Budget
This is advertised as a budget tour, and I completely understood that meant basic accommodations, shared transportation, long driving days, and fewer luxuries. Unfortunately, my issue was not that this was a budget safari it was the poor organization, inconsistent communication, and the difference between what we were told and what actually happened.
The itinerary states that transportation is by 4x4 safari vehicle, but this was not consistently what we received. On Day 5, we were given multiple different explanations about what vehicle we would be using and when we would transfer to another jeep. We were initially told we would switch to a new jeep at our lunch stop. Instead, we were abruptly put into two small cars.
Day 5 is essentially a full transfer day, so I completely understand that a significant amount of driving is involved. We were told the day prior that our jeep would be picking us up from the hotel. That then changed to a van picking us up and taking us to the next city to meet our jeep. Ultimately, seven of us were crammed into a small van for approximately two hours, which was extremely uncomfortable. We then ended up sitting at a gas station waiting for a jeep to arrive without a clear ETA. When I contacted the company, I was told that they had a jeep waiting for us, which did not reflect what was actually happening.
A long transfer day is completely understandable on a budget safari. Being given conflicting information, spending two hours in an extremely uncomfortable vehicle, and then sitting at a gas station indefinitely waiting for another vehicle is not. That is not simply a normal compromise of joining a budget group tour.
The company also explained that regular cars are used for Hell’s Gate because it is not primarily an animal-viewing destination. That makes sense operationally, but this was not explained in the itinerary, which led us to expect the transportation described there. If different vehicles are routinely used on certain days, that should simply be disclosed before booking.
There was also an uncomfortable issue regarding seating in the safari vehicle. Because this is a group joining safari with guests booking through different companies, I expected seating—particularly the preferred front seats—to be handled fairly among the group. Instead, two guests apparently made a private request through their booking company to sit in the front. This was never communicated to the rest of the group. When we selected seats ourselves, the guide instructed those guests to move our belongings so they could take the front seats, rather than explaining the situation to us directly beforehand.
This created a completely unnecessary conflict between guests that could have been avoided with basic communication and clearer management from the guide. On a shared joining safari, one company’s guests should not unexpectedly receive priority seating simply because they made a private request that the rest of the vehicle was never informed about. If specific seats are guaranteed or reserved, that should be disclosed to everyone. Otherwise, the guide should ensure that desirable seats are rotated fairly throughout the safari so that all paying guests have an opportunity to use them. Guests should not be left to negotiate or argue over seating arrangements themselves.
The disorganization went beyond transportation and seating. On one occasion, we did not receive a start time until well after 9 a.m. We also had a late start for the approximately six-hour drive to Amboseli because a guide was apparently not available. Optional activities also ended up costing more once we arrived than the prices we had been given beforehand. When I asked about this, Peter explained that the local communities set the prices. Travelers should therefore be aware that an activity advertised at one price may cost substantially more upon arrival—for example, a bike ride listed at $15 ended up costing $30, and the bicycle itself was in very poor condition.
Overall, the wildlife and destinations themselves were incredible, but Pavilion Safaris was consistently disorganized and communication was poor. Plans changed repeatedly, we were told different things by different people, and at times it felt as though arrangements were being figured out as we went rather than there being a clear plan. When I address this issue to Peter, he made multiple attempts to flip it back onto me. Our first safari vehicle was in poor condition and missing seat belts which he in return blamed on me for not telling him.
I understand that this is a budget safari, and I did not expect luxury. My complaints are not about the normal compromises that come with budget travel. They are about organization, transparency, communication, and fair management of a shared group experience. A budget tour can still provide guests with accurate information, clear expectations, and an organized experience.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Company for Our Kenya & Tanzania Safari-highly recommend them!
I highly recommend SVAI Luxe Escapes. We just got back from our safari in Kenya & Tanzania and we had a fantastic trip. All of the accommodations that they arranged for us were amazing and beautiful. The people at all of the camps and lodges were super friendly. We appreciated their team staying in contact with us throughout the trip letting us know about who our guides will be, our transfer contacts, checking in on us, etc. We also appreciated that they provided our friend with a great celebration for her birthday. Their team did a phenomenal job. Everything went very smoothly and according to plan. We loved our guides in Kenya & Tanzania. They all did a great job and were always making sure that we were well taken care of. It really helped make the trip that much more memorable.
I’m very happy that I chose this company to tour with. I had done a lot of research to find the right company and emailed their references ahead of time. I didn’t know anything about them prior to this and I’m so pleased (and so is my husband and our friends) that we decided to go with SVAI. The team is amazing, the guides they have are very knowledgeable and amazing, the accommodations are 5-star. I can’t say enough.
THANK YOU!!!!! They made our African safari a very positive and memorable experience. I definitely recommend this company to anyone else that is planning to go on safari.
They definitely made our trip a wonderful experience and I would go with them again in the future.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the best tour operators!
We were lucky enough to get a private tour through Chobe NP with Leon himself. He was a wealth of knowledge as well as being the absolute nicest guy. Communication via prior to the tour was a bit spotty due to him being on safaris and limited internet but everything was clear and easy to sort out. Value for money was excellent. One of our favourite tours of our whole 3 week Southern African experience. Will definitely be back and do an extended camping trip next time!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rose planned the perfect itinerary.
