20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a largely positive experience, until we were informed that Kojuu mishandled our payment.
This is a difficult review to write because we generally enjoyed our day-to-day experience with Kojuu. Near the end of our 13-day trip, however, we were made aware that Kojuu appeared to have mishandled thousands of dollars of our payment, and they have entirely failed to take prompt steps to remedy the situation. To date (now three weeks after our trip ended), Kojuu has still not returned our money (more details below). It's only fair to address the pros and cons of our experience.
Pros: (1) our driver Noel was phenomenal--he was accommodating, personable, and knowledgeable, (2) the majority of the accommodations chosen by Kojuu were exceptional, (3) the company added extra touches to help us celebrate our honeymoon--they informed the safari lodges, brought flowers, etc.
Cons: In short, Kojuu appears to have misappropriated thousands of dollars. Unsurprisingly, we were required to submit full payment in advance of our trip so that Kojuu could pay for our accommodations, excursions, etc. Our first issue arose when it was revealed that Kojuu did not secure a date for the hot air balloon excursion that we paid extra for. The company initially indicated that we would be going on the excursion on a particular date. It turned out, however, that Kojuu never secured that date (despite us paying for it months in advance). We were not informed of the situation until we affirmatively reached out to Kojuu asking for a status update the night before the initially scheduled excursion date. Had we not reached out on our own initiative, we would've woken up at 04:00 for an excursion that was never booked.
Our primary issue with Kojuu arose on our final day in Tanzania. Our hotel informed us that Kojuu never paid for our last hotel in Zanzibar (again, despite the fact that we paid Kojuu months in advance so they could handle this process). When I contacted our tour consultant, Losim, he indicated that Kojuu would be making prompt payment to the hotel on our behalf to remedy the situation. This was a lie. Kojuu never made any payment to the hotel. Instead, we were required to directly pay the hotel over $1,500 out of pocket before we were permitted to check out and leave for the airport. Despite dozens of emails and Whatsapp messages between Losim and Kojuu Owner, Judith, I still have not been reimbursed for the money I was forced to pay because Kojuu pocketed my money instead of forwarding it to our hotel. As of the date of this review, it has been over three weeks since I was required to pay the hotel. Given the immense delays and Kojuu's inconsistent messaging and refund timeline, I'm left to believe that I won't be getting the refund that they've been promising for nearly a month now. To the extent that I ever receive a refund, I'll update this portion of my review.
TN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A very disappointing experience: poor organization, basic services, and a lack of transparency
This was my third safari in Africa, and unfortunately, it was by far one of my most disappointing experiences. I understand that a low-cost safari comes with certain compromises, but the quality of the organization and the overall service fell well below my expectations.
1. Poor payment arrangements and unnecessary delays
The day before our arrival, I informed the agency manager that I could either pay online by card or bring euros in cash. I also shared the market exchange rate, which was approximately USD 1.15 for EUR 1 at the time.
The following morning, our driver arrived late and took us to the wrong hotel to pick up the other travelers, causing us to lose around 30 minutes.
When we finally arrived at the agency, we were told that card payments were not possible because there was no payment terminal. The manager then offered an exchange rate of EUR 1 = USD 1.05, significantly below the market rate. I declined, and we had to find an ATM and pay additional withdrawal fees.
These issues could have been avoided with proper communication and preparation before our arrival.
2. An old vehicle in poor condition
The safari vehicle was very old and in poor condition, with some features not working properly. Given the long driving hours and sometimes difficult road conditions, I expected a more reliable vehicle. The quality of the vehicle negatively affected the overall experience.
3. Inefficient organization and unnecessary time spent on transfers
Three different groups staying at three different hotels were placed in the same vehicle. As a result, we had to make several detours to pick up and drop off other travelers.
We had to wake up around 4 a.m., yet a considerable amount of time was spent on hotel transfers rather than on the safari itself. A more efficient allocation of travelers to vehicles could have reduced these unnecessary delays.
The itinerary was broadly followed, but the logistics were inefficient. The experience felt more like a mass-market operation focused on minimizing costs than a well-organized safari designed to make the most of the time available.
4. Very basic accommodation and additional expenses
The first hotel was rather average, while the second was more satisfactory.
We were also informed that we were expected to tip the driver USD 10 per day. This had not been clearly communicated to us in advance, so I had not budgeted for this additional expense.
Another issue was the water allowance: we were limited to one litre per person per day. Considering the long days, the heat, and the physical demands of a safari, I found this allowance insufficient.
5. Lack of transparency regarding park entrance fees and nationality-based discounts
This was one of my main concerns.
