Rose the consultant.
Safari Line Defender
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
DE
Email Peter | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
23 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking and Safari in Tanzania and Kenya
We had booked an 8 day Kilimanjaro trekking on the Lemosho route followed by a safari trip across Tanzania and Kenya. For the Kili part of our trip Safariline subcontracted to a local Tanzanian operator (Seven Wonders), who did an amazing job. All five members of our group made it to the summit, and we felt very well looked after throughout the entire experience. We also very much enjoyed the friendly and good natured atmosphere they created around us.
For the safari part we had asked Safariline for budget accommodation, so we could save a little money. They picked a variety of campsites, fixed-tent camps and hotels, which - with a single exception - were all quite good and allowed for an attractive price. I particularly enjoyed the Nyati Safari Camp at Amboseli which was very comfy and had a gorgeous view of mount Kilimanjaro.
Organization was generally good. Rose, the manager, was always easy to get in touch with and responded quickly to any questions or requests we had. There was a small hickup when they changed the schedule in Kenya without notifying us. (They only rearranged the order of things. Nothing was left out.) For a while that had me worried I might not catch my flight back home. It all went well in the end, but I could have done without the added suspense.
The heart of any safari is of course the game viewing. For us that was more than excellent, which to no small part was owed to our two drivers. They took us to all the major parks of the region. Both of them were highly skilled in the art of finding the best spots and then positioning the car in such a way that we would have the best possible view. The animal encounters we had far exceeded my expectations.
I would recommend Safariline to a friend any day.
Email Charles maina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible
Very reliable. We enjoyed our 3days safari. We are Kenyan and this is a wonderful company.
Email Pauline | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very responsive
We had the best trip. Communication was efficient. Very reliable. Our Driver James ensured we spotted almost every animal. We recommend safariline Defender Tours.
TD
Email Job Taylor | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent
In 13days we visited masai mara, lake Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli, Serengeti,ngorongoro ,manyara, Tarangire. Budget safari. Well coordinated, good communication from email to phone.
US
Email Jennifer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Warning to Potential Travelers: Avoid Safariline Defender at All Costs
Our experience with Safariline Defender and their driver, Moses, was not only horrible but also unsafe. I am writing this to warn future travelers about the serious concerns we faced during our tour.
During our trip, we had an alarming incident in the town of Nakuru when a guest from our group got lost. We immediately informed our driver, Moses, expecting assistance in a potentially urgent situation. To our shock, Moses refused to help in any way. When we contacted the company to report this unprofessional behavior, Moses lied to his employers to cover himself, and to our disbelief, the company chose to side with him over us, their paying clients.
Things escalated when Moses became confrontational and aggressive, towering over us in a threatening manner. We expressed to the company that we no longer felt safe in his presence and requested to be assigned a new driver. Initially, they complied and transferred us to a different car the following morning. However, by the afternoon, they forced us back into Moses' vehicle, threatening to cancel the remaining 7 days of our tour if we refused. Feeling unsafe and deeply uncomfortable, we decided it was best to terminate our tour early. Safariline Defender agreed to end the tour in Arusha and promised a refund for the unused portion of our trip.
We arranged the rest of our trip with Meru Tours, a wonderful company that graciously stepped in last minute. However, Safariline Defender's unprofessionalism didn’t end there. Upon returning home, we spent weeks chasing our promised $1,700 refund. They repeatedly assured us it was being processed, but a month later, the situation took a disturbing turn. Safariline Defender demanded that we sign a fabricated letter claiming we were at fault for the issues, threatening to withhold our refund unless we removed all negative reviews and agreed to their false narrative.
This entire experience was an absolute nightmare, and I urge anyone considering booking with Safariline Defender to reconsider. Here are additional issues we faced during our tour:
Disorganized Operations: The company mixes tourists from various groups, each with different itineraries and accommodations, leading to long hours of waiting as they shuttle people to different locations.
Last-Minute Accommodation Changes: Accommodations were often changed without notice, as they failed to book hotels or camps in advance. We were frequently placed in inferior accommodations after the ones we were supposed to stay in became overbooked.
