35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Horrible Communication
We purchased a 2-person safari through a charity auction. In addition to our initial donation, we were later required to pay nearly $5,000 in airfare and about $3,500 in non-refundable fees (for example, “cross-country transfers”), which were not clearly disclosed up front.
Communication was extremely poor when trying to book dates and get information. Emails routinely went unanswered and phone messages were not returned for months, if ever. The lack of responsiveness made planning very stressful.
As our travel dates approached, we became increasingly concerned about traveling to Africa with a company that was this unreliable. We did further research and found that the photos on their Facebook page appeared questionable, with no clear evidence they were taken on actual Run Wild safaris.
Ultimately, we canceled the trip due to these concerns. Around the same time, we were contacted by another couple who had taken the safari, made it to Africa, but had such a stressful experience that they paid out of pocket to fly home the next day. They told us they were in the process of pursuing legal action against the company.
We certainly wish we had done our research first.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Irresponsable liar
We planned booked and paid a 7 days safari. The night before departure they cancelled the trip. They apologised and promised to refund the money. We were very desperate and angry. If you have enough money, you can book another Safari.
We reported them to Safari bookings, the TRA and many other people who said that they have influence tried to help us. Meanwhile they lied to us and to Safari bookings telling different stories of when they would refund and that they offered us a different safari. After nearly six months we have the money back because they had a lot of pressure. Hope that this company will never ever have the chance to do this again. Avoiding is the best solution. There are other companies, be careful though.
UA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Complete disrespect and horrible organization
Horribly experience. They don’t care about your time. Disrespect your time and don’t take responsibility for their mistakes.
I don’t recommend. Select another operator to go on a tour with.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Complaint Regarding Mis-sold Luxury Package
I would like to share my perspective regarding the “luxury package” that was sold to us. I have attached a few photos from a much larger collection that document several of the issues my partner raised during the trip.
We appreciate the recent message stating that the compensation policy is being reviewed. However, this does not align with the responses we have been receiving via WhatsApp from the owner, who has not once apologised and instead accused us of being malicious simply for requesting the refund we believe we are entitled to.
The attached photos show:
Me personally setting up the picnic arrangements that were promised as part of the package.
The food placed at the back of the vehicle because the driver did not provide chairs or a table.
The condition of the car, despite being promised a replacement vehicle. We only received a different car for one drive, which came from another company.
A photo of the driver drinking in the evening and during the drives. We accepted this situation at the time because we had no immediate alternative.
Eventually, we decided to cancel the trip early and check into a different lodge. We escalated the matter to Arzoni; however, they do not appear to be taking full responsibility. The offer of USD 200 is far from adequate, considering that the park passes alone should account for a USD 400 refund, without even factoring in the other undelivered services and broken promises.
I have also attached screenshots of the conversation with the owner, who, instead of apologising and offering a reasonable refund, chose to blame us for the situation. This does not reflect acceptable customer service standards.
As a result, we escalated the issue to KATO. We were informed that the company is not registered with them, but they have stated they will pass the case to other relevant entities and associations to support our claim.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do not book if you are after amazing safari trip
We paid USD 4,356 for a 5-day “Luxury/VIP” safari with Arzoni Africa Safari, including two accommodations, a dedicated licensed game driver, and daily park passes (USD 200 per day). What we experienced was serious misrepresentation, safety issues, and breach of contract.
Our pickup was delayed and we missed the first game drive because park passes had not been purchased, despite being told they were included. Later, we discovered we were taken into the park without valid passes. The driver repeatedly tried to discourage us from doing scheduled drives, which we later realised was linked to the passes not being bought.
The vehicles were unsafe and in poor condition (parts falling apart, no radio communication to track wildlife sightings, and even a seat detaching during a drive). Without a radio, we were driving aimlessly while other vehicles were locating animals. Both drivers constantly watched TikTok videos while driving. There was very limited wildlife knowledge, no guiding commentary, and alcohol was consumed during picnic stops.
Promised bush picnics were poorly organised — tables and chairs were often forgotten, and my partner had to set up and pack away the picnic herself while the driver remained on his phone.
We cancelled the remainder of the trip due to safety concerns and lack of trust, arranged our own airport transfer, and were offered only USD 200 as compensation.
This was meant to be our engagement trip and it was completely ruined. I would strongly advise others to think carefully before booking.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unprofessional
We paid $1,200 for a 3-day Masai Mara safari and had a very disappointing, and at times, unsafe experience.
The guide provided little actual guiding or group management. For most of the trip, the vehicle felt like a party bus rather than a professional safari.
More concerning were the safety issues:
• the guide drank beer before driving
• frequently used his phone while driving
• failed to manage disruptive behavior
• at the end of the trip, we were dropped off at a gas station on the side of the highway and told to take an Uber instead of being transported to our accommodation as arranged.
