Email Lew | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience with a sour end
The experience on the whole was incredible. We were met at the airport by a driver (as arranged) and taken swiftly to our tour operator’s (Seth) office. We paid Seth for what we agreed (there maybe more ‘tax’ costs on the day though so bring extra dollars as we did not have enough with ‘extra increments’). After that we were then taken to the hotel as arranged by Seth prior to our visit because our tour started early the next day. I would recommend staying elsewhere as this hotel is very basic with its amenities and food. My partner and I did not believe it was worth the $100 cost for two nights. It is based in the CBD of Kenya so leaving the hotel to explore the city was eerily at times - my partners necklace was actually snatched from around her neck even though it was hidden (luckily it was not expensive).
The following morning we were picked up by another driver to meet the rest of the tour group. We met our driver Stanley who was fantastic and cannot recommend him enough. He took us to see every animal listed on the website and his knowledge of the areas he took us too was very good. He answered every question we asked and helped us if we were stuck with anything. He looked after us as a group and made sure we were all completely satisfied with our journey.
Accommodation at the campsites were as expected (because of the price you pay for the whole package). Food at all places are buffet but selection is not fantastic. The campsite next to the Maasai Mara was a great experience though.
Overall, the experience was great and it will hold brilliant memories for us forever. However, the trip we had went a bit sour towards the end as we had extras in our package which we paid for on arrival but were then changed. After much deliberation, we finally had what was agreed but this did take a lot of time when discussed with the tour operator. There were many messages back and forth which were needless. There had also been another instance on the tour where our driver had taken us to an excursion but our tour operator did not tell the driver my partner and I had paid already for it as part of our package. This could have become very tricky for one of us and someone could could have been out of pocket. This should have been discussed and organised prior to us. I do not feel the situation was necessary or my issue to fix but I was the one to fix this problem. It would have been extremely difficult if I did not have a SIM card (also recommended by the tour operator not to get beforehand).
I would recommend this experience to everyone as it was once in a lifetime opportunity. However, I have learnt a few lessons from this:
1) Make sure you get what you pay and you keep on top of what is offered so you are not swindled out of any money.
2) Be fluid and have a positive attitude as plans can change daily - detailed plans changed completely but we do what was listed.
3) Bring a high powered power bank and a SIM card at the airport as some places of stay do not have internet or working electricity all day.
US
Email Tasha Souza | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was awe-inspiring.
We loved our guides and really enjoyed our experience. The accommodations were better than expected and the food was quite good. We saw everything we wanted to and more!
DE
Email Shankaralingam Gandhi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Value for money
Excellent service & hospitality, as an Indian we got a similar cuisine and the stay was comfortable and clean.
Our safari was just too good, the safari guide cum driver was the best. He took all it could to serve us best a special thanks to him.
PL
Email Małgorzata Czura-Polowy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was awsome experience
It was something beyond our imagination. The scenery, the animals, the Aruba Lodge with excelent food, and very nice and friendly guide Badry who did all he could to make our safari unforgetable. Tammy tours took very good care of us during our trip trying to do everything to show us as much as possible in Kenya
RU
Email Bella Kiseleva | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It is superb and unreal!!!
Everything was excellent, especially the wildlife and lions in particular:)))!!!
US
Email Ben | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A dream come true in the Earth's Eden
I had the most life-changing time in the Masai Mara and my tour guide could not have done more to ensure that my visit beyond exceeded expectations. I highly recommend visiting during the high season, as you will experience the earth as it once was 100,000 years ago at the dawning of humanity.
US
Email Steven Levenson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing seeing so many animals up close - did not expect such long drive times to different reserves
Used Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris - chose a modified 10 day safari rather than the 12 day mid-priced, also upgraded to Luxury accommodations, and they were very accommodating - I did not recall an airport pickup - so I paid for transportation from another company - both were there even at 11:00pm. Used our tour company - Zachery - he told us he was with us for our 10 Day Safari. Dropped us off at hotel and told to be ready at 7:00 sharp - he would be there and ready, please be on time. I had to email our tour company at 7:25, because no one was there - about 5 minutes later another driver/guide was there, AL - I explained that Zachery was our guide - he made calls and said he was.
Started to Tsavo East - a little into the drive, stopped for about 90 minutes in a very dirty gas station where we believe he was trying to get money into his account, said needed a car charger for his cell. Another stop about an 1 1\2 later for what we were told as a potty stop - went used and wanted to leave - found Al eating and had to wait. Couple hours later stopped at a restaurant for lunch, we refused, well below our standards and supposed to eat at our 1st lodge, per itinerary. Got to 1st lodge after 8 hours - problems with reservations - had lunch and then were told we were being refused, tour company had not paid - went on a game drive on way to new lodge - really nice, lots of animals - got to lodge, standards well below that of the original one in our itinerary. No hot water, food very basic - lodge very rustic, but very clean and we could view many animals, up close. I did receive an email from tour company that Zachery was on way - was sent replying to my email at 7:30am - I do not understand how we ended up with Al.