When arranging payment, I informed the agency manager that I was Tunisian. She checked the applicable rates for the Maasai Mara National Reserve and confirmed that different pricing categories existed, including rates for East African residents or citizens and other international visitors.
Later, during our visit to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its rhinos and flamingos, I received a call asking me to provide my passport. I was told that, as a Tunisian national, I was eligible for a USD 40 discount and that my nationality needed to be verified.
I had not been informed beforehand that such a discount might apply to me, nor had the agency clearly explained the applicable rates or whether my nationality had been taken into account when calculating the park fees.
I found this particularly disappointing. When an agency manages park entrance fees on behalf of its clients, it should clearly explain the applicable rates and verify eligibility for any relevant discounts before collecting payment.
6. Unnecessary complications with the airport transfer
When we asked to be dropped off at the airport, the driver initially said that it would not be possible or would be complicated. The transfer was eventually arranged, but once again, a relatively straightforward request became unnecessarily difficult.
Throughout the trip, we repeatedly encountered situations that could have been handled more efficiently with better planning and communication.
The agency offers a very low-cost safari, and the level of service reflects that positioning. However, my criticism is not simply about the lack of luxury. It concerns the inefficient organization, the time lost on transfers, the condition of the vehicle, the lack of advance information about additional expenses, and the lack of clarity regarding park fees and potential discounts.
I have experienced other safaris, so I understand that conditions can vary depending on the budget. I did not expect a luxury experience, but I did expect reliable transportation, clear information, reasonable logistics, and transparent pricing.
Unfortunately, the overall experience was disappointing. The itinerary was broadly respected, but the organization and service significantly reduced the quality of the trip.
My recommendation: Before booking, ask for written confirmation of the payment methods and exchange rate, the vehicle condition, the accommodation standards, the expected tips, the daily water allowance, the arrangements for collecting other travelers, and the park entrance fees applicable to your nationality.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly staff, but my safari days were changed and it turned the trip into a logistical mess
I booked a shared safari to meet other solo travelers with them, and I planned my hotels around specific safari days with more than a month in advance so the whole trip would run smoothly.
The agency changed my safari days and told me just 12 hrs before the first game drive, and that turned my tours into very long journeys. On one of the days we left before 4pm and I only reached my hotel at 9pm. I understand some guests signed up for the long journey, but I didn’t, and my plans were completely disrupted. I wish I had booked each tour separately, I had no idea that the agency wasn’t going to own up to the schedule they’ve send it.
Because of the distances and the difficulty organizing everything, the game drives took place during the hottest hours of the day, when most animals are asleep and hard to spot. If you book with them, keep this in mind and ask for confirmed dates and timings in writing.
The road from Ngorongoro is also very dangerous at night, and everyone in the vehicle was anxious at several points during the drive.
On the vehicles: the jeep on one of the game drives was quite old and the windows were very hard to open. The one in Tarangire was perfect and comfortable, so it’s a hit and miss.
The staff themselves were great and I have nothing to complain about there. My issue is with the planning and the schedule changes, not the people.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Late, rude and uncaring.
This company have nice vans, with wifi and equipped with ac and free water. But my recommendation stops there, they were 50 minutes late on pick up costing us time that will never comeback. During a 4h30 journey he had no plans for a washroom stop, we had to convince him that we needed to stop after asking a couple of times, so he decided to stop in an overcrowded mall and tell us to “explore and find the washroom yourselves”.
Coming back to the road once we finally manage our way into the reserve he wanted to leave us at the gate and have the lodge people to retrieve us from there, he called them multiple times almost screaming from his lungs while driving narrow roads after the gate, eventually they found each other in the middle of the savannah, we had to leave our van and switch over to our lodge trucks.
A nightmare, the only reason we had to travel with them was because MO Afrika had their service included, but if you reading this have another option… trust me go with the other option.
NZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A memorable safari, but disappointing guide behaviour
We spent seven days on safari in Tanzania with Safari Soles. The game drives were rewarding, and we were fortunate to see many incredible animals, including lions and leopards.
However, our experience with our driver-guide, Lucas, was let down by his attitude and communication.
On one morning, there was a misunderstanding about the breakfast and departure times. I had misunderstood the timing, and I acknowledge that this was a communication issue. However, when I greeted Lucas that morning, his immediate response was, “Why do you do this?” He then raised his voice at me in front of several camp staff, angrily insisting that he had already explained the schedule.
I found this behaviour inappropriate and unprofessional. I had no intention of delaying the departure, and I believe a simple, respectful explanation would have resolved the misunderstanding.