The company later acknowledged the problem and suspended the guide, but refused any refund or compensation.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that fell far below professional standards. I would not book with them again.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Worst Experience Ever
I believe this ccompany could be fraudulent and running illegally with a revoked tourist license. Please I recommend do not book here under any circumstance I cannot express how much I regret doing so as at the time I had booked they had a valid tourism license that was revoked for using unlicensed guides/vehicles which is exactly what had happened to me. I did not receive the itinerary, vehicle, or driver I had paid for. I was told that my original driver and vehicle was in an accident the day before which I was initially very accommodating of but did not realize that the company had lost their license for this exact bait and switch. This company also runs under the name Thinkscene Services LTD which is how I learned about the revoked tourist license as naturally this was not disclosed to me. I personally did not receive the itinerary planned and initially the company offered me a refund of $250 which was not at all adequate for what I had paid. I had to fight tooth and nail for this refund for over 2 months and the company still shorted me $72 on this $250 due to 'wire transfer fees' and issues with accounting. 4 months later I'm still so mad about the complete disregard shown by Philip that I'm choosing now to write this review. Please do not book.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredibly unprofessional tour operator ruined my entire day
Daudi was incredibly unprofessional - he did not arrive on time for my agreed upon scheduled pickup nor responded to any of my subsequent texts or phone calls over the next hour. Eventually, I gave up on my dream safari and missed the scheduled 6 am train.
Only then did Daudi respond, eventually showing up at my hotel 3 hours late, after I was resigned to frantically finding a new tour operator last minute for my last free day available of my business trip.
I believe I may have been scammed - Daudi asked for all of the cash upfront the week prior (thankfully I declined), sent me WhatsApp photos of his supposed IDs promising that I could keep them as insurance (the birth dates did not match), and did not offer or return my deposit.
I would strongly encourage other travelers to select a more reliable tour operator to ensure that your dream safari comes true as scheduled!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An absolute disgrace of a tour company
Soul of Tanzania are a disgrace
Our experience with Soul of Tanzania was nothing short of appalling. What was meant to be a once in a lifetime safari, including our honeymoon, turned into one of the most sickening, mismanaged, and financially devastating travel experiences we’ve ever had.
Despite paying the full tour cost upfront, Soul of Tanzania failed to deliver the entire Tanzanian portion of our itinerary due to civil unrest and a government mandated border closure which an event completely outside our control. Yet instead of supporting us, they shifted the entire financial burden onto us, leaving us with over USD $10k in losses for services we never received, as well as charged us for add on services we never received!
Soul of Tanzania took zero accountability: Soul of Tanzania refused to refund the actual value of the undelivered services.
Threatening and condescending communication: Their representative, Sandy B, repeatedly referenced cancellation policies, and further, implied we would be charged additional costs, and pushed us toward travel insurance rather than taking any responsibility themselves.
Misleading and inconsistent information: They contradicted themselves across emails, denied statements they previously made, and communicated with our driver behind our backs while ignoring our urgent messages of distress.
Unprofessional crisis handling: During a period of confirmed fatalities and escalating unrest, we were left stranded with no reliable contact, no emergency support, and no clear plan.
Inferior accommodation forced upon us: We were diverted to a significantly cheaper lodge we did not choose, while still being told we must absorb the financial loss.
Weeks of delays and excuses: It took nearly a month for them to provide even a partial response, all while we continued to incur additional emergency costs.
For a company that markets itself as “premium,” their behaviour was the complete opposite. Evasive, dismissive, and entirely self protective. They chose to protect their margins and leave their customers stranded, inflict further charges and stress on us financially and physically. I wouldn’t recommend this company to anyone.
If you value transparency, professionalism, safety, and basic fairness, avoid Soul of Tanzania at all costs. Their handling of our situation was negligent, unethical, and deeply disappointing. We would never recommend this company to anyone.
JP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Poor operation and time management
-Travel Arrangement
I received the Itinerary one week before our travel and agreed the schedule and contents.
However, the time was not accurate at all and we delayed the program.
It means the time for game drive was less than expected.
Also, we couldn't get the briefing one day before the tour and the operator informed the departure time at 20:30 on Friday (the day before of the departure).
On departure date, we scheduled to leave Arusha at 7:30am according to the Itinerary, but we left 9:30am and arrived at the Tarangire NP at 11:40am. It means we missed the morning drive and only 4 hours drive on Day 1.
-Guide skill
The guide tried to explain about National parks and each animal which was good.
However, he doesn't have much skills to find animals and most of the time, clients found animals.
His driving skill was also not perfect and need to be improved.