Hajj
2.5 · 2 reviews
US pilgrim survey
Survey deck last updated June 21, 2026
Pilgrim review 1Yosr Al Mashair Luxury 9395 via Sara Travels
- Overall experience
- Recommend with Caution
- Communication
- Communication with Sara was horrible. They did not respond on time and if anything went wrong they blamed the service provider (Yosr). They mismanaged almost everything from Airpot transportation to Hotel, Hotel room assignments to Mina, from Mina to Makkah, from Makkah to Madinah.
- Mina & Azizyah
- Non shifting, Majar Al Kabash. Transportation from Makkah to Mina was fine. Jamarat was a few minutes walk. Transportation from Mina to Makkah and back was promised for Tawaf Al Ziyara but not provided. Final transportation from Mina to Makkah Hotel was provided.
- Dedicated scholar
- Yes, mostly available for prayers and some discussions. Some issues with logistics and conflicted informations at times about the timing of some manasiks. Could have been better if more organized.
- Muzdalifah
- It was not nice, carpet provided with sleeping bags, but space was very limited. Many providers used the same space and it was overwhelming. Women area did not get food or drink for late arrivals. Bathroom facilities are not recommended unless there is an emergency.
- Transportation
- It was horrible from the airport. Nusuk was entertaining only the groups and individuals were asked to wait until the provider finds the transportation. People started making groups based on the company and hotel locations so Nusuk could provide transportation. It took 5-6 hours from the time flight had arrived at Jeddah Airpot to the Makkah hotel (clock tower). Yosr or Sara did not provide transportation from Madinah to Jeddah Airport. We had to arrange our private transportation. They were only entertaining the groups. The transportation was however paid part of the Nusuk package. Transportation from hotel to Mina was provided. Train was provided between Mina, Arafat, Muzdalfa. Some delays but no big concerns. No transportation from Mina to Makkah for Tawaf/Sai, we had to use public transportation. Train was provided from Makkah to Madinah, but horrible communication between Yosr and Sara. More than 150 people were stranded on the station for hours with no train tickets and authority refused to allow to board a train without a ticket. Finally resolved and everyone board the Train. Train was delayed by around 1/2 hour. The initial plan was to leave after Fajr but ended up taking 10 pm train to Madinah. So we had wasted almost the entire day and missed my Rawda appointment. Then Yosr arranged Rawda appointment next morning as a group. Sara Internal mismanaged the hotel rooms in Makkah and Madinah. The last person to receive the room key was at 9 am when we arrived the hotel at 12:30 am. No one received the room keys until 4 am on the first day. So we had wasted almost entire day of Ibaddah because Sara people were not trained to organize the room assignments. Yosr was miserable in helping during that time and referred to Sara when requested.
- Guidance & reflection
- It is very important that someone guides you through this important journey. The guides were reasonably knowledgeable but they had to depend on their boss (Sara International) which they were bound to follow. They kept pushing people to get the second Adahi because Nusuk will not inform on time and they will have issue with Tarteeb (sequence). Most people followed them and purchased additional Adahi services to avoid confusion. They were pushing all the way until the 9th (little fishy to arrange in such a short time). I kept it will Nusuk and with little hiccups got the response before shaving (still kept the tarteeb) on the 10th. It was around the same time Sara confirmed their Adahi execution. The Mushids (guides) were not properly prepared for information about the transformation for next steps. So they keep delaying everything because the information was either not clear or not available. We feel for them but they are on Sara’s payroll so they need to be better prepared to organized such things. It may not be easy but important for someone going to the Hajj for the first time.
- Would you recommend?
- I would not recommend Yosr or Sara International as they are not properly prepared, trained or even organized properly. They have younger kids who will take a lead and you will be stranded on the streets or in the lobbies for hours whereas you could have used that time for Ibbadah. Yosr in general is immature to organize such a prestigious event. Sara with their experience lacks quality leadership and authority. The kids of Imam Zameer are on their phones the entire time we were together (he was in the same camo with me - opposite bed), who were leading the logistics and decision making with no planning. They also lost luggages for many Hujjajs when transporting from Makkah to Madinah. Many people found the luggages just before leaving Madinah. My luggage was finally arrived in Madinah the night before leaving. This happens after many times nagging ti Yosr and Sara teams. We were disturbed the entire time in Madinah and missed quality time of Ibbadah and prayers. Sara was blaming Yosr for mismanaging and took the credit when finally luggage arrived in Madinah (3rd day). I have explained all my concerns above in different sections for proper clarity. However, if someone is going for this beautiful journey and have no other options left then this package, provider or even Sara will get you through your obligation of Hajj. Just be mindful and make sure to keep alternate plans including some transportation glitches, luggage handling (keep it with you instead of having them transport), spend your time in Ibbadah rather than wasting time listening to the Murshads that how good Sara and Yosr are, keep your focus on the main goal of Hajj, stay away from distractions whenever you can (including your wife :) ).
- Rating
- ⭐⭐ 2/5
Pilgrim reviews are published by Mabroor Essentials as submitted. Kawthar does not rank or endorse any group.