50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
**Watch Out for Bait-and-Switch Practices**
**Watch Out for Bait-and-Switch Practices**
After reading many glowing reviews and watching YouTube videos about OnlyOne Travel, I decided to book a custom 14-day Kenya/Tanzania tour for my family of three, scheduled for **October 2025**. I worked directly with **Rodney** to plan our itinerary starting in July.
From the beginning, I made a specific request to have **Njoroge** — known as “the human encyclopedia” — as our driver/guide on the Kenya side, and Rodney confirmed this could be arranged. However, after I had paid the deposit and final balance in full, I was informed — just one week before our departure — that Njoroge would no longer be available and that a different driver would be assigned. At that point, with everything already paid and finalized, I had no practical choice but to proceed.
On **Day 1**, after arriving in Nairobi, we were picked up by **Jackson**, dressed in full OnlyOne Travel uniform. He was laid-back, knowledgeable, and clearly experienced. We spent the first two days with him in **Nakuru** and **Amboseli**, and he always seemed to know exactly where to find the rhinos and elephants — often arriving before other vehicles. Every morning, our Land Cruiser was spotless inside and out.
Then, as we continued to **Ngorongoro Crater** and **Serengeti National Park** for the next four days, our driver was swapped out due to what we were told was a personal emergency.
When we returned from Tanzania to Kenya at the **Isebania border**, we were met by a guide named **George**, who I later learned is the owner of a small Nairobi-based tour agency. He arrived in an older OnlyOne Toyota Land Cruiser that lacked a working radio system. Since we were coming from the Serengeti, I told George that my only goal for the next three days was to meet the *Lion King* in the Maasai Mara.
For those unfamiliar with safaris, the radio is *essential* for a successful game drive. It allows guides to:
* Share real-time wildlife sightings (e.g., lions, elephants, or leopards)
* Coordinate with other vehicles for optimal viewing opportunities
* Maximize efficiency by tracking animal activity throughout the reserve
Without this communication network, guides operate completely in the dark.
Driving blindly through the **583-square-mile Maasai Mara National Reserve** in search of lions is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Unfortunately, we wasted an entire day in the park, sitting under the hot sun without encountering a single lion — something that could have been easily avoided with proper coordination and working equipment.
Ironically, during our stay at **Lion Cradle Camp** (now owned by OnlyOne Travel), I met **Njoroge** in person — he’s now the camp’s manager. This confirmed my suspicion that OnlyOne Travel had simply reassigned him elsewhere despite earlier promises. During our two-night stay at the camp, we were the *only guests on-site.* We brought up the issue directly to Njoroge, but nothing was done.
I paid for a **premium, customized safari experience**, but instead received **subpar outsourced service** that fell far short of expectations.
**OnlyOne Travel, you failed to deliver on your commitments.** Future travelers should be cautious and confirm all details — especially guide assignments — *in writing* before making full payment.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
5 star for Utukufu Travels & Guides Exaudy!
My recent 4-day safari with Utukufu Travels And Adventures was nothing short of spectacular, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Tanzania.
We spent four incredible days exploring Tarangire (2 nights) and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater (1 night), and every detail was perfectly managed. The experience was truly elevated by our guide, Exaudy. He is, without a doubt, the best and most attentive guide you could ask for. Exaudy was exceptionally professional, a superb organizer, deeply knowledgeable about the wildlife and ecology, and possessed an uncanny ability to spot animals even when they were well hidden. His dedication ensured we had front-row seats to every magical moment.
The service provided by the entire company was impeccable—attentive and timely. From the excellent accommodations to the organized transfers, Utukufu Travels focused entirely on making our trip seamless and enjoyable. If you want a truly professional and memorable African adventure, book with Utukufu Travels and ask for Exaudy!
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best way to explore Namibia safely and comfortably
In October, our group of friends took a 19-day tour of Namibia, which we booked with Peter Boer Tours & Safaris.
Everything was very well organised and went smoothly. Both guides – Peter was joined by Maddie Thiele – showed us the country in a wonderfully friendly manner. There were also various extras such as surprise picnics and an excellent dinner in the form of a braai. Highly recommended.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
He was star
We had an exciting journey with Theodore. He was a good driver and arrived on time
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible journey through Kenya wildlife
The safari experience was absolutely amazing and truly unforgettable. We’re especially grateful for Ben, our driver and ranger, whose deep knowledge and instinct for the savannah made all the difference. Thanks to him, we were able to spot incredible wildlife and learn so much along the way.
The hotel choices were also very much to our liking: welcoming staff, beautiful facilities and a great atmosphere that made the whole trip even more special.
Not to mention the flexibility and the ongoing support along the way. Not only the entire schedule was tailored to our preferences, but as the weather hasn't been kind for a couple days our plans got changed on the go so that we would not miss anything due to the unexpected rain.
Overall, we’re extremely thankful and will definitely recommend Meektrails Safaris to anyone planning a trip to Kenya!
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic adventure
In one word: amazing! From the moment of booking (quick response and customizing to the wishes) till we ended the safari. It was perfectly organized and everything was as promised. We (family with 4 small children) visited the Materuni waterfall, Tarangire, ngorongoro and serengeti in 5 days. Good drivers (with knowledge and also pleasant (especially with kids)), great food and sleeping arrangements. It was perfect! Thanks for making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing!
I just got back from an 8 nights camping trip and wow it was awesome! We went to Mababe, Khwai and Moremi. We saw so many animals like zebras, giraffes, elephants, antilopes, tons of lions and even leopard, wild dogs and the very rare sitatunga! We drove around and camped in beautiful scenery. The guide, Letlhogile Ngoma, is very knowledgeable and knows how to find the animals.
He and his staff worked hard to make my trip a memory of a lifetime. The cook is fantastic and made delicious food on open fire. Every day another dish including homemade bread, lasagna and pizza!
I felt 100% safe and looked after and do recommend this company to everybody who wants to visit Botswana!
I can't thank you enough Exploring Botswana Tours, Lets and staff, for the fantastic time. Will come back!
SK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Timothy, Company Owner - Extraordinary Man, Guide and Driver in one Person
I've known Timothy (Githiga) since 2018, and since then we've ventured into the wilderness together seven times and only because he’s become not just a personal friend, but someone I can always, truly always, rely on. If that weren’t the case, and if I weren’t satisfied with his services, I doubt I would have returned to him six more times so far.
If I were to describe Timothy, I’d highlight these qualities: professionalism, punctuality, safety, deep knowledge of the Kenyan wilderness, a strong willingness to learn new things, exceptional helpfulness, and a genuine effort to meet the client’s needs. Simply put, he’s a guide par excellence, exactly the kind of person you want by your side when exploring the wilderness of Kenya’s national parks.
And as for me, I’ll keep coming back to him. Again and again.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organized, made everything happen the way we wanted it.
We had an amazing time, everything was well organzied and executed without a hitch. Our Guide Walter was amazing, knowlegable and knew alle the good spots. Can definetly recommend. Big Five ✅️
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our Amazing Safari with Sote Tours
Our safari with Sote Tours was unforgettable. From the start, everything was smooth and well planned. We saw so many animals up close and learned a lot from our friendly, knowledgeable guide. The lodges were cozy, the views breathtaking, and every day felt like an adventure.
What stood out most was how much Sote Tours values conservation and local culture. It wasn’t just a trip, it was a meaningful experience we’ll always remember.