DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible Wildlife, but Disappointing Tour Organisation and Guiding
Incredible Wildlife, but Disappointing Tour Organisation and Guiding
We went on a 5-day safari with Suricata Safari, visiting Tarangire National Park, spending two nights in the Serengeti, and exploring the Ngorongoro Crater.
First of all, the safari itself was incredible. These parks are among the best wildlife destinations in the world, and we were fortunate to see an amazing variety of animals. The overall itinerary was generally well planned, and the wildlife experience was unforgettable. Unfortunately, several aspects of the tour operator’s organisation and service significantly affected our experience.
1. Poor communication and last-minute changes
Our pre-safari briefing did not take place as scheduled and was delayed by approximately three and a half hours. Furthermore, when we arrived at Twiga Campsite, we were informed that our planned visit to Tarangire National Park would be postponed. We had specifically wanted to visit Tarangire first, allowing the safari to build towards the highlights of the trip. This change was communicated only briefly upon our arrival at the campsite, without any prior notice or explanation.
2. Our guide was essentially just a driver
This was by far the biggest disappointment. Our guide provided very little information about the wildlife, the national parks, or the itinerary. There was almost no communication, and we were rarely informed about the plan for the day, the expected schedule, or what we could expect to see.
A safari guide should do much more than simply drive from one place to another. Explaining animal behaviour, sharing knowledge about the ecosystem, and helping guests understand what they are seeing are essential parts of the experience. Fortunately, another traveller in our group had studied biology and was able to explain many things about the animals to us. Without this person, our safari experience would have been considerably less informative.
3. Poor camping equipment and repetitive food
At the public campsite in the Serengeti, the sleeping equipment was disappointing. The mattresses and sleeping bags were visibly worn out, and the mattresses varied considerably in quality, with some being extremely thin. One traveller in our group did not even receive a pillow.
The food was acceptable, but would have loved to have some Proteins for Vegetarians . This was not a major issue in itself, but overall, the quality could have been better.
4. Too much time wasted coordinating different accommodation categories
Another significant issue was that our vehicle carried both budget and mid-range travellers who were staying at different accommodations. As a result, we repeatedly had to pick up or wait for the mid-range guests. This cost us valuable time that could otherwise have been spent in the national parks.
Consequently, we often entered the parks relatively late and sometimes spent only three or four hours there. For example, our descent into the Ngorongoro Crater took place quite late, and we had to leave again around midday because other members of the group needed to return to Arusha that day.
I also felt that we missed opportunities for early-morning game drives in the Serengeti. Instead of starting around 6 a.m., as would have been possible, we generally set off at around 8:30 a.m. Early mornings are among the best times to observe wildlife, and when travelling all the way to the Serengeti, I believe these opportunities should be taken seriously.
Conclusion
I would absolutely recommend visiting Tarangire, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. The wildlife and landscapes are extraordinary, and the safari itself was an unforgettable experience.
However, I cannot give Suricata Safari the same recommendation. The lack of guiding, insufficient communication, worn-out camping equipment, and inefficient organisation meant that we did not get as much out of the experience as we could have. In particular, combining budget and mid-range travellers in a way that repeatedly reduced our time in the parks was frustrating.
The parks themselves were outstanding, but the tour operator did not fully deliver on the experience I had expected. With a knowledgeable guide, better communication, improved camping equipment, and more efficient scheduling, this could have been a much better safari.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a largely positive experience, until we were informed that Kojuu mishandled our payment.
This is a difficult review to write because we generally enjoyed our day-to-day experience with Kojuu. Near the end of our 13-day trip, however, we were made aware that Kojuu appeared to have mishandled thousands of dollars of our payment, and they have entirely failed to take prompt steps to remedy the situation. To date (now three weeks after our trip ended), Kojuu has still not returned our money (more details below). It's only fair to address the pros and cons of our experience.
