napamatt

http://www.destinyafrica.com/index.asp?L1=testimonials

I note he hasn't been spending his time developing his website.

Hope everything works out for you all.

africaddict

Does anyone know exactly when and where Rocco was going to in July. I was led to believe it was Zimbabwe & Zambia? He changes his itinerary so often I haven't kept up.
Any help gladly appreciated.
Cheers
Marc

matnikstym

This is his last post on Fodor's:
Author: Roccco ([email protected])
Date: 05/01/2007, 06:57 am
Sorry for the delay...should be jumping back on the trip report this week...some of the best was saved for last at Sabi Sabi and Mateya.

Meanwhile, I am just rounding out a revised plan for my next safari leaving in just over 7 weeks time for hopefully this itinerary:

Tafika or Luangwa River Lodge, South Luangwa (2)
Kaingo, South Luangwa (2)
Mwamba, South Luangwa (1)
Chiawa, Lower Zambezi (2)
Old Mondoro, Lower Zambezi (2)
Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls (1)
Vundu, Mana Pools (3)
Somalisa, Hwange (4)

Looks like I am doing this safari solo as my rebound/transitional relationship did not work out, but that is a good thing, really. Meanwhile, while it is way too early to get my hopes up, I am in a good place now and there is someone else very special who has just entered my life.

So there is an empty bed in my room...who wants to go to Zambia and Zimbabwe?

africaddict

Many thanks matnikstym. ;-)

Silverback

Sounds as though Rocco has gone over to the Dark Side. Too bad.

Mohammed

I noted from the posts in this thread that some forum mmbers seem to have paid "Rocco" monies in advance for bookings etc. Surely you must have checked out the person and have more details and information on him such as a phone number, an address, maybe a travel agents web site and travel association accrediations etc.

Mohammed
(Sri Lanka)
http://www.abidally.com/mp/Yala

mukango

Wasn't Julian his partner until just recently. Maybe he can provide some insight.

nyama

Mohammed, those people have contact details (mail, phone number, website) but it's all useless if Rocco doesn't answer their calls.

steeliejim

What's so strange about this, in addition to the money, trips up in the air, and clients left hanging, is the damage to Rocco's reputation, which would be irrevocable if he does not quickly pop back up and make amends, first, to his clients.

It was a huge leap of faith for us when we, as his first, or one of his first clients, sent him the considerable amount of money for our trip last fall, virtually solely on faith and his postings on Fodor's Africa forum.

I was banking on his character and pride in his reputation which I thought shone through in his postings.

Our leap of faith worked out so well, our safari was so wonderful, the arrangements were virtually perfect, and he was so responsive and responsible.

It's really hard to imagine that Rocco would risk his reputation and career, much less the relationships and friendships he's developed throughout southern Africa. I should think that the risk of losing those--and surely he would if he does not come through for his clients--would personally be far more important to him than the money he's received.

Still, the lack of response to our emails and phone calls, lack of content or activity on his shell of a website, and most importantly, money and vacattion plans in doubt, certainly elevate the question of where is Rocco to a level far higher than mere curiosity.

I do hope he reappears quickly and gets his clients back on track. To do otherwise would be a great loss, and not just for the affected clients.

Jim

africaddict

I couldn't have put it better Jim.

jasher

Hello,

Rocco and I parted ways in December 2006 and are no longer in contact with one another. FWIW he has not responded to my emails or calls either.

Sorry I can't be of more help!

Cheers,
Julian

atravelynn

Steeliejim's comments make perfect sense and point to the unlikelihood of all this being just a big scam. The reward would not be great enough for the risks involved to reputation, not to mention lawsuits or jail. So that gives me cause for concern for Rocco personally.

I know there were some other major upheavals in his life (only from the info he has posted here) and those things can take an emotional and mental toll. So I hope he is ok.

I also hope all of those who sent money to Rocco will not lose out. What a terrible disappointment and nerve wracking situation that must be for you.
Please keep us posted on your situations.

One other route that could be taken to track Rocco down would be through the camps where he is staying near the end of June and into July. I don't know what kind of info they would give out, but it would be interesting to note if he has paid (if he even has to now that he has agent status) for those or if he indeed shows up there.

Thank you Dennis for posting that itinerary.

atravelynn

(posted too soon)

Thank you Dennis for posting that itinerary. With the camps, the date of post and Rocco’s comment of seven weeks, it is possible to determine his intentions for where he’ll be.

What is also disturbing is that his behavior will make people think twice about using any other small, one-man-show operations that don’t have years in the industry.

cary999

One should always think twice or probably -never- about a one man show. Even if they do have years of operation. What do you do when the "man" becomes unavailable for any reason (e.g. Rocco)? Who can you contact to find out your travel status/plans? Oh, and what if you are on your trip and you need help? There should always be a contact/backup available. Just don't do it any other way, the risk is not worth it.
regards - tom

richardfh

I hope things work out for you...

Things like this would be why I would never book from a home based person that I know on an online forum. You are better off booking with a professional company, preferably one who has insurance (applicable to the country)if they go out of business so people do not lose their deposits.

Richard

atravelynn

Tom, are you back from Africa?

cary999

Hi Lynn,
Yes, got back on May 25th from South Africa, camps - Madikwe Hills, Kings Camp, and Leopard Hills.

Good safaris. Trip report and photos to follow. It'll take a while.

In meantime, if anyone has any specific questions probably easiest if you email me - tdgraham at sbcglobal dott net. Put AFRICA in subject line (unless I've emailed with you before) so I can find you floating in the spam.

Good to be back on line with you all.

regards - tom

OnlyMeOirish

I have been lurking on thie thread and I think, like others here, that this seems very out of carachter for Rocco. I really hope he is OK. I also feel very sorry for those of you who have safaris booked with him. I really hope that everything works out well and I'm sure that those trips to africa will be spectacular.

Tom, welcome back!
Please post (even just a little ) about Maiikwe Hills - how were the gamedrives? Sightings? Lodge? I'm dieing to know!!!

Imelda

napamatt

We think it's out of character for Rocco - but you can't know people from their posts on an internet forum. The only person who does know him is Julian, and he seems to have been treated the same way.

cary999

Oh, ok Imelda,
Madikwe Hills -
game drives - lots of drive little game
sightings - below average
lodge - fabulous, sumptuous, luxurious
bottom line - I would not go back
Full trip report to follow. Urgent questions pls email me.
regards - tom