DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
After they get your money you are a slave
Never again with them ! The Safari guide was the only good. The Flight change...the Hotel change...they not care about external cost produced with mistakes. They not agree with us in any problems....that's it ! Unprofessional partner....
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Poor customer service, uncontactable on Safari and doesn't fulfil itinerary that you've paid for
Brian was very helpful and supportive in the planning of our safari. I had many questions and was really anxious as have 4 young children. He made me feel at ease and planned a perfect itinerary. I paid in full around a month before we went. The Day 1 itinerary stated pickup at 8am, 4hr drive from Naivasha to Maasai Mara, lunch and all bottled water provided, and then a Maasai village visit (1hr) followed by a guided game walk with an armed guide (1hr) and back to Flair camp for dinner, campfire and stories. Reality: We were picked up at 8am, driven 30mins to a shell garage, waited there for over an hour as the driver said that Brian hadn't sent him the money for fuel to get us to the Maasai. He didn't send the money for over an hour and then it took us 7 hours of driving to reach the Mara...not the 4hours he'd suggested on the itinerary which was awful with one child having ADHD and one getting bad travel sickness (and was sick). We arrived around 6pm, had our hurried 'lunch', went to the Maasai village, had 40 min there and then it was dark so we were told there would be no guided game walk. The driver in the meantime had left us to go to another village to check his vehicle as he'd bumped it on the journey, so we had to walk back from the Maasai village to the Flair camp. Late for dinner meant we ended up missing the campfire etc and went straight to bed. I contacted Brian stating my disappointment and he apologised and said there would be no more delays with sending money for anything and the rest of the trip would be smooth going. However, on day 2, after a very early 5:30am breakfast and wonderful game drive, we asked the driver at midday if it was a good time to stop for our picnic lunch, which the Day 2 Itinerary stated would be provided out on safari on the Maasai Mara. The driver said Brian had not provided lunch and we had to drive back towards Nairobi before finding a place to stop for lunch. This was a change he'd made the previous evening, apparently (without letting me know). The same situation as on the previous day then played out: we sat in a cafe for over an hour waiting for Brian to send lunch money (bear in mind we'd already paid for this as part of the itinerary) and Brian never sent it. Eventually, the driver suggested we go to a supermarket and buy our own lunch, which we did and our poor children were finally fed lunch at our own extra expense at 3pm, over 9 hours since eating breakfast. I emailed, tried to call and messaged Brian to try and rectify all of this, and he's never responded or returned any calls. I recommend you avoid him and this company at all costs: he'll promise a wonderful experience, take your money and disappear into thin air. The one shining light is that Joseph, our driver was knowledgeable and gave us an excellent game drive, so that once our kids were fed and had had a good night's sleep, they remembered the Maasai Mara fondly. However, he refused to buy us lunch, saying the owner, Brian wouldn't pay him back, and he also had no clue as to how to get hold of Brian at the shell garage on day 1 or the cafe on day 2.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
AVOID. Felt like a scam from start to finish.
I wish I had read a review like this before booking.
He sold us a trip, took our money, then quietly delivered a cheaper one. Places we had paid for were swapped for lower-quality lodgings with worse services, and he never said a word. When we caught on, he had the nerve to call it a “bonus” for us. Downgrading what someone paid for and calling it a gift is not a mistake. It’s deception.
It didn’t stop there. Every travel time he gave us was a lie. He told us one drive would take 6 hours. It took 13. He did this repeatedly, so nothing he said about the schedule could be trusted.
What disgusted me most was how he treated people in Zimbabwe. I watched him make a local man clean his entire car, pay him nothing, and speak to him with contempt. People who treat locals like that are not people you want to hand your money and your safety to.
The activities were good, and that’s the only reason this isn’t zero stars. It’s also what makes it effective: a good experience on the surface to hide the cuts underneath.
My advice: Don’t book with him. If you ignore that, get every hotel name, date, and price in writing, check each stay yourself, and don’t trust a single travel time he gives you.
CN
Tanzania itinerary failures and an unanswered refund promise
We booked a Kenya–Tanzania safari with Wildebeest Safaris in October 2026. This review concerns the Tanzania portion, which left us very dissatisfied.
