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Email Andrea Delvecchio | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari with Classic Journeys
We were 4 persons and we spent 4 days in Masai Mara. All the 4 days were amazing and the safari agency (Classic Journeys) did a great job organizing for us a unbelievable moment. Everything was better than our expectations: the accommodation , the food and of course the guide. Everyday day of game driving was a surprise and we had the impression being in the scenery of Lion King.
Highly recommended.
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Email Tess and Jimmy | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Utterly breathtaking. The awe and beauty of Kenya is nothing you can prepare for - unforgettable!
Our safari in Kenya was the best trip we have ever been on. Peter, our guide, was phenomenal. His knowledge, candor and friendship made our trip so memorable - we will be forever grateful for the depth of knowledge of Kenya's wildlife, cultures and history he imparted on us. (If you want a truly immersive safari - request Peter from Beacon Safaris!!). Our trip was a mere 6 nights, 7 days. For our first safari it was satiating. And now we want to go back for more! We were pleasantly surprised that mid-February blessed us with amazing weather - and honestly not as packed by tourists as the 'heavy season' suggested. We spent two days in the Maasai Mara and witnessed 4 of the Big 5 in those days and many more wildlife just in our first hour on the evening drive! We also enjoyed a sunrise hot air balloon ride (which was absolutely worth it!!) and it included a lovely brunch in the savannah afterwards. The Maasai was the best place to start as not only did we see so many animals up close, but we were in a tented camp where we woke up to warm coffee and the sounds of the hyena, zebra, lions and elephants. We also met the Masai Warriors and Masai ladies - an unforgettable cultural experience that taught us we have so much to learn from all life in Africa and the resiliency of their cultures. The middle 2 days of our trip was spent passing through Lake Naivasha (for a fun boat ride and break from the driving) and then heading up to Lake Nakuru for an evening drive and night at the Sopa Lodge (which was absolutely stunning with its views and accomodations. we should have stayed longer!). We saw both white and black rhino in Lake Nakuru not to mention so many bird species at both lakes. We ended our trip at Amboseli Park with Mt. Kilimanjaro overlooking the ecosystem. On our way down we passed through an amazing carpentry shop and walked out with quite a few souvenirs. We can't thank Peter enough for showing us some of the BEST craftsmanship Kenya has to offer. Arriving at Amboseli Park was a dream. We didn't think the trip could get any better but we were wrong. The elephants, hundreds of elephants, greeted us after a few kms into the park. The grassland, swamps and lake were thriving with life. We encountered so many incredible wildlife moments from baby elephants playing to thousands of flamingos to wildebeest giving birth! it was truly a sight to see all with the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. As if this wasn't long enough... there is even more and it just takes going to get the full experience. We highly recommend Beacon Safaris and Peter as your guide! Whether you are travelling with friends, going on your honeymoon or just on an adventurous trip - this is by far the best deal we found. Every accommodation, meal and activity was planned with this team and we could not be more happy with the price for such an incredible experience.
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Email Val | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Could have been better if Not for the condition of the roads and the Cramped Safari Vehicle
We took a 5 day safari visiting a night each in Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru and 2 nights in Masai Mara. We booked through Karibu
Safaris and I must say we were very happy corresponding with Robert, and he was so prompt in Replying. We were over all happy with
the safari but for the following:
- Our plan was changed with the excuse that someone missed their flights. Am sure this was not true. It was Ok for us but then I had an ailing mom back in India and left the day to day hotel contacts and programmes back home incase of emmergency. Thank god nothing happpened.
-The Vehicle with just the two of us was pretty comfortable on the 1st day, but then the next day we were 6, and the 3rd day there were two more and the small vehicle was cramped to capacity. If you are above 6 foot tall you would find it very difficult to sit in the vehicle with more than 6 people.
- At Masai Mara, without prior notice, we were changed from the Mara Springs Camp to Lenchada Resort. It was very basic, but comfortable, thank heavens, food was also good. Here again we were told the hotel is full, but am sure it wasnt.
-We were not very happy with the Hotel in Naivasha - The Taphe Guest House, we changed two rooms, TV didnt work, no sockets to charge, the bathroom was shabby and nothing worked properly, no free water, food was average.
-Would have preferred a better hotel in Lake Nakura - The City Max hotel was OK, but the room was stuffy with no fan. We opened the windows but was invaded by mosquitos. We went early Feb but I honestly feel this hotel should have a fan in the room.
- Worst of all, for almost 100 kms into Masai Mara, the roads were non existent, the dust, the bumpy ride is something I would never forget. Looks like the chinese are poking their nose in Kenya and instead of doing the road up in bits and pieces, scraped up all the Tar once and for all. It was a hectic and terrible ride in and out of Masai Mara.
-The Masai Village is a rip off, and the people there are greedy. Dont go there unless you want to waste your dollars.
And finally an advice to Single women, beware of your over friendly driver. In our case, the driver dropped us at our Nairobi Hotel and went all the way back to Lake Naivasha to tempt a Single Dutch lady traveller into going with him to a bar for a drink and then soliciting some fun. He was disappointed his offer was turned down and kept asking her if she hasnt cheated with her husband. This was shocking to us as the fellow seemed such a quiet chap and never opened his mouth ! He told the dutch lady, all single ladys like fun, but then,he shouldnt presume !