Pros: (1) our driver Noel was phenomenal--he was accommodating, personable, and knowledgeable, (2) the majority of the accommodations chosen by Kojuu were exceptional, (3) the company added extra touches to help us celebrate our honeymoon--they informed the safari lodges, brought flowers, etc.
Cons: In short, Kojuu appears to have misappropriated thousands of dollars. Unsurprisingly, we were required to submit full payment in advance of our trip so that Kojuu could pay for our accommodations, excursions, etc. Our first issue arose when it was revealed that Kojuu did not secure a date for the hot air balloon excursion that we paid extra for. The company initially indicated that we would be going on the excursion on a particular date. It turned out, however, that Kojuu never secured that date (despite us paying for it months in advance). We were not informed of the situation until we affirmatively reached out to Kojuu asking for a status update the night before the initially scheduled excursion date. Had we not reached out on our own initiative, we would've woken up at 04:00 for an excursion that was never booked.
Our primary issue with Kojuu arose on our final day in Tanzania. Our hotel informed us that Kojuu never paid for our last hotel in Zanzibar (again, despite the fact that we paid Kojuu months in advance so they could handle this process). When I contacted our tour consultant, Losim, he indicated that Kojuu would be making prompt payment to the hotel on our behalf to remedy the situation. This was a lie. Kojuu never made any payment to the hotel. Instead, we were required to directly pay the hotel over $1,500 out of pocket before we were permitted to check out and leave for the airport. Despite dozens of emails and Whatsapp messages between Losim and Kojuu Owner, Judith, I still have not been reimbursed for the money I was forced to pay because Kojuu pocketed my money instead of forwarding it to our hotel. As of the date of this review, it has been over three weeks since I was required to pay the hotel. Given the immense delays and Kojuu's inconsistent messaging and refund timeline, I'm left to believe that I won't be getting the refund that they've been promising for nearly a month now. To the extent that I ever receive a refund, I'll update this portion of my review.
CH
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not happy
Unfortunately, we weren’t satisfied with the safari. The reasons were the route selection—which involved very long drive times over rough terrain—and the fact that we started from the same starting point three times. This meant we had to cover the same distances over and over; on top of that, we had to change accommodations every day! The planning for the Kilimanjaro hike was really poor: 3 hours for the drive to the starting point, at least 5 hours of hiking, and 4 hours back to the next lodge. A minimum of 12 hours for a day trip shows that the planning wasn’t very good. It would certainly be helpful to include information in the quote about the duration and road conditions of the transfers; we can’t estimate these ourselves, which is why we book through a professional.
Unfortunately, the selection of lodges wasn’t ideal and, in some cases, was at the lower end of the spectrum in terms of comfort and service. The same goes for the location and access; after a day trip, a centrally located lodge would be appreciated
One more comment on the Kilimanjaro hike. Why were we only informed the evening before the scheduled hike that there had been a fire on the plateau three days earlier and that all hikes had been suspended? Early notification would have saved us a lot of back-and-forth.
Our guide, Emmanuel, did a very good job as both driver and guide. Car breakdowns (twice) can happen, but he handled them very well each time and ensured we could continue our journey without any problems. The only question here is: how well are the vehicles maintained?
Sorry, Petro—this can certainly be done better.
TN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A very disappointing experience: poor organization, basic services, and a lack of transparency
This was my third safari in Africa, and unfortunately, it was by far one of my most disappointing experiences. I understand that a low-cost safari comes with certain compromises, but the quality of the organization and the overall service fell well below my expectations.
1. Poor payment arrangements and unnecessary delays
The day before our arrival, I informed the agency manager that I could either pay online by card or bring euros in cash. I also shared the market exchange rate, which was approximately USD 1.15 for EUR 1 at the time.
The following morning, our driver arrived late and took us to the wrong hotel to pick up the other travelers, causing us to lose around 30 minutes.
When we finally arrived at the agency, we were told that card payments were not possible because there was no payment terminal. The manager then offered an exchange rate of EUR 1 = USD 1.05, significantly below the market rate. I declined, and we had to find an ATM and pay additional withdrawal fees.
