Tailor Made Travel done easy.
Impala Tours
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1999)
- Member Of:
- NTB, BOGA & BTO
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $868 to $11,278 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
AT
Email Christoph Herwig | 50-65 years of age
Terrible Organization and Not Holding the Promises
We went as two families with 3 children in August 2019 to Namibia and Botswana. Andre von Flotow and his team were in charge to organize the entire trip. We paid everything in advance. Never do this to this Impala Tours!
We had multiple issues along our trip. I will start mentioning them one by one in seperate reviews, as they touch different aspects.
As a start:
1) We were suggested to take a guide for our trip through Botswana and paid for 7 days.
The guide
- arrived one day late
- was not briefed where to go, We had to tell him the trip. We had the maps to tell him the way.
- did not have own coordinates of the night bookings. As the bookings were not correctly done by Andre and his team for 2 of the four locations, we had to find alternatives those days. Not nice if you have kids dont knwo where to stay and you see the sun setting.
Andre did therefore not prepare properly this guide, the guide tried to do his best!
The guide left after 4 of 7 days, although lodge bookings were done for him and we paid them to Andre. We did not receive any money back, although we took a long time to argue on this.
In fact, Andre cuts any communication related to those topics.
Be careful, use other organizers.
Please send personal message, in case you want to discuss.
Best wishes
Christoph
GH
Email accra | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The sentences on web site are not true
I never recomend this tour company. Almost things that they said is not true.
As for the accomodation, the staff told me that we could see sunset and sunrise there when we asked before booking but actually we cannot tehre. We have to move another place to see and it takes one hour one way if we want. The driver said he doesn't want to. As a result, we could not.
As for payment, they said we can pay credit card but actually they asked me to tell all information about our credit card.
Of course, we could not for our finance security. And they needed money in advance and they told me to return bank transaction fee later if we pay by bank transfer in advance. So I believed and payed in advance by bank transfer but he never return.
This is a very shocked trip....
IL
Email Alex Tsarfin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Disappointing experience
We booked a trip to Namibia and Botswana in advance of a year and a half to get a specific driver / guide in Botswana. Andre promised us that. As a result, Andre gave us another driver / guide. Moreover, Andre changed three ordered camps without prior notice. One of these camps was outside the national park, and we had to pay additional fees for entering the park. We are very disappointed.
DE
Email Karl | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
negligent, slovenly and non-professional
It was the fourth time that we had booked with Impala, but there will be no fifth time. Pick-up was arranged at the airport, but unfortunately there was none when we arrived in the lobby of the airport. I had to call Impala to find out what's going on. I was told by phone that the taxi driver was on the way. As an excuse for the delay, Derselbige argued that South African Airways (SAA) had released unclear strike information. A look at the SAA homepage would have been enough to find out that our flight was not on strike because it was operated by a SAA partner company. As a rental car we, a couple, were given an old VW bus with over 300,000 kilometers driven, eight seats and minor technical defects (rear side doors only opened with trick 17); completely unsuitable for two people, who even in the national parks clunked nervously even at low speed, i.e. it was not a pleasure to go on the stalk with this vehicle myself. Contrary to a full tank, it was only a quarter full, so that our first course (drive) led to the next gas station after receiving the rental car. I honestly have to add, but if I only return the car with a full tank. Two of the lodges rented through Impala informed us on arrival that our reservation had been canceled due to a lack of payment. The result was my hectic phone calls with Impala, whose assurance that payment would still be made during our stay, which was the case. Unfortunately, Impala made no apology or a word of regret in either case. Conclusion: Business dealings were careless, sloppy and unprofessional. This is not how you deal with regular customers.
Adventure in Namibia on a Self Drive Tour
Date of trip: 2 June-14 June 2016
Location: Southern Namibia (Windhoek, Fish River Canyon, Ai Ais, Luderitz, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Windhoek)
Type: Self Drive
Overall Rating: Very Good
In general, Impala Tours did a very good job. We were met at the airport and transported to our hotel. There was a briefing, with wine, where we went over the route maps and were introduced to the vehicle - a 4-wheel drive Toyota Hilux with a canopy. The vehicle was in good condition and got us where we needed to go. The electric refrigerator and table included with the vehicle were nice additions. The driving route involved tar and well maintained gravel roads.
Overall the accommodations and food were excellent. If you enjoy meat, the game - kudu, impala, sprinkbok - were plentiful and a real treat.
Helpful tips:
1. If you are not a seasoned road-warrior (we're not), travel with a GPS or Google the directions. This would provide detailed directions in town (mostly) and accurate mileages on the road that were not always evident from the maps/instructions we were given.
2. For accommodations in coastal towns, request a hotel with a sea view.
3. For optional tours book early. The Bogenfels tour required at least 10 days pre-booking.
DE
Email Christine | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Competend, friendly and reliable firm
I booked the 3rd trip with Impala Tours and was always a contend customer. Impala Tours is very competent and makes a point of quality e.g the car we had, had good tyres, the lodges were well selected. If there are problems or questions, you can always call Yvonne or Andre.
It was not my last time travelling with this Company!!!
CO
Email Julian | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience with private tour in Namibia
We had a great experience in the private Namibia tour we booked with Impala Tours. Communication was good and they were flexible and accommodating to the requests made beforehand and during the tour. We went to Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Etosha, with Andre as our guide. Andre is very friendly, knowledgeable and professional as guide and tour organizer. Very much recommended.
Very frienly und perfect
Very good service, the tour was great with many hightlights to watch animals, fine places to bee
Email Steve | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A well organised tour
Unlike other tour companies that we contacted, Impala Tours were willing to deviate from their standard itinerary and provide us with a bespoke experience which was well organised and value for money. They were patient and were willing to give their time to ensure that the tour they provided was exactly what we wanted. We have no regrets going with this company and would recommend them to anyone wishing to visit Namibia.
DE
Email Ursula | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exciting trip to Victoria Falls, Botswana and South Africa
This was my 4th trip to southern Africa with Impala Tours and the 2nd one with our guide Andre. This time we went to Victoria Falls, Botswana and South Africa. We started at the impressive Victoria Falls and enjoyed the walk along the falls. The different Botswanian landscapes ranging from dry regions to parts of the Okawango Delta having water all over the year are striking. Most exciting was our stay on an unoccupied island we could reach by boat only. Camping was basic but the more we enjoyed the nature. We saw rare antilopes and herds of hippos and elephants, lots of birds etc. As promised, South Africa is a different world. The urban regions of Cape Town, Hermanus and Stellenbosch are interesting in a very different way. Andre's profound knowledge about history, politics and nature helped to understand these worlds. It was a wounderful and relaxing experience.