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.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour was amazing, we had a fantastic time. Excellently organised and very friendly staff.
The tour was by far the best thing we did in Tanzania. Gombe national park is a must see. The tour operated incredibly well, it was seamless from being picked up at the airport to being dropped back off at the airport. I would thoroughly recommend this tour with Selous Ngalawa.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So many animals，and so amazing views.
Reliable. Staffs are kind. We communicated from the begining of the safari to the end.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
responsible&careful
7 days&6 nights Safari traveling，every day needs such long driving，fortunatly under the，guidance of Dennis we saw a lof of animals，worth it！
DE
Great service and safe driving
The company was reliable in their communication and offered a good package. The guide was knowledgeable and was really careful in driving in the park and on the roads. He made sure that we get good animal sightings.
IE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly recommend Biko adventure
We had the most incredible trip to Tanzania in June with the team at Biko Adventure tours .We were greeted at Kilimanjaro airport by our guide Said who was the kindest , most helpful young man you could meet. He was extremely knowledgeable about culture and wildlife and looked after us so well that by the end we considered him our good friend . Also we had the wonderful driver Bariki who we also were delighted to meet and took great care and patience with us.
Our trip was in three parts, starting off with Kilimanjaro where we hiked to the first camp and we also visited amazing waterfalls in banana plantations, hiked thru canyons and swam in rivers, then after an overnight at the Forest Hill’s hotel which was excellent we began our safari, visiting Maasai tribes and coffee plantations enroute. We stayed at a Maasai owned camp called giraffe camp at lake natron and watched the flamingos on the lake. We drove to the Serengeti and couldn’t believe our eyes along the way seeing giraffe, zebras, buffalo and within 2 minutes of entering the Serengeti itself saw two lions mating. We went on to see so many lions , also elephants, hippos actually all the big 5 . At ngorogoro crater we say the elusive rhinoceros and wonderful exotic birds.
We then returned to Arusha for one night and flew to Zanzibar for 5 nights of relaxation at the royal Zanzibar hotel which I would reccomend .
Definitely we give 5 stars for our tour guides and Saitoti at Biko adventures who was very attentive and helped make this the trip of a lifetime with our children.
MX
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very profesional! All infotmation was very clear ar all times, and that’s what you get.
Very profesional the tour operator, all information was clear at all times. The tour partners as Hotel were very kind and loved my staying.
And Safari driver is a such a great person and he will put you right in the action.
Simple all exced my expectations.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing! The perfect trip planner
WE had the most amazing family experience. From intial conversation through to the support mid-trip. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and the family; but I want to do it all again.
Gareth understood our requirements (and budget) exactly and delivered the most amazing experience for us
50-65 years of age
Tshepo was very knowledgeable and friendly
The Cradle of Humankind and Cave tour was very informative and interesting. Our tour guide, Tshepo, communicated well about pick up times, what to expect at each stop and filled in a lot of history about South Africa. His personality and charm was a pleasure. Highly recommend.
NZ
Excellent!
Wisdom was such a great guide! 10/10 experience!! Pick up was so easy, as a solo female traveler felt very safe and had a blast.