We were assigned a part-time driver. Vehicle problems also affected two days of our safari. On the first day, we could only travel very slowly because of problems with the vehicle, severely limiting our game drive. There was time to have it repaired after that day’s activities, but this was not done. Instead, we had to leave the park for repairs during the following day’s scheduled game drive, losing more safari time. A problem that should have been dealt with after the first day ended up wasting our time on both days.
Our scheduled Tarangire game drive was cancelled because the operator failed to obtain the permits. Our final-night booking at Airport Planet Lodge also fell through, despite Noah previously assuring us in writing that it was secure. These were not the only problems we experienced.
We chose to remain patient during the trip. On 12 October, Noah promised a total refund of USD 150 for the cancelled Tarangire game drive. I sent him my bank details that day. He has not replied to my follow-up emails.
For us, this is not just about USD 150. It is about lost safari time, failure to deliver the agreed itinerary, and then silence when we asked the operator to honour a written refund promise. Based on our experience, I would not recommend Wildebeest Safaris.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Prepaid balloon safari not funded; promised reimbursement never received
Based on my family’s experience, I would not recommend booking with Josero Tours and Safaris Ltd.
We booked a six-day Kenya safari for 12–17 October 2026. We paid our deposit on June 3, and Joseph demanded the remaining balance on August 16—57 days before departure, despite the quote specifying full payment within 30 days before the tour started. We paid as requested so our arrangements could be finalised.
Nevertheless, two of the three hotels specified in our package were not secured, and alternative accommodation was substituted. Joseph acknowledged in writing that Sopa had not been secured following waitlisting.
The most serious issue concerned our included hot-air balloon safari and breakfast. Although we had already paid Josero for this experience through our package, Joseph asked us during the trip to pay the balloon operator ourselves. He said he was in Tanzania and unable to make payment, and repeatedly promised to reimburse us upon our return to Nairobi.
To avoid missing the experience, we paid an additional $1,500: $1,200 by card and $300 in cash for what we were told were landing fees. We received the balloon experience because we paid separately—not because Josero funded the prepaid arrangements.
Joseph subsequently confirmed the $1,500 reimbursement in WhatsApp messages and emails. Despite repeated follow-ups and a final extension until October 30, no reimbursement had been received as of November 4, 2026.
I am pursuing the amount through an American Express billing dispute, which remains pending. Any recovery through my card issuer would address the financial loss, but would not change what happened during our trip.
My concerns are supported by the itinerary, payment records, and Joseph’s written acknowledgments. Having to pay again for an included activity and repeatedly chase an unfulfilled reimbursement promise undermined our trust in this company. Based on this experience, I advise other travellers to choose another operator. However, our tour guide, David, was a wealth of knowledge and the only positive element of our experience with Josero Tours and Safaris.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The worst safari experience we have ever had – would not recommend
Unfortunately, our experience with Camptrek Safaris was extremely disappointing, both during the safari itself and in the way the company subsequently handled our complaint.
We chose Lake Nakuru specifically because seeing rhinos was one of our priorities. We fully understand that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, and our complaint is not simply that we did not see any rhinos. The real issue was the significant gap between the professional experience advertised and the service we actually received.
Our itinerary promised an experienced wildlife guide. However, Eric, our driver-guide, did not demonstrate the wildlife knowledge, initiative or communication skills we would reasonably expect from an experienced safari guide. This was not our first safari, so we know what a good guide should offer: clear communication, information about the wildlife, explanations of timings and plans, and coordination with other guides to locate animals.
He had no visible radio or walkie-talkie to communicate with other guides, nor did he have binoculars. We often had to ask him to stop so we could photograph animals ourselves, and the additional time spent looking for rhinos did not appear to follow any clear strategy.
The organisation of the rest of the day was equally poor. We were told that the transfer from Lake Nakuru to Naivasha would take approximately one hour, but it took more than two and a half hours. We arrived at Sopa Lodge at around 3:45 pm, after the scheduled lunch service had ended, and had to rush our meal.
The situation at Crescent Island was particularly unacceptable. We arrived at approximately 5:13 pm, only to be told that the island had officially closed at 4:30 pm and that the walking safari could no longer take place. Nobody had warned us beforehand. We were eventually allowed in only after we firmly challenged the situation, but we had barely 15 minutes on the island – a far cry from the walking experience that had been described to us and that we had paid for.
Communication throughout the day was extremely poor. We were rarely given clear explanations about timings, delays or arrangements and were left having to ask questions ourselves. The minivan provided was also extremely uncomfortable on the rough roads and terrain. It had been described as a comfortable vehicle, but a suitable 4x4 would have been far more appropriate.
