CO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible with papa johns
I was an incredibly experienced for 6 days,Masai Mara, Lake Nakuro, Amboseli. good stayed, delicious food, driver Papa Jhon’s was amazing and kindly. Definitely I recommend this agency.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Logistical Issues
We booked a 4-day, 3-night safari through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park through this company on TripAdvisor. We paid about $1,750 per person for the mid-range lodging package.
Before the safari, John scheduled a briefing the day before departure. He was polite, but the meeting felt mostly repetitive since the information had already been covered in the materials we received. Communication was also difficult at times because he spoke very quietly. The other uncomfortable part was the discussion around tipping, which felt more expected than optional. Tipping should reflect appreciation for excellent service, not feel mandatory before the trip even starts.
There were definitely positives to the safari itself. The mid-range lodges were very nice overall — clean, comfortable, and better than expected for the price point. The food was decent overall, especially on day two, although day three’s meals were mediocre. Lunches were usually only warm at best due to the catering setup, but we genuinely appreciated that hot sauce and salt were always available because they helped a lot. Dessert was bananas all three days, which became repetitive quickly.
We were fortunate enough to see all the major animals, and some sightings were truly memorable. Our drivers, Adam and Steve, were both friendly and knowledgeable. Adam was easier to understand and drove aggressively to maximize sightings, while Steve was more cautious but equally professional.
The biggest issue — and ultimately the reason for the low rating — was the logistics.
Right from the start, our itinerary was changed. We were originally scheduled to visit Tarangire first, then the Serengeti, and finish with Ngorongoro Crater. Instead, the order was rearranged, which appeared to happen because the company combined our tour with guests on shorter three-day itineraries.
From that point forward, the trip constantly felt like a compromise between different budgets, tour levels, and schedules. Mid-range guests were mixed with budget campers, creating constant delays for campsite drop-offs, gear pickups, loading supplies, chef coordination, and other camper-related logistics. It honestly felt like the camping guests’ schedules were prioritized over the mid-range guests who paid for a different experience.
The issue was never the early mornings or long safari days — we expected that. The frustration was paying for very nice lodges and arriving so late each evening that we barely had time to enjoy them. Guests should ideally arrive at the lodges at least an hour before sunset to actually experience the accommodations they paid for.
One suggestion that could improve the experience significantly would be replacing the catered hot lunches with well-prepared box lunches. It would simplify the logistics, reduce delays, and likely improve the overall flow of the safari.
Another major issue was the constant focus on reviews. Both during and after the trip, it felt like there was a strong effort to manage and secure five-star reviews rather than simply letting the experience speak for itself. We experienced similar behavior on another East African tour as well. Multiple debriefings and repeated reminders about leaving reviews started to feel disingenuous rather than genuine hospitality.
Honestly, the aggressive push for five-star reviews became a turnoff for us and directly impacted our final rating. Companies should focus on delivering a seamless experience instead of trying to influence guest feedback afterward. If anything, the review pressure lowered our rating from what likely would have been a three-star review down to a two-star review.
Overall, we had some incredible wildlife sightings and enjoyed the lodges, but the poor logistical planning, mixing of incompatible tour types, and heavy-handed review solicitation left a disappointing final impression.
CO
Jockey tours papá john the best
It has been the best experience of my life. I'm Colombian and I embarked on a life-changing and transformative journey. My tour guide for 7 days was Papa Johns, a wonderful man with a lot of patience. He took us to great places, recommended excellent spots for photos, and taught us history. The agency recommended, but my only recommendation is to change the picnic menu.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful
Communication was great and all the tour was very organized.
Great experience with Bryan and then Papa John. Two super guides.
Recommended 100%
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellence and Attention to Detail
I highly recommend Wayfairer. If you want to go on an African safari and have a flawless experience, choose them. They were attentive, flexible, knowledgeable, and made our family vacation memorable.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent and Exciting Safari Trip!
This is an excellent tour agency that provides an excellent, all inclusive safari experience in South Africa, especially in the renown Kruger National Park. The agency will provide a very detailed, day-by-day itinerary of the trip, which, for the most part, describes exactly the order of activities that a customer will experience from start to end of the reserved trip. Our safari trip included a hotel pick-up in Cape Town (our driver Eduard was very punctual and polite) in the beginning of the safari trip and drop-off at the end of the trip. Flights to and from either Johannesburg or Mpumalanga airport are included. Our driver, Ben, from Johannesburg airport to Tembo Lodge in Hazyview was very polite, knowledgeable and a careful/safe driver. We reserved a 3-day safari trip which included an afternoon safari the first day, a full day safari the 2nd day, and a morning safari the 3rd day. The lodge where we stayed was very clean with modern and convenient accommodations, including WIFI and breakfast. The two guides that drove us into the Kruger, Leonard and Given, were both very well trained and very knowledgeable about all animals we came across during our trip, and were also very courteous, polite and conversationalists with a great sense of humor. They made our safari trip very exciting but safe! I would highly recommend this safari tour agency.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an amazing experience with Moloko
Our tour operator was Moloko
She communicated with us all throughout the tour , explaining everything, even stopping for us to take pictures.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable and Meaningful Safari Experience in Rwanda
I had an amazing experience with Gama Travel and Tour Agency during my safari in Rwanda. The entire trip was very well organized, and the team was professional, friendly, and always available to help. Communication before and during the trip was excellent, which made me feel safe and comfortable throughout the experience.
The safari itself was unforgettable, the landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences were incredible. Our guide, Samuel, was exceptionally kind and professional. He explained all the unique characteristics and behaviors of the animals in a very interesting way, and you could truly see his passion for nature and wildlife. Even during long days, he always had a smile on his face and regularly checked to make sure we were comfortable and enjoying the experience. His enthusiasm and knowledge made the safari even more special.
I would definitely recommend Gama Travel and Tour Agency to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable experience in Rwanda!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience at a great value.
Our family just completed a 4day camping safari. What a great experience! We saw all the "big" animals and so many smaller ones. Nothing left off our list. Damien our guide kept the vibe fun and James our cook kept us well fed. Daniel helped is wrap up our experience professionally. The camping made the whole trip so authentic. Rustic but comfortable, with clean facilities. Hearing the wildlife from our tents was such a unique experience. Would highly recommend.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Delivered a Lifetime of Memories
For anyone seeking an authentic, world-class African safari experience, the Kruger Safari Company is the first and only call you need to make.
While researching companies for my recent safari, I was fortunate enough to connect with Wayne. From our very first conversation, it was immediately clear that I had found the definitive experts on Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves.
What sets the Kruger Safari Company apart is their commitment to personalized service. Wayne took the time to truly listen to what I wanted out of the experience, respected my budget, and provided tailored recommendations. He advised that a true, local African safari was the ideal path and selected the perfect lodge to deliver on every front.
Once the itinerary was set, the execution by the entire Kruger Safari team was flawless. Their communication was outstanding, with responses to my pre-trip questions arriving within hours. They also seamlessly handled complex logistics, including coordinating my return flights from Cape Town to Hoedspruit as I wrapped up a prior trip.
The actual experience far exceeded my highest expectations. The lodge they selected was spectacular, the hospitality was second to none, and the game drives were absolutely priceless. This trip provided me with a lifetime of memories and stands as the single coolest experience of all my global travels.
If you are planning a safari to Kruger National Park or the surrounding private reserves, look no further than the Kruger Safari Company to deliver on your dream. I have already recommended them repeatedly to friends and colleagues, and I do so here without reservation.