We just came back from our first Safari and Rose planned an unbelievable trip. We went to Tanzania and visited Serengeti, Ruaha , Nyerere and Zanzibar. It was nice seeing the different parks and each of our accommodations were just incredible.
We all had an amazing time and Rose planned every detail perfectly. I will definitely be telling my friends to contact Rose if they want to plan a safari.
Now I understand why people go on multiple safaris and I hope to be able to plan another Safari with Rose in the near future.
NZ
The most organized , safest tour operator we could have ever entrusted our trip of a lifetime with
We engaged Avant Africa , to take care of 4 weeks of accommodations , shuttles and some excusions while attending the The Greatest Rivalry rugby tour . On quote presentation we actually undertook a private spreadsheet costings via Booking .com etc , and found Avant to actually be cheaper to organize and take all the hassle, security out of it .
All accommodations were spot on position and quality wise , thereafter we had a well documented itinerary to follow alongside , connectivity with Justin (Avant representee) anywhere we had concerns .
Well some 24 shuttle trips later where not one was late , and as clean and well presented as you'd expect , and a month of accommodations , wine regions, Soweto tours , balloon safaris later I can conclude and warmly advise that this company is a 100 % provider of what they offer .
We are thankful of the wonderful stressless , safe trip enjoyed by all 6 of us , Thank you Avant
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great, highly recommended
Our guide was really responsible, kept an eye on us the whole time, and showed us lots of animals - we even saw a rhino.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible value for money and outstanding hospitality in the heart of Khwai
We had an exceptional safari that offered incredible value for money. Here is why we loved it
The Guide: Highly experienced, helping us spot a fantastic variety of animals
The Food: Top-tier meals that exceeded our expectations.
The Tents: Delivered a proper, authentic safari vibe.
The Hospitality: Incredible service from a warm and welcoming team.
An unforgettable experience from start to finish!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Exceptional Guide — Richard Made Our Tanzania Safari Unforgettable
I recently spent a week on safari in Tanzania with Richard as our private guide, and I honestly can’t say enough good things about him. Richard was a huge part of what made this one of the best trips we have ever taken.
From the very beginning, Richard was professional, friendly, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. His ability to spot wildlife was amazing — many times he would see something in the distance that we never would have noticed on our own. Even more impressive was his knowledge of the animals, birds, their behavior, and the areas we traveled through. He didn’t just drive us from one sighting to another; he helped us understand what we were seeing and made the entire safari more interesting.
Richard also seemed to have an instinct for knowing where to go and when to go there. On safari, that can make all the difference. He worked hard every day to give us the best possible experience and never made us feel rushed. If something interesting was happening, we stayed. If we wanted to stop for photographs or simply sit and watch the animals, we did. The trip felt like our safari rather than a rigid schedule we had to follow.
Just as important, after spending an entire week together, Richard felt much more like a friend than simply our guide. He has a wonderful personality, is easy to talk with, and genuinely cares about the people he is guiding. We laughed a lot, learned a lot, and thoroughly enjoyed spending our days with him.
I have traveled quite a bit, and I know the difference between someone who is simply doing their job and someone who takes real pride in making sure his guests have an extraordinary experience. Richard is absolutely the latter.
In fact, we enjoyed the experience so much that I am already seriously considering returning to Tanzania in 2028 or 2029 with some of our adult children — and if we do, Richard is the person I want guiding us again. I think that probably says more than anything else I could write.
If you are considering a safari I strongly recommend Tanzania Memories Tours & Safaris, I also would recommend asking for Richard. Tanzania itself is spectacular, but having the right guide can turn a great safari into an unforgettable one.
Thank you again, Richard. I came home with incredible memories, hundreds of photos, and a new friend in Tanzania.
— Bob, Massachusetts, USA
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A reliable and professional operator for a truly tailor-made Safari
We had a wonderful mid-range safari experience in Tanzania with Somewhere in Africa and would definitely recommend them.
From the beginning, Eliakim helped us create a tailor-made itinerary based on our wishes and interests, including Tarangire, Northern Serengeti for the Great Migration, Central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Communication was clear and professional, and everything went smoothly throughout the trip.
The Great Migration was truly incredible and one of the highlights of our safari. We had the chance to see a lot of animals and this made us so happy!
Our driver-guide, Daudi, was very knowledgeable and spoke very good Italian. He shared many interesting insights about the animals and their behaviour and understood what we hoped to see, choosing suitable areas while always respecting park rules and wildlife.
We were also very happy with all the accommodations: fantastic locations, helpful staff, comfortable rooms and excellent food.
Overall, Somewhere in Africa proved to be a reliable and well-organized operator, with great flexibility and attention to our wishes. A special thank you to Eliakim and Daudi and the whole Team for a truly memorable safari!
BR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very organized, supportive and helpful
The communication ran with Charlie and the tour with Isack. Charlie was able to keep the communication fast and open all the time, that was decisive.
The main guide organized a magnanimous trip, nothing left behind and with a very humane treatment.
About the money, we had to pay it in cash on the spot, and the tips are recommended to be around 20%, but in the end seemed fair for everything, so be prepared for that.
The trip per se was impeccable.
