50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Magnificent team
This is a very devoted, knowledgeable and fun team. I really learnt alot during the visit from them. They have vast knowlege of every area we visited. Very careful drivers. Time keepers. I did not believe that they were at my hotel at 6.00am as agreed waiting for my team. Viva team Giz Masaai Safaris
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Strong Safari Guides, Very Disappointing Hotel Experience
Our experience with Shinzelle Safaris started very strong. We booked a 4-Day Kruger, Canyon & Boat Tour through them at what was described as a “Luxury Safari Hotel.” The itinerary was beautifully designed and was the main reason we chose this operator over others. Unfortunately, parts of the experience did not consistently meet the expectations we had.
Several communications were sent shortly before activities and contained multiple typographical errors, which made us feel uncertain about details. As this was my first safari, I would have appreciated clearer and more detailed communication in advance. Our package included dinner with a limit of R395 per person, but this detail was not clearly explained to us in advance, and we only became aware of certain limitations during the trip. Drinks, including water, were not included, which we discovered when we received the bill. Clearer communication about meal inclusions and limits from Shinzelle would have helped set expectations and avoided confusion. When we raised concerns about our hotel issues during the trip, Shinzelle did respond and assisted, which we appreciated at the time.
Most of our disappointment related to our stay at the Radisson Safari Hotel. In our experience, the property did not match what we personally consider a “luxury” standard. We were placed in a small ground-floor room at the back of the property. The accommodation photos shown in the itinerary did not reflect the type of room we received at all (nor were room categories ever mentioned or upgrades offered). The room itself would not have been an issue for us had it been clean and had we not experienced the other problems.
The floors in our room were so dirty that our clean socks turned black shortly after walking around the room. We had to raise this concern four separate times before it was properly addressed. We also noticed what appeared to be mold or dirt (gross looking either way) in and around the shower area, which we also pointed out to them, and despite requesting extra towels more than once, we did not receive them during our stay. Additionally, after using the pool, there was dark residue on my skin after touching the pool edges, which made me concerned about the pool’s cleanliness. Overall, we felt there were major management and service consistency issues at the hotel during our stay.
We had dinner at the hotel restaurants each evening and felt that there was major room for improvement on the service side. On one occasion, we asked for dessert multiple times before receiving it, and twice we were served incorrect items. The food quality varied from meal to meal. We did find the Pegasus restaurant to be better than the main restaurant. Again, nothing to drink was included in the bill and had to be paid for separately.
While many of the issues occurred at the hotel itself, our contract and booking were with Shinzelle Safaris. We raised our concerns during and after the stay and requested a partial refund specifically for the hotel portion due to the cleanliness and service issues described above. I followed up multiple times by message. After initial responses, communication stopped and we did not receive further replies regarding our request. From our perspective, the matter was not resolved and we did not feel our concerns were meaningfully addressed.
On a more positive note, the safaris themselves were excellent. Our first evening game drive was phenomenal. Our guide, Shane from MyAfrica, was outstanding. He actively tracked animals, positioned the vehicle carefully, and made a clear effort to give us the best possible sightings. We were fortunate to see four of the Big Five, including a leopard at close range.
Our full-day Kruger Safari with Jeffery from Shinzelle was also wonderful. He was knowledgeable and shared valuable insight about the park and wildlife. We also joined a half-day Panorama Route tour. In our personal opinion, this portion involved a lot of driving, and for us the highlight was Blyde River Canyon Reserve. We probably would not do this day if we were to book again. Our final morning private reserve safari with Tasmin again from MyAfrica, who did an overall excellent job, was another excellent experience, where we saw four of the Big Five, including an entire pride of lions.
In summary, the safari guides and game drives were the highlight of our trip and truly memorable. If we had not experienced the hotel issues, it would have been an otherwise great trip. However, the accommodation problems, communication issues, and our feeling that our concerns were not acknowledged or properly followed up on left us disappointed with our overall experience. We understand these things happen, but it is in my opinion, they should have done more to better address the situation. Afterall their website states: "We pride ourselves on our dedication to guest experience and service excellence. Your comfort, safety, and enjoyment are our top priorities, and we go above and beyond to make your journey seamless and unforgettable."
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredibly skilled driver. With over 20 years of experience, his driving and guide is excellent.
My guide Robby is an incredibly skilled driver. The second he hears something interesting over the radio, he’s there right away. He’s a perfectionist—he wanted to make sure you don’t miss anything.
With over 20 years of experience, his driving is so good he can get the vehicle right up close to the animals for photos, and he’ll find several angles to take pictures for you. Along the way, he introduced a lot in detail, such as
Maasai people and animals live in the conservations, but the national parks are completely uninhabited; the differences between cheetahs and leopards—their patterns, weight, behavior and so on. And he checked the vehicle condition constantly and assisted other drivers in our way.
Overall, he is excellent.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Kenyan safari was absolutely amazing thanks to Hyrax Safaris!
