News

Mystery shopper: A Kenyan safari

Location: Whitby, Yorkshire.
Wanted: A couple want to go on their first wildlife safari Kenya in June. They want to go away for about two weeks, with a beach stay included.
Budget: up to £7,500.

Like this and want more details? Click here to download and save as a PDF.

Co-op Travel, 54 Baxtergate
97%

I was immediately made to feel very welcome in this store and the agent asked lots of questions to establish my needs. The agent did some in-depth research because of the location and government warnings.

She had very detailed knowledge and was very efficient. She recommended a £6,818 trip with Kuoni, spending one night in Mombasa, seven nights at the Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa and six nights on a cheetah safari.

I was offered alternative safaris too. Holiday insurance and airport parking were offered as well as a follow-up call. Brochures were not available, but I was given the printed quotes. The staff were willing to help in any way possible.

Getaway Travel, 5 Flowergate
90%

The agent was very friendly and enthusiastic, but I did have to wait as the store was busy. I was given two price options – one was £5,648 for stays at the Eka Hotel in Nairobi and the Keekorok Lodge in the Masai Mara, along with a six-night tour.

The agent made me aware of travel advice to Kenya and suggested I called back later, when she would have more details. Airport parking and travel insurance were offered.

Whitby Travel, 35 Flowergate
86%

I was acknowledged straight away by the agent, who seemed to be a one-man band. I was given two quotes. One was £6,280 including a stay at the Baobab Beach Resort in Mombasa and a six-night safari.

The recommendations were excellent and I would have booked with this agent. My details were taken and I was asked to call back later. The agent had good product knowledge and gave advice on visa requirements.


Winning agent: Olivia Noble, Sales consultant

I have worked at the agency since December 2012. I love what I do because every day is different. Planning dream holidays and helping customers discover the world is the reason I come to work.

Verdict

All the agents came up with great options. Whitby Travel was let down by its appearance inside, rather than the service.


Elite resorts caribbean

Top-scoring agent each month will win use of a Mercedes SLK for 10 days

The winning agent must be at least 25, for insurance reasons. Any agent who is under 25 will win a week’s all-inclusive holiday at an Elite Islands Resorts property. The prize is non-transferable and the car must be driven only by the winning agent.

The winner must not have any serious driving convictions. The winners will be informed by Travel Weekly.

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.