These issues could have been avoided with proper communication and preparation before our arrival.
2. An old vehicle in poor condition
The safari vehicle was very old and in poor condition, with some features not working properly. Given the long driving hours and sometimes difficult road conditions, I expected a more reliable vehicle. The quality of the vehicle negatively affected the overall experience.
3. Inefficient organization and unnecessary time spent on transfers
Three different groups staying at three different hotels were placed in the same vehicle. As a result, we had to make several detours to pick up and drop off other travelers.
We had to wake up around 4 a.m., yet a considerable amount of time was spent on hotel transfers rather than on the safari itself. A more efficient allocation of travelers to vehicles could have reduced these unnecessary delays.
The itinerary was broadly followed, but the logistics were inefficient. The experience felt more like a mass-market operation focused on minimizing costs than a well-organized safari designed to make the most of the time available.
4. Very basic accommodation and additional expenses
The first hotel was rather average, while the second was more satisfactory.
We were also informed that we were expected to tip the driver USD 10 per day. This had not been clearly communicated to us in advance, so I had not budgeted for this additional expense.
Another issue was the water allowance: we were limited to one litre per person per day. Considering the long days, the heat, and the physical demands of a safari, I found this allowance insufficient.
5. Lack of transparency regarding park entrance fees and nationality-based discounts
This was one of my main concerns.
When arranging payment, I informed the agency manager that I was Tunisian. She checked the applicable rates for the Maasai Mara National Reserve and confirmed that different pricing categories existed, including rates for East African residents or citizens and other international visitors.
Later, during our visit to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its rhinos and flamingos, I received a call asking me to provide my passport. I was told that, as a Tunisian national, I was eligible for a USD 40 discount and that my nationality needed to be verified.
I had not been informed beforehand that such a discount might apply to me, nor had the agency clearly explained the applicable rates or whether my nationality had been taken into account when calculating the park fees.
I found this particularly disappointing. When an agency manages park entrance fees on behalf of its clients, it should clearly explain the applicable rates and verify eligibility for any relevant discounts before collecting payment.
6. Unnecessary complications with the airport transfer
When we asked to be dropped off at the airport, the driver initially said that it would not be possible or would be complicated. The transfer was eventually arranged, but once again, a relatively straightforward request became unnecessarily difficult.
Throughout the trip, we repeatedly encountered situations that could have been handled more efficiently with better planning and communication.
The agency offers a very low-cost safari, and the level of service reflects that positioning. However, my criticism is not simply about the lack of luxury. It concerns the inefficient organization, the time lost on transfers, the condition of the vehicle, the lack of advance information about additional expenses, and the lack of clarity regarding park fees and potential discounts.
I have experienced other safaris, so I understand that conditions can vary depending on the budget. I did not expect a luxury experience, but I did expect reliable transportation, clear information, reasonable logistics, and transparent pricing.
Unfortunately, the overall experience was disappointing. The itinerary was broadly respected, but the organization and service significantly reduced the quality of the trip.
My recommendation: Before booking, ask for written confirmation of the payment methods and exchange rate, the vehicle condition, the accommodation standards, the expected tips, the daily water allowance, the arrangements for collecting other travelers, and the park entrance fees applicable to your nationality.
ID
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Poor guide and disappointing customer service
I had high hopes for this operator after reading so many good reviews on different platforms. Unfortunately, my experience was nothing like what I expected.
If you join their shared tour, you might be grouped with customers from other operators and assigned an outsourced driver. There were around three different groups on our tour. Unfortunately, I got a really bad driver, Ali, and honestly, I don’t think the operator did a good job checking who they were putting in charge of their customers.
I emailed the operator to complain about Ali. He barely spoke to us, and we left almost two hours later than scheduled. They replied saying they would change my car and driver, but that never happened. My email was basically ignored.
What made things worse was that Ali actually confronted me and asked why I had complained about him and whether I had a problem with him. that was really unprofessional and very uncomfortable.
