am. This was frustrating.
On the third day, again there was a delay at the campsite, as my driver struggled with a card payment. At the entrance to Lake Manyara, we again waited for a further hour - something to do with the card, or it being a Sunday? It wasn't clear. Again, this delay was frustrating.
Worse, however, was that the car I was in was not a Land Crusier 4x4. It was just a taxi. This meant the windows were blacked out, which was not good for viewing animals. There was a sunroof, but of course it was open to the sky. The sun was very fierce, and I had to avoid it to prevent getting sunburnt, which also made things difficult. They did not have any binoculars, which made viewing animals more difficult. You couldn't stand up when the vehicle was moving, as the sunroof was not padded. I also had safety concerns given there were animals such as baboons who might have jumped in! Finally, the vehicle was clearly unsuited for some of the roads/rivers it had to travel on; it was a very bumpy ride, and the driver was evidently nervous about driving through water.
The driver did a really good job, all things considered, but the booking specifically stated it would be a different vehicle.
I was very disappointed by the disorganization of the trip, but especially the fact that it deviated on the last day from the vehicle as advertised and paid for.
MJ Safaris explained when I complained afterwards that all this was because a group had cancelled at the last minute, and so I had been subcontracted out. I appreciate mistakes can happen, and appreciated their response, which offered to refund the cost of the final day. But it was doubly frustrating to be offered compensation and then just to have follow up emails completely ignored.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Memorable safari with the best agency -Bison Safaris
As 20 friends i our 30's we decided to take the 5 days safari to Kenya visiting Masai Mara ,Nakuru and Naivasha. Well well, Bison Safaris organized everything to perfection. Maggie is exemplary good in her work as she takes you through all steps really well and this did boost the confidence in us and even when we paid we knew this was a reliable company thus no fear at all.
Great drivers we had -James and Bernard. Thank you so much guys for ensuring we spotted as many animals as possible.
Lenchada camp, Lanet Matfam and Taphe Resort are budget units but worth every penny we paid for. Great service and great food and in all these accommodation places we met very friendly staff.
Bison safaris any time for Kenya travelers
Thank you so so much Bison team. Kudos:
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good service
We booked our train tickets for the SGR and a taxi to the train station with East Africa Shuttles and Safaris. Everything was arranged well and they arrived on time.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We have good journey with tomodach in mikumi we satsfy with its services and we was happy all
We get good services and we happy we go to mikumi and uduzungwa we was happy soo much
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Communication, fast delivery to the Hotel. Everything good
It was just the service for buying Tickets for madaraka train. There everything Perfect.
AR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
best safari according to our needs, good price and logistic. Federica the best! More than expected
best safari according to our needs, good price and logistic. Federica is the best! More than expected!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari with right people
We had a great time within Kruger Park. Guide was competent and flexible enough during the all day, we have been lucky to see a good number of animals.
For sure a good choice for discovering animals in South Kruger National Park
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best cook best Guide!!
May I start by saving that this our 4th safari but fist to Kenya and I can not recommend this company enough. We were met at the airport by cheerful helpful Zippy who dropped us off to our Nairobi hotel. We spent a week being looked after by Daniel and Nelson. Daniel was a fantastic cook who took care of my gluten intolerance. Nelson could answer any question. Knew every bird and animal. Honestly can't recommend this firm enough and would use them again. Thank u so much!!!!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great local trek
Great trek through the local village then took a meanering trail up the hillside to a beautiful view point overlooking the valley. Only other people on the trail were local villagers and no other tourists. Very good knowledge of plants, birds and wildlife. Off the beaten track but with easy access making the trek not too arduous. Would highly recommend.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect attention and very helpful
Verónica helped us a lot with the travel and offered us a very good trip. Sadly, we couldn't make it at the end, but they deserve all of our gratitude and recommendations. Nice job!! See you next time!!