35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Disappointing Experience and Lack of Value
Our experience with this service was profoundly disappointing. We found that the quality was poor, and markups were added without delivering any corresponding value.
Key Issues
Overpriced with No Added Value: Significant markups were applied, but the service did not justify the cost. For instance, our flight tickets show a price in Kenyan shillings equivalent to approximately $470, yet we were billed $698. For such a premium, we expected expertise, local insights, and proactive support, but received none.
Unreliable: There was a lack of rigour in the details provided, and some committed items in the itinerary were left undelivered until we challenged them. We were initially assured of premium room , but when we requested specifics, we discovered that our rooms were merely superior, not premium.
Disorganised: We had to repeatedly follow up for basic details such as driver timings. To us, the experience felt like dealing with a basic middleman service, without any added value. Thankfully, the hotels we booked were excellent and ultimately salvaged our trip.
Detailed Experience
Nairobi: Last-minute changes to our plans resulted in missing most of the elephant centre, skipping a paid-for market stop, and being transported in substandard vehicles for both the airport pick-up and the day tour.
Masai Mara: The vehicle provided was in poor condition—dirty, with some doors that wouldn’t open, and felt generally neglected. The driver was rude and spent the entire six-hour drive and subsequent game drives on their phone. They attempted to skip the paid game drive and were hostile when we insisted on following our itinerary. The day began with no clear plan, and when questioned, the driver was extremely discourteous. Later, they informed us that the paid for village tour could not be accommodated, as we supposedly needed to leave at 7 a.m. to reach the restaurant for lunch by 2 p.m.—none of which was previously communicated. We had to insist (and offer additional payment) for a different driver for the return journey to address these issues. To give them their due, Splendid organised an alternative.
Mombasa: Although we paid for a late checkout, the hotel was never informed. Transfers required constant chasing for details.
Refund and Transparency
We received a small refund for undelivered items, but there was no transparency regarding what these items were. The refund did not compensate for the poor experience. What was most disappointing was the lack of transparency—for example, skipping parts of the itinerary and claiming it was for our safety, yet not communicating this at the time of booking, Or late checkout not being arranged despite charging - with the explanation that they do this only on the last day when flight details are known. However, by then, the hotel had already allocated rooms – so even had they wanted to extend, it would have been impossible. Note - this late check out charge was refunded, on our demand.
Our recommendation based on conversations with other guests and travellers, is that you skip this service as you will receive better value, service, and advice by booking directly with hotels and camps.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thanks Magical Gorilla Adventures for once in a lifetime experience
I had the most incredible experience with Magical Gorilla Adventures during my gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. From the very beginning, their team was professional, welcoming, and extremely knowledgeable. The booking process was seamless, with clear communication and helpful guidance on what to expect and how to prepare for the trek. Thanks to Kolo and the team. Highly recommend them!
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing tour with Anderson
This tour exceeded my expectations. There’s no need to state how amazing Uganda is, this is obvious. But the company and constant assistance from Anderson, my guide, has been a real game changer. He’s been 100% helpful in everything from day 1 until the very end, I felt always taken care of, he promptly assisted me with any need and he’s also a very nice person to spend time with. He always went the extra mile to make all activities outstanding. I couldn’t recommend him and the company more. All the programme was perfectly respected. The hotels were very good and the food as well. Thanks Anderson again, you’ve made Uganda a real success ! Best. Guido.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Awesome Safari
It was an awesome trip. Wakwetu Safaris offers the best services. We really enjoyed our Giraffe center visit.
MY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful tour operator
Thanks Martin for the 6 days safari journey! We saw many animals during the game drive! Martin is very professional and will make sure we are on time for all the activities every day.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very knowledgeable
Very detailed with the history of South Africa.
Friendly and very nice enjoyed the tour
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thomas was exceptional!
Thomas is a wonderful tour operator. We felt extremely safe on the long drive to and from Pilanesburg. He was very polite and respectful and saw to all our needs.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tanzanian Operator with Excellent Guides
Went with Gosheni in August 2025 in Tanzania including Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti (Central/North)
- Hassan was our driver/guide and was excellent. Would give him a 5/5. He had over decades of experience and it showed with his expert knowledge in all facets during the safari. He instantly was able to identify all manners of wildlife including many types of birds. He also was well respected and popular amongst all the other guides with him frequently being called upon for advice.
- We were able to see what we wanted to see including a river crossing during the Great Migration, which we were lucky to witness.
- Safari vehicle itself appeared to be well maintained and overall quite new. We did not have any breakdowns compared to some other vehicles we saw and tires had great treads when put side to side with other vehicles.
- An area of improvement would be the communication with the main office (William) as they did not promptly respond to emails after payment, which left a sour taste and has made it overall a 4/5 instead of a 5/5. It was also unclear sometimes if the changes we wanted to our itinerary was included at all and some parts in the end were never actioned.
US
Efficient
Thomas was great. He was very communicative, and efficient in getting us to and back from our safari tour.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Natureways Safaris staff know exactly what they are doing and what is required at any given moment.
Had a great experience with loved ones on the Zambezi River, my favourite place in the world. Very knowledgeable and experienced guides navigated all of us precisely and securely through various river channels and exciting animal encounters.