20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing
Wonderful experience with the company. I enjoyed my trip to Masai Mara
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Service Failures and Itinerary Deviations by Kenya Partner Agency (Shades of Africa)
I booked a tour with Jambo Masai Tours, who outsourced the Kenya portion of my trip to Shades of Africa. My complaint is regarding the services delivered by their outsourced partner.
While we have no issue with Jambo Masai Tours directly, we experienced multiple itinerary deviations and service issues from their outsourced Kenya counterpart, specifically driver-guide, David, from Shades of Africa.
Below are the factual details and itinerary deviations encountered during the four days of our trip in Kenya:
Day 1 (Late Arrival & Tipping Request): The driver arrived at 7:00 AM for a scheduled 5:40 AM pick-up at the airport. Upon departure, he requested a tip rate of USD 20 per person per day. This contradicts the rate of USD 10 specified in Jambo Masai's official brochure guidelines.
Day 2 (Missed Itinerary Item & Unscheduled Stop): Delayed arrival times resulted in the complete omission of our scheduled evening game drive in the Maasai Mara. The driver altered the route to include a Maasai village tour not listed in our official itinerary, requiring an unscheduled USD 60 out-of-pocket admission fee.
Day 3 (Altered Game Drive Duration): The driver concluded the game drive at 3:30 PM at the accommodation without prior consultation. While he had communicated the 7:30 AM start time the previous day, the conclusion time was not discussed, and we were notified that the tour had ended upon arrival at the lodging at 3:30 PM.
Day 4 (Tanzania Border Tipping Dispute): At the Tanzania border drop-off at 11:00 AM, the driver contested our tip of USD 100 for the 4-day period (equivalent to USD 12.50 per person per day). He explicitly demanded USD 20 per person per day inside the vehicle until we reiterated Jambo Masai's USD 10 guideline, at which point the provided amount was accepted.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very reliable and friendly
Sahlie took me for a tour around Addis and its surroundings. It was last notice and he has been very flexible, understood accurately what I was looking for. It was definitely a nice way to finish my journey in Ethiopia. I recommend him specifically to anyone who is looking for a reliable, gentle welcoming and kind guide. Next time planning a trip to the Simiens mountains with him.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari with safari soles and frank
Our first safari experience for our honeymoon was simply unforgettable, and much of the credit goes to our fantastic guide, Frank.
It was a real pleasure to be accompanied by him during our tour of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire national parks. His great professionalism and deep knowledge of the area made the experience spectacular.
Furthermore, his kindness and attention to every small detail — like the perfect cleaning of the jeep at the end of each day — were truly appreciated.
We highly recommend him to anyone looking to live an unforgettable adventure!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent experience
Our experience with Shipungo was great! Mark was extremely helpful in making our arrangements (and changes we requested as our itinerary evolved) and the campsite and meals were always prepared and waiting for us when we arrived back from game drives. Perhaps most importantly, Cane was a wonderful safari guide and lovely person all around to spend time with. We would happily recommend Shipungo to others!
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Once in a lifetime
Our luggage was lost on our flight from Nairobi to Arusha. Benson Safari took over all communication and on day 2 we had everything back. This is just an example of the professional organisation from booking until the end of the Safari. Our guide Malick did his outmost to fulfill our wishes and even during our last ride to the airport he managed to squeeze in a game drive. He made sure that we did not only see the big 5 but also beautiful birds, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, mangoos but even a cerval cat! He made us think that lions were on every corner ad we saw so many! The balloon flight in the morning was unforgettable!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Moloko was AMAZING!!!!
I really enjoyed the tour with Moloko. She is amazing and taught us a lot.
It was amazing
Our amazing driver was Moloko. She was a great driver and very informative.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
Moloko was a wonder driver. Took her time and found lots of animals.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very knowledgeable , friendly and good fun
Totally amazing experience, amazing to see all the animals . flabbergasted