NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable gorilla trek
We booked a 3-day gorilla trek with Beyond Travel and had an amazing experience. Communication during planning was very good, our guide was always on time, and both the trek and the accommodation were fantastic. Our guide also went out of his way with the little things, like helping me buy coffee at a local store.
The standout moment was a medical situation in a remote area. Our guide found a doctor and brought them to us, and it was covered by insurance. We were really grateful for that care.
The one area for improvement is clarity on the ground. Our itinerary clearly listed what was included, but on the trip we'd like to be able to trust our guide to take us to those things without checking the PDF all the time. A couple of times, like the last day's activity and a lunch that was supposed to be included, we had to raise it ourselves, and we weren't sure who was covering the medical costs. Nothing that spoiled the trip, but a quick "here's what's included and who's paying for what" from the team would make it a perfect 5. Still highly recommended.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
THE ONLY HONEST REVIEW YOU NEED TO READ
*The only review you need to read*
I recently completed an incredible Kenya–Tanzania safari, travelling from Nairobi through Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, crossing into Tanzania for Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, before returning to Kenya for Amboseli and eventually Nairobi.
Our group consisted of photographers, and we specifically requested guides who understood how photographers work. For us, a safari is not about rushing from one sighting to another. We are willing to spend hours waiting, repositioning the vehicle, and observing animal behaviour in order to capture the right moment.
We had three different guides during the trip, and unfortunately, the experiences varied dramatically.
⭐ John — 5/5
John was our first guide, covering our time in Kenya including Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara.
From the moment we met, John introduced himself properly and gave us a clear briefing before getting started. He was punctual, responsible, responsive and, most importantly, adaptable to the way we wanted to work as photographers.
John consistently made sure we were in the best possible position for photography and was willing to adjust the vehicle whenever necessary. He also suggested suitable game-drive timings and accommodated our request to head out as early as possible so that we could maximise the prime morning hours.
He was attentive to the small details too, regularly making sure we had sufficient drinking water throughout the journey.
Our experience at Masai Mara was superb, and John set a very high standard for the rest of the safari.
⭐ Jackson — 6/5
If I could give Jackson more than 5 stars, I would.
Jackson was exceptional throughout our time in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. He understood exactly how we worked as photographers and never made us feel rushed. Our game drives often started before sunrise and continued until just before sunset. We spent countless hours searching, waiting and positioning ourselves for the best possible wildlife encounters.
One of the highlights was witnessing the Mara River crossing. Jackson's patience and understanding of wildlife behaviour played a huge part in allowing us to experience and photograph such an incredible moment.
What made Jackson stand out wasn't just his ability to find wildlife. Along the way, he constantly shared his knowledge about the animals, their behaviour and the surrounding ecosystem. He patiently answered the many questions we had and genuinely seemed to want us to leave Tanzania knowing more than when we arrived.
He was constantly looking out for the best possible experience for us.
We left Tanzania with not only some of the best photographs of our trip, but also a much deeper appreciation and understanding of the environment and wildlife.
Jackson elevated an already excellent safari experience to another level. By this point, our group was genuinely hyped for what was still to come.
⭐ Alex M. — 1/5
Unfortunately, our experience with Alex was the complete opposite.
Alex was our guide for Amboseli National Park and subsequently our journey back to Nairobi. After having such exceptional experiences with John and Jackson, the difference was extremely disappointing.
When we boarded the vehicle at the border, there was no proper introduction or briefing. I only learned his name, Alex, through another guide.
The biggest issue was that Alex did not appear to understand how our group worked as photographers. He was frequently in a rush to move on, even when we were still taking photographs.
On multiple occasions, the vehicle started moving while members of our group were still taking photos. When we told him we were not ready, he moved off anyway. Given that we were often standing with large camera equipment on uneven roads, this was not only frustrating but also a genuine safety concern. There were several occasions where members of our group were nearly thrown off balance.
There was also a safety issue with the vehicle itself. One of the seat armrests was broken and had sharp metal protruding from it. I personally suffered a cut on my leg from it. Thankfully, members of our group found something to cover the exposed metal, which prevented further injuries.
There were also issues with the itinerary.
Our programme clearly indicated a morning game drive followed by a hot lunch at the lodge. However, when we discussed the following morning's game drive with Alex, he appeared unaware of the arrangement. After checking the itinerary, he contacted the lodge and arranged for packed lunches instead.
I subsequently had to stand at the lodge counter trying to explain that we were supposed to have a hot lunch. The lodge staff told me that their instruction from the driver was to prepare packed lunch and that I would need to clarify it with the driver.
Arranging for the next morning was another major disappointment. We specifically wanted to leave at 6:00am for the game drive, which was consistent with how we had conducted our previous game drives. Alex told us that we needed to rest and insisted that we leave later at 7am instead. After discussion, he eventually negotiated a departure time of around 6:30–6:45am.
By this point, our group was understandably frustrated.
I contacted Splendid, and Alice stepped in and resolved the matter promptly. I appreciated her responsiveness, but unfortunately, the damage to the experience had already been done.
After having such incredible experiences with John and Jackson, our Amboseli portion felt like a completely different safari. It was particularly disappointing because the rest of the trip had set such a high standard.
What made the experience even more disappointing was being asked for a tip at the end of the Amboseli trip despite everything that had happened. It's not a big amount but he definitely do not deserve any. We gave as we felt obliged to do so as he asked.
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I believe guides have a significant impact on the safari experience, especially for photographers. Patience, communication, safety awareness and an understanding that wildlife photography requires waiting and positioning are extremely important.
John and Jackson demonstrated all of this exceptionally well. Our group appreciate them so much!
Unfortunately, our experience with Alex fell far short of that standard.