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.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They are professional, client focused, and lovely!
My partner and I came from Australia and when we first started speaking with Antonia she was professional and extremely helpful. We had 100 questions and she was always happy to answer and speak on the phone! Our accomodation was incredible, she did a great job booking us in! We were picked up by Elly and he started the trip off with great vibes and was super friendly. We had Gift as our guide and he was warm, professional, fun and very intelligent. He knew everything about the animals and we constantly were learning about the animals and the environment. He always made sure we were safe and was an excellent driver! He took amazing care of the car and we always had lots of drinks and food along the way.
If you are thinking of Safari go with these guys!
Ruby & James
GR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best safari for photographers
I am tour leader and photographer professional bringing people to safari in the wild Africa.As I have visited Botswana many times I could say that Pioneer safari and tours is the best of my choice.Best driver Best food best locations best huge vehicles and best accomodation based on safety as well, even for photographers or just for nature lovers.Obby is best local guide and best guy with huge of experience on the local areas !Highly recommend
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Sunset at the Zambezi
It was indeed a memorable experience the sunset was amazing.. The unbelievable moment was when we saw elephants swimming crossing.. l highly recommend the sunset cruise
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super
Was a perfect experience...
We saw all the animals..
Our chef Mattew was incredible and our guide Baltazar too
The first camping not the top because there were no electricity, hot water to have shower and no ranger to protect us but the second was incredible because sleeping with zebra outside our tend was a dream and had all the comfort
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Stressful Experience with WildTrek Safaris Kenya - Not Recommended
I visited Kenya for a week in Dec 2025. The experience was extremely stressful and frustrating.
1. Apart from the driver, there was no contact information of any WildTrek Kenya representative provided to us. All communication was done through the driver.
2.The safari vehicle provided was a poorly maintained one when compared to other safari tour operators. I saw other vehicles from other operators that were better in cleanliness and comfort.
3. Driver was rude, and even demanded USD 10 per day tip. I thought tips were a measure of appreciation for the good service provided and not mandated.
4. I was asked to pay USD 300 extra for holiday season surcharge ( @ USD 25 per person per day of the trip ). My India agent blamed WildTrek, WildTrek blamed the hotels, and the hotels said they never asked.
5. When I was trying to negotiate the USD 300 surcharge with my India travel agent, WildTrek threatened to cancel the safaris if the money was not paid in cash immediately.
6. When I asked the driver that I wanted to speak to a WildTrek representative, he said they are not picking his calls. Whether they really did not pick or if this driver did not even call anyone is something I dont understand.
Please do not book with WildTrek unless you want your holiday to be a stressful harassment. I never enjoyed my vacation.
BR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Incredible and exuberant safari.
Going on a safari was one of our wishes, and we chose Tanzania because of its higher density of wildlife. It was an incredible 5 days, with exotic and lush nature and lots of adrenaline. We saw the big animals, known as the "Big Five," and all the other animals of the African fauna up close from the car. It was totally worth it!!! It's a destination that provides a deep connection with wild nature.
Rosemery was always attentive and answered all our questions when we were finalizing the safari package. Mountain Warriors Tours is perfect for making your destination unforgettable. The driver-guide was always attentive and explained every detail of the tour, the animals' lives, and the chef made super tasty food. I highly recommend the company. The safari ended in the late afternoon, and at night we were going to take a bus to Dar Es Salaam. They took us to their company until it was time for the bus, and they even bought our tickets. Super helpful company ❤️
(automatic translation from Portuguese)
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari trip!
Splendid Vacations delivered an excellent safari experience in Kenya! The trip was well organised and full of incredible wildlife sightings throughout. Our drive guide, Masila, was the best, knowledgeable, friendly, and amazing at spotting animals. Highly recommend for anyone planning a safari!