US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beyond Disappointed – Not Worth the Cost or the Hype
I booked with this company specifically because they advertised lodge accommodations over camping. Unfortunately, the lodge experience was extremely underwhelming. There was no hot water, the power went out twice, and the pool was in such poor condition that getting in wasn’t even an option. While the staff were kind and welcoming, the overall experience failed to meet even the most basic expectations.
The game drives were cut short and felt rushed. On two of the three days, our guides were clearly on tight schedules—once to drop another guest off at the airport, and again the next day because the group had arrived at camp early and had to leave within 24 hours. This completely undermined the feeling of a relaxed, immersive safari. We were also moved from vehicle to vehicle, creating a sense of disorganization and inconsistency that disrupted the trip.
Although the food was decent and the guides themselves were friendly, the execution left much to be desired. Several advertised services were either missing or not up to par, and what I paid simply didn’t match what I received. The trip cost $700, and yet it felt like a cut-rate experience. I specifically asked questions before booking and was given clear, confident answers—which is the only reason I felt comfortable moving forward. Sadly, those promises were not kept.
I was intentionally trying to support a newer company, but in hindsight, I should have gone with a more experienced operator. I feel that, at a minimum, the company owes me $200 back for the misleading service. I’m now considering what steps I can take to recover part of my payment, as I am beyond disappointed with how things turned out.
If you're considering a safari and want value for your money, I would strongly advise booking with a more established, transparent company. This was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and instead, it left me frustrated and let down.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari company
We had an amazing experience and would recommend this tour operator. Our tour guide, Cyrus, was excellent - very knowledgeable, accommodating to our needs, went over and beyond to find us the big 5 which was spectacular! A brilliant and a safe driver. We thoroughly enjoyed our safari and would love to visit Kenya again.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible!
We absolutely loved every single minute of our experience with Lion King!! They’re the best, from the minute you’re picked up to the minute they bid you farewell at the airport, they’re truly professional & exceptional. We got their luxury package for Tanzania safari & Zanzibar; included our pick up, & drop off each day, accommodations, safaris, lunches & final drop-off at the Zanzibar airport.
Tanzania safari — We chose a private safari so our vehicle only had us & our guide Ozzie (Oswald). He was super fun & knowledgeable, made us feel extremely safe and helped us have a lifetime experience at the Safari. Our 4WD Land Cruiser with pop-up roof was super clean & loaded with drinks. We started our safari at Tarangire, then Lake Manyara, Seregenti & ended at Ngorongoro. We saw the Big five & thousands of animals & hundreds of birds. He packed our lunch everyday, Lion King takes their lunch seriously. It was different scrumptious everyday, having lunch in the national parks was a great fun experience. We also did a hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti which was also booked by Lion King.
After our safari, we took a flight from Arusha airport to Zanzibar (only thing that wasn’t included in the package). A Lion King representative picked us up from the airport & brought us to our resort. The same representative dropped us off at the Zanzibar airport on the last day of our trip.
Lion King was totally worth the money, I highly recommend booking with them!
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Jamlan's trip arrangement is disappointing
Last Oct, we booked two trips from two trip operators in Kenya. One 8 - day trip from Nairobi to Amboseli, Tsavo and Diani, which turns out to be perfect; the other from Nairobi to Nakuru to Masai Mara operated by Jamlan Holiday, which is quite disappointing.
We soon found all the hotels Jamlan booked for us are outside the park upon the start of the trip (in most cases, the hotels and lodges outside the park are cheaper than those located inside the parks). That truly cost our much time on the way and largely reduce our time inside the park. For example, when reaching Nakuru, we had to go through traffic jams of a city besides Nakuru to eventually arrive at the hotel inside the city. I then asked Jamlan to make adjustments but was refused with nice excuses like their operation cost is too high.
It seems they don't understand tourists can calculate the average price per day and compare it with that of other trips. Also they don't understand we can talk with other tourists to make comparisons.
So, I strongly suggest all guests planning to book the trips operated by Jamlan Holiday to check the locations and prices of the hotels, as that is an important part to decide the quality of your trip.
