CO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good safari experience, but unacceptable handling of the final day
I took some time before writing this review because I was hoping to receive a logical explanation and, above all, an apology from Meektrails for what happened on the final day of our safari.
We booked a private 12-day safari through Kenya and Tanzania, starting in Nairobi and ending in Arusha. Overall, most of the safari was a very good experience.
Our guide in Kenya, Ben, was excellent: professional, responsible, friendly, and always willing to do his best to give us the best possible wildlife experience. Our Tanzanian guide was also professional and made a genuine effort. The hotels were generally good, although I would not recommend the Elementaita hotel due to the enormous number of lake flies in the area.
Unfortunately, the final day was a completely different story.
The driver for our final transfer was the same guide who had been with us during the Tanzania portion of the safari. We had agreed that he would pick us up at 8:00 am. to take us to the airport for our 2:30 pm flight to Zanzibar. The drive from Ngorongoro to the airport takes approximately four hours.
At 8:00 am. , the guide did not show up. We waited until 8:45 am. without receiving any communication from him or Meektrails.
I then contacted Charles at Meektrails, explained the situation, and asked for the guide’s contact information so I could try to reach him directly. My attempts to contact the guide were unsuccessful.
Around 9:00 am. I asked Charles to urgently arrange alternative transportation so we would not miss our flight. We were in a remote area, so arranging transportation ourselves was not easy.
Finally, at 10:15 am. a taxi arrived. The driver did everything possible to get us to the airport, and after a three\-and\-a\-half\-hour journey, we managed to catch our flight to Zanzibar just in time. .
What was particularly concerning was the lack of communication. It was only after I contacted Meektrails that they became aware of the situation. I then had to send two additional messages before I was eventually told that the guide had supposedly experienced a medical emergency and had been hospitalized.
I can understand that an unexpected medical emergency can happen. What I find unacceptable is that there was no communication with us or any apparent contingency plan. Even if the guide was genuinely unable to contact anyone himself, the company should have had a system in place to realize that their guide had not arrived and immediately contact their clients.
What disappointed us even more was what happened afterwards: no apology, no follow\-up to check whether we had arrived safely, and no compensation for the stress and inconvenience.
We paid approximately USD 11,000 for a private safari for two people. At that price, we expected a much higher level of organization, communication, and customer service.
The final day was extremely uncomfortable. We had breakfast at 7:00 am. and did not have another meal until approximately 5:00 pm. when we finally arrived in Zanzibar.
I want to emphasize that the entire safari was not a bad experience. We had many excellent moments and our guides did a good job, particularly Ben in Kenya. However, the way Meektrails handled this incident and the complete lack of communication afterwards significantly affected our overall impression.
For these reasons, I cannot recommend Meektrails for the Tanzania portion of the safari.
Emergencies happen. What is within an agency’s control is having proper communication, monitoring scheduled transfers, having a contingency plan, and taking responsibility when something goes wrong.
In our case, none of this happened.
After spending USD 11,000, all we expected was something very simple: an explanation, an apology, and some gesture from the company to acknowledge the stress and inconvenience we experienced.
Unfortunately, we received none of them.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very helpful and professional
Always caring and helpful.
Answered all questions very well and guided us well, so that we make the most of our holiday.
Very professional as well.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
great safari
The safari was amazing. Our guide Dennis was really warm‑hearted and helpful. We were very lucky to spot lots of animals, and even witnessed a cheetah hunting. The accommodation and food were also good. It was a fantastic experience, and I would definitely recommend it to others.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Unforgettable Kenya Safari with Donwell Tours
We had such a wonderful time in Kenya, and a huge part of that was thanks to Christine and the team at Donwell Safari Tours. Christine was fantastic from the start. We planned the entire trip through WhatsApp, and she was always very active, responsive, and helpful throughout the process. She arranged all of our accommodations, guides, and drivers, and was flexible with every request we had.
Our time in the Masai Mara was definitely a highlight. Simon, our guide, was amazing. He was incredibly patient and knew so much about the animals, their behavior, and the local vegetation. We were lucky enough to see the Big Five and the Great Migration, and Simon made the experience even more special with everything he shared along the way.
Christine also organized our time around Nairobi and beyond, including trips to Lake Magadi, Lake Naivasha, and Kiambethu Tea Farm. The nature tour at Lake Naivasha was another great part of the trip and was very well organized. Daniel and Grayson, our drivers for those days, were both excellent. They were knowledgeable, patient, and made each outing enjoyable.
We also really appreciated the warm welcome from the Donwell team at the airport when we arrived. Everything felt well organized, personal, and thoughtfully planned. We are so happy we chose Donwell Safari Tours and would highly recommend Christine and her team to anyone planning a trip to Kenya.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulously well organised, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and skilled owner/operator.