While Lucas did a good job spotting wildlife, a safari guide's role involves more than finding animals. Respectful communication and professional conduct are also important, particularly when guests are spending several days travelling with the same guide.
Unfortunately, this incident affected our overall experience.
KR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Grand Dream Dashed
Exploring the Serengeti is a rare opportunity—a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone. I am writing this review in the hope that no one else falls victim to the same experience I did.
The consultation with the Mountain Warriors staff was prompt and courteous. However, the guide they assigned to us was the problem. Now that the trip is over, I am more convinced than ever that the quality of the guide is the single most important factor in a safari tour. Let me be clear: the guide provided by Mountain Warriors was the absolute worst.
He caused trouble right from day one. He disregarded our itinerary; despite the fact that we had already paid for specific accommodations, he tried to take us to a completely different, unsuitable place. Even though we were in the middle of the savanna with a poor signal, I managed to contact the Mountain Warriors staff to challenge this. Yet, he insisted on taking us to that strange location anyway. It was only after we lodged a strong protest that he finally drove us to our originally scheduled accommodation.
On the second day, during our game drive in Central Serengeti, we failed to see a *single* predator—this in an area known for having the highest concentration of predators. It was a disaster. The guide did not use any radio communication equipment provided in the vehicle. He seemed unable to communicate with the other guides at all. He only interacted with other guides when they stopped a passing vehicle to ask for directions; in other words, he was completely unfamiliar with the geography of the Serengeti.
The worst incident occurred during a game drive in Ngorongoro. Using binoculars, I spotted a spot in the distance where a multitude of vehicles had created a traffic jam. I used my camera’s 100x zoom to capture the scene and showed it to him, saying, "Something is happening over there; let's go." He dismissed it, claiming, "They’re just looking at flamingos." I was dumbfounded. Would so many cars really gather just to see flamingos, which are abundant everywhere? It didn't take long to confirm I was right. After constantly seeing common animals like zebras and wildebeests, we happened to pass by "that spot." And what was happening there? A pride of lions had hunted an antelope and was feeding on the carcass! We had missed not only the hunt itself but also the precious moment of the mother lion feeding her cubs.
What more is there to say? The fact that the guide wasn't fluent in English wasn't even the main issue. The real problem was encountering such an unprofessional and negligent guide on what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime safari tour—one we had paid a hefty price for. This falls entirely on Mountain Warriors. Throughout the trip—which we had embarked on with such high expectations—we felt nothing but displeasure and disappointment; my wife even ended up crying in the vehicle.
I could never recommend this company. Even a refund wouldn't heal the hurt my family suffered.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
More focus on their interests, less focus on the client.
We booked a two-week Northern Circuit safari in Tanzania with Tanzanian Specialist in September 2026.
Our guide, Philip Onesmo, was exceptional. He went well beyond expectations and helped compensate for significant planning shortcomings. We specifically requested him based on strong recommendations from other travellers, and his skill substantially improved the trip.
In fairness, the operational side of the trip was handled smoothly, with no hiccups or significant issues. That is a point in the operator's favour.
But that's where it stops. The main issue was the choice of accommodation in the Northern Serengeti. We spent three nights there specifically for the annual migration river crossings, yet Tanzanian Specialist placed us at Angata Bologonja, approximately two hours from the known main crossing points. This cost us roughly four hours of potential viewing each day and undermined the entire reason for including that stop or spending three nights atvthe location. It was also an hour and a half pre-dawn drive to the site of our balloon safari. Angata was also selected for two other locations on our itinerary. Given the repeated use of the same brand, I was left with the impression that the operator's relationship with the property influenced these choices more than our interests did.
They also included Lake Manyara on the itinerary with two nights at Manyara Best View and Spa, which, to my understanding, is owned or operated by Tanzanian Specialist. As we learned subsequent to booking and paying for the trip a year earlier, wildlife viewing at Manyara has been drastically reduced following the floods in recent years, so this stop provided next to no value relative to its time and cost, and did little to serve the primary purpose of the safari.
An extra night at Ngorongoro Rim Lodge also seemed unnecessary. Rim accommodation is expensive, and in our experience one night would have been sufficient. The additional night appeared to support the operator's logistics more than to improve our experience.
When I raised these concerns with the company, I received a boilerplate response that did not address the specific points I had raised.
My advice to anyone planning a safari is to choose an operator that designs itineraries around the client's interests and clearly explains its itinerary and accommodation choices. You should not have to conduct extensive independent research simply to cross-check the operator's recommendations. That undermines the purpose of hiring a safari planner.
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.