vjv.com

Room for improvement !!!!!

Did VJV's Wild Namibia tour Sep 2023. This was my third more recent tour with VJV having done tours with them in the past. Although the actual booking of the tour seemed well organized the after care was very poor. Slow response to emails, poor or incorrect information given and misrepresentation of the tour where the itinery given (and expected to get) did not match the experience on offer to us.A larger than expected group (they added an extra group of six) so to accommodate the now group of 12 we were split into different accommodations. I enquired before the start of the tour, when I learned about the additions, if we would all have the same accommodation and was told yes. this was not the case. The address given for the lodge was incorrect, not even in the same area as stated in the itinery and NO game drives as stated in the itinery (which is what a safari in Africa is all about).Other accommodation used on the tour were of an ok standard but a couple were awful with no air con and poorly maintained with flooding showers. The excuse used is that Africa is a relatively a basic country and these things happen but that's not the case. There were many better lodges nearby with much better facilities. Myself and other guests complained to the local guides used about our individual issues but heard nothing from VJV.I took the privately guided option at an additional £1,300 and was told I would have that to end of the tour at Victoria falls. Then I was told would only have until Botswana, then told would have all the way and so on depending who I spoke to on the phone. It all seemed like the tour was being made up as it went along. I was supposed to have a private car/jeep to the end of the tour and other 11 split between to mini buses but all twelve of us had to squash into a small van to get us to the last hotel with the sorry apologies again. Seems there is not much communication between VJV and local agents used before and whilst on the tours.On my return I approached VJV for compensation for the misrepresentations in there itinery and was offered £200. They admitted that they had issues with the holiday confirmations sent out and were very sorry. I refused the £200 and we finally settled on £400. Nothing can make up for the safari experienced promised but didn't get on this expensive tour.I totally agree with one of the other comments that it's run by young girls that don't have any experience about the places they are selling and about travel in general. Years ago VJV were excellent and I had every confidence in them but sadly not now. This is my third bad experience with them. Shame as they do have some lovely holidaysWould I go with them again......possibly but know from experience to take every thing they say with a pinch of salt and to check every thing out for myself....even flights.

Date of experience: Sep 16, 2023