Balloon tours
Jun 22nd, 2005, 03:30 AM
#1
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Balloon tours
I was reading other posts back from 2002-2003 and several were somewhat negative. One mentioned having a very hard time getting his money back from a cancelled tour due to bad weather. I'm worried to book ahead but yet don't want to miss this while there. Even my agent suggested waiting till I am there. She said that there are several companies and can even try @ Serengeti if unable to arrange @ Mara.
Help!!!!
Help!!!!
Jun 22nd, 2005, 04:02 AM
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I've never done the balloon rides, so have no personal experience. These just haven't been of interest.
But if you will be spending 3- days at either Mara, or 1-2 days the Central Serengeti, arrange for the balloon ride as soonn as you arrive at your accommodation in these areas.
Those who schedule these have an idea a day ahead if the weather will be good enough for the balloon to go aloaft. That's the best I can suggest. Or take your chances the "day of."
But if you will be spending 3- days at either Mara, or 1-2 days the Central Serengeti, arrange for the balloon ride as soonn as you arrive at your accommodation in these areas.
Those who schedule these have an idea a day ahead if the weather will be good enough for the balloon to go aloaft. That's the best I can suggest. Or take your chances the "day of."
Jun 22nd, 2005, 04:22 AM
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If you wait, they could also sell out the available spaces. Best option would be to wait until within 60-30 days of the day you wish to take the ride and then book through your travel agent/tour operator using a credit card.
This way, if cancelled because of weather and they do not cheerfully refund your money, you can file a dispute with the bank as soon as you return and they will disallow the charge. And, worst case, you have the tour operator AND the travel agent to back against.
This way, if cancelled because of weather and they do not cheerfully refund your money, you can file a dispute with the bank as soon as you return and they will disallow the charge. And, worst case, you have the tour operator AND the travel agent to back against.
Jun 22nd, 2005, 08:56 AM
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Based on our personal experience only - we booked on arrival in the Serengeti and had no problem with spaces available. We did inform our guide/company on arriving that it would be something we were interested in, and trusted his judgement on how busy things were (I believe he called ahead on the morning we were due to arrive in Serengeti to see how bookings were looking and they put us on the list then). Price in the Serengeti was slightly higher than the Mara (25 dollar difference), however there is only one company operating in the Serengeti. They, and the ride, were wonderful, by the way 
.
We didn't try in the Mara (chose Serengeti due to time of year) so I can't tell you if it is likely to be busier there.
I would think that if you have a few possible days it is probably better to wait until you are there to book, then put your name down as soon as possible. If you only have one day available then book it in advance.
. We didn't try in the Mara (chose Serengeti due to time of year) so I can't tell you if it is likely to be busier there.
I would think that if you have a few possible days it is probably better to wait until you are there to book, then put your name down as soon as possible. If you only have one day available then book it in advance.
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