Unfortunately, our disappointment did not end with the safari. We contacted the company in the hope of receiving a proper explanation and a fair resolution. Instead, the initial response focused on defending Eric by emphasising that he was a senior driver-guide with extensive experience and suggesting that we read his previous guest reviews. This did not address the specific concerns we had raised. Our requests were subsequently rejected, and no refund was offered.
There is another point that we consider particularly serious. Camptrek Safaris’ quotation explicitly stated that the company was a member of KATO (Kenya Association of Tour Operators). We trusted this representation, only to discover later, directly from KATO, that Camptrek Safaris is NOT a member. We find this deeply concerning, as this was information presented to us as part of the company’s credentials when we were deciding whether to book.
This was, without question, the worst safari experience we have ever had, not only because of the service itself but also because of the way our complaint was handled afterwards. I have never written a formal complaint or a negative review about a travel experience in my life, but this is one I simply could not let pass without warning other travellers.
We feel genuinely misled by the difference between what was promised and what was delivered. We will never use Camptrek Safaris again.
We strongly advise anyone considering booking with this company to exercise caution and carefully verify the level of guiding, the vehicle provided and the company’s professional credentials before paying. We cannot recommend Camptrek Safaris.
IL
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Warning to Travelers Considering Ethio Target Tours & Travel in Ethiopia
A Warning to Travelers Considering Ethio Target Tours & Travel in Ethiopia
**Our experience: Promises made, commitments not fulfilled, and no response to our complaint.**
In October 2026, our group of five travelers, all approaching the age of 70, booked a 13-day private tour of Ethiopia through **Ethio Target Tours & Travel**, managed by Solomon.
Ethiopia is a fascinating country, with remarkable landscapes, history, and people. Unfortunately, our experience with the tour agency left us deeply disappointed.
Before booking, we carefully explained our needs and reached clear agreements regarding the services we would receive.
Here is what actually happened:
**1. A professional guide was promised for the entire tour — but provided for only 3 out of 13 days.**
Our agreement specifically included both a driver and a dedicated professional guide throughout the journey.
For ten of the thirteen scheduled days, we did not have the guide we had been promised.
For travelers interested in Ethiopia's history, culture, and heritage, this was a significant loss.
**2. An unknown passenger was added to our private tour without our consent.**
Despite having booked a private tour, we discovered that another passenger had been added to our group.
We were neither informed beforehand nor asked for permission.
A private tour should mean exactly that — private.
**3. Two vehicles were promised — only one was provided.**
We explicitly explained that our group consisted of older travelers and that comfortable transportation was essential, particularly during long journeys.
We agreed that two vehicles would be available. Instead, we had to travel in a single vehicle.
This was not a minor inconvenience. It was another important commitment that was not fulfilled.
**4. Unused services were not addressed.**
Due to a flight disruption, which was not the agency's fault, we arrived in Ethiopia one day later than scheduled. As a result, we did not use two hotel rooms arranged for our first night.
In addition, two members of our group did not consume the local meals included in the tour.
We raised the issue of unused services and potential cost savings, but received no satisfactory explanation or adjustment.
**5. Our written complaint was ignored.**
After the trip, Solomon asked us to publish a positive review of his company.
Instead, I sent him a detailed and respectful letter explaining the problems we had experienced.
I gave him an opportunity to respond, explain what had happened, and address our concerns.
**As of the date of this review, I have received no response.**
That silence added to our disappointment.
### Why am I sharing this experience?
My purpose is not to discourage anyone from visiting Ethiopia. On the contrary, it is a country well worth exploring.
My purpose is to encourage travelers to be cautious when selecting a tour operator and to ensure that agreements are actually honored.
If you are considering booking with Ethio Target Tours & Travel, I strongly recommend that you:
- Obtain written confirmation of all promised services.
- Specify whether a professional guide will accompany you every day.
- Confirm the exact number and type of vehicles.
- Make sure that a private tour will remain private.
- Clarify in advance how missing or unused services will be handled.
**We paid for a private tour with specific services. We did not receive everything we were promised.**
I am sharing our experience because I believe travelers deserve accurate information before placing their trust and money in a tour operator.