Day 2 - Itinerary - not followed - did 2 game drives and did see lots of animals - missed Via Aruba Dam on itinerary.
Day 3 again Itinerary not followed - very long day 7am start - went to Mzima Springs, saw Hippos and Crocodiles, then to Rhino Sanctuary, struck out seeing either Rhinos or Leopards - got to lodge 6:30pm in Tsavo West. One of 2 guests at this very rustic lodge, did not get the expected Luxury upgrade - no hot water again- food very basic.
Day 4 early start to Amboseli - lunch at very nice Sopa Lodge, checked in - rested before afternoon game drive, lots of animals. There was a personal stop for our guide to get money - about 45 minutes while we sat in van with up to 30 kids surrounding our van begging for money - we were extremely uncomfortable and told him
Day 5 morning game drive - really nice. Lunch at lodge then a visit, without guide- extra cost, to a Maasai Tribal Village - very enjoyable.
Day 6 very early morning start on way to Lake Naivasha - another very long drive for late lunch at the Sopa Lodge - an extremely nice resort/lodge - many animals walking around. Afternoon game drive at Hell Gate - not many animals, but did see the Geo Thermo Power Plant.
Our favorite accommodations - many animals wandering around grounds - Hippos wandering around at night - really cool - food was fantastic.
Day 7 - a day at "Crescent Island Sanctuary" - supposed to be an included, guided tour - charged $60 for tour - Al was our guide, but there was no tour - just walked for about an hour seeing animals and birds. Did not see or do anything per our itinerary - again supposed to be included, but charged $60.
Day 8 - very early start to Maasai Mara - another very long drive - late lunch at Azure Mara Haven - a Tented Camp, then a late afternoon game drive - lots of animals. Dinner, family style, no choices - food OK at best - had a nice tribal show during dinner.
Day 9 - Very early start - 5:30 for a Hot Air Balloon ride then outside breakfast - highly recommend - really nice and fun. After a morning game drive with the balloon operator - our guide did not show up at meeting place - so he took us to try and see Leopards - no luck - but did see lots of animals. After many attempts to contact Al - he was going to take us back to hotel but Al finally contacted him for a meeting place - continued drive with Al to border of Kenya and Tanzania - had box lunch and continued game drive - lots of Lions this day.
Day 10 - After breakfast - anther extremely long drive back to Nairobi - I paid for box lunches for all because would not eat at the restaurant Al chose - finally in Nairobi, dinner at 6 at a very nice restaurant - Al instructed waitress to give me bill - no problem - then to Airport.
There were many personal stops for our guide. Many of the roads taken were very questionable. The seat-belts were not working in van.
Al was very knowledgeable about the animals and birds - really enjoyed listening to him. Also, he ate every meal with us - the only guide to do so.
We are still very puzzled by the confusion regarding guides and the non payment of the original lodge. The original lodge was very nice and we ended up at a far inferior lodge - not the Luxury upgrade that we paid for.
All in all we really enjoyed our tour.
Email David | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful country, amazing wildlife, but shocking infrastructure
We really enjoyed the parks and wildlife, but getting there proved a challenge - the roads are appalling, especially the road into the Masai Mara - I would have thought such a busy park would be better served. The number of trucks on the roads is crazy, they should all be on the new railway, not clogging up traffic. If Kenya can fix this it will go a long way into making it an outstanding destination.
HU
Email Benedek Kovács | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Better than expected
Wildlife: Low season but big amount and diverse wildlife. We just missed a wildebeest herd river crossing. And we didn't see leopard. But everything was outstanding.
Weather: Pleasure weather little bit chilly early morning.
Accommodations / Food: Extraordinary
Transport: It was ok. Long travel time, bumpy roads and big traffic especially near the capital but not bad.
Guide: Extraordinary partner, educated, informative, funny, reliable, flexible.
I took my eleven year old granddaughter to see animals in the wild.
I used Alliance Destinations to plan our safari and it was fabulous. Elizabeth responded to my inquiry within minutes of sending it and from there we planned the 8 day safari by the end of the day. She never failed to respond to me within the day when I would ask questions or want to adjust the schedule. We had a very knowledgeable guide/driver who found all the animals we were looking for.....of course, the big five and more. The resorts where we stayed were always wonderful and clean.
My next trip to Kenya would always be with Alliance Destinations as they followed through with all our requests and I'd always ask for Antony as a guide.