My husband and I enjoyed our first-ever African safari recently and had an incredible time. Hyrax Safaris planned such a perfect itinerary and we were able to see a variety of interesting places throughout Kenya. Our tour guide Sammy was fantastic, and on the game drives he expertly explained a lot about the various animals we were seeing. We loved seeing elephants crossing a river, a pride of lions resting in the shade, very rare white and black rhinos walking across a field, hippos floating in a river, giraffes grazing in tall trees, zebras crossing our path and much, much more! We not only saw animals from the safari vehicle, we also took a boat ride, biked and hiked at Hell’s Gate national park and saw where both “Out of Africa” and parts of the “Lion King” were filmed. The tour included opportunities for shopping from local craftspeople and we really enjoyed getting unique souvenirs to take home. Since the items do not have prices, we learned that the locals expected us to negotiate which was difficult at first because we were not used to shopping this way in the US. However, by the end of our stay we were more comfortable with the process.
The amount of things we saw and did was just incredible and we were so impressed with both our guide Sammy and Hyrax Safaris for planning such an enriching tour. We hope to return someday and if we do, we will definitely call Hyrax Safaris to plan our next adventure!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good itinerary with competitive price and awesome guide. Terrible vehicle
Fredy was very helpful in putting together a good itinerary with requested hotels . Price was competitive and cheaper by a couple of hundred dollars . We stayed at the Elewana in Serengeti , Niyakani migration camp Ndutu and Melia in Ngorongo. Fredy however left and our trip was assigned to someone else who was not as responsive . Did not send flight tickets until requested on morning of transfer. Did not know that return transfer to airport was included until I sent a screen shot of the itinerary . Did honor it though
We had an amazing guide Festo who knew his way around the Serengeti and was great at spotting animals. 5 stars for a great guide
However vehicle was terrible. WiFi did not work. AC did not work which made for a terrible 2 days in the Ngorongo conservation area. Seats were shabby and the ride was uncomfortable. I discussed with other travelers in the lodges and looked at other companies vehicles which were in much better shape. In retrospect would have paid more for a comfortable ride . 2 out of 4 binoculars did not work and had broken lenses and the binoculars were dirty
Would recommend booking with them if they can promise a better vehicle. I am glad we did a fly in and drive back safari otherwise would have been terrible or maybe if we had started in this vehicle in Arusha we would have insisted on a change. We landed on Seronera and discovered this vehicle
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great value for money tour.
After searching for tours on the internet, I booked a 4 day tour witch Davs Safari from the UK before coming to Uganda. Communicating by whatsap and email. I was met by my Guide (Julias) in Jinja and set off on a 4 day tour. Due to my location the transfer on the 1st day was very long, this wasn’t a problem as I was able to take in so much of the local community and experience real local life. Julia’s pointed out a fare bit of knowledgeable attractions and assisted with any of my requests. Be prepared for a bumpy ride at times (Ugandan massage) id suggest that older or more disabled travellers request comfortable transport whilst booking your trip as some roads are not as smooth as others, don’t feel intimidated not to ask the guide to slow down or speed up. Meal plans throughout were catered for and were of good standard and variety, all I had to pay for were my drinks, after reading the contract back I should have only had to pay for alcoholic drinks so make sure you confirm this from the start. I was impressed by all the lodges booked bar one which didn’t seem to have a lot on the menu for breakfast and dinner. All staff were friendly and helpful no matter where I went, there’s a lot of security around so safety wasn’t an issue. Be sure to understand the currency and best to use local shillings UGX or Visa pay (we know it as contactless or card payment) I wasn’t hassled to tip staff at locations, I used discretion and gave as necessary which was really appreciated by the staff. Pack light get all the equipment you need for hiking and get yourself fit for an enjoyable experience. Even those with disabilities can hike on certain tours as the local staff will arrange for assistance at a cost. The tours were impressive and I got what I paid for, my only disappointment was that I didn’t get to see a full grown silver back Gorilla like I wanted too, however I didn’t get to see and get close to a family of Gorillas and take some memorable photos. If at all your itinerary has to change in any way discuss this with your guide and then his/hers supervisor, something is always workable. I must again say that my guide was superb all the way, honest reliable and willing to address any issue. The tour itself was good value for money and definitely worth the money I spent.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
We had an amazing Safari! Our guide Christian was awesome, and we really enjoyed our time with him. He is funny, friendly, and has an amazing ability to spot animals. On our four day safari we saw all of the big five thanks to Christian! We definitely recommend Safari Soles, and we especially recommend Christian as the best guide we could have asked for!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya safari is everything and more!
We just completed our 6 day Kenyan safari and had the most amazing experience with Afrikan Accent Adventures! If you are looking for professionalism and passion at a good value, this is the company to use!
Touring the country of Kenya was unique. The people, food, culture and wildlife was fantastic! The tourist industry here is very welcoming and since English is the main tourist spoken language, it made it very easy to communicate. Lodging quarters and staff are top notch and so friendly and kind! We always felt safe.
Before we did our safari, we thought it would be a one off bucket list trip, but after this experience, there is no doubt we will return!!! Do not hesitate to book your safari with Afrikan Accent Adventures, you will be in the best of hands and will experience a wonderful safari! Kenya safari is everything and more,
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Was lovely, we would do it again!
Was amazing, we would definitely do it again!
The accommodation, food and people were lovely
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A++
SET did an excellent job of organizing a trip catered to what I was looking for, plus they added a few of their suggestions. I can't say enough good things about my guide, Philimon. At every moment, he was on top of what we were doing and had everything in order. He was extremely knowledgeable about culture, history, animals, and geology, and he spoke perfect English. I strongly recommend SimienEcoTours!
