IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrible experience
Terrible experience!!!
A long-awaited vacation completely ruined! Be wary of Obed Ngunda (the owner), he'll just rip you off!
He changed our hotels, which we booked and paid for months in advance, without a word. He sent us from a 4-star all-inclusive to a 2-star hotel with no meals. Problems every day, and he stops responding when there are problems.
He promised a refund, and now he's not responding anymore!! Leave this company alone!!!
KR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Warning! Dishonest company
From our experience this company felt like a travel scam operation.
They are extremely dangerous. Do not use them under any circumstances.
We have reported them to the government through a Tanzanian lawyer.
Our family, in early October, contracted with them for a 3-night, 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro program. We were defrauded throughout the entire program and were put in serious danger before we barely escaped.
Round-trip flight to Zanzibar: $1,300
Serengeti camp accommodation: $1,100
Ngorongoro national park entrance fee: $865
Ngorongoro accommodation: $3,000
We had paid them the full amount before the trip, but locally we were forced to pay more than $6,000 extra to continue the trip.
They only made reservations on paper and did not actually pay the suppliers, so everywhere we went we were treated like hostages: forced to wait endlessly and only allowed to leave after paying additional money. Every time we paid, they lied that the bank account was “problematic” for that location. They are a group that extorts money through fraud.
The vehicle they provided was so old and badly maintained that it stopped 6–7 times over three days; we had to perform emergency fixes just to keep going. At one point the vehicle completely ran out of battery on the slope of Ngorongoro and we were stranded overnight, having to call for rescue and wait. The driver didn’t even have money to buy fuel. National park inspectors even gave us the detailed entrance fee receipts directly, telling the company not to embarrass the country.
The Serengeti program covers an enormous area and there are no alternative transport options besides the guide’s vehicle, so you cannot change plans mid-trip.
I recommend that you do not use them under any circumstances and have them removed from travel platforms.
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Avoid at all costs if you intend to go to zanzibar
We had a 12 days private tour organized with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris.
The first part of the tour was in mainland Tanzania, with a climb to Kilimanjaro and a safari to ngoro ngoro. The part was good, and close to what was advertised.
However, the leg of the trip to Zanzibar was an absolute nightmare.
They booked the wrong hotel, we paid for a 5 star resort on the beach and they booked for a three star in the middle of a village, which cost a fraction of the price. When we asked to immediately fixed the problem they could not as they had “liquidity issues” so we were left on the Christmas night in the wrong (awful) hotel and had to rebook a new one at our expenses and by ourselves. We were lucky enough to get find a nice bungalow on the beach in a close by hotel, but it was expensive and we had to pay for it and the food, which was supposed to be included in their all-inclusive offer.
On top of that, they were supposed to deliver boat trips that were not organized and never happened, despite them receiving the whole amount agreed upon.
We asked for a partial refund, a symbolic amount of 900 USD (compared to multiple thousands USD we incurred in because of their negligence), they agreed, but after one year we are still waiting for the money, and they constantly play with us saying that they’ll soon send a payment.
They have not behaved as a professional tour operator, absolutely avoid, especially if you intend to got Zanzibar.
GR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Poor reliability
Our safari was full of beautiful sights and incredible memories, BUT it was also overshadowed by the POOR RELIABILITY of Safari 360’s vehicles. The only reason we managed to enjoy the experience at all was thanks to our driver and guide who was absolutely outstanding. He was knowledgeable, kind, funny, and always gave 110% to keep us safe and comfortable.
Unfortunately, the vehicle broke down three separate times during our trip. The first breakdown happened just outside a Maasai village, and our guide impressively managed to fix it on his own. The second was as we left Serengeti. The third and worst breakdown happened in the middle of nowhere, on the road through the jungle to our accommodation. We were completely stranded until the next morning, when the company finally sent another vehicle. Despite the major disruption to our itinerary, Safari 360 accepted only a 10% of refund, which was extremely disappointing and unprofessional.
To be clear: our guide did everything humanly possible in all three situations. His quick thinking, calm approach, and commitment to his guests were remarkable, and he deserves the highest praise. But as much as we appreciate him, the company itself failed us. Safari 360 seriously needs to maintain their vehicles properly and take responsibility for their clients’ experiences.
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Don’t book !
