Review of local safari agency Miles to Smile

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting and I’m reaching out for your help, For our honeymoon, I’d like to go on a safari in Tanzania and I’ve chosen Miles to Smile. Has anyone already traveled with this local agency?

My exchange with Julie was great—she took the time to talk with me for an hour on the phone to offer a tailor-made safari.

However, she’s asking me to pay 50% of the trip, or even the full amount. She mentioned paying fewer fees by using Wise.

Do you know this agency? What do you think? I’m really afraid it might be a scam and that my dream could turn into a nightmare.

Thanks for your feedback and kindness.

Best regards,

Hi, I just replied to this same question in the other forum...!!

...

Hi,

Yeah, but this might interest other users on this forum too 😉

Hello Voyage Forum,

Copy-paste from a reply in "another forum":

Hello, I don’t know this agency. However, all reputable agencies—whether in Tanzania or France—regarding organized trips, will ask for a deposit of around 30% upon booking (this varies by agency), and the balance one to two months before the service takes place. I’ve used the services of a safari-organizing agency based in Dar es Salaam several times, and that’s how they operate. This year, for a safari in Kenya, I’m using a Franco-Kenyan agency, and so far, I’ve paid a 30% deposit in euros, in France. Don’t forget that the agency will make paid reservations, so the client must also guarantee the seriousness of their commitment. (When dealing with an independent guide, it’s probably riskier. There have been past examples of scams mentioned in this forum, particularly in Kenya.) Many people, like you, seem to have doubts about Tanzanian providers—so why not contact a French agency? That way, you’ll be protected under European laws. (For example, "Vie sauvage" or "Samsara voyages," which offer services in Tanzania. There are plenty of others...) Best regards. To see if any reviews have been posted here, click the orange magnifying glass in the header bar and enter the name of the agency you’ve chosen. ...

Puma2A

Precise and accurate response. Worth mentioning, given all the participants, for the newcomers who’ll be interested too.