CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Jan
crowdy, feels more like in bigger zoo than an adventurous safari
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
safari good, driver bad
Safari was 5/5⭐️ because we saw the big 5 and went to nice places.
Driver (Ben) was 1/5⭐️ because he didn’t care about us a a group, he never talked with us, just when we asked something, he made us wait for 45 mins without saying anything and then he couldn’t even say sorry, he was very unsympathetic and cold, and when you experience a safari just once in your life, then this should not be your driver !!!
because „the driver makes the safari“
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic guide, disappointing organisation
We had a wonderful 7-day safari from Arusha, through Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. It was intense and unforgettable, with too many amazing events and sightings to even begin to list here.
Apart from the magnificent animals and beautiful landscape, the best thing by far about the trip was Hamza, our guide. It would be difficult to imagine a better one: knowledgeable and informative, patient and helpful. He seems to know every inch of the parks, and worked hard to find us every animal we hoped to see, including crocodiles, tree-climbing lions and leopards. Moreover, he is a skilled driver, giving us the gentlest of “African massages” but able to cover long distances over dusty roads without ever making us feel unsafe. Being a guide is a tough job demanding a wide range of skills, and we had an intense schedule. Hamza made it all work beautifully, and always with a cheerful laugh or a little joke. If we return to Tanzania, we will certainly look for him again. Hamza deserves 5 stars.
Unfortunately, our experience with Dancing Simba, the booking company, was far less impressive. Poor communication and disorganised, seat-of-the-pants arrangements led to several problems – including a last-minute lodge change that added hours of driving, and a mishandled hotel booking in Stone Town – that effectively spoiled two full days of a relatively short trip. Along the way, we couldn’t help feeling that some decisions, such as the lodge change, may have reflected Dancing Lions’ own interests more than ours. Taken together with various signs of cost-cutting and disorganisation, this really let down an otherwise extraordinary trip.
In short: Hamza deserves 5 stars — but Dancing Simba only 2. Hence the 3-star rating overall.
Asante sana, Hamza!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dextrip Safaris – Mixed Experience
I found Dextrip Safaris through SafariBookings.com. Although they had only a few reviews at the time, they were all rated highly, so I decided to give them a chance.
I booked a 7-day safari covering Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli National Park, with luxury accommodations. Dextrip provided a quote that included two nights at Emayian Luxury Camp and similar high-end lodges. As requested, I paid 50% upfront to confirm the booking.
However, two days before the trip, I received a WhatsApp message from their contact, Antony Agayi, stating that only one night was available at Emayian and they would move me to Jambo Mara Safari Lodge (Superior Deluxe Cottage) for the second night. After several calls and emails, they confirmed one night at Emayian and one night at Jambo Mara. This last-minute change also happened to another traveler on the same itinerary, both bookings were made through Dextrip Safaris.
It was very concerning that Dextrip accepted payment and quoted a package without securing confirmed bookings, then made changes without offering any price adjustment. The only compensation offered was a $20 boat ride on Lake Naivasha, even though a free Masai Village visit had already been negotiated earlier. A visit to Hell’s Gate, which was not mentioned in my itinerary, was included for everyone else in the group. Fortunately, our guide included me as well.
Additionally, I had confirmed complimentary airport pickup with Antony two weeks prior to travel. I even reminded him again two days before my flight. However, no one showed up at Nairobi airport after my 25+ hour journey. I had to call both Antony and their director, Wycliffe, that night. A taxi was eventually arranged, but when asked, Antony simply said he “forgot”, an unacceptable and unprofessional response.
On the positive side, the actual safaris in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli were excellent. Our guide, Sadam, was outstanding, dedicated, knowledgeable, and determined to help us see the Big Five and many other animals and birds.
However, main tour operator Sunnycreek Safaris (Jocky Tours) had placed budget, mid-range, and luxury clients in the same vehicle, with each group staying at different hotels kilometers apart. This made coordination and timely departures very difficult, especially given road conditions. Sadam worked extremely hard to manage the mixed group and did his best to ensure a good experience for everyone.
Because of these logistical issues and late starts, we missed out on included hotel lunches, having to settle for wayside lunches instead, even though we had paid for full-board accommodations.
Summary:
While the safari experience itself was great, thanks entirely to our driver-guide Sadam, my overall experience with Dextrip Safaris was disappointing. They seem to be a small, overpriced, and unreliable operator. You may not get what you were quoted or promised, and customer service is lacking. There are other more reliable safari operators who offer better pricing and better service for the same itinerary.
