The review below is the personal opinion of JL and not that of SafariBookings.
Worst Safari Experience in 30 Years of Travel
My husband and I booked a 3-night, 4-day private safari in the Masai Mara with this agency, specifically to witness the river crossing. Two friends of ours booked a 2-night group safari with Axis at the same time.
Day 1: On our first evening, our driver ( Francis)took us to see a couple of lions, then drove for 1.5 hours through empty areas — no other cars, no animals. Back at the hotel, other guests (including our friends) shared how they’d seen cheetahs and other wildlife. I assumed it was just bad luck.
Day 2: We had a full-day game drive. The morning brought two lions, then the driver took us back to the same empty area as the day before. We saw a few hippos and maybe four other vehicles all day — that’s it. I specifically asked to drive along the Mara River, but he refused, saying there was “nothing there.” By 3 pm, he drove us back to the hotel without explanation. Later, I learned from my friends — in the same area — that they’d seen lions, cheetahs, leopards, and more. Clearly, it wasn’t luck; he had wasted our entire day.
Day 3: We finally drove along the Mara River and waited for the crossing until about 4 pm. The driver drove us back to the hotel, At 4:40 pm, my friends messaged me — they’d just seen the river crossing.
We paid $8,000 for four days and saw almost nothing, while everyone else seemed to have incredible sightings. The driver spent most of his time on the phone with his wife and kids, which I wouldn’t have minded if he’d still done his job. I understand nature isn’t guaranteed, but his choices and lack of effort made this the worst safari I’ve ever taken.
I’ve been travelling for 30 years and have done several safaris before — even when sightings were rare, the guides made the experience enjoyable. This time, the driver’s poor decisions ruined it.
I recommend that you don't book with this company. Save your money, time, and patience.
