50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya Safari& Diani beach
I chose Josero Tours and Safari from Safari bookings. From the start, Josero team were very prompt in communicating 24/7, literally!! Henry and Judith did a fabulous job creating an itinerary making sure to accommodate our requests. The Director of the company, Joseph got involved from day 1 of my contacting this group. Since this is our first time visiting Kenya, across 1000s of miles, this gave us a lot of confidence to choose Josero! They were very prompt in answering all our questions and they greeted us at the airport and provided all the support like a family! Henry and Judith went over and beyond, took us around on the first day of our visit to Nairobi and made us comfortable.
We went to Masai Mara, lake Nakuru, Amboseli and Diani Beach and flew in and out of Nairobi. They had good network of people working with them at Diani beach and for the Safari. Three out of four hotels ( Mara Serena, Nakuru Sopa lodge and Diani Sea resort) we stayed were really wonderful, comfortable and provided vegetarian food! There were some minor issues due to miscommunication/ issues with the hotels which they promptly took care. As another reviewer has mentioned, Josero is rather new and they are learning along the way!! However, they were very prompt, professional and checking on us several times throughout our trip.
Any safari trip needs a good tour guide and I totally give a 5- star to Josero for providing an outstanding tour guide, Duncan Felix Ogongo. He was a great guide, providing interesting and valuable information about all the animals and Kenyan culture which made the Safari trip a safe, enjoyable and an excellent experience! He was a very safe driver and took personal care of our family during our trip. We discussed a lot and learned a lot from each other!
We were really treated well taken care by Josero. Overall, our Safari trip was a memorable and an excellent one, thanks to Josero tours and Safari for their seamless effort to make it happen. I will choose Josero travels and Safaris again when we visit Kenya next time! I recommend them to anyone looking for a tour operator in Kenya.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent operator
This was my 3rd time coming to East Africa for safaris. Out of all the trips, this was the best. We had high requirement in locations of stay, destinations, and photography. And Prince and Aenea were great in arranging all the details and finding us the right guide, Denis.
We spend 1 night in Ngorongoro highland, 1 in Seronera, 2 in Ndutu, 1 in Lake Natron. The safari was great and the cross country drive to Natron was impressive.
Denis is very experienced in filming, photography in East Africa. We were lucky enough to spot all big 5s in the first day of our safari. And he's also a walking map that remembers all little routes, with good driving skills that get us through the heavy rain on the 2nd day. His knowledge is exceptional, we were the first car to spot leopard and cheetah on our morning drives in Ndutu. Most importantly, he has a good level of respect to the eco-system and animals. He was able to influence the other younger drivers too.
Overall, great experience with the operator and our guide.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a superbly organized 3-day safari.
It was a superbly organized 3-day safari. Our guide and our cook were excellent. The food was great. We were well looked after and any allergies or physical conditions were taken care of.
We were in the Serengeti for the migration. Billions of animals, incredibly beautiful. You could stay there for hours and just watch. Our guide Samuel provided information about every animal and, on request, also searched for animals (and usually found them). He is one of the more cautious guides who does not disturb the animals. I personally liked that. Sometimes, however, you wanted to get a little closer or stay longer. The nights in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro were exciting, a little more so in the Serengeti. Here there were hyenas and lions at and in the camp. Nevertheless, we slept wonderfully, as getting up early, keeping watch and the fresh air made us tired.
Unfortunately, the last day in Ngorongoro was a little too short. We were under some time pressure due to our companions' connecting flight. Nevertheless, we saw many animals and the crater is beautiful.
Final summary:
Very nice safari, unfortunately too short but good for a first impression. The camps are “public,” i.e., “normal” tents and buildings. Mattresses, blankets, and pillows are provided. Tip: You could skip the lunch break with a packed lunch. Then you could see more animals during your visit or relax more in the park, as it takes a lot of time. Some of the information about the animals seems a little “worn out”; that could be improved. Otherwise, there's nothing much to complain about.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A safari in Tanzania with Travel Wise Safari : a once-in-a-lifetime-experience
We got the contact of Travel Wise Safari from friends of ours, who had done the same safari as we did and were very happy with the organization of their tour. This was a really good recommendation, because we couldn’t be happier!!
