[ROLLED! - Tanzania]

Nothing seems to work the way it 'should' or the way they said it would. So it was of no surprise when the cook of the safari approached me in the hotel and said he would pick me up and the other guy (Robert) from another hotel, instead of our agent, Jasper. Organization in this country is bizarre at best, so I didnt even question the new arrangements.

Bright and early we were picked up by the cook and driver, stopped by the ATM for cash and then into some back streets of the next town for breakfast, awaiting the arrival of the other passengers and the 4wd. The cook confirmed what we needed, tent etc and went off to do his thing. He came back later, we paid him, he went to off to get the 4wd, but left our luggage behind with us and we waited...and waited. After an hour, annoyed, I called Jasper and with a sinking gut feeling I realized that we were rolled by a conman...$270US each. Son of a bitch!

On the bright side I got my luggage back, my photos and travel diary are worth a lot more to me and are of course irreplaceable and we could have been cleaned up of all our money if they had weapons. I have seen a big knife wound on a travellor with such a story. I guess it was a 'cheap' lesson/experience.

[SAFARI- Tanzania]
I still wanted to go on Safari! I negotiated a 100US discount for the both of us, as Jasper was partially responsible, as he knew of this conman and failed to warn us or take appropriate security measures. Business is often conducted in the streets allowing the conman to easily identify the clients, their names, hotels and the travel arrangements.

However, on the day we left for Safari, he didnt uphold his deal and we had to spend 1.5hrs arguing by the bank for the agreed deal. Then he had to buy US dollars and we lost more time as he shopped around. Finally, with the 2 other passengers and their agent, we go to the shopping center to get supplies, when suddenly Jasper announces a 5th person will join. Well the other agent didnt know about this and they started arguing in Swahili and then the other 2 passengers started arguing with their agent as their tour price should be cheaper, as 1 extra person joined. In final frustration and desperation we left, losing lots of safari time. The driver to his credit made up for the lost time.

That afternoon we visited Lake Manyara, beautiful lush scenery and home to 1000's of pelicans and other water birds. Back at the lodge, we find out Jasper hasnt paid the other agent in full so the 5th guy either had to pay even more or be kicked off the tour, now everyone has been screwed. Eventually a compromise was reached, the 2 passengers would waiver their discount and the 5th guy had to pay 'marginal' extra.

The next morning, trying to put the past events behind us, we headed for the Serengeti, when the car broke down in the first 5 minutes! Did I walk under a ladder or break a mirror?! I had to laugh, could it get worse? Thankfully the car was repaired within the hour and we were on safari!

Our luck turned for the best and I had the most amazing 3 days. The endless plains of the Serengeti are spectacular, the Ngoro Goro crater, the largest non-volcanic, non-meteor crater is teaming with wild life. Our guide had the most incredible eyes, we couldnt believe the things he spotted, we had troubles to see it with the binoculars! We saw all the animals up close, including the rhinos, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, serval cats, zebras, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, warthogs, and more. The hassles were well worth it after all, I felt totally satisfied and fortunate to have seen so much!

Jasper talked about how he appreciated client recommendation, so here is my recommendation- Dont do any business with Kili Climbers & Safaris, or stay in their Amin's Cottages!

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