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.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Wildlife let down by Operational Chaos and Extreme Logistical Failures
The core wildlife experience was phenomenal. The guides on the ground were knowledgeable, apologetic, and worked tirelessly under difficult circumstances to track animals and deliver great game drives. The natural beauty and animal sightings were truly unforgettable. The distances between parks and drives can be extensive and the roads very bumpy, its all part of the experience but for some this might not be part of their expectation from the glossy brochures
However having paid $1,100 for a 4-day mid-range classic safari, I expected basic comfort and private en-suite facilities (as per agreed itinerary). Instead, the tour was subcontracted to a third-party operator without prior notice, causing a complete breakdown in communication and organisation. Guest details were muddled from Day 1, resulting in missing out on a booked tented lodge entirely. On the second night, I was dropped at a basic campsite with no towels, torches, or en-suite facilities. I had to stay overnight at the campsite simply to avoid forcing drivers onto dangerous, unlit roads late at night to rectify their mistake.
Schedules were consistently mismanaged, with pick-up delays stretching up to two hours with zero proactive communication resulting in shorter time on drives/in the parks. Following airline baggage delays I specifically requested support to purchase items where i could get receipts to claim back purchase costs, this was not actioned on until i firmly advised that I was unhappy, but left to feel like I was the problem. During vehicle transfers, guests were left waiting in the heat for nearly an hour without access to water, restrooms, or updates.
Because this was a shared group safari, extra pick-ups and drop-offs for other passengers impacted the timetable which is understandable, however almost appeared like this was a unique situation. Despite months of advance notice regarding an 8:30 PM departure flight on the final day, logistics were severely mismanaged which meant arriving at the airport check-in desk just 2 minutes before bag drop closure. This was an unnecessarily stressful way to finish my safari experience. I will however say thanks to the drivers who managed to get me there in the nick of time.
I raised these matters with the company who have issued a partial refund to address these failures however i was at times made to feel like it was my fault the company were 'out of pocket'. In my view travelers should not have to navigate this level of preventable stress, miscommunication, and logistical risk on what is often a once in a lifetime bucket-list trip. If you book, insist on receiving direct contact details for the actual ground operator, re-verify your accommodation list directly with your guide each morning, and build in massive time buffers for airport connections.
For reference the company who actually provided the safari drives was 'Dancing Simba'.
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Something went wrong
We used this operator before and everything went well, but when we decided to organise Safari again, we paid in advance for a safari that never took place.
We have been waiting more than a year for a full refund. Most of the money was returned, but not all of it. The remaining balance is still unpaid.
Cannot recommend.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Bait and Switch Company
My wife and I booked the 12-day East Africa Bush Expedition Kenya & Tanzania. We thought the marketed itinerary and hotel accommodations Apodiformes listed on Safari Bookings was what we're going to get. Well, that wasn't the case. Silas sent over a PDF of an itinerary saying, "As per your request, kindly see attached itinerary for your consideration". I assumed the itinerary Silas sent would be the same as listed on Safari Bookings. It was not. They changed accommodations that were not nearly as nice and much further away. Lesson learned!
Two of the three driver/guides were nothing more than a taxi driver. Silas even said to us upon departure he only has one driver/guide because if there's two, they end up talking to each other and not the customers. Well, while in the Mara for 2.5 days, our driver/guide had a trainee. The driver/guide talked to the trainee more than us.
Some of the game drives call for full-day drives but only lasted a half day.
The jeep had a mechanical issue that needed fixing. So, the morning we were to do a full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater our driver/guide sent a couple texts that were short and rude. At first, it was I'll be late, then it turned into a substitute coming to take us on the game drive. Long story short, after keeping us waiting in the lobby for hours, the substitute picked us up and we did a game drive for UNDER 2 hours!
The last accommodation was rated a 7.2 on Tripadvisor. The "new itinerary" had us here for 2 nights. It was so bad we considered ending the expedition early.
Silas contacted me months before the expedition requesting $3,000 that was not due until arrival. This was on top of the $3,784 deposit already paid. He said big company's purchase blocks of rooms at hotels and lodges and the $3,000 would ensure reservations. Most of the accommodations where we stayed had vacancies and the $3,784 would have easily paid all of the accommodations. So, in my opinion, this was Silas' way of squeezing a larger deposit out of us.
Overall, we would not recommend Apodiformes as a tour company. If you do use them, double check the "final" itinerary and make sure the quality of accommodations are to your satisfaction and not 2.5 hours away.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Kenyan wildlife experience, but disappointing delivery from Meektrail
We recently completed a 10-day private safari organised by Meektrail, covering Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara. Kenya itself was wonderful, and we had some unforgettable wildlife experiences, but our experience with Meektrail was unfortunately mixed.
Planning and communication before the trip were initially good. Meektrail adapted the itinerary following our feedback, and we agreed on three nights in Amboseli, two at Lake Nakuru and four in the Maasai Mara, with a private driver-guide and mid-range lodges.
Problems began on arrival, when we were told during the drive from the airport that our three-night stay at Amboseli Sopa Lodge had been changed. The first night would be at a different, noticeably more basic lodge. This was not communicated beforehand, no proper explanation was given, and no alternative was offered.
