20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best tour organizer you can have
We booked with Madagascar Natural Tours after deliberating and speaking to a few more operators. Absolutely made the best choice possible! We had a very well organized tour, complete flexibility on the schedule, great guides and drivers, amazing availability and truly the best there is! Go for it!
CL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable Uganda experience – Gorillas, Shoebills, and 5-Star Guiding!
We had a fantastic experience traveling through Uganda. The undisputed highlight was trekking to see the mountain gorillas, followed closely by spotting the shoebill stork, but we also saw chimpanzees and the golden monkeys.
A massive thank you to our guides, Sam and Davis. Their support began well before we even arrived in Uganda; they helped us prepare by offering great advice on what clothing to pack and patiently answered every minor doubt we had. Throughout the trip, they were super helpful, attentive, and genuinely invested in making sure everything ran smoothly.
Likyadi Adventures took care of every detail so we could make the absolute most of the experience. We highly recommend booking with them!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable
We had an incredible safari trip covering both Kenya and Tanzania in July, and the tour was very well organized. We really appreciated all the arrangements and support throughout the trip.
It was an absolute highlight to witness the great migration and see all the animals we had hoped to see! We also want to give a special thanks to all of our safari drivers for their knowledge, patience, and dedication. They made our game drives such an enjoyable experience.
We especially want to thank Moses, our airport pickup driver, who went out of his way to drive a very long distance to bring our delayed luggage to us. We really appreciated his kindness and extra effort.
Budget
This is advertised as a budget tour, and I completely understood that meant basic accommodations, shared transportation, long driving days, and fewer luxuries. Unfortunately, my issue was not that this was a budget safari it was the poor organization, inconsistent communication, and the difference between what we were told and what actually happened.
The itinerary states that transportation is by 4x4 safari vehicle, but this was not consistently what we received. On Day 5, we were given multiple different explanations about what vehicle we would be using and when we would transfer to another jeep. We were initially told we would switch to a new jeep at our lunch stop. Instead, we were abruptly put into two small cars.
Day 5 is essentially a full transfer day, so I completely understand that a significant amount of driving is involved. We were told the day prior that our jeep would be picking us up from the hotel. That then changed to a van picking us up and taking us to the next city to meet our jeep. Ultimately, seven of us were crammed into a small van for approximately two hours, which was extremely uncomfortable. We then ended up sitting at a gas station waiting for a jeep to arrive without a clear ETA. When I contacted the company, I was told that they had a jeep waiting for us, which did not reflect what was actually happening.
A long transfer day is completely understandable on a budget safari. Being given conflicting information, spending two hours in an extremely uncomfortable vehicle, and then sitting at a gas station indefinitely waiting for another vehicle is not. That is not simply a normal compromise of joining a budget group tour.
The company also explained that regular cars are used for Hell’s Gate because it is not primarily an animal-viewing destination. That makes sense operationally, but this was not explained in the itinerary, which led us to expect the transportation described there. If different vehicles are routinely used on certain days, that should simply be disclosed before booking.
There was also an uncomfortable issue regarding seating in the safari vehicle. Because this is a group joining safari with guests booking through different companies, I expected seating—particularly the preferred front seats—to be handled fairly among the group. Instead, two guests apparently made a private request through their booking company to sit in the front. This was never communicated to the rest of the group. When we selected seats ourselves, the guide instructed those guests to move our belongings so they could take the front seats, rather than explaining the situation to us directly beforehand.
This created a completely unnecessary conflict between guests that could have been avoided with basic communication and clearer management from the guide. On a shared joining safari, one company’s guests should not unexpectedly receive priority seating simply because they made a private request that the rest of the vehicle was never informed about. If specific seats are guaranteed or reserved, that should be disclosed to everyone. Otherwise, the guide should ensure that desirable seats are rotated fairly throughout the safari so that all paying guests have an opportunity to use them. Guests should not be left to negotiate or argue over seating arrangements themselves.
The disorganization went beyond transportation and seating. On one occasion, we did not receive a start time until well after 9 a.m. We also had a late start for the approximately six-hour drive to Amboseli because a guide was apparently not available. Optional activities also ended up costing more once we arrived than the prices we had been given beforehand. When I asked about this, Peter explained that the local communities set the prices. Travelers should therefore be aware that an activity advertised at one price may cost substantially more upon arrival—for example, a bike ride listed at $15 ended up costing $30, and the bicycle itself was in very poor condition.