And over the next few days, everything I was worried about became reality. He barely explained anything during the game drives. He would just drive around without telling us about the animals or anything happening around us. Honestly, he felt more like a driver than a guide. We even had to ask him to stop because we wanted to see animals nearby.
The whole experience was disappointing, especially considering how much I had looked forward to this safari. What’s even worse is that the operator still hasn’t responded to my concerns.
If you’re planning to book with them, I’d suggest asking whether you’ll be assigned their own in house guide or an outsourced one, and checking the guide’s experience beforehand.
Unfortunately, this was not the safari experience I had hoped for at all.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly staff, but my safari days were changed and it turned the trip into a logistical mess
I booked a shared safari to meet other solo travelers with them, and I planned my hotels around specific safari days with more than a month in advance so the whole trip would run smoothly.
The agency changed my safari days and told me just 12 hrs before the first game drive, and that turned my tours into very long journeys. On one of the days we left before 4pm and I only reached my hotel at 9pm. I understand some guests signed up for the long journey, but I didn’t, and my plans were completely disrupted. I wish I had booked each tour separately, I had no idea that the agency wasn’t going to own up to the schedule they’ve send it.
Because of the distances and the difficulty organizing everything, the game drives took place during the hottest hours of the day, when most animals are asleep and hard to spot. If you book with them, keep this in mind and ask for confirmed dates and timings in writing.
The road from Ngorongoro is also very dangerous at night, and everyone in the vehicle was anxious at several points during the drive.
On the vehicles: the jeep on one of the game drives was quite old and the windows were very hard to open. The one in Tarangire was perfect and comfortable, so it’s a hit and miss.
The staff themselves were great and I have nothing to complain about there. My issue is with the planning and the schedule changes, not the people.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Late, rude and uncaring.
This company have nice vans, with wifi and equipped with ac and free water. But my recommendation stops there, they were 50 minutes late on pick up costing us time that will never comeback. During a 4h30 journey he had no plans for a washroom stop, we had to convince him that we needed to stop after asking a couple of times, so he decided to stop in an overcrowded mall and tell us to “explore and find the washroom yourselves”.
Coming back to the road once we finally manage our way into the reserve he wanted to leave us at the gate and have the lodge people to retrieve us from there, he called them multiple times almost screaming from his lungs while driving narrow roads after the gate, eventually they found each other in the middle of the savannah, we had to leave our van and switch over to our lodge trucks.
A nightmare, the only reason we had to travel with them was because MO Afrika had their service included, but if you reading this have another option… trust me go with the other option.
NZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A memorable safari, but disappointing guide behaviour
We spent seven days on safari in Tanzania with Safari Soles. The game drives were rewarding, and we were fortunate to see many incredible animals, including lions and leopards.
However, our experience with our driver-guide, Lucas, was let down by his attitude and communication.
On one morning, there was a misunderstanding about the breakfast and departure times. I had misunderstood the timing, and I acknowledge that this was a communication issue. However, when I greeted Lucas that morning, his immediate response was, “Why do you do this?” He then raised his voice at me in front of several camp staff, angrily insisting that he had already explained the schedule.
I found this behaviour inappropriate and unprofessional. I had no intention of delaying the departure, and I believe a simple, respectful explanation would have resolved the misunderstanding.
While Lucas did a good job spotting wildlife, a safari guide's role involves more than finding animals. Respectful communication and professional conduct are also important, particularly when guests are spending several days travelling with the same guide.
Unfortunately, this incident affected our overall experience.
KR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Grand Dream Dashed
Exploring the Serengeti is a rare opportunity—a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone. I am writing this review in the hope that no one else falls victim to the same experience I did.
The consultation with the Mountain Warriors staff was prompt and courteous. However, the guide they assigned to us was the problem. Now that the trip is over, I am more convinced than ever that the quality of the guide is the single most important factor in a safari tour. Let me be clear: the guide provided by Mountain Warriors was the absolute worst.