Our original guide then spent on the next few days a very and unacceptable amount of time on personal phone calls, including during game drives. We eventually raised this with him. To his credit, he apologised and explained that he was dealing with a difficult family situation. He was subsequently replaced partway through the safari due to a family bereavement, which we fully understood.
The biggest disappointment was in the Maasai Mara. Our itinerary specified full-day game drives with picnic lunches, but on our first two full days we were returned to Zebra Plains Lodge at around 12.45 pm and told, “See you tomorrow.” We therefore lost two afternoons of game viewing and had to spend part of our holiday contacting Meektrail to resolve an issue that should never have occurred.
We also had to remind Meektrail about the sundowner and special “unforgettable meal” promised for our 25th wedding anniversary. The sundowner felt improvised, while the special meal was simply the normal lodge buffet, although Doris at the lodge kindly decorated our table.
Zebra Plains Lodge was the weakest accommodation of our trip. Despite being marketed as a boutique luxury lodge with Mara views, our room was enclosed by vegetation and had no view. We also experienced poor cleanliness, questionable towels, smoke entering the tent, repeated voltage drops, weak Wi-Fi and, on our final day, no usable water pressure for a shower and despite the largest of the lodges we stayed, had the worst food offering and variety and was rather repetitive
In contrast, Ziwa Lodge at Lake Nakuru was excellent, with stylish rooms, very good cleanliness and a genuinely welcoming family atmosphere.
Finally, we were told that our Meektrail representative would meet us at the airport before departure, but this did not happen. Four days after returning home, we had still received no follow-up, despite Meektrail knowing about our concerns.
Kenya was fantastic, but Meektrail’s internal communication, attention to detail and delivery against the agreed itinerary were disappointing. Taken together, the issues left us with a sense that the company had under-delivered on its promises. Based on our experience, we would not use Meektrail again.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I feel let down
We went to vic falls and Botswana. The second part of the trip was in Botswana at the Chobe river lodge- the team there were fantastic and anja the manager was phenomenal.
I will point out the indigo safari did pay for a bottle of wine as a gesture based on the horrible experience at the first part of the trip at vic falls.
At Vic falls we stayed at the kazabambezi lodge. The lodge itself was ok- that said the room we were given had no working tv or wifi from the end of night one to the end of night 2 into day 3. Wires seemed to be crossed and they got someone in on the last night and 3rd morning g our last day to fix it.
I made the representative at indigo aware of the situation and asap this was not what we paid for and suggested we would need compensating. That individual then made the team at the lodge aware of us requesting compensation and I was the approached in my room by the owner of the property angrily saying I would not be getting compensation station and that everything worked fine and that I had made it up.
My issue is not with the tv not working but with the indigo representative making the lodge aware and then me being approached angrily. As I am in a same sex relationship i did not feel safe when approached angrily by the owner in a country where same sex couples have zero rights.
This spoiled the whole time in vic falls and made me want to get out of the are immediately.
Not a good experience.
In addition i was told on 2 occasions to calm down and watch my tone by the representative at indigo, when i was neither emotional nor abusive, just assertive as times had been left off our booking form.
I will not use the company again.
TW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Racist remarks during our safari — and no direct response to our complaint
Unfortunately, what should have been one of the highlights of our family trip to South Africa became a deeply upsetting experience — not only because we were subjected to what we experienced as explicit racist remarks during a safari, but also because of the way our complaint was handled afterwards.
During a game drive in Kruger, another guest sharing our vehicle complained loudly throughout the safari, repeatedly criticized the guide and tried to control where the guide should drive. When I asked her to stop complaining and allow the guide to do the job, her behavior towards us became aggressive.
She repeatedly told me, “Get out off my country,” and then said, “That’s why I don’t like Asian people.”
As Asian travelers, there was no ambiguity in how those words made us feel. We felt targeted because of our ethnicity. It was humiliating, offensive and deeply uncomfortable, particularly because we were traveling with our child.
The same guest was also vaping throughout the game drive while our child was in the vehicle. I do not know whether vaping is permitted in safari vehicles, but as parents we found this inappropriate and uncomfortable.
I want to be fair: many other parts of our trip were well arranged, and we understand that a tour operator cannot control everything an individual guest may say or do. Our greatest disappointment with Nhlalala Travel is therefore not simply that this incident happened. It is how we experienced the company's response after we reported it.
I personally sent the tour operator a detailed message explaining what had happened, including the racist remarks directed at us and how distressed and uncomfortable the experience had made us feel.
The message was read.
We received no direct reply.
We received no direct acknowledgement, explanation or apology, and no one contacted us directly to ask whether we and our child were okay after what had happened.
Because we were so uncomfortable with the lack of a direct response, I eventually asked a South African friend to contact the company on our behalf. My friend received a brief apology, but the company still did not contact us directly. To this day, we have not received a personal apology or any meaningful explanation regarding how our complaint was handled.
For us, this is the most disappointing part.