Goodluck immediately took care of organising the trip as if it were his own. He was always kind and helpful, ready to respond to any request, and always found the perfect solution for us. Even during our safari, he was always available and keen to know that everything was meeting our expectations and desires.
We chose the 4-day-Tanzania Safari – Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro with Frankie as our guide. Frankie proved to be an extraordinary driver along the challenging routes of the parks and did whatever he could to give us the most spectacular view of even the rarest animals. It was amazing, unforgettable!
For most people, a safari in the beautiful national parks of Tanzania is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: we sincerely recommend it to be with Travel Wise Safari!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very knowledgeable
We actually had no idea what we were missing,,until we saw Tanaka by the hotel @N1 and he got us on a package for sunset cruise, GameDrive and a Boma experience.
The ultimate unplanned experience that we enjoyed the most on our vacation
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Safari and Beach Experience
We had a true dream holiday with Reef & Beach. At the end of October/beginning of November, we spent two wonderful weeks in Tanzania and on Zanzibar. Zanzibar feels like stepping into a travel magazine — the sea is incredibly beautiful and the climate is perfect.
Tanzania breathes calm and simplicity. Hakuna matata (no worries) and pole pole (take it easy) are words you hear everywhere, and that is exactly how we experienced this journey. During this vacation, we learned to slow down and to enjoy even more the beauty of nature, the unconditional kindness of the people in the hotels, and the unique overnight stays in the bush.
The safari through Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater is a memory we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Our guide during the game drives, Fabian, was worth his weight in gold. With his knowledge, expertise and patience, he shared the true beauty of Tanzania with us.
Before and after the safari, we stayed in Jambiani on Zanzibar. Jambiani is located relatively far from Zanzibar Town, which means you cannot easily go back and forth (approximately 1.5–2 hours one way). We booked two excursions through the resort (Stone Town, Spice Farm and Prison Island, as well as a visit to sea turtles, swimming with dolphins and snorkeling). These trips were organized from start to finish, which made them very easy and comfortable. On the other hand, there was little free time to explore Stone Town independently.
Our stay at the resort was excellent. The food was tasty and varied, with a choice of restaurants (the main restaurant, Italian and Indian). I have no suggestions for improvement or criticism — everything that was within their control was very well organized.
PT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible and unforgettable.
After much research, we decided to choose The Soul Of Tanzania and we were very happy with it.
The trip was very well organized by Marta, whom I commend here, and exceeded our expectations (Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngonrongoro).
We were always well supported from afar and always received feedback whenever we had any questions.
It was quite an adventure! Incredible and unforgettable.
Our driver/guide on the Safari, Maleo (simply the best!), was unbeatable in satisfying our wishes. With a unique sense of humor and contagious joy, the adventure couldn't have been better.
If you want to venture out and go to Tanzania, I recommend this company for its professionalism, honesty and seriousness, and unwavering principles and values.
Thank you to the whole team.
Friendly & helpful
Very friendly & helpful service from the driver gave us clear instructions of when we would be stopping & for how long at the beginning of the journey & at each stop
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Savanna Safaris: a second trip marred by chaos and lack of support
We entrusted Savanna Safaris for a second trip, expecting the same standards as before. Instead, we encountered three major issues: serious organizational failures, a complete absence of support during an emergency, and poorly planned logistics. These failures compromised our entire journey.
Although our first experience with Savanna Safaris had been mostly positive, this second trip, lasting only 8 days, left us deeply disappointed and disillusioned.
SAFETY: Non-existent emergency response
On the final morning, we left camp early to reach Maun Airport. After just 30 minutes, we got a flat tire—only to discover that the vehicle had no tools to replace it. We stopped every passing vehicle, but none could help: our wheels had different bolt sizes.
It became immediately clear that Savanna Safaris had no emergency plan. They rely solely on cell phones and car radios. If there’s no signal, you’re simply left to your fate.
We called Emmelyn and Fred (owners of the agency) multiple times, with the calls connecting but never answered. We also used a satellite device with text capabilities (Garmin), widely reliable in Botswana, to send messages. No response.
How can a tour operator be unreachable when clients are in danger?
The contract clearly states that “Savanna Safaris shall monitor the entire operation from arrival to departure and liaise with lodges/charters in case of any delays/emergencies.” This promise was completely ignored.
