The review below is the personal opinion of Andrea and not that of SafariBookings.
Trip of a lifetime turned into big disappointment because of this tour operator.
Our recent 10-day Safari and Zanzibar trip with Shengena Adventures, managed by Mike, was a major disappointment. While we did see the Big Five, several issues severely marred the experience:
Poor Communication:
There were significant communication breakdowns between the tour manager and our guide. On two separate occasions, we were left waiting for hours due to miscommunication, wasting valuable game drive time.
Substandard Vehicle:
The jeep provided was in terrible condition, lacking air conditioning, with frequent breakdowns, and was extremely uncomfortable due to bad suspensions. By the end of the safari, the dashboard was falling apart, making the experience unpleasant.
Mismanaged Transfers:
Our transfer to Zanzibar was poorly planned, leaving us wasting an entire day at a hotel instead of enjoying the beach due to a late flight booking.
Failed Engagement Surprise:
I had arranged a special bush lunch for my engagement, but it was a disaster. What was promised—a beautiful setup with champagne—turned out to be a cheap, poorly executed setup with alcohol-free grape juice. Despite paying extra, the experience was far below expectations, though I eventually received a refund after several complaints. See photo comparison on what was promised and what we received.
Overall, Shengena Adventures failed to deliver the quality experience we paid for. I wouldn’t recommend this company to anyone, as there are many other options that would likely offer a better experience.