KR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect
Thank you so much to Gadiel. It made my Serengeti trip perfect, which I was looking forward to and worried about. I was worried about a safari tour during the rainy season, but the driving was perfect. Our car didn't have to worry about falling out. It was difficult for Koreans to have the mindset of African pollepolle and Hakunamata, but they did a great job so it didn't get hard at all. They set up all the schedules and worked well for us. 너무너무 추천합니다! 감사합니다
I can see big5 thank you gadiel
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Addis Ababa 1-day city tour & Danakil Depression 3-day tour
I was on a field mission with a couple of colleagues in Addis. Recommended by the hotel, we booked a one-day city tour on the last day of our trip, and I myself booked another three-day tour to Danakil Depression thereafter.
The one-day city tour, guided by Oli, was very informative. We went to the local market, Mount Entoto, and Tomoca coffee. They also tailored the tour to our needs such as meeting with our colleagues and shopping.
The three-day tour was operated by the Infinite Travel&Tours after we arrived in Semera. However, Yhun from Liyu has been actively communicating and coordinating all the travel details. The tour was conducted amidst very hot and challenging conditions, but the landscapes are 100% worth seeing. We got crazy about the power of nature from the volcanoes, the salt lake, and various landscapes sculpted by volcanic activities. Lastly, as a solo female traveller, I feel safe during the trip.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgetable trip of a lifetime!
We had the most unforgettable experience with Full Package Adventures – truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip! From start to finish, the whole safari was flawlessly organised, and we felt completely looked after every step of the way.
A huge part of what made this trip so special was our incredible safari guide, Zach. He was not only an expert in the bush but also an outstanding storyteller with a deep passion and knowledge of wildlife, conservation, and the local ecosystem. Every game drive was exciting, educational, and full of surprises – and thanks to Zach’s incredible tracking skills and experience, we were lucky enough to see the Big Five and so much more.
What really stood out was how Zach made every moment meaningful. He answered every question with detail and enthusiasm, and you could tell he genuinely loved sharing this magical place with others. His respect for nature and the animals was inspiring, and he brought a personal, human touch to the whole experience that we’ll never forget.
We couldn’t recommend Full Package Adventures more highly – and if you get Zach as your guide, you're in for something truly special.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top-notch
Our experience with the agency was amazing. The communication was always excellent and on time , as well as the transfer services. Our 4x4 vehicle was clean and comfy compared to other operators, elevating the experience overall. Our driver was very experienced with good knowledge about the area and always on top of every situation whether this was getting stuck on the mud or getting us the best views of an animal. Our stay in Jambo Mara was also very pleasant! The room (views) , level of hospitality and food were complimentary to the nice safari we had :)
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful. Would highly recommend Man P.
Booking with Silver Africa was seamless. Our trip was to Masai Mara, Kenya. They provided us with various communication options. They were available and prompt whenever I had questions. They did not push for anything I did not want to sign up for but yet were informative.
On the day of the trip, our driver/tour guide, Man P, arrived before time and waited for us. He was very professional and we quickly established rapport with him.
He is very knowledgeable, patient, level-headed and took us a comfortable pace. We felt like we’d know him for years! It’s amazing how knowledgeable he was about all roads/routes within Nairobi, through our drive to Masai Mara, and within the Mara itself! He was also very well versed with the wildlife. He went out his way to ensure our trip was maximized! We could not have asked for a better guide!
This company seems well known in the industry. They work well with other companies to ensure the customer is satisfied. They organized everything for us. We just showed up and soaked up the experience 😀.
We drove from Nairobi and arrived in Mara for lunch at the Sarova, where we stayed. Then we went for an evening game drive. We retuned in time for a Masai dance, dinner, and a surprise anniversary celebration for us - we had no idea-. The following morning we were up before the crack of dawn for a hot hair balloon, which was followed by a bush breakfast (English breakfast) freshly prepared that morning in the middle of nowhere - but safe. That was a lot of fun. We then continued on for a game drive, stopped for a suck lunch, then Masai village before heading back to Sarova. We drove out the following morning.
I highly recommend this company and Man P as the tour guide! They were very reliable!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ken was amazing, knowledgeable
It was amazing, well planned. We enjoyed all days. The sighting was amazing.