Does anyone have recent experience with the tour operator Africa Serendipity? Fodor's recommended them and that is my sole basis of trust. There has been a little sloppiness in the planning and now they're asking for a large cash deposit. Considering the careless email trail and the no credit card acceptance, I'm hesitant to continue with them. If you've had positive expereinces I'll overlook the hiccups and continue.
Thank you,
Janel
Africa Serendipity Tour Operator
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I haven't used Sandi (who I believe either works for or owns AS) but reviews and comments are good. Having said that, I am amazed they do not accept credit cards. I am not sure if the US rules are similar to the UK, but credit card protection against supplier failure is important to me in this economic climate. Even the Kenyan outfitter I am using for my trip this week accepts credit cards !
It is standard practice for agents in Tanzania to only take wire transfers. Some will take credit cards at an additional cost.
I used Sandi at Africa Serendipity for my Kenya trip last year and thoroughly enjoyed planning with her as she's very concise and offers several options around your price range for camp selection which I really appreciated. The itinerary package they sent out was chock full of information you would never even think about getting yourself!
For other reasons none of which was price, I worked with a different outfitter for the Tanzanian portion and got no where near the high calibre of service received from Sandi.
I had to wire funds to both and altho the idea was a bit scary at first everything worked out very well.
Sandi's just recently returned from Africa and I wonder if this may be a factor here.
I used Sandi at Africa Serendipity last June for my trip to Tanzania and had a very good experience. The trip was fantastic and Sandi's recommendations were very helpful.
Garfield, Africa Serendipity is in New York, not Tanzania. That said, it's almost impossible for safari planners to get merchant accounts for credit cards these days (been true for years, actually.) Even planners with years of experience behind them can't get 'em. So, some are using PayPal, but I don't know if AF is doing that. Janel, I think Sandi was in Africa recently, so that may be why the e-mails were "sloppy", but you always can ask her for an explanation. As for the large deposit, the lodges and camps require them. I used Sandi and AF for a Mara extension back in 2009 and had no problems. She's a regular contributor here on Fodor's and I think everyone here can vouch for her.
Janel, we have had the pleasure to work with AS for our last three safaris to East Africa. Two were to both Kenya and Tanzania. Have no regrets dealing with AS. Sandi is a gem, quite knowledgeable, easy to reach (phone) and when not in travel mode always prompt with email. While it may have been nice to charge our trip for points/miles I was also pleased AS took personal checks.
If we again have opportunity to travel to East Africa particularly Tanzania we will certainly give strong consideration to AS.
Dick
Like Philw, I am surprised AS does not accept credit cards. Both local companies I used in uganda and Kenya accpeted them, albeit with a surcharge--i think 5 %. Again, like Phil,I don't mind paying tha for the extra peace of mind/recourse it gives me if there is a problem.
i enquired of AS for info on a trip this summer. Never received an email response. I was disappointed, as I always enjoy Sandi's feedback here. I don't know who is in charge of emails. Perhaps she was not at work at that time.I never pushed it or rewrote, having shortly therafter received quick and informative responses from both American, UK, and local tour operators. I immediatly ruled out those who were unable or unwillling to accept credit cards, even after i expressed willingness to pay the surcharge.