Re: SAA, Optima, Afton House, car rental, etc

21 November 2004, 09:27

Matt Norman

Peter,

I hope you are correct, that this was a rare occurence with Optima and their Rep wasn't simply sitting in a restroom smoking cigarettes instead of tending to business. As I mentioned, I had been impressed with their service. I'm still waiting to hear from them. I know they are aware of it and received my original email as I've been forwarded a copy of an email they sent in response to the travel agent's inquiry into the matter. But as of yet I've not been contacted by them, (Saturday afternoon EST USA).

21 November 2004, 12:10

fredj338

Sorry to hear about your snags, but I find when traveling overseas, expect anything. I went to Moz. & RSA this last Sept. THe SAA Airbus is total crap. The seats on the jump flight to Moz. were more comfortable. I am concidering flying to Germany next time & staying over (1) day then flying down. Right now it looks like 747 all the way w/ a nice overnight to break up the trip.
I also stayed # Afton, nive accoms., nice people & they met em @ the airport & helped w/ the SAPs. It's not a bad way to go. Count me for a return trip in 06 or 07, maybe Namibia that year.

21 November 2004, 08:50

Balla Balla

Quote:

Of course, we get to Windhoek...no f+*#king wheelchair. It's real bad ju-ju when you have a man confined to a wheelchair and no wheelchair.

I sent Optima a civil email when I got back to discuss this cluster they and SAA created. A week later I still haven't received any response. I had paid cash for their service and left a nice tip. I find their apparent lack of concern unacceptable.

Matt Norman

Glad that most of the services proved to be good.

I must admit that your incident is the first (adverse report) pertaining to services with Optima and I would hope that ONE INCIDENT ( albeit very important) does not cloud their overall service.

WE are living in a real world and things can and do go wrong even with the best companies in the world. The key is hopefully there is a suitable explantion forthcoming, I am sure that someone within the company will be able to throw some light on the failing to perform !!!!

WE have had clients use OPTIMA and AFTON all with glowing reports.

In this competitive world it is always good to give consumers choices and I will provide another option to add to your our list of meet and greet and other non hunting related services for valued hunters and clients visiting South Africa.

If anyone does per chance consider using their services please do report back on the results in due cource.

Peach Safaris & Tours out of Pretoria might be worth a look as they have a range of clients services on offer including rentals, for the record if you did contact them just mention Peter Bird from Balla-Balla Safaris referred you.

21 November 2004, 15:36

mamba

The saa airbus is for first timers that are so excited that they dont know any better. I dont rally know how I will go next time but sounds like europe is the way to go. A couple of eight or nine hour flights is a piece of cake. This compares with a twenty hour piece of shit on saa.

21 November 2004, 13:15

Balla Balla

Matt Norman

I dont know whom you have been in contact with @ OPTIMA BUT here is someone to contact whom might be able to offer you and our guests some information hopefully !!

Johan Coetzer

< johan.optima@worldonline.co.za >

Regards, Peter