Overall, the wildlife and destinations themselves were incredible, but Pavilion Safaris was consistently disorganized and communication was poor. Plans changed repeatedly, we were told different things by different people, and at times it felt as though arrangements were being figured out as we went rather than there being a clear plan. When I address this issue to Peter, he made multiple attempts to flip it back onto me. Our first safari vehicle was in poor condition and missing seat belts which he in return blamed on me for not telling him.
I understand that this is a budget safari, and I did not expect luxury. My complaints are not about the normal compromises that come with budget travel. They are about organization, transparency, communication, and fair management of a shared group experience. A budget tour can still provide guests with accurate information, clear expectations, and an organized experience.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Company for Our Kenya & Tanzania Safari-highly recommend them!
I highly recommend SVAI Luxe Escapes. We just got back from our safari in Kenya & Tanzania and we had a fantastic trip. All of the accommodations that they arranged for us were amazing and beautiful. The people at all of the camps and lodges were super friendly. We appreciated their team staying in contact with us throughout the trip letting us know about who our guides will be, our transfer contacts, checking in on us, etc. We also appreciated that they provided our friend with a great celebration for her birthday. Their team did a phenomenal job. Everything went very smoothly and according to plan. We loved our guides in Kenya & Tanzania. They all did a great job and were always making sure that we were well taken care of. It really helped make the trip that much more memorable.
I’m very happy that I chose this company to tour with. I had done a lot of research to find the right company and emailed their references ahead of time. I didn’t know anything about them prior to this and I’m so pleased (and so is my husband and our friends) that we decided to go with SVAI. The team is amazing, the guides they have are very knowledgeable and amazing, the accommodations are 5-star. I can’t say enough.
THANK YOU!!!!! They made our African safari a very positive and memorable experience. I definitely recommend this company to anyone else that is planning to go on safari.
They definitely made our trip a wonderful experience and I would go with them again in the future.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the best tour operators!
We were lucky enough to get a private tour through Chobe NP with Leon himself. He was a wealth of knowledge as well as being the absolute nicest guy. Communication via prior to the tour was a bit spotty due to him being on safaris and limited internet but everything was clear and easy to sort out. Value for money was excellent. One of our favourite tours of our whole 3 week Southern African experience. Will definitely be back and do an extended camping trip next time!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rose planned the perfect itinerary.
We just came back from our first Safari and Rose planned an unbelievable trip. We went to Tanzania and visited Serengeti, Ruaha , Nyerere and Zanzibar. It was nice seeing the different parks and each of our accommodations were just incredible.
We all had an amazing time and Rose planned every detail perfectly. I will definitely be telling my friends to contact Rose if they want to plan a safari.
Now I understand why people go on multiple safaris and I hope to be able to plan another Safari with Rose in the near future.
NZ
The most organized , safest tour operator we could have ever entrusted our trip of a lifetime with
We engaged Avant Africa , to take care of 4 weeks of accommodations , shuttles and some excusions while attending the The Greatest Rivalry rugby tour . On quote presentation we actually undertook a private spreadsheet costings via Booking .com etc , and found Avant to actually be cheaper to organize and take all the hassle, security out of it .
All accommodations were spot on position and quality wise , thereafter we had a well documented itinerary to follow alongside , connectivity with Justin (Avant representee) anywhere we had concerns .
Well some 24 shuttle trips later where not one was late , and as clean and well presented as you'd expect , and a month of accommodations , wine regions, Soweto tours , balloon safaris later I can conclude and warmly advise that this company is a 100 % provider of what they offer .
We are thankful of the wonderful stressless , safe trip enjoyed by all 6 of us , Thank you Avant
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great, highly recommended
Our guide was really responsible, kept an eye on us the whole time, and showed us lots of animals - we even saw a rhino.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible value for money and outstanding hospitality in the heart of Khwai
We had an exceptional safari that offered incredible value for money. Here is why we loved it
The Guide: Highly experienced, helping us spot a fantastic variety of animals
The Food: Top-tier meals that exceeded our expectations.
The Tents: Delivered a proper, authentic safari vibe.
The Hospitality: Incredible service from a warm and welcoming team.
An unforgettable experience from start to finish!