Serengeti Landmark Tours

Overpromise, underdeliver...

I recently completed a safari with Serengeti Landmark and unfortunately, my experience did not meet expectations.

We booked the trip 4–5 months in advance after being advised by Raymond (the manager) that accommodation, particularly luxury tents, tends to fill up during peak season. However, on the night we arrived in Serengeti National Park, we were unexpectedly taken to a basic bush campsite rather than the tented camp listed in our itinerary. Only after raising the issue was it clarified that we were meant to stay at Engrigerata Camp. This seemed to come as a surprise to our guide, who appeared visibly frustrated and upset by the situation. We were asked to "wait" without much communication, and were eventually told to get back into the vehicle and driven to the correct site. Although we did end up at the right camp, the experience left us feeling confused and unsettled.

There were also delays entering Serengeti National Park. On the first day, we waited for about an hour outside the park gate because the entry payment hadn’t been processed. The following day, we faced another delay due to an additional concession fee for the camp that also needed to be settled on the spot.

We also noticed recurring inconsistencies in timing. On multiple occasions, the guide would mention a 20-minute break, only to return after nearly an hour. While sometimes said in jest (“African time”), this created planning issues and added to our overall frustration.

Our itinerary included an Arusha city tour on the first day, but this appeared to be forgotten until I reminded Raymond. The tour was eventually arranged, but toward the end, we felt pressured to purchase artwork from the guide, who declined a tip and instead insisted on us buying a painting worth around $20. Later that evening, Raymond joined us for dinner at his own suggestion, mentioning it was his birthday. We wouldn’t normally mind, but in hindsight—given the service issues and delays—it felt a bit awkward when he added his takeaway pizza to our bill.

There were also a few other inconsistencies between what was communicated beforehand and what was delivered, though too many to list in detail here.

In summary, while Raymond was responsive and professional in the planning stages—which initially gave us confidence—the execution of the trip fell short. A safari in Tanzania is a significant financial and emotional investment for many travelers, often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I believe more attention to detail and clearer communication would have made a big difference.