The amazing 2 night 3 day Okovango Delta safari was the most memorable experience of all time. Communication beforehand was excellent providing detail of the tour. Tabla the owner/operator is really experienced; ensuring my husband and I felt completely safe and comfortable at all times. His ability to enthusiastically seek out animals and birds was astonishing, ensuring we did not leave disappointed. We did a walking safari and glided along in a Mokoro canoe and learnt so much. We did it all and saw it all! The camp set up was fabulous with ensuite tents and comfortable above ground beds and quality warm bedding. The camp person and the cook were so friendly and helpful and the food exceptional. It was sheer luxury in the most beautiful setting. It was incredible value for money and Tabla the nicest person you could meet and a very skilled driver.
Of huge convenience is the excellent accommodation, Acacia Cottages in Maun, which is operated by Tabla’s wife, Ruth. We stayed there before and after the safari and cannot rate the experience of the whole ‘package’ highly enough. We recommend this exciting luxury safari and the delightful, caring owners Tabla and Ruth.
PT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience with Spirit of Kenya and Sammy!
We had just returned from a 7-day family safari in Kenya with SOK, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience!
From the very first contact, Victor and then Laura were extremely professional, responsive and patiently answered all our questions. Every detail was clearly explained, making the entire planning and booking process extremely smooth and reassuring.
But what made this journey truly unforgettable was our fantastic guide Sammy!
Sammy’s passion for wildlife and conservancy shines through in every moment he shares with you. His deep knowledge of the parks, understanding of animals' behaviour and his remarkable instinct transformed every game drive into something far beyond what we had imagined.
He doesn’t simply share information, he has a wonderful way of bringing every moment to life, inviting us to experience its beauty, sparking our curiosity to learn more and helping us notice the little things we might otherwise have missed.
Throughout the seven days we spent together, Sammy consistently went the extra mile to make sure we always had the best experience possible. Every game drive brought new surprises, incredible sightings, fascinating stories, laughs and moments that will stay with us for a very long time.
And beyond his professionalism and extraordinary knowledge, Sammy is a bright, kind, warm-hearted, and one of those genuinely special people you feel lucky to meet.
By the end of the seven days, saying goodbye was unexpectedly difficult. We felt that we had built a connection with him that went far beyond what we expected to be the guide-and-guest relationship, and that made leaving even harder.
Thank you, Sammy, for all the unforgettable moments, for everything you taught us, and most of all, for the passion you shared with us. You didn’t just guide us through Kenya, you helped us experience it with different eyes, and that is something we will carry with us forever.
We left with hearts full of great memories, a profound love for this beautiful country, its people and incredible culture and a very special person to remember!
A special thank you as well to Moses, our driver in Nairobi, who made every journey through the city feel relaxed, comfortable and safe, while taking such wonderful care of us and making us feel truly pampered - far beyond anything we could have expected!
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So good
Perfect tour with Saloniki, thanks a lot a great experience
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unforgettable Tanzania Safari – Flawless Execution!
We recently returned from a fantastic Tanzanian safari organized by African Big Cats Safaris, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. From seamless logistics to incredible wildlife sightings, every detail was handled with utmost care and professionalism.
A very special shoutout to our guide, Richard—he was truly an excellent choice! Richard’s deep knowledge of the local wildlife, sharp tracking skills, and warm hospitality made our game drives both thrilling and educational. He knew exactly where to position the vehicle for the best views and went above and beyond every single day to ensure we had a memorable journey.
The accommodations selected for our trip were also excellent choices throughout. Each lodge offered great comfort, superb service, and wonderful hospitality to relax and unwind after an exciting day on safari.
If you are planning a trip to Tanzania, we highly recommend booking with African Big Cats Safaris—and definitely ask for Richard!
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable 3-Day Safari Experience
Our 3-day group safari to Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro was a truly unforgettable experience. Damian, Felix, and Amiri were extremely polite, professional, and helpful throughout the trip. They explained so many interesting things about the wildlife, nature, and local culture, making these days even more special. They accompanied us with great care and enthusiasm, creating wonderful memories that we will always remember. I highly recommend Suricata Safaris and this amazing experience to everyone!
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
Arcadia Safaris organized an incredible 10-day trip to Uganda for our group of seven, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.
Uganda is such a beautiful country, with amazing people, incredible wildlife, rich culture, and delicious food. Every day brought new adventures and unforgettable memories.
Our guide and driver, Baker, quickly became part of the family. We always felt safe, comfortable, and well taken care of with him by our side. His knowledge, kindness, and great sense of humor made the journey even more special.
The lodges we stayed at were absolutely amazing. From breathtaking views and beautiful forests to lakes and locations right inside the national parks, where we could experience wildlife up close, every place was unique. Pakuba Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls was my personal favorite.
Some of the highlights I will never forget are the many hours spent driving through the beautiful Ugandan landscape, the exciting game drives, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and of course, the unforgettable gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
A huge thank you to Joseph, Brian, and Baker for organizing and guiding us through the most incredible trip. You gave us memories that we will cherish forever!
Highly recommended to anyone dreaming of experiencing the beauty and wildlife of Uganda. 🦍🐘🦒🐊🦛🦁🌿