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Watch out for swindlers! How might you be swindled?
(Please print this page)

At the time of writing, I have been advised of many safari swindles!
For example at the moment: there is a technique to make you believe that you will
be staying in a lodge on the game reserve, while playing on words - you will in fact
only be staying in a lodge of the same name, or almost, but outside the reserve!
(Cheaper and a waste of time)

If you have purchased a "last minute" flight ticket, beware because as soon as you
arrive in Kenya, you will be easy prey! You are bound to be looking for an
"inexpensive" safari, and there will be many people who will offer you one!
They may offer you, by chance, "cheap" safaris!

You are 100% guaranteed to be conned!

Also beware of strong pressure from some hotels that will frown upon the fact that
you are not doing your safari with them! It's business! However, if these hotels look
after your room and meals themselves, it won't be them who take you on safari - that
is what annoys me! Personally, I want to know "who" will take me on safari; if not,
how do you expect me to give an opinion on the service if the tour operator
changes at each hotel negotiation!
Be aware that it is common practice to cram people into a minibus or a 4x4 in order to
make as much profit as possible (the more passengers you have, the cheaper it costs).
Also be aware that every intermediary takes his own profit margin, including the hotel.
So, make sure you ask the right questions! How many customers are in the vehicle?
(A good TO does not have more than 4) How many hours of "game drive" will there be?
The standard is 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon, minimum 5 hours
per day on game drives within the reserve!

Be discreet and play with the competition!

You can go with an agency that has their office on site, (a real office with a real sign)
but above all, never purchase "cheap" or "good price" safaris from "beach boys" or
"touts" on beaches or in town! Especially those called "Captain" followed by a
name, such as "Captain Maurice" for example! All these "Captains" are
"beach boy managers" - i.e. head touts (they like calling themselves "Captain".
I can promise you with absolute certainty that you will be ripped off, irrespective
of the method - a guaranteed swindle! Some of them even operate on the internet!
Fortunately, I now know their technique, to "take you in" using extreme kindness to
sell you a "cheap" safari that will in fact prove to be "very expensive" because
they will play on the reserve's entry and exit times (late entry and early exit, you will
pay for 2 days and they will only pay one day to the rangers (30$ to 32$ per day
and per person). If not, they will blatantly try to avoid paying these official entry fees
and control points, by bypassing them (with 4 people in the vehicle, they earn more
than 120$ per day) and if the dishonest TO is caught out during a ranger check, he
will say that it was you who did not pay! So it's his word against yours! Do you
want to take the risk? Park managers and the government have decided to fight this
scam, but that does not change the fact that dishonest tour operators will always try to
bypass checkpoints. They will always find successful ways to get into reserves
without paying, and without it seeming strange to the client. Then again
it's like everywhere - as long as it works!

Very important.
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If you nevertheless want to do this, please follow my advice. Before paying and
leaving for the safari, you must ask the TO to give you the tickets or the card that the
rangers give at the park entry against your payment. Next, always ask for a detailed
safari programme. Even for a 2 day safari, and regardless of the number of hours
on the road, as well as the number of "game drive" hours
(looking for animals on the reserves)
It is very important to know what is and is not included in the price - otherwise
you will see supplements appear at the end of the safari!

Another very important factor is the car!
Before paying for your safari, always ask to see exactly which car you will be in. Be
aware that they will show you that it is "this kind of car" - do not accept this! Ask
to see the "actual" car that will take you. Look at its condition - it's your
safety at stake! There are so many old bangers there.

Finally, ask exactly how many passengers there will be, as well as you?
Especially if it's a minibus, as they will "fill it up" to maximum! This is a way of
keeping the price down. The more passengers, the cheaper it is! Obviously all this
does not relate to serious safari agencies, but how can you recognise
them for certain?

Regarding camping, check that you are camping on the actual reserve, if not you will
waste a ridiculous amount of time on the road. It is one way for your
safari to fail!

The solution is to use those I've told you about, as I have tested them. If they meet my
very strict criteria, they will certainly also meet yours!
Always remember this: in Africa, even though you have said "NO", this will mean
"YES"! Even if you have not said a word! Say "NO" gently but firmly
and the person will not bother you anymore.
Do you want to know why safaris are so expensive?
Other reasons are given in this link http://www.kenya-guide.com in which I give advice on
travelling in Africa, attitudes, food, drink, illness, malaria, photography etc.
This is also the main reason why I travel with others!

http://www.voyages-aventures-afrique.net

In summary, if you want the best safaris, that are as safe as if you were in
Europe, simply write to me and I will give you my best contacts - those who I use
to take my wildlife photographs. They are the best and the cheapest!
And they will not rip you off!

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