The driver had no “plan B.” With more than three hours of road ahead and an international flight looming, we were in a state of panic. Eventually, we had to ask other tourists for help and pay extra for a ride to the airport.
We received no assistance or follow-up from Savanna Safaris, even at the airport. Once home, our messages to Emmelyn went unanswered as well.
LOGISTICS: Poor planning, misleading information
We had specifically asked Emmelyn to suggest the best areas for photo safaris. However, she booked us 4 nights at Black Pools (Moremi) and only 3 at Khwai. This created two major grievances: the decision seemed unbalanced and made without explanation, and it did not align with our request.
Black Pools is a remote, isolated area, far from other camps, with limited routes and very little wildlife. You drive the same track every day, seeing the same few animals. We left Khwai at 6:30 am and arrived at Black Pools at 8:30 pm—an exhausting transfer. Upon arrival, the zone was flooded; no other vehicles in sight; no guides reachable by radio; no phone coverage.
With the main road flooded, we became lost in the bush at night. This lack of planning is unacceptable for a professional agency.
We finally reached camp only with the help of staff from another camp over an hour away.
The site turned out to be abandoned and unsuitable for a photographic safari.
The agency never specified that the destination would be Black Pools; the contract referred only to “Private Camping in Moremi.” We were not warned that the transfer would take all day. We later discovered that excellent safari areas were easily accessible from Khwai. Our main grievances are a lack of transparency about the destination, misleading transfer information, and missed opportunities to choose better safari locations, all of which result in stress, lost time, and wasted money.
AFTER THE TRIP: SILENCE
Despite several attempts, Emmelyn never replied to our messages after the trip.
CAMP STAFF: Excellent!
In sharp contrast to the management, the tented camp team was outstanding professionals, kind, helpful, and prepared.
A big thank you to Edna (always impeccable tents, hot water ready), KG (our brilliant chef), Tandy (our attentive waiter), and Nico (an expert driver with eagle eyes).
FINAL THOUGHT
There are great safari companies in Botswana that prioritize client care and safety. Our core grievances with Savanna Safaris are organizational failure, lack of emergency support, and misleading logistics. Sadly, they no longer demonstrate responsibility or transparency.
If you’re looking for a responsible and transparent operator, look elsewhere.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome bespoke tour operator who really listened to us as their customer
Bridgids Africa Adventures organised the best family holiday for us over the Christmas vacation period.
They listened to our needs, made adjustments to the itinerary so we could focus on maximising our chance to see rhinos as well as all of the other fantastic animals, plus some relaxation at Diani Beach after all of the early starts.
Their fantastic staff go above and beyond to exceed expectations:
- Benard was very responsive from the first communication, regular communications in the weeks leading up to our trip, excellent communication whilst we were on our trip (including contact details and timings for all taxis, pick ups, plus arranging a final game drive in Nairobi with very little notice etc.) as well as meeting us on arrival in the country and on our final game drive in Nairobi. 5/5
- Thomas was the BEST tour guide. He was so knowledgeable, personable and made our trip never to be forgotten. 10/5!!
- Jared the CEO even phoned us to ask for our feedback at the end of the trip; he wants to ensure all their clients have had the best holiday.
Our tour started with an international flight to Nairobi, afternoon game drive in Ol Pejeta (highlight was seeing so many black and white rhinos including meeting Baraka the blind black rhino), afternoon and morning game drive in Lake Nakuru (highlights included seeing a tower of giraffes walking in front of and eating next to the jeep, a lioness next to the road and the flamingos and pelicans on the lake), several game drives in the Masai Mara (highlights included seeing 9 lion cubs with their mothers, hippos in the Mara River, a herd of elephants walking over the savannah right past us, hundreds of cape buffalo walking down the hill towards us, seeing a cheetah walking in the sun and having a picnic watched by a Maribou stork) and not forgetting an early morning balloon ride over the Mara. We then flew directly from Keekorok Airstrip in the Masai Mara on Mombasa Air Safari to Diani Beach for 4 nights at a luxury beach hotel. On our final day we finished with a visit the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi and a final game drive in Nairobi National Park (where the highlight was being yards away from a baby rhino and his mum).
We would not hesitate to recommend them as a tour operator if you are looking to book a safari in East Africa.
