35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incompetent operator prone to repeated booking errors and poor coordination
I’m posting this review so other travellers planning a high-stakes or special-occasion stay understand the risks I encountered booking through Safari.com.
I used Safari.com for a proposal trip booking at Giraffe Manor and experienced repeated coordination failures and inaccurate information from my assigned consultant, Kim , along with later management handling by Bianca. This was clearly communicated as a proposal booking where precision and follow-through were critical.
The most serious failure involved the private dining arrangements. I first asked Kim to reserve the Orchid Room for private proposal dining roughly 8 months before arrival. I was later told it was double booked and was assured she would arrange an alternative private dining experience instead. After I raised concerns and escalated, Bianca told me she would personally oversee this to ensure it was handled. Despite those assurances, when I arrived at the manor, the on-site team informed me no private dining had been arranged by the agent at all, and they had to organise something last minute after I raised it directly. An early request, a fallback promise, and management oversight were all in place — yet the arrangement was still not executed.
Other documented issues included:
• An official voucher issued with the wrong month of stay (later corrected, but highly stressful for a limited-availability property booking)
• Incorrect information given about the Edd Suite location
• Photographer cost requirements not fully disclosed at the outset, with material extra cost added later
• Arrival details not properly handed over despite written clarification
• Internal handover lapses later acknowledged by management
Management later described these as “administrative friction,” but when you are paying premium rates for a flagship experience and a proposal setting, accurate product knowledge and reliable coordination are basic expectations — not optional extras. The fact that the stay ultimately went ahead does not erase multiple preventable planning failures.
To be fair, the property staff on site were professional and helpful and stepped in to fix issues last minute. The failures were in the booking management and pre-trip coordination through the agency.
Even after internal review confirmed communication gaps and errors, management declined any monetary goodwill compensation and closed the matter on the basis that the core services were delivered.
If you are planning an important or once-in-a-lifetime trip, I would strongly suggest using a specialist luxury safari planner rather than relying on a volume booking agent. Well-known competitors that handle Giraffe Manor bookings and focus on bespoke, high-touch travel planning include Brilliant Africa, Wexas Travel, Ker & Downey Africa, and Wild Earth Stays. I recommend verifying all special arrangements directly with the property in writing to avoid preventable stress.
Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Safari.com for critical or milestone travel bookings.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Vacation Ever
We (party of three adults) booked our safari directly with Serengeti Wakanda. We chose to do this based on their ratings, the lodgings they proposed, and the price for the overall package they arranged. We also appreciated the detailed safari proposal they laid out for us, day by day, meal by meal, accommodation by accommodation. Beatrice Wisoo was our contact person.
On arrival we were met at the airport as arranged. Our first day Beatrice informed us of an upgrade she had made at no cost, because the quality of the previously booked lodge had dropped. Part way through the trip we asked for another adjustment based on our expectations and what we were seeing of the itinerary. Beatrice was able to make that upgrade ar no cost as well.
Our guide was Bashir. He was excellent! We would HIGHLY recommend him. He is experienced, kind, knowledgeable and funny. He took great care of us, knew where he was going and what he was doing at all times, and found us the game viewing well beyond expectations (ie 2 leopards, 12 cheetah, over 60 lions, wildebeest giving birth, lions mating, and so very much more!). It was incredible, and wouldn't have happened with just any guide.
Our accommodations were lovely, and the food, although not always elite, was frequently superb. We paid around $350 per person per day. That included accommodations, all food, vehicle with driver/guide, allnpark entry fees, really everything. That got is luxury, which was what we had negotiated for. We felt like the price and what we received matched well.
We would highly recommend Serengeti Wakanda again, and Bashir as a guide.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Although I was nervous about travelling on my own, Gems of Africa made it very easy and comfortable.
The admin was great, with quick responses to my queries. The drivers for the Game Drives were so knowledgeable - about animals, birds, grasses, seasons, history and more! The vehicles were just the right size: everyone can see clearly; comfortable and cold beer offered at the end of the day. I would book with them again - definitely.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent organisation everything went perfectly: Camping Pilanesberg National Park
Communications with Knap tours were excellent. They were very responsive and gave me a whatsapp group for any questions or problems arising which was particularly valued as a solo traveller. The tour itself was excellent with amazing game drives, excellent catering, and a very comfortable camping experience. Drivers all turned up on time and were helpful and good company. All in all had an amazing time and could not fault anything.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari Experience
We just returned from a 5-day safari through Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mayanara national parks with Destiny Explorers, and it was spectacular. From the first inquiry, Issa, the owner, was responsive and invested in making sure our trip was tailored to what we wanted. His attention and professionalism gave us confidence from the start that we were in good hands. We chose Destiny because it is a smaller organization and was also very competitively priced, but Issa's responsiveness was what convinced us to go with them.
Our guide Hussein was outstanding. His knowledge of the wildlife and sense for tracking animals meant he always knew exactly where to position the vehicle for the best sightings. Beyond his expertise, Hussein was warm, patient, and great company throughout the trip. He went above and beyond to make every game drive memorable, sharing fascinating insights about animal behavior and local culture along the way.
