Tanzania Vacation Operation

An Unforgettable Safari — in More Ways Than One

We recently returned from what was meant to be a 10-day Kenya and Tanzania Epic Safari organized by John Rejeaeli from Tanzania Vacation Operations. It truly was an experience we’ll never forget — though not always for the reasons one would hope.

Our journey began in Nairobi, heading toward the Masai Mara. The Jambo Mara Safari Lodge was pleasant overall, though instead of the promised “excellent modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows,” we received a more basic wooden cabin. Still, the game drive was outstanding, and our Kenyan guide, Kibe, was exceptional — professional, knowledgeable, and determined to make our experience memorable. Thanks to him, we saw 4 of the Big 5 in just one day.

Unfortunately, once we crossed into Tanzania, things began to unravel.
Our Tanzanian guides arrived three hours late at the border, leaving us waiting with no explanation. Their vehicle looked more suited for retirement than a cross-country safari: missing windshield wipers, several mechanical issues, and, according to the VIN, produced in 1989. On the way to our first lodge, we had to stop multiple times — once due to rain (no wipers!) and again to fix an electrical short circuit. Because of the delays, we missed our evening game drive and were taken to a different lodge than the one we were promised.

The pattern continued.
The next morning started with a beautiful game drive — we even witnessed a great migration river crossing — until the car broke down around 9:30 a.m. After a three-hour wait and help from local rangers who brought a mechanic, we limped to the nearest town for repairs and fuel. By the time we returned to the park, it was too late for further activities. That evening, we again found ourselves at a different accommodation than what we had booked — a tented camp instead of a lodge. It was comfortable, and we were the only guests, but still not what was promised.

By Day 5, things briefly looked up. We enjoyed a seamless day in Serengeti, guided by Kelvin and Geoffrey, both incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife. However, as night fell and we drove toward our next lodge, the car’s headlights failed. Geoffrey had to buy a flashlight in a nearby Maasai village, and we crept along the dark road at low speed until we finally reached our (this time, correct) lodge.

The following day in Ngorongoro Crater, déjà vu struck — the vehicle broke down again. This time it couldn’t be fixed on-site, and we were evacuated to yet another unplanned hotel.
By morning, we finally received a replacement vehicle and enjoyed a wonderful day in Tarangire National Park before heading to Arusha. Sadly, the hotel there was, once again, not the one promised.

Our final two days were meant to be spent in Amboseli National Park in Kenya, and we hoped our misfortunes were behind us. Kibe met us at the border and, as always, delivered a fantastic experience. We arrived at Sentrim Lodge, as booked, and thought all was well — until the next morning, when hotel staff informed us that our paid reservation covered only one night. Upon contacting John, he asked us to pay for the last night (even though it was already paid) and promised a refund. A week and two reminders later, the refund never came, and we are now initiating a credit card dispute.

In summary, I would give zero stars to Tanzania Vacation Operations for the organization, communication, and repeated false promises — but five stars to our incredible guides:
🌟 Kibe (Kenya), Kelvin, and Geoffrey (Tanzania), who truly saved the experience with their professionalism, knowledge, and kindness.