I’m removing two stars from my rating due to the last-minute changes, lack of transparency, and unprofessional handling of logistics.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Sufficient
It’s difficult to leave a negative review after such a magical experience in Kenya—going on safari is truly unforgettable. That said, our experience with Hyrax Safaris was mixed.
While the overall trip was incredible, we found our time in the Masai Mara to be underwhelming due to our guide/driver. Unfortunately, he was largely uncommunicative and disengaged. He rarely spoke to us or offered insights about the wildlife, which left us feeling disconnected from the experience. There were long periods where we drove around in silence without spotting animals, followed by sudden, unexplained changes in direction. We often felt unsure of what was happening or what to expect.
The most uncomfortable moment came on our final evening when he unexpectedly had us exit the vehicle at a riverbed without any explanation. We were then handed off to an armed park officer who led us on a brief walk to view hippos—and promptly informed us that tips would be expected. While the walk itself wasn’t the issue, a simple heads-up or inclusion in the itinerary would’ve made this feel much more comfortable and transparent.
In contrast, our driver in Amboseli National Park was outstanding—friendly, informative, and genuinely passionate about the environment and animals. His approach made that portion of the trip far more enjoyable and engaging.
With a few changes in guide communication and professionalism, this could have been a flawless experience.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Complicated traveling, lots of animal encounters, but also lots of non-essential payments occurring
Overall Rating: The overall travel experience was acceptable, but near the end of the trip, we realized there were communication misdirections and cost traps that led to many unnecessary expenses.
Main Issues:
1️⃣ Guide Replacement Without Prior Notice
* Our contracted guide, Wilson, was unexpectedly replaced with Alvin (no advance notice). While Alvin performed reasonably well later, this uncommunicated change felt disrespectful.
2️⃣ Excessive Cost Traps
* We were encouraged to join a "nature walk" (not disclosed as a paid activity upfront), which was of little value. Upon finishing the brief 20-minute walk, they demanded $30/person. After negotiation, we only paid $30 for the entire group.
* During the Masai Mara Safari, an on-site ranger was arranged to accompany us to see hippos and crocodiles, after which we were charged $10/person. Conversations with other tourists later confirmed this activity is typically free.
* Nakuru Crescent Island Hike: Besides the $20/person boat fee, we were charged an additional $20/person "island hiking fee". We later verified through social media and other travelers that the specific area we hiked in is free. Furthermore, we were rushed throughout the short (under 20 min) hike and not taken to the island center. The actual standard island hike costs $33, lasts over 40 minutes, and includes photo opportunities with animals in the center. (We were not informed of this option nor given a choice).
3️⃣ Poor Safari Timing Caused Itinerary Reduction
* Amboseli park tickets are valid for 24 hours. Due to the guide's incorrect scheduling of the Safari time (done without consultation), our contractually agreed-upon final day Morning Safari was canceled. They knew how to schedule correctly to allow us an extra Safari, but we were neither consulted nor given options. Our complaint to the office received no reasonable response.
4️⃣ Unprofessional Guide Conduct
* On the last day, we paid $180 to extend the jeep hire. We confirmed an itinerary (Giraffe Centre -> Market -> Restaurant - guide specified). We indicated we'd decide on the restaurant that day. Midway through the planned activities, we requested to change restaurants, offering 2-3 options within the distance range the guide himself had suggested, but he refused them all. While searching for a new restaurant (which took less than 15 minutes), the guide decided we were taking too long. Without any discussion, he abruptly drove us directly to the airport. We arrived around 3 PM without having lunch/dinner and had to wait 4 hours before we could even enter the terminal for security and food.
Highlights:
✅ Guide Alvin was proactive in tracking animals: He ensured close-up sightings of most animals (we saw nearly everything except a leopard).
✅ During Safaris, the guide actively shared knowledge about animals and nature, enriching the overall experience.
"Alvin was exceptionally personable — assisting with luggage daily and even buying us fruits. We tipped him generously with daily gifts, developing a friendly rapport that made the later conflict particularly disheartening."
Conclusion: While the wildlife viewing experience met expectations, issues with chaotic management, opaque pricing, and guide negligence were significant. We advise exercising caution when choosing this operator.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kind man
The advertising showed that during the tour, we should see the big five ( Lion, buffalo, giraffe, Rhino and leopard). Unfortunately, the visited site shows that it not possible to see lion and buffalo, and to some extent leopard.