The itinerary was well-paced, the accommodation arrangements were excellent, and the whole experience felt seamless from start to finish.
If you're considering a safari in Tanzania, look no further than Destiny Explorers. We can't recommend them highly enough!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Memories for Life
We did a 5-day safari with Steve & Richards (Tsavo East- Amboseli - Tsavo West). Even before we arrived in Kenya, we conveyed all our wishes to Steve and he put together a great family safari for us (2 adults / 1 child, 10 years) with consideration for children's needs. Everything went smoothly. All arrangements, schedule and preparations went excellently. We were able to experience a beautiful, individual, very private safari. All from Steve great, each with pool for refreshment and program for much more beautiful memories. Thank you, we were able to experience an unforgettable dream safari with our daughter. Our guides Festo and Harrison were also very accommodating and calmly mastered all the challenges of a trip through Kenya. We can only say THANK YOU and absolutely recommend Steve & Richards Safari
Torsten & Peggy with Maria
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An amazing 5d experience in Tanzania
We had an excellent experience with Makini on our 5 day tour in Tanzania. We visited Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Create. We visited as a family in February 2026.
Our experience started before the tour, working with Nancy at the head office who contacted us directly after our quote request. She was very helpful and proactive as we worked through the finer points of our itinerary, ensured all of the lodges and resorts had space for us on the dates we wanted.
The lodges and resorts we stayed at were all great (Suricata Boma Lodge near Tarangire, Land of Nature Camp in Serengeti, and Farm of Dreams Lodge near Ngorongoro Crater). These places are all very good. The staff are friendly and attentive, the food was delicious, and the accommodations were very comfortable. Special mention for the experience at Land of Nature Camp; being inside Serengeti next to the animals is both very special and a little unnerving. Camp staff were all very alert and conscious of safety, walking with us to and from our tent and the main lodge. This was an important precaution when a pride of lions strolled through the camp at dusk. We heard them communicating through the night as well along with many birds and insects. You are definitely amongst the nature here!
The 4x4 truck used for the trip was very good. It looked basically the same as the vehicles used by most tour providers. Built for the rugged terrain it had no issues along the way. It was comfortable and spacious. The pop-top roof was great and we had a 360-degree view of everything. Binoculars were provided for better viewing of distant animals.
Finally, and most importantly, our driver and tour guide, Gift "Gifty" Roman, skillfully drove us between each location and through the parks on game drives. Gift was friendly, knowledgeable, very punctual and professional. As an expert guide with over 6yrs experience, he had a special knowledge of all parks, allowing him to quickly zero in on specific known animal groups and habitats. He maintained contact with other guides through the day to help find sightings of the more illusive animals. While luck plays an important role in the animals you are able to see on each day, it's extremely important to have a great guide to maximize your chances, and we were very happy to have Gift at the helm of our truck.
Gift was also an encyclopedia of knowledge on each animal, the geography and geology of each area, and Tanzania in general. He has a particularly sound knowledge of all the birds in each park which is no small feat.
It's also no small feat to navigate the roads and highways between Arusha and the various parks. Traffic and road conditions are uncertain, the dirt roads and off-road paths are variable and ever-changing. Gift is everything you want in a guide and driver... professional, safe, efficient, friendly, knowledgeable, and well-connected. Big thanks to Gift for our time with him in Tanzania.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent in planning. No grey areas.
The trip to Zanzibar was well organised, the picking from the Airport to the Hotel was timely. The van driver was fantastic. He narrated very well about what constitutes Zanzibar. I had a good connection with the History and got enlightenment. The choice of Hotel by Tulivu was great. We wanted a relaxing environment and great scenery. The drop-off back to the Airport was also prompt and really enjoyed the trip with my family. Tulivu anytime for me.
CZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A professional and well-organized tour operator
We had an amazing experience on this safari tour! Everything was perfectly organized, and the communication and arrangements with Marie were excellent – she was always helpful, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and easy.
We were especially lucky to have Erik as our driver. His experience and sharp eye made a huge difference, and he also had a great sense of humor. Thanks to him, we truly enjoyed every moment of the safari. Highly recommended!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommend
We had an absolutely wonderful experience on our Kilimanjaro day hike, and I cannot recommend this tour company enough!
My husband and I were guided by Angel, who was incredibly fun, encouraging, and patient throughout the hike. She made the entire journey enjoyable and comfortable for us. Meanwhile, my 74-year-old father was accompanied by Frank, who showed exceptional care and patience with his knee issues, making sure he was safe, supported, and able to enjoy the experience at his own pace. We truly appreciated how attentive and thoughtful he was.
The team also provided a delicious and well-balanced lunch with plenty of food, which was a perfect break during the day. After the hike, they took us to the beautiful Kikuletwa Hot Springs, where they helped arrange floating tubes and even organized a local guide to safely assist my father in exploring the spring.
Our guides, Angel and Frank, were extremely patient, took many great photos and videos for us, and carefully looked after our valuables. On the way back, they kindly stopped at an ATM and a tea shop at our request, which showed their flexibility and genuine care for our comfort.
Overall, this was a truemorable and joyful experience thanks to their professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail. I highly recommend them to anyone planning a Kilimanjaro day trip!