LT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Smooth and very well organised
We were travelling to Nairobi and the Masai Mara as a group of five people. Two of us had some previous experience with East African safaris, while for the rest of the group it was their first time in Africa. Since I personally have experience both working and travelling across the continent, I had some reservations regarding the services - you always have to keep in mind that something might go wrong or at least not go according to plan. This time, however, it was a completely different experience. The Axis Safaris team was accessible and well organised, and everything went according to plan, on time, and as agreed. They provided us with excellent accommodation partners, including a last-minute upgrade to a better location in the Masai Mara. Our tour guide, Kevin, was outstanding. It’s clear that he is a true professional who genuinely loves his work and nature. Lucy from Axis Safaris is also a true professional, and I will definitely recommend them to our friends who are planning to visit Kenya. The cherry on top was that we managed to spot the Big Five in the Masai Mara, which made it an unforgettable first-time experience for all of us. Truly great memories and an excellent experience for a lifetime.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievable experience
Everything went so smoothly with Jungleroam and I will 100% use them again when we plan any safaris or adventures.
Our guide Kush was incredible, full of knowledge, full of jokes and just a lovely lovely person.
He found us 4 of the big 5 on the first afternoon drive. He got us in prime photo taking positions and still respected the animals. You could tell he respected the animals and it made the trip for us.
I hope we get Kush again in the future
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrible experience, stay away from this tour operator.
Hello,
I wanted to report a truly unpleasant experience that recently occurred with travel operator Shinzelle Safaris during the period of natural emergency and severe rainfall that affected the Limpopo and Mpumalanga regions. Usually the quality of a travel agency shows when problems arise, not when everything goes according to plan.
We had booked, many months in advance, a rather expensive 4‑day package in January, which included accommodation, meals, transfers, and safari activities in private reserves and inside Kruger National Park. The day before our arrival, we were informed of the serious emergency unfolding in the region and especially inside the park. When we asked whether it made sense to cancel the experience (we still had time to reorganize a different itinerary in South Africa), we were told to stay calm, that all activities were still confirmed, and that we only needed to prepare for a bit of rain. So we left, still very excited.
Day 1:
We arrived at the Lodge around lunchtime, and despite the 6‑hour trip from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit, we were informed only upon arrival that the afternoon safari activity planned in a private reserve had been cancelled. They offered us an alternative activity (spa and massages at the Lodge), which we accepted, but magically there was no availability anymore. We asked to reschedule it in the following days, but it was never recovered.
Day 2:
The full‑day safari went ahead successfully. We entered the park through Orpen Gate at 5 a.m., and despite the heavy rain throughout the day, we had fun and truly enjoyed the experience (it was our very first safari), without paying much attention to the weather conditions.
Day 3:
Panorama Route interrupted after just a few hours. Our boat tour was postponed from the morning to the afternoon, but the rain conditions were dramatic from the early hours. Despite this, they still made us leave, but the road was crazy and the vehicle was at serious risk of skidding off the road. Along with the rain, dense fog prevented any visibility of the canyon, making it impossible to enjoy the views. After about 3 hours of driving, we were called back (obviously all boat tours had been cancelled), as conditions had become prohibitive and the main road back to Hoedspruit had already been closed. We returned to the Lodge around lunchtime and spent the entire afternoon and evening in our room.
Day 4:
Morning safari—an optional activity paid separately from the standard itinerary—was scheduled in a private reserve but cancelled the night before, with no alternative activity offered despite our request.
Summary: Two safari experiences cancelled and the Panorama Route interrupted in dangerous conditions. Communication with Danielle, the operations manager of the tour operator, was always prompt during the booking phase and when it came to cancelling activities along first days. But as soon as we asked for replacement activities, responses became vague and never timely. It should be noted that despite the adverse weather, we always maintained a calm and even enthusiastic attitude about the experience. But when the last activity was cancelled, we politely asked—despite the frustration—for a partial refund for the activities not carried out.
From that moment on, Danielle literally disappeared for more than 48 hours, without even acknowledging us (not even a simple “no, it’s not possible, our terms and conditions do not include refunds for weather cancellations, we are handling emergencies and will get back to you”—nothing). We were completely ignored until we returned to Johannesburg and flew back to Europe.
We are fully aware that their terms and conditions give them the upper hand, but we would have expected at least a different attitude, more empathy and cooperation (which we showed throughout the cancellations and especially when we were put at significant risk on the roads under heavy rain, all documented with photos and videos). We were not even offered a partial refund for an optional activity paid in advance. Unfortunately, we felt misled throughout the stay, when it would have been easy to avoid wasting our money, time, and putting us in dangerous conditions. Strangely, we were contacted again only after we sent an official complaint by email and after posting our first negative review on their social media.
They even pointed out that we received an upgrade from a 4‑star Lodge to a 5‑star one—an upgrade we had not requested, though appreciated—and for this reason we supposedly had no grounds to complain, despite some issues with the food (little variety, overly spiced) and having to shower with cold water one day (reported and then resolved). They said they offered us two meals and drinks (one vegetarian wrap lunch when the first safari was cancelled, one wrap lunch upon returning from the Panorama Route—although lunch was already included in the itinerary—and two drinks), which didn’t even remotely cover the cost of the lost activities. Only later did we realize that the upgrade (from a well‑known luxury lodge chain) to a private lodge placed us right next to the company’s headquarters inside the Hoedspruit Estate.