Unsafe and Disrespectful Driving: Moses harassed wildlife, driving off-road where it was prohibited and disturbing animals with loud noises to get their attention. He also drove recklessly throughout the tour, prompting complaints from everyone in the vehicle.
Lack of Concern for Safety: Safariline Defender showed no regard for client safety, and their behavior was marked by intimidation, threats, and harassment—all to protect their reputation and profit at the expense of their customers' well-being.
One final note: you will see wildlife up close in these parks regardless of which tour company you choose. Do yourself a favor and book with a reputable, reliable operator. Safariline Defender is not worth the risk to your safety or your peace of mind.
Reply from Safari Line Defender
Posted on Nov 3, 2024
Dear Safari Line Defender Team,
We would like to offer an apology for the events that took place from August 28-31. We
understand that this had a high likelihood of damaging your Company good reputation
and character which we truly regret.
My wife and I were on our honeymoon and she became very upset after she felt that
the driver had disregarded her concerns and safety and would not assist her in finding
me • after she had been temporarily lost and thought that I was lost. We understand
that she
-went beyond the Company touring rules for not heeding our Guide's advise against her
own safety_no-one should take a detour within a tour itinerary.
I am very sorry that she responded by posting negative reviews prematurely which
created a difficult environment to address her concerns. The ensuing uncertainty and
back and forth exchanges related to terminating our Safari early and having to figure out
alternative plans was emotionally distressing for us again due to her uncalled for over•
reaction and disturbance over the whole group, and I am sincerely sorry if that
resulted
in interactions that negatively impacted the experience of other Safari customers.
As this has been a very difficult and stressful matter for all parties involved, I am
hoping to put this matter behind us. Please confirm that this letter is sufficient for Safari
Line Defender to complete our agreed refund of $1,700 for the cancellation of days 7-12
of our originally planned Safari and booking our own accommodation on the night of day
6.
We truly regret and apologize to your Company for the untimely and bad reviews and
for causing distress to other group travelers and formally request your acceptance of
our remorse.
Yours Sincerely,
Harrison Hsueh
Jennifer Hsueh
CA
Email Christine Paradis | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
First rate operations from start to finish for our 8 day Lemosho route climb of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Safari Line Defenders worked with Seven Wonders in Tanzania to provide an excellent service for our 8 day Lemosho route climb of Mt Kilimanjaro. We were a party of 5 including 3 people over the age of 65. They took on this challenge with no hesitation and ensured that all our needs were met in a safe, effective manner. Everyone, from our 3 professional guides, chef, porters and personal assistants, made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. On summit night we were surrounded by our 3 guides and 4 porters who paid attention to our every need as we progressed to the summit successfully. From assistance in carrying our packs when needed to singing rousing songs to inspire us and assisting with the difficult descent, I felt we had 100% support and attention. I would recommend this partnership to anyone considering the climb to the roof of Africa. And the food was top notch. Thank you Majura, Tony, Chris, Nathan and our wonderful group of porters!!
US
Email Mark Newman | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Top notch tour company with excellent communication!
Seven of us booked a two week safari with Safari Line Defender Tours. We started in Arusha and ended in Nairobi, visiting all the significant parks in northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. Our accommodations included a variety of tented camps and hotels. For the entire trip we were provided with sturdy Land Rovers and several guide-drivers, all of whom knew the best locations in each park for locating wildlife. By radio and phone the guides stayed in constant contact with the other guides in the parks so they knew immediately where to take us to see the most exciting sightings. This usually involved the big cats but also included the mass migration of wildebeest and other great wildlife scenes. Over the course of the two weeks there were really too many highlights to mention.
We spent a full year getting this trip organized and throughout that time I was in frequent email/WhatsApp contact with Rose Muthoni, the company co-founder. Her communication was always fast (within hours or less) and helpful. All details were easily attended to. Aside from wildlife viewing, the food was good and abundant throughout.
One detail to pay attention to when booking is to make certain that the maximum number of passengers in the Land Rover is seven and not eight so that every person gets a window seat.
From start to finish this safari was smooth sailing! I highly recommend this company for quality and competency.
