US
Email Sean W Ryan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This was a fascinating experience, both in terms of nature and in culture!
The trip to Masai Mara was incredible, filled with amazing animals and wondrous scenery, especially at sunrise. The guide was conscientious about keeping us in the vehicle for our safety, but there were times when he would go off the trails, which did raise some objections among our group. I took the five day tour, but I would recommend a three-day safari instead. The only real bad part of it was the camp, and really only when we tried to sleep--the mosquito nets were ineffective, and on the second night, the power was out (I use a CPAP when I sleep, so this was a real problem for me), and as a result, I did not sleep well until the third night when we got to stay in a hotel.
I and other members of our group found the meeting in the Masai tribe very interesting but a bit problematic: When we were offered a chance to visit their village, we were charged a fee, which they told us was to support the village. We accepted this, but then we were confronted with peddlers in the village and railroaded into making a donation to the school we visited. This can strike a western tourist as dishonest, and it may help avoid awkward confrontations if these things are also mentioned upfront instead of sprung on us at different stages of the visit.
PT
Email Miguel António Soares de Oliveira Maia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful experience.
I have the opportunity to see the big five animals in Kenya.
I love the Amboseli view of Kilimanjaro, it looks like lion king movie scenario.
The ballon safari in Masai Mara was a amazing experience.
DK
Email SLUSE Group | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5 day budget safari
We booked a private tour as a group of 7 students for five days with the following itinerary:
Day 1: Nairobi -> Masai Mara Stay at Goshen Camp
+ Great Rift Valley overlook
+ Best accommodation, though rustic
Day 2: Full day game drive Masai Mara
+ 10/10 game drive
+ Picnic lunch at Mara river (expect to tip park ranger who gives tour)
Day 3: Lake Nakuru stay at Metfam resort
+ Fanciest accommodation with pool
- Masai Mara Village is a tourist trap where you pay admittance. Not our idea of a safari experience
+Completed our big 5
Day 4: Lake Naivasha
+ Boat ride to see hippos is very exciting, but negotiate the rate.
- Crescent Island is a total rip off. No animals to be seen on the island. Had to fight for a refund.
- Both the boat ride and walk on the island are operated by two separate tour companies NOT Hyrax tours. Be warned! Hyrax will not hold any responsibility for these third-party operators.
Day 5: Hell's Gate stay at Taphe Guest Resort
+ Excellent biking experience, though don't expect to see more than Zebras, Gazelles and Wildebeests.
- Gorge hike will cost you an additional fee (starting at 3000 KSH) tours are guided by local crooks who try to scam tourists by saying the gorge is closed unless you pay entrance. There is even a stop at their local market on your hike.
+ That being said, the hike is exceptional and impossible to complete without a guide.
- Worst accommodation, half built hotel and food was questionable.
Our guide Ben was an outstanding driver and always working to make sure we saw all of the animals we wanted to see up close. He had over 19 years of experience. He was a pro driver on the backroads and we always felt safe with him watching our belongings. Most of all Ben was charismatic and loved to have fun and interact with the group! Although, don't expect to have in depth conversation or extra info about the animals or Kenya.
The food on the trip was average by Kenyan standards and always a buffet style. Accommodations were definitely budget, but you get what you pay for. In all we got to see the same exact animals and have a more unique and adventurous experience, we wouldn't change a thing!
Many thanks to Emmah for helping organize the tour and aiding us with our visa paperwork. Hyrax safari was very communicative and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to a friend or budget conscious traveler.
KW
Email Jagat Joshi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing wildlife and people very hospitable and humble…!!!
Kenya is a great place to visit if you are interested in wildlife and other activities related to nature..!!
IT
Email Guagenti Anna Paola | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic
Safari in the Masai Mara. All very essential and well organized. Proportionate to the cost. I really recommend it.
AE
Email Ilona C | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A unique experience with the wild
It started with the beautiful weather sunshine during the day with a light breeze around 20 deg celcius.. cold in the night but it was ok in the tent and enjoyed the campfire in the common areas at the camp.
The masai mara safari in a 4x4 Land Cruiser and stay in a camp in this beautiful natural reserve is not to be missed..we stayed for 2 nights in Ashnil Mara camp; overall the service was nice, pleasant staff and food was good .. we really enjoyed the game drives and the whole experience in the wild with our tour guide Martin from Earthwings Tours and Safaris.
We didn’t have much time to explore Nairobi but we enjoyed our tree house stay in Ngong and Talisman restaurant is not to be missed for its decoration, ambiance, food, service; enjoyed a super delightful lunch and the art exhibition across the restaurant..
we definitely recommend the trip to Kenya!
Email Alan Willoner | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Sunny
Good views of mount Kenya. Friendly people Nice weather. Good food
IT
Email Roberto Dramis | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very welcoming and friendly
The parks we visited offered a good opportunity to see practically all wild animals, included the Big five. We were very like in this sense, and finally the experience has been really remarkable.
All was good and above all we didn't meet any problem. We are satisfied!
PL
Email Tomasz Sosnowski | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice but poor country with VERY FRIENDLY PEOPLE
I visited Kenya with my friends in November 2022. I must admit that the country itself, although very poor, is of course very worth seeing. I had the pleasure of going on a 2-day Safari in Tsavo East Park, which I heartily recommend. We stayed at the Diani Sea Lodge Hotel which also met our expectations. In addition, we had the opportunity to go to Wasini Island, but here I already have small reservations, especially about the local restaurant ;-) I highly recommend a trip to Kenya. It's gonna be a great adventure.
Tour Operation recommendation : Karibu Safaris In Kenya - Thank You ( Jeremaya from Ukunda )
CA
Email Miles | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful country with abundant wildlife, and cities with large wealth disparities.
Kenya is a must-travel destination if you enjoy wildlife tourism. Masai Mara is an expansive, well managed safari, with an abundance of fauna, though tour operators vary in their knowledge of details about the animals. The roads are chaotic, but it's quite fun really, and the accommodations seem quite nice when the power/wifi works. Birding isn't a big feature it seems, though there are some beautiful species, with the exception being the guides at Lake Naivasha. Nairobi has some nice restaurants at affordable prices, and is quite safe now (given the precautions taken due to terrorist attacks), but isn't worth spending much time in unless you're there for other reasons.
