CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
a terrifying trip
It was a terrifying trip, and I still can't help trembling when I think about it. On the last day of the return journey, the driver parked the vehicle on a slope but failed to apply the handbrake after getting out. The car quickly rolled backward, crossed the entire road, and eventually overturned. The four of us in the car were injured to varying degrees. The travel agency refused any compensation, including for our personal items crushed under the car in the accident. When we requested to see our insurance documents, they refused to provide them, making it highly likely that they had not purchased insurance for us. The accident caused the fuel tank to burst, and diesel spilled all over the ground while we were trapped in the car. Fortunately, it was the rainy season, and a sudden downpour prevented the vehicle from catching fire. I still feel terrified now, and the travel agency's ability to handle emergencies is extremely poor.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I do not recommend Silver Spark Africa
Our highly anticipated 5-day private safari, costing over $4000++, with Silver Sparks was a complete disaster. After full payment, we were subjected to:
• Substandard vehicle.
• A seemingly new and potentially unpaid driver.
• Unpaid entry fees at tour sites (despite our full payment).
• The driver's concern about not being paid, jeopardizing our return.
• Last-minute cancellation of our return airport transfer via text leaving us stranded.
• Unacknowledged overpayments for dinners.
• Zero communication or proactive updates from Silver Sparks during our trip.
• Unauthorized itinerary changes.
Silver Sparks takes your money and fails to deliver on their promises. This unprofessional and unacceptable experience ruined our first visit to Kenya. We strongly advise you to seek other reliable tour operators.
Silver Sparks never acknowledged returning the monies we paid twice due to their negligence. Seems to be their standard way of operating.
A formal complaint has been filed with the Nairobi tourist board.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
too expensive
It was too expensive! I noticed that when I joined the safari tour with other poeple who booked same tour from other company! It was safe and fun, but between the tour company and the guide, they didn’t have a good communication. They also charged us additionally for the hotel near to the airport and other optional activity which we’re already booked! We’ve confirmed with the tour comapany again and again when the activity is being started… At the end of the tour, we asked for heading to the airport directly but they just sent us until the city center without any transit. Our guide is nice he asked a taxi for us and it should be paid by our tour company not the guide, so I called our tour company and the tour company just only asked us do no pay for the taxi driver and the taxi driver was in a bad mood since he needs payment. We’re lucky that we took the taxi with other 2 travellers, they paid for the taxi fee then asked their tour company with the invoice then their tour company apologize them first and did the refund quickly to them. I was so disappointed for our tour company has no apoligize and only asked us do not pay… not only this time but also the including lunch and some activities we’re already booked and had paid. Without the payment issue with our tour company, the local guide was really nice and we really enjoyed the adventure. Please select the tour company really carefully and MUST asked them for cheaper price since we paid this tour for double price then others from our group who booked from other tour company and they joined the same tour with us.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not to be trusted
Sadly, from our experience this company turned out to be a complete fraud. We were excited for our safari and paid everything upfront, but they just disappeared. No driver, no tour, no communication until hours later when they gave us a very unconvincing excuse.
We asked for a refund — nothing. We’ve now reported them for fraud.
Do not book with them. They will take your money and vanish.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dishonest
WARNING: This company took our money
We paid for a safari in advance and they never showed up. They claimed they had a car accident, but it was clearly an excuse. After several attempts to get our money back, we never received a refund. We've now reported them to the authorities.
I recommend you do not trust them — they stole our money. Avoid at all costs!
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not to be trusted
We had booked a safari for December, paying €2,800 in advance to Mr. Walter. On the very morning of our scheduled departure, at 5 AM, he called claiming he had been in an accident. This turned out to be a lie.
For months, he kept giving us excuses, asking us to be patient due to supposed “personal problems.” Despite repeated promises, we are now in May and have not received a refund.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Totally undeliable
I had an extremely disappointing and unprofessional experience with this safari company when I travelled with a group of friends. We paid the full amount well in advance, expecting a smooth and enjoyable tour. Shockingly, just two hours before we were supposed to start, the owner Walter contacted us claiming he had an “accident” and abruptly canceled the entire trip.