He caused trouble right from day one. He disregarded our itinerary; despite the fact that we had already paid for specific accommodations, he tried to take us to a completely different, unsuitable place. Even though we were in the middle of the savanna with a poor signal, I managed to contact the Mountain Warriors staff to challenge this. Yet, he insisted on taking us to that strange location anyway. It was only after we lodged a strong protest that he finally drove us to our originally scheduled accommodation.
On the second day, during our game drive in Central Serengeti, we failed to see a *single* predator—this in an area known for having the highest concentration of predators. It was a disaster. The guide did not use any radio communication equipment provided in the vehicle. He seemed unable to communicate with the other guides at all. He only interacted with other guides when they stopped a passing vehicle to ask for directions; in other words, he was completely unfamiliar with the geography of the Serengeti.
The worst incident occurred during a game drive in Ngorongoro. Using binoculars, I spotted a spot in the distance where a multitude of vehicles had created a traffic jam. I used my camera’s 100x zoom to capture the scene and showed it to him, saying, "Something is happening over there; let's go." He dismissed it, claiming, "They’re just looking at flamingos." I was dumbfounded. Would so many cars really gather just to see flamingos, which are abundant everywhere? It didn't take long to confirm I was right. After constantly seeing common animals like zebras and wildebeests, we happened to pass by "that spot." And what was happening there? A pride of lions had hunted an antelope and was feeding on the carcass! We had missed not only the hunt itself but also the precious moment of the mother lion feeding her cubs.
What more is there to say? The fact that the guide wasn't fluent in English wasn't even the main issue. The real problem was encountering such an unprofessional and negligent guide on what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime safari tour—one we had paid a hefty price for. This falls entirely on Mountain Warriors. Throughout the trip—which we had embarked on with such high expectations—we felt nothing but displeasure and disappointment; my wife even ended up crying in the vehicle.
I could never recommend this company. Even a refund wouldn't heal the hurt my family suffered.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
More focus on their interests, less focus on the client.
We booked a two-week Northern Circuit safari in Tanzania with Tanzanian Specialist in September 2026.
Our guide, Philip Onesmo, was exceptional. He went well beyond expectations and helped compensate for significant planning shortcomings. We specifically requested him based on strong recommendations from other travellers, and his skill substantially improved the trip.
In fairness, the operational side of the trip was handled smoothly, with no hiccups or significant issues. That is a point in the operator's favour.
But that's where it stops. The main issue was the choice of accommodation in the Northern Serengeti. We spent three nights there specifically for the annual migration river crossings, yet Tanzanian Specialist placed us at Angata Bologonja, approximately two hours from the known main crossing points. This cost us roughly four hours of potential viewing each day and undermined the entire reason for including that stop or spending three nights atvthe location. It was also an hour and a half pre-dawn drive to the site of our balloon safari. Angata was also selected for two other locations on our itinerary. Given the repeated use of the same brand, I was left with the impression that the operator's relationship with the property influenced these choices more than our interests did.
They also included Lake Manyara on the itinerary with two nights at Manyara Best View and Spa, which, to my understanding, is owned or operated by Tanzanian Specialist. As we learned subsequent to booking and paying for the trip a year earlier, wildlife viewing at Manyara has been drastically reduced following the floods in recent years, so this stop provided next to no value relative to its time and cost, and did little to serve the primary purpose of the safari.
An extra night at Ngorongoro Rim Lodge also seemed unnecessary. Rim accommodation is expensive, and in our experience one night would have been sufficient. The additional night appeared to support the operator's logistics more than to improve our experience.
When I raised these concerns with the company, I received a boilerplate response that did not address the specific points I had raised.
My advice to anyone planning a safari is to choose an operator that designs itineraries around the client's interests and clearly explains its itinerary and accommodation choices. You should not have to conduct extensive independent research simply to cross-check the operator's recommendations. That undermines the purpose of hiring a safari planner.