CN
Email Jinglin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dependable and reliable
Great value for the trip. My flight got delayed and rose send a driver to wait for me to catch the others. My baggage was delayed to the day after, rose helped me out and got it with everything in. The drivers helped me got the daily goods on the way.
I ordered a 7day trip with a jeep. The jeep experience was great, the drivers are pretty experienced. The food is local and the camp is cool, way better than I expected.
QA
Email Mumtaz | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
One of the worst.
One of the worst safari companies in the world! I was shocked to see how unprofessional they are as I have never faced this in any other country.
As soon as they have your money they will start showing their true color.
No food on time, all cheap/damaged products and services, entire safari trip was planned wrongly- nobody can do a morning game drive in Nakuru, do 6hrs drive and then an evening game in Masaimara- it’s practically impossible!
The driver was not informed about the itinerary and sounded so lost, long wait to enter the parks as the tickets were not purchased prior, long wait in traffic as they don’t spend a few dollars to purchase express entry passes, literally for every single thing I had to message the so called MD, rose who would send a nasty reply.
Reply from Safari Line Defender
Posted on Aug 18, 2024Its now clear that you are upto no good and your review is malicious. Originally your itinerary was 13days Kenya and Tanzania Safari which you later changed to 6days because 13days was too much for the kids and this is understable.
As per your itinerary, your 1st day was from Nairobi - Amboseli and an evening gamedrive we honoured this.
2nd Day: Full day game drive in Amboseli ( this was honoured)
3rd Day: Left Amboseli for Nakuru ( We gave you a morning game drive before departing for Amboseli)
4th Day: Morning gamedrive in Nakuru before leaving for Mara ( we honoured this)
5th Day: Full day Game drive in Mara ( this was honoured)
6th Day: You had a morning gamedrive before leaving Mara for Nairobi. End of Safari
The flow of the program is per what is on our website. And we did not go againist our program.
On the 4th day, you complained about the vehicle and we sent another vehicle from Nairobi to Masai Mara. All our vehicles are well mentained and in good condition. There was no breakdown in all of your safari but we decided to change the vehicle for your sake.
When on safari, having lunch on time is not always possible, This might be caused by the unforeseen problems like traffic on the road.
On the last day, you sent as a picture of the traffic on the road asking why you were stuck and at which point it as not possible to join the express way. We cannot control whats happening on the road and always give priorities to those travellers who are going to the airport to use the express way.
Despite doing everything we could to make your safari exprience better, its was unrealistic to please you. We regret accepting you booking.
IT
Email Martha | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A breathtaking Kenya_Tanzania safari with safari line defender tours
My partner and I just returned from an extraordinary 13-day Kenya-Tanzania safari with Safariline Defender Tours, and it was an experience we'll never forget. As a couple seeking both adventure and relaxation, this trip exceeded all our expectations.
From the outset, Rose, our main point of contact, was instrumental in making this journey flawless. Her attention to detail, prompt communication, and deep knowledge of the region ensured that every aspect of our trip was perfectly planned and executed. Whether it was our specific requests or last-minute adjustments, Rose handled everything with grace and efficiency.
Our itinerary was nothing short of spectacular. We began our journey in the Masai Mara during the Great Migration, witnessing one of the most awe-inspiring natural events on the planet. From there, we ventured to the unique and rugged landscapes of Samburu, where we encountered wildlife that can’t be seen anywhere else. Amboseli was our next stop, where we were treated to breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and remarkable elephant sightings.
Crossing into Tanzania, we explored the endless plains of the Serengeti, where the wildlife encounters continued to amaze us. We also spent time at the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, a true wonder of the natural world. Each destination offered something unique, and the seamless transitions between them made the journey feel effortless.
The lodges and camps we stayed at were luxurious yet connected to nature, providing us with the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. The views were stunning, the service impeccable, and the entire experience was tailored to ensure we enjoyed both the thrill of the wild and the serenity of the landscapes.
For any couple looking to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime safari, I can't recommend Safariline Defender Tours enough. This Kenya-Tanzania adventure was everything we hoped for and more, thanks to Rose and Mwangi. We’ve returned home with memories that will last a lifetime.