While unfortunate events can happen, what followed was completely unacceptable. He promised multiple times to reimburse us — but after months of back-and-forth, he only refunded less than half of what we paid.
This was not just poor service — it felt like a scam. No accountability, no professionalism, and no regard for his customers. We were left with no tour, out of pocket, and with no explanation or follow-up.
There are plenty of reliable safari operators out there — do not risk your time or money with this one, he might steal your money.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Life-threatening negligence & zero accountability
What began as a standard transfer from Masai Mara to Nairobi escalated into a life-threatening catastrophe due to Extra Miles Safari's unforgivable negligence. This is not a review - it's a warning.
At 9:00 AM, our driver collected us in a vehicle that immediately displayed alarming signs. Our ordeal started innocently enough.
The first breakdown occurred barely 15 minutes out of Masai Mara. At a roadside shack laughably called a "repair shop", mechanics spent 20 minutes hammering beneath the car. Our driver assured us this was "minor", but within 10 minutes of resuming the journey, the same horrific grinding returned. By 9:30 AM, we were prisoners in car for three hours.
At 2:00 PM, we foolishly believed the nightmare was ending. Then came the slope.
Our driver stopped the vehicle mid-ascent to "check something", casually exiting without engaging the handbrake. Through the rear window, we watched him walk toward the back - just as the jeep began sliding backward. My friend lunged for the handbrake, but it doesn't help. In the end, violent rollover crash occurred
The extra miles staff said countless sorry for what happened to us, but they refused to take any responsibility for it. They asked us to sign a blank insurance policy, asked us to recall the accident in detail, but refused to make any compensation.
This isn't about bad luck - it's SYSTEMIC FAILURE. Extra Miles:
• Operates decrepit vehicles unfit for safari terrain
• Employs untrained drivers
• Lacks basic crisis management protocols
To anyone considering Extra Miles Safari: Our shattered camera and torn clothes can be replaced. The image of that rolling hillside where we nearly died stays forever. Choose operators who value lives over profits.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
disappointment
Our family vacation with Tropical Cats Tours was a huge disappointment, despite my high expectations. Jems, our guide, appeared ill-prepared and disjointed. Although we felt hurried during the events, we waited for a long time. We missed out on some important experiences because the itinerary was not properly followed. Furthermore, there was a lack of effective communication, making it difficult to receive prompt answers to our enquiries. They are not someone I would suggest to families who want a fun and easy experience.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
ThinkScene Safaris = Future Problems
For you readers seeking to book a safari in the next few months,
do yourself a favour and stay away of ThinkScene Safaris at all costs.
My and family traveled to Kenya in March 2025 with ThinkScene Safaris, with whom we had signed a contract on January 9, 2025, and was fully paid. During our trip, the agency demanded unjustified extra payments for already contracted services, thus violating the terms of the contract.
These charges included extra costs for confirmed accommodation, an unconfirmed excursion, and other unwanted services. I disagreed with these fraudulent requests with supporting documentation.
Despite several amicable attempts and a proposed compromise from my side (the agency retaining in an overpayment, with no further fees), the agency refused and threatened to downgrade my future contracted services. After these unacceptable threats and being insulted by my former driver, out of fear for our safety, we had to cancel the last part of the trip. I had to rebook the remaining leg at the last minute with another agency at our own expense to avoid any further disasters on our spoiled holiday.
I requested a refund for the last portion of the trip that was not honored based on these multiple contractual breaches, abusive practices, and disrespectful behaviors. The refund was refused by the agency based on their cancellation terms (non-applicable in these conditions) and a shady sentence allegedly allowing them to charge extra at will. Since then, they have ceased all communications.
The matter has been reported to legal authorities and is ongoing.
Stay safe and out trouble by not doing any business with this travel agency.
I would suggest booking a stay in one big worldwide chain hotel first.
Once it’s done, book your experience through the hotel directly engaging in their responsibility in case something goes wrong.
Kenya is an incredible country worth a visit, but it’s a shame that the behavior of some very few people ruins the overall experience.