On the whole I found the Karibu safari reliable, safe.... and would recommend. They offered me complimentary airport-Hotel in Nairobi- airport transfers and I paid a nominal deposit by paypal and the balance on arrival which worked out fine. I did a 5 hour walking tour of Nairobi City for USD 10 per person and enjoyed it. I stayed at the Best Wester Meridian in Nairobi for USD 70 a DBL incl of breakfast and taxes and would strongly recommend. Lovely rooms, superb and safe location, lovely breakfast and walking distance to Malls and supermarkets. Nice very cheap places to eat next to the hotel.
Wonderful experience.
It was the trip of a lifetime. The people could not have been more gracious and friendly!
SK
Email Martin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing safari
We (a group of four) booked a 6-day safari in Kenya, visited Maasai Mara NP, Amboseli NP and Lake Naivasha. After a preliminary research and price offers from a few companies we decided to go with the Heritage of African Jungles, because their price was right and they always replied promptly to all the requests. We were not disappointed! (And I have to say 3 of us are tour guides ourselves, so we are quite demanding.) Some points from the trip:
1. The car (a safari-vehicle-converted 8-seater Toyota) was comfy and safe.
2. Our driver-guide Sam was nice, polite and always able to spot the animals. He was flexible and knowledgeable. He cleaned the vehicle daily (as you can imagine, the roads are dusty).
3. We stayed in standard lodges - to be honest, what they call "standard" was already in the luxurious zone for us. But it was worth it as it was only a few dollars more expensive than camps. All the hotels were nice, comfy and fully equipped.
4. The meals in safari lodges are not Michelin-level, but they are still good. Water, tea and coffee was always provided. Breakfast buffet was satisfactory even for a gluten-free person.
5. Our driver provided drinking water for us.
6. If you want to see the big 5, go to Maasai Mara. If you want to enjoy the scenery, go to Amboseli. For this reason I was happy that we decided to do Mara first and Amboseli second - we saw all the animals first and then had fun later.
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Email Margarita Milosa | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
ITS absolutely worth it!
IT s amazing trip! Thanks to beacon safaris for this experience !
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Email Thomas D. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A life changing experience
This adventure went beyond any of my expectations. Definitiely a lifetime highlight for me and my family, filled with memories that we will cherish for years to come. Everything was taken care of, handled with excellence, and treated with a “touch of class.” I am also glad that we took the coaching on selecting the land cruiser vs the mini-van, thanks Simon. Accommodations, food, and service were wonderful. Can’t wait for the next one.
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Email Megan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
Our family of 5 recently did the 6 day safari with Becon safari. The
communication and booking through Robert was excellent and prompt. We were
picked up in Nairobi, went to Ambosili, Massi Mara and Lake Nakuru. The
accommodation and meals were very good.
Our guide was an excellent driver, polite, friendly enough, found and
showed the big 5, and many other wild animals, which in itself was
fantastic! He also spoke to the front desk at one of the lodges and
promptly got us a room when ours wasn't ready at check in, which was very
much appreciated after a long day of travel.
Beacon Safari was easy to book, took care of all the details, and a good company to go through if thinking of going to Kenya.
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Email Carole | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding experience1
We were in Kenya from Jan. 24 through Feb. 3 this year. I fell in love with everything about Kenya. The beauty, the people, the perfect weather (especially since we were missing the vortex in Chicago) and especially our fantastic safari trip through Savannah Sound Safaris. Our guide Sammy picked us up at the airport in Nairobi Thursday night and was our driver, taking us to a few fun places, on Friday. We left for a 6 day safari to Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli on Saturday morning. Except for the fact that Kenya's roads are the WORST (mostly unpaved), it was an experience of a lifetime. Sammy was the best guide. I felt like we were in the middle of our own National Geo documentary he was so knowledgeable of not only the wildlife, but the people, the weather, the politics, everything Kenya and Africa imaginable. We saw all Big 5 within our first day of the safari. All of the lodges we stayed at were gorgeous, the food was great. After our return from the safari we spent another 3 days in Kenya. We booked two tours through One Horizon Outreach program and had the most wonderful time. The first day we visited a couple of Masai, spending the day with the women, making bracelets, sharing tea and donuts and hearing their life stories. The next day we spent the day with some grandmothers and the pigs they are raising for sale(their "bank"). We got to hold baby piglets, feed the bigger pigs and then made their special chipati bread which we shared while drinking tea and talking to the wonderful, brave grandmothers. The whole trip to Kenya was magical and I would highly recommend it. Also, I would highly recommend Savannah Sound Safaris, not only for safari, but just to have as a driver/guide while visiting Kenya itself. I felt very safe, both with Sammy and with Steve who was our driver the last night there and again to go to the airport for a very early flight to South Africa. I would go back to Kenya in a heartbeat if I could.
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Email Maksimas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top choice safari for your first visit to Kenya
My friends and I (total of 3 persons) have traveled to Kenya in late February 2019 for a 4-day trip, including Masai Mara park and Maji Moto Eco Camp nightstand, which was absolutely terrific. Nadzua was so smooth and helpful in solving any of the questions that I had, hence without any hesitation, I am happy to recommend BuyMore Adventure as your safari operator.
