We had a very bad experience with avocet company and particulary with our guide.
We were picked up late by almost two hours on the first morning, and after that, we were not given any explanations as to itenirary, the daily plan, where we were supposed to be driving to ect'.
This seemed to be a repeating theme throught the safari, while for example asking our guide what time to be ready tomorrow morning he replied "I don't know".
We were delayed while entering the park, and it seemed that jeeps that arrived after us, entered before us. Again, no explanations.
Befoe finalizing the safari we went over the meal plans with the company, as we have dietary restrictions. Jeff the manager promised us that all would be taken care of, the chef would be informed andthe guide as well. The first morning we approched the guide and tge chef and once agian explainedthe matter, and were promised that all would be okay. Unfortanuatley at lunch, our needs were completely ignored, and there was no food we could eat. When we approched the guide his first reaction was to blame us and tell us that it was our fault that we had not informed them in the morning (even though we had!and even done so the day before). It was agreed that the company would buy us some snacks in the small shop, and that would substitute a meal of rice vegetables and fish. When we came to purchase the itmes ( potatoe chips and cashews) the guide said that he did not have enough money, and if we wanted all the food we would have to pay ourselves (once again, the safari plan incluses 3 meals a day).
On the last day, the bottled water which is included in the safari price ran out. When we approched the guide he said the water is finished, and if we wish we can buy our own water. When insisting that it is the company's responsibility he became extremely upset saying that there is a budget and it has finished, and it is our fault for using too much water.
The attitude was unpleasant and suprisingly rude. It is a shame that the company doesnt take care of these logistics.
Further more, we felt that our guide was not very interested in guiding us. He gave very few explanations regarding the animals, and was not very welcoming of questions.
As well, most of the time it seemed that he was just following other cars and the information he recieved on the walkie talkie, and did not know where to drive by himself. There were times when we were just waiting for him to be told where to drive to.
In summary, the parks are beautiful and seeing the wildlife was a truly special experience. We were sorry that all of the around was unpleasant. We were highly disappointed with the company and guide. The logistics were not done well (water finishing, problems with meals, the car emitting smoke twice inside, the car door being broken so it had to be held closed so that the passenger would not fall out). Furthermore, we think it is a real shame that the company allows itself to hire unprofessional and unpleasnat guides.
We would definitly not reccomend using avocet.
When researching the comany we saw that they had many good reviews and only a few bad ones. We figured that it is always that way. It may be true- but remeber, you only go on one safari, and you should try to make it a good experience.
K4192FUdominiqueg
17 Mar 2022
We hadden de meest geweldige safari-ervaring met in het bijzonder Avocet en Mike als gids. Mike is zeer ervaren, deskundig en vriendelijk, we hebben zoveel geleerd en gezien en werden zeer goed verzorgd door zowel de gids als de kok. Erg bedankt!