After many years of travelling around the world, we have never encountered service like this from a travel agency. We were very surprised by the treatment received and the total lack of empathy and customer care. Why not offer at least a partial refund, even just for the cancelled optional activities, as a gesture of goodwill toward a clearly disappointed customer? Especially when you, as the tour operator, organizing the activities directly with your own resources, did not have to bear any cost? We would have been satisfied even just to see some willingness to meet us halfway. Instead, we were treated merely as a number, yet another tourist to take advantage of.
Looking back, we can consider ourselves lucky to have been able to return safely to Johannesburg and not have had any accidents along the way. According to them, they met all safety standards and consumer care requirements, but unfortunately the facts told us a very different story.
We came back home sad, disappointed, and deeply bitter.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A wonderful day lead by a knowledgeable guide.
We joined a 1-day safari to the Moremi Game Reserve from Maun. We were collected promptly from our hotel for the drive to the Moremi Game Reserve. Although we visited during the ‘wet’ season when the animals are dispersed, we were shown an excellent variety of both fauna and flora. The highlights for us were spotting a cheetah resting under a tree, 3 jackal cubs playing under a bush, a small herd of batchelor elephant bulls bullying a lone hippopotamus bull in a watering hole and African Painted Dogs. We also saw plenty of elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, impala, waterbuck, red lechwe, baboon and numerous wild fowl.
Our guide took great care of us, ensuring all our questions were answered, and more importantly that we were well fed and watered. He was very knowledgeable of the environment and was always willing to broaden the discussion to explain the various interactions between the various animals, plants, etc, bringing the terrain to life. He also had excellent all-terrain driving skills which are necessary for the park roads.
We were returned to our hotel at the scheduled time.
Am area for improvement is eye-care for the guides. Vision is all important in life, and it would be re-assuring to know that the guides have been trained in care of their eyes, both while game-spotting in the harsh African sun and while driving without windscreen protection. I offer this advice having being raised in Africa as a child when the perceived wisdom was not to provide children to ‘toughen-up’ their eyes; needless to say my eyes were damaged and I have already had to have cataract surgery on both eyes.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderfull and well organized
We booked a visit Botswana from Victoria Fall’s in Zimbabwe for a one day trip to Choba natural park with a great drive game. We have been picked up at 07:00 hrs as agreed. And all during our trip to Botswana we saw wild dogs and an elefant. The procedures at the border were very smoothly, we had a Kaza visum with you can travel during the day to Botswana. The drive was great and we saw a lot of animals like elefants (with babies), giraffes, hippo’s, crocodiles…….. around 13:00 hrs we arrived at a central place and had a good lunch. After the lunch we had a great boat trip ( private) and saw the Hippo’s at a fantastic way, 2 mothers with babies but also large males. Also afternoon we saw crocodiles and a great number of buffaloes. At 16:00 hrs we were back at our lunch location and returned to Victoria Fall’s at 17:15 hrs. It was a great day and we enjoyed both trips and everything was arranged well. Thank you
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great people excelent trip. Everything was perfect
Most beautiful trip. Will do it hundreds times again. Love the people.
PT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Safari experience
We had a wonderful experience of Safari in Masai Mara with Axis.
We did a 3 days private safari and entered 2 days in the park. We were a couple with 2 kids and our guide Nelson Seratoi was both thoughtful and attentive with them.
We saw all the big 5 thanks to our wonderful guide that didn't quite until the kids complete their list of animals plus a few extras we didn't expect like cheetah, serval cat, chackal (and the list goes on and on)
Car (jeep) was great and clean, we could charge our phones in the car and that handy and water was provided.
It was my 6th safari and the best until today. We were very lucky
The staff from the office was also nice.
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari-Experience
We spent six wonderful days in various nature reserves in northern Kenya, and Morris put together a fantastic itinerary for us. We stayed in mid-range accommodations that were very comfortable and beautiful, and the food was absolutely sensational.
A special mention goes to our amazing guide, Kasaine, who was not only an excellent driver but also had an incredible eye for spotting wildlife — no matter how well hidden the animals were. His humorous and open personality contributed greatly to our safari week, and we can highly recommend him.
We never regretted the decision to explore less-visited national parks such as Meru and Samburu, as we were often on our own there, which made the experience truly special. This also allowed us to get to know Kenya’s stunning nature and rich culture even better.
We can wholeheartedly recommend Balu Travel. Thank you for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!! 😊
GR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best driver and the best experience
They offered me what i paid. The Rhino Camp where i staid was very desent.
The food was desent and the staff helpfull and polite.The driver Johny made as possible with his knowledge about the wild life and his driving skills.Also he was
pleasant and helpfull
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome Experience
Throughout the 6-day safari through Lake Natron, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, Musa was a fantastic guide, full of energy and excellent at spotting game. He always made sure everyone got a great view.
We started with a hike up Oldonyo Lengai, an active volcano near Lake Natron, where we camped overnight. The next day we drove to Lake Manyara, followed by the Serengeti, and finished in the Ngorongoro Crater. We loved the Serengeti the most because of its diverse habitats, expansive size, and the incredible variety of animals. The accommodations throughout were wonderful, with a great mix of camps and lodges that added to the overall experience.
I really enjoyed the entire experience. I felt comfortable throughout and confident that everything was handled professionally. It was a very smooth operation from start to finish.