Our experience with this company was extremely disappointing and unprofessional. The service was poorly organized, and the company failed to deliver on its promises.
We were transported in a van that was unsuitable for passengers and eventually broke down in the middle of the road. At no point were we informed of any luggage restrictions for our trip from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. When issues arose, rather than offering assistance, the staff humiliated us in front of other tourists.
Instead of ensuring that both we and our luggage reached our destination safely, we were told to either leave our luggage behind or place it on top of a jeep — where it was exposed to rain and became completely soaked. The vehicle was also overbooked, leaving some passengers cramped with limited visibility during a four-hour journey.
Throughout the safari, we were unfairly criticized and blamed by the agency for bringing luggage instead of backpacks, despite never being informed of any such requirement beforehand. When we attempted to raise our concerns, the company refused to take responsibility and insisted the fault was ours.
This experience was mentally exhausting and deeply frustrating. We are currently exploring legal action against the company. I strongly advise others not to book with them
CZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Avoid Natural World Kenya Safari
Please avoid company. One day prior fully paid 3 days trip to Masai Mara they inform us that not all is paid from they side and they asked us to pay us directly in about 70% of trip costs (4.2 k$). They were promising to pay us back in unspecified future. We refused that and now they starting dispute that cancellation came from our side. Avoid them
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Horrible Customer Service
I have only bad things to say about our experience and I would genuinely advise people to book with any other company than this one. Maureens inability to communicate caused so much stress on our trip that I seriously regret ever booking with them.
In an attempt to summarise; she cancelled our multiple day safari less than 24hrs before (our whole trip was planned around it). BUT, she actually insisted that we cancel, meaning I couldn’t get my money back for a week since it looked like I was cancelling, and needed us to rebook on a different system now, with money I didn’t have ($1,000+ of unplanned cost). All this while we were on an 18hr bus with limited internet, after which we were supposed to be picked up for this now unlikely to happen tour.
Maureen is worse than a robot. She lacks any empathy or customer service ability at all. I constantly had to repeat myself 5+ times and still she would get it wrong. It took 8 hours of back and forth communication to rebook the trip. After 6hrs it had been said easily 10 times that we would definitely be doing it, she took our dietary preferences and options choices (again) and I reconfirmed once again when and where the pickup was.
Only for me to find out 2hrs later she had in fact not booked us in. The website doesn’t work, especially with bad internet. They have no problem cancelling last minute, and they will bring you only stress if you’re unfortunate enough to ever speak to them.
Please please please do yourself a favour and book literally anywhere else. Our trip would have been so much less stressful if we had. As a broker of local safari guides they offer you no benefit for their hyper inflated price.
After her causing us the worst, most stressful day of our trip, by sending us confusing messages for 8+hrs in the knowledge that we were currently travelling to the safari with little to no internet, I think shame on her and have since hoped that some manager would please read that chain of messages to see how bad of a job was done that day. Unacceptably low standards.
You can understand my shock too when I got a final message from her today asking for a review. I normally keep things positive, but in this case I’ve nothing positive to add.
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Dishonest
We had several problems with this company. I don’t recommend it to anyone for Safari in Kenya. They don’t deliver what they promise even if it is written in the contract. We were supposed to have 2 days Safari in Nakuru and they said they cannot do the second one. They didn’t reimburse us for the second day either. The exact same thing happened to other people travelling with us in the first day, but in their case was in Masai Mara.
Besides this big problem, they don’t have own drivers so they hire 3rd parties, so you can get any kind of driver, they have no control of driver quality. The drivers don’t even know about their company either (I asked all of them).
One of our drivers,for example, had problem in the starting system of his car, we needed to get out of the vehicle and help him to push the car. This can be very dangerous since there are many wild animals in the park.
Their plans and starting/finishing Safari turn are changing very often. You may start at 9 and finish at 16, which it is quite short comparing to what other companies offer. I would rather choose a bigger and more reliable company.
There are several scammers there around.
HK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
There is no shame but the most shameless operator.
