US
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.
IE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Thomas was fantastic, I'll be back with my family.
Great tour. Thomas is a real pro, he has a great way with people. Many thanks!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience
We had an amazing time, we had 5 days budget safari. The food was good( i can say the chef spoiled us) and also we had an amazing time with our driver Agustino. We managed to see the big five and we also had a "disco" night, everybody from jeep including Agustino. I will always remember this safari.
Thanks
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
"Great Kenya safari with Trav-Interactive! Excellent driver, superb stay, and David was very helpful
I had an amazing Kenya safari with Trav-Interactive, visiting Amboselli, Naivasha, Nakuru, Hell's Gate, and Masai Mara. The driver was professional, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip, while the accommodations were superb. Special thanks to David, who was incredibly cooperative and always in communication, making sure we were comfortable during the drives. His attentiveness made the experience even better. Trav-Interactive’s attention to detail and excellent customer service exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them to anyone planning a safari in Kenya—it was truly an unforgettable adventure!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very Professional
Very reliable , always on time. Excellent knowledge of the Country and very safe driving.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Safari Experience in Tanzania
In two days, we saw and identified 32 different types of animals. Our eagle eyed guide Micheal was the best part of the trip, he never missed an animal laying in the bush, he flipped through his bird book to give us all of the information to the questions we asked, but most importantly he got us halfway across Tanzania and back safely. Compared to the other drivers on the road, Michael was calm, cool, collected, and extremely safe and professional. We have spent a total of 10 days in the country and we have never had better food than with Suricata. We are so glad that we got to join a group of fellow travelers to enjoy the Safari with! Met some great people! Also, last minute we were informed that we got upgraded from tent camping to a double room with a shower, for no charge, because it rained the morning prior. After just hiking Kilimanjaro for 6 days, without beds and showers, we were extremely Grateful. Our briefing with Dennis and our Debriefing with Daniel were both very informative and professional. Both of them brought smiles to our faces and made us feel safe and welcome. If you’re coming to Tanzania for Safari, do not use any other company!!!!!
SI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well done
The tour was excelent from communication at start, payments and tour itself. Tourguide was kind and helpful. The stay at Mikumi was excelent as well.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
producer of our excellent safari
We had a great 4 days on safari. The accommodation facilities turned out to be much better than we expected from a mid range tour. Every person was great. Starting from the nurse Emanuel and the guide driver, ending with the porters in the lodges. We booked a shared tour, there were only 4 tourists in the car and it was great! My recommendation - don't hesitate to ask Emanuel about the accommodations and parks if you're going for the first time - the information will be much more accurate than what is written on the Internet. Asante sana
IM
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
highly recommend suricata safaris
I would recommend Suricata Safaris 100%. From communication to value and experience I would rate these guys 5 stars! Our first safari experience and we loved it. Daniel was very helpful organising the airport transfers and welcoming us at the hotel on our first night. Lewis our driver was very knowledgeable and REALLY got us in to the right place right time at all of the parks. We managed to see the big 5! ♥️ Godfrey was our driver for Lake Manyara and what a lovely guy!
Many thanks to all of the team at Suricata Safaris!
We will be back again! ♥️
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Lovely Short trip!
I was able to get a spare time for few days in Ethiopia since I came for business, but thanks to my friend's recommendation I contact with Ethio Backpacker Tours and they provided an excellent city tour in Addis Ababa. I visit the important places such as national museum, entoto park and big market merkato. Thanks for the excellent hospitalities!