Windsong Safaris

My advice: Avoid Windsong Safaris

I booked a women’s safari with Windsong Safaris, expecting a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Unfortunately, aspects of the trip did not meet my expectations, and I feel it’s important to share my experience so others can make an informed decision.

The trip was marketed as a premium, life-changing safari. However, I was surprised to learn that the owner Trish did not personally lead the trip, as I initially believed. I was informed two weeks before departure that the original group was no longer going, and as a result, Trish would not be attending due to economic reasons. This change left me feeling uncertain, as we were given limited local contacts and minimal details regarding transportation and accommodations. Communication was primarily through Facebook or calls to California, which was not always practical.

There were several logistical challenges that made parts of the trip stressful. Transportation between locations was long and difficult, and I was unsure who would be picking us up at times. The camps seemed unprepared for our arrival, and we were required to sign a liability waiver that had all our names on a single form. I later discovered that my signature had been added without my knowledge, which concerned me.

The itinerary did not align with what I had anticipated. The "women’s safari" was promoted as an experience centered around connection, culture, and personal growth. However, I felt that there was minimal cultural engagement or structured activities beyond the game drives. While the wildlife was incredible, I had hoped for more meaningful experiences, such as the opportunity to visit local villages to donate hygiene products—something I was initially told would be included but only happened because I repeatedly requested it.

Some group dynamics also posed challenges. Certain participants had medical conditions that led to difficult situations during the trip. One individual had a medical emergency related to a pre-existing condition, and another declined to take malaria medication due to personal beliefs. These situations, while beyond anyone’s control, created additional concerns about safety and preparedness.

There were also some discrepancies between what was promised and what was delivered. For example, I was told there would be WiFi at all camps, but in reality, it was only available in central areas that were not always accessible. I was also under the impression that four nights at a beach resort were included, but plans appeared to change. When I inquired about these issues, I felt the response was defensive rather than solution-oriented, which left me disappointed.

Overall, while I appreciated the opportunity to see Africa’s incredible wildlife, I personally would never book with this company again.