**A good reputation should be built not only on promises, but on keeping them — and on taking responsibility when things go wrong.**
Haim Levy
Israel | October 2026 Tour
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unreliable and terrible service
A terrible experience – I strongly advise against booking with Megawild.
We had an absolutely terrible experience with Megawild. We paid the full amount on the agreed dates, months in advance of our trip, based on Anne’s assurances that everything had been organised, booked and confirmed. Unfortunately, just two days before our trip, we received an email from Anne informing us that our safari had to be postponed due to internal financial issues. As we had already booked our international flights and additional accommodation for after the safari, rescheduling the trip was simply not an option.
Anne’s only proposed solution was for us to make an additional payment as a “top-up”, effectively lending Megawild more money to ensure the trip could go ahead.
This was an extremely disappointing situation to face, especially considering that we had already paid all the required fees in full and had been repeatedly assured by Anne that everything had been booked and paid for.
However, the problems did not stop there. The night before we were due to travel to Tanzania, Anne informed us that our trip might be cancelled because she had supposedly been unable to find a reliable tour operator in Tanzania. We later discovered that the actual problem was that she had not paid the Tanzanian tour operator for our trip. Understandably, the operator was not willing to provide services without receiving payment.
This was when we realised that many of the arrangements we had paid for months in advance had either not been properly booked or had not been paid for at all.
Eventually, another tour operator agreed to take over our trip, but unfortunately, the problems continued. We had to change some of our accommodation because the properties originally agreed upon were no longer available. Even more concerning, Anne had still not paid for the full Tanzania itinerary.
While we were staying in the Serengeti, our Tanzanian operator informed us that Anne was no longer responding to their messages and that the remaining portion of our trip had not been paid for. As a result, we had to cancel our planned stay in Tarangire and find alternative accommodation in Arusha at the last minute, completely disrupting our itinerary.
After everything we went through, including the stress, uncertainty and disruption to what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, Megawild did not offer any compensation or meaningful resolution whatsoever.
We paid everything upfront, trusted the company to deliver what was promised, and instead found ourselves dealing with unpaid suppliers, unconfirmed bookings, last-minute changes and the constant risk of having our trip cancelled while already travelling in Africa.
Based on our personal experience, I would strongly advise anyone considering Megawild to think twice before booking. Paying months in advance does not guarantee that your accommodation, activities or tour operators have actually been secured. We genuinely regret trusting this company with such an important trip.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I would never return to this company again.
ENGLISH
I had a very disappointing experience with this company. They charged me an extra €20 for paying in euros instead of US dollars, claiming that their exchange bureau had to convert euros into dollars and then into Kenyan shillings. This explanation makes no sense, as euros can be exchanged directly into Kenyan shillings.
I was forced to pay because the van was waiting downstairs with other passengers to take us on the safari. It was either pay the extra €20 or miss the entire trip.
After the safari, I complained and requested a refund, but they refused, insisting that everything was correct.
An unfair and unprofessional way to treat customers. I do not recommend this company. Make sure you clarify all payments in advance to avoid the same situation.
LT
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not recommended for a self-drive safari
Our experience with Adventure Kaskazini was extremely disappointing.
The safari vehicle was in poor mechanical condition: the handbrake did not work properly, the steering had excessive play, the brakes were weak and later started knocking, the spare wheel carrier broke, the exhaust/muffler broke, and the automatic transmission overheated. We had to make temporary roadside repairs ourselves just to continue the trip.
Some promised equipment was missing or unsuitable. There was no air compressor, which later cost us USD 50 when we had a tyre problem. The refrigerator could not be used while the vehicle was stationary, but this was never explained beforehand, and some food spoiled. The sleeping bags were old and dirty.
There were also administrative problems with incorrect vehicle details on permits.
After the trip, the company owed us USD 1,114.40 for park fees. At first they sent us a document showing the refund as “Completed”, but later admitted that the refund had actually failed. After weeks of follow-up, the money finally arrived by bank transfer, but we still lost USD 21 in transfer charges plus an additional EUR 35.79 bank fee.
We also submitted a formal complaint about the vehicle and service quality. They promised to review it and provide a clear decision regarding compensation, but no proper resolution followed.
The biggest problem was not one single mistake, but the combination of poor vehicle condition, missing equipment, administrative errors and the amount of effort required to get basic issues resolved.
Based on our experience, I would recommend choosing another company for a self-drive safari in Tanzania.