I do not expect a tour operator to be able to prevent every conflict between guests. I do, however, believe that when a guest reports what they experienced as explicit racial abuse, a professional tourism company should take the matter seriously. At the very least, I would have expected an acknowledgement, some concern for our wellbeing, an apology for the experience, and an explanation of how the situation would be addressed.
Instead, after telling the company that we had been repeatedly told to “fuck off” from the country and that the other guest explicitly said she did not like Asian people, our detailed message was read without any direct response to us.
That silence made us feel that what happened to us did not matter.
We traveled a long way to experience South Africa and Kruger as a family. We did not expect special treatment. We simply expected to be treated with dignity and, when something this serious happened, to feel that the company responsible for our tour cared enough to respond to us directly.
I am leaving this review because I was invited to share my experience. I believe reviews should reflect not only how a tour operator performs when everything goes according to plan, but also how they respond when something goes seriously wrong.
There were enjoyable parts of our trip, and I appreciate the people who worked hard to make those parts possible. But unfortunately, when we genuinely needed care, communication and support, we felt that we did not receive it.
For that reason, what could have been a wonderful memory of our family safari has instead been overshadowed by both the racist remarks we experienced and the disappointing lack of a direct response that followed.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A mixed bag
Our experience with Indigo Safaris had its highs, but ended quite on a low. The safari planning was top-notch, and the communication was smooth. Then, the safari started quite well; our camp was wonderful, with meals we really enjoyed and an amazing tent. Sadly, the safari itself wasn’t as gratifying. Even though we were in peak-migration season, we weren’t able to spot anything particularly wonderful, even though a friend couple also doing a safari with a different operator at the same time had the most splendid encounters. Finally, at the end of our trip, we had arranged with them a quite costly transfer from the airport to our accommodation, for which the driver didn’t show up, forcing us to take a taxi to the hotel. Indigo's response was underwhelming, completely avoiding any blame, claiming that we should have contacted them instead (although instructions clearly indicated that someone would be waiting for us with a sign with our names on it); therefore, there was nothing wrong on their end. Thankfully, this was a minor issue, but after their response, it became clear that if something bigger had happened, their reaction would have been identical. Will reach for a safer alternative next time, for sure.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Once In a Lifetime Disappointment
I'm really shocked by all of the 5 star reviews. For an experience that costs so much money, I was dismayed at the barely adequate level of service that was provided. Did we see animals? Sure. But they are had to miss and there HAS to be better operators to go with.
Some tips: Make sure your guide speaks English well. Ask about the quality and presentation of lunches you'll be provided while you're out on game drives. If possible, book a tour that provides a guide AND a driver. They are two different skill-sets. Don't over-extend yourself trying to see too many areas. You don't want to spend more time driving from park to park than seeing animals. We felt that Shayona failed in all of these areas for us.
First, our guide (Ndika) was awful. For my standards, he barely spoke English. He couldn't answer to our satisfaction our questions about the animals or numerous other questions that arose on the tour. We gave up after a while, which significantly diminished how much we could've learned through the experience. Also, he had horrible body odor. Admittedly, that may not be a big deal to some people, but when you're stuck in a vehicle for 4-5 hours a day for multiple days it's a miserable experience. We brought this up with Ajay when we first met our guide, but the situation was never resolved. Ndika also drove like a mad-man, over-taking vehicles like he was on a race and at one point, while driving up a narrow cliff-side road as we entered Ngorongora park, one of our rear wheels started to slide off the edge of the road (cliffside). He had to do a crazy drifting maneuver to right the vehicle. I've never been so scared in my life.
Beyond that, as a tour operator, you expect them to apply their expertise and experience to help ensure a pleasant tour. Nope. One small example was our daily lunch. Most other tour groups had picnic blankets to drape over the picnic tables which, understandably had bird droppings on them. They had food that was stored in hot or cold packs. Our lunches, which had perishable items, were kept on the front seat with the driver. There were no picnic blankets so we had to sit at tables covered in bird droppings. The cooler in the vehicle didn't even have ice or dry ice to keep drinks cold during our long outings. These are small things, but you'd think that an experienced company would have figured out these basic things to ensure a good experience for their guests. Remember, these tours costs thousands and thousands of dollars.
The tour organization was also very half-hazard. Flight itineraries weren't read in advance, so we were left scrambling at the last minute for lodging when we arrived. As mentioned earlier, our guide, didn't seem to know what was on each day's itinerary from one day to the next. Most critically, the itinerary Shayona provided was completely impractical. We spent WAY too much time driving from one place to another when we could've spent that time looking at animals. The operator should've used his expertise and experience to tell us if we needed more time or needed to cut down our wish-list of places to see, but he didn't. There was no guidance that could've made for a better trip. To be honest, there wasn't much communication leading up to our trip, which should've been a red-flag.
Sadly, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip so there are no do overs for us. What should've been an amazing experience was ultimately a huge disappointment. Choose your operator and guide wisely. If I were you, I wouldn't choose Shayona.
NZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice enough
That was ok. Hoped for better but that's fine. The let down was having to wait at the gate of sun city for 30 minutes for a shuttle instead of getting dropped at out accommodation. Bizarre given we were picked up from our accommodation and it ruined the whole day