Vervet Safari was the 2nd operator that we selected after we found our 1st selected operator, Qualified Tours Tanzania, was not reliable. (Please refer to the comments under the name of my wife, Teresia) Vervet Safari was referred by my friend who had engaged with Vervet Safari for many years. Hence, we had full confidence with Vervet Safari and their managing director, Basili Augustino. We asked him to arrange a 15-day safari trip for us (9 persons) and fully paid the cost to him 1 month before we departed to Tanzania. The cost was all-inclusive, including accommodation, meals, airport transfer, Safari jeep, driver, fuel, national park fee etc. The first few days' arrangements when we were at Arusha were ok. When we left Arusha, the nightmare began. When we had left Arusha and stayed at Manyara, Basili borrowed from me $200 and promised to return the money to me when we returned from Serengti. In the morning, we departed to Serengeti, Basili suddenly informed me one of the drivers had left, and we had to wait for another driver. We scheduled to depart at 8:00am but delayed for over 2 hours. Due to the delay, we couldn't reach the tent before sunset. More unfortunate was that the head lamps of one of the deeps were malfunction. One of the jeep had to travel in the dark. Fortunately, we reached the tent safely at 20:00 but had wasted one day. After the dinner, we were told the tents fee had not been paid. We had to pay it ourselves. We contacted Basili. He promised to pay it back to me when we returned from Serengti. The next day, we continued our trip in the morning and headed to Northern Serengti. When we almost reached the entrance. the driver told us Basili hadn't paid the park fee. He stalled to resolve it and finally we had to stay overnight at the village outside the park as the park gate was to close at 18:00. We had to find the hotel and pay by ourselves. The next morning. we departed early and reached the entry gate at about 12:00 noon. At that moment, Basili still kept stalling paying the fee. In order to keep our schedule moving, we agreed to pay on behalf of Basili. Basili agreed and promised to pay it back when we returned from Serengti. With the help of the gate manager, we were allowed to pay with our personal credit card. Unfortunately, there was some problem with the payment system. We had to wait for another 2 hours before we could enter the park. When we entered the park, it was almost 16:00. When we reached the tents after a short tour of the park, it was 18:00. We had again wasted another day. We finished our morning game drive the next day and left the Northern Serengti back to Central Serengti at noon. When we reached the park gate, no need to say. we had to pay the fee by ourselves. However, the park manager did not let us pay by ourselves. He said the jeeps were under the name of Vervet Safari, and hence, the fee must be paid by Vervet Safari. We had asked the manager to help to see if there would be another ways, but we were unattended. Finally, we had to stay overnight at the village outside the park again. No need to say, we had to pay the accommodation and meals by ourselves. We were very terrified and left Serengti the next morning. When we reached the accommodation at Manyara, Basili met us and said sorry to us. He also promised everything had been settled and told us not to worry. However, he didn't return the money to me immediately. Instead , he promised to write an agreement to me, promised to return the money to me within 2 weeks after we finished the trip. We thought everything was settled as promised by Basili and kept moving on the journey. Out of our expectations, the fee for culture visits was not paid again. We also need to pay the fuel cost on our way back to Arusha. At the end of our trip, Basili didn't even arrange airport transfer for 7 of our team members.
Conclusively, we had paid USD7,8xx on behalf of Vervet Safari, but up to this moment (6 weeks after the trip), I have not received a dollar from Basili.
From my personal experience, I met 2 unreliable Tanzania local travel agents. One of it was referred by my friend, who had worked with Vervet Safari for years. I am wondering if I am really, very bad luck or there is some .........unethical practices in the industry? Furthermore, the inconsistent park management at the Central and Northern Serengti are another concerns.
I wish my comment would help the other travelers.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I recommend you do not use this company!
Do not use this company, we feel scammed!
My husband and I, along with 3 friends, booked the 14 day, 9 parks Ultimate Kenya Tanzania Safari on Dec 1, 2024 to start Sept 25, 2025. Our contact was MARY. On day 5 of our tour, our driver, Sisto, told us that he had not been paid and that none of our accommodations going forward had been paid. We had to either pay again for our accommodations and all of our park fees or else we were done our tour. We decided to continue our tour as the only thing worse than being scammed was to go home without the experience we came for. Our driver took us into Nairobi on day 6 to confront HUMPHREY, the owner, and for almost 3 hours he gave us every excuse in the book. We did get confirmation that we had accommodations booked (not paid) and a new driver for the Tanzania portion so that we could finish our much anticipated trip, which we did. For the five of us, we were scammed out of $25,000 cdn.
Based on our experience do not book with Africa Kenya Safaris or any other company headed by Humphrey.