We were picked up at our hotel by Ernest right on time and started the drive to Amboseli. We had a short stop at a souvenir shop where it was also possible to go to the washroom. We arrived at Sopa Lodge for lunch and after lunch we went for a gamedrive before coming back again for dinner.
Sopa Lodge is a really nice Lodge, food was really great and staff was all very welcoming and kind. A special thanks to Papa who gave us the history of Hemmingways.
From pickup to dropoff Ernest was amazing. The drive to and from Amboseli was safe and efficient and the gamedrives were magical thanks to Ernest’s great driving and knowledge about the animals. Ernest knew everything there’s is to know and not even a bird was left out, which we loved! Ernest was welcoming and definitely a big part of why our trip to Amboseli was as amazing as it was! Thank you!
Would HIGHLY recommend to book your safari to Amboseli with Ernest!
David D
US
Visited:
September 2025
Reviewed: Oct 9, 2025
Email David D
| 65+ years of age
| Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We only saw a small portion but really liked what we did see
5 / 5
5
/5
5 / 5
5 / 5
4 / 5
0 / 5
We visited 2 areas after crossing in from Tanzania at the Namanga border - Amboseli and Nairobi. Amboseli was spectacular. So very dry but this added to the vibe and feeling, particularly at sunset where we watched elephant herds walking towards Kilimanjaro for the night. After a night here we proceeded to Nairobi and took a great driving tour of the city center and then visited Nairobi National Park where we had spectacular up close views of rhinos and lions. The Giraffe Center to see and feed the Rothchild Giraffes was also very worthwhile.
ISAAC
CN
Visited:
July 2025
Reviewed: Oct 8, 2025
Email ISAAC
| 50-65 years of age
| Experience level: over 5 safaris
The review below is the personal opinion of ISAAC and not that of SafariBookings.
Boring alot
1 / 5
1
/5
Will never visit it's pathetic no value for money in the trip
Chuck Ankney
US
Visited:
September 2025
Reviewed: Oct 2, 2025
We visited the Maasai for three nights. We stayed at the Mara Engai Lodge. It is a tented lodge with about 24 tents. The lodge itself and everybody that work there was great! The temp was very spacious and had everything we needed.
We went on two full day safaris and a half day safari during our time at the Maasai Mara. Our guide, Lewice, was fantastic and we saw all of the big five animals. He was very willing to wait until we got our full fill of viewing of each animal. He also had a lot of information about the animals and the flora and Fana of the area. I’m a Sara was very beautiful and the safari were very relaxing. We enjoyed our time there.
C Eduardo Emanuele
EC
Visited:
September 2025
Reviewed: Oct 1, 2025
The Trip of a Lifetime, But There are Some Things to Know Before You Go
4 / 5
4
/5
5 / 5
4 / 5
4 / 5
4 / 5
The Good:
My wife and I had an amazing time in the Maasai Mara and surrounding area. The wildlife was abundant, the landscape beautiful, and the local Masai people are very friendly. It was the trip of a lifetime, and as a photographer I couldn't be happier at the images I was able to get. Believe me when I say that the good outweighs the bad and the ugly, which are commented on below. I highly recommend a trip to Kenya, but the comments below are just to give a realistic picture regarding some of the challenges you can expect.
The Bad:
The main drawback is that it can feel overwhelming when you are approached by so many people trying to sell merchandise every time your vehicle stops when you are outside the game reserve. Also, keep in mind that there are no services near the game reserve for pulling out cash. Even our lodge did not have an ATM. Even if there were an ATM, I found out later that my ATM card will not work in Kenya, as my US bank refuses to
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do business in the country. Also, the lodge could not break larger bills in American dollars. So bring enough small bills for tips, which you will need everywhere.
The Ugly:
For someone who has not been to an underdeveloped country, the extreme poverty can be a bit jolting. My wife and I have traveled extensively, so we knew what to expect. But with extreme poverty comes the need for security when you are a tourist. We stayed overnight in Nyrobi before heading out to the game reserve and I've never seen so much security screening required just to enter the hotel property. The vehicle was searched by security staff. Then to enter the hotel you go thru TSA style security with bags being scanned and stepping thru a scanner. You can't access the elevator or even the hallway to your room without a key card. That is good for our protection, but sad to see it as being necessary due to criminal elements in the city. We never felt unsafe outside the hotel as long as we were with our guide. However, we would have felt very unsafe without him.
Yongbin Wu
CN
Visited:
September 2025
Reviewed: Sep 29, 2025
Email Yongbin Wu
| 35-50 years of age
| Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Nice and comfortable trip.
5 / 5
5
/5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great experience.Safe and exciting.Food is excellent.Very suit for Chinese people.Maybe the chief learn from some Chinese guy.
Bn Brown
US
Visited:
September 2025
Reviewed: Sep 27, 2025
Email Bn Brown
| 65+ years of age
| Experience level: first safari
An Absolutely Amazing Experience!!
5 / 5
5
/5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
0 / 5
Our trip to Kenya was amazing and exceeded my wildest expectations! The safari at the Masai Mari did not disappoint as we saw all of the Big Five. It was stunning to see a pride of lions, who had just taken down a buffalo, devour the beast before our very eyes. To see the rhino, running free (and as fast as our vehicle) elicited oohs and ahs from our entire vehicle. We also visited Lake Nakuru and witnessed it diversity of wildlife and all of the different birds. To witness the vast expanse of the Great Rift Valley was breathtaking. Our final stop was Lake Naivasha where we were overwhelmed by the flora and the fauna, and just the natural beauty of the place. The locals were super friendly, very welcoming, and extremely humble, and made you feel welcome in their country. The food was delicious, and I recommend sampling some of the local dishes for a unique gastronomical experience. Overall, I am very satisfied with my Kenyan experience and have already began making plans to return for
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an extended visit. If you are on the fence, thinking about going, I recommend that you get busy and plan your trip. I promise, you will not be disappointed!
David
PT
Visited:
September 2025
Reviewed: Sep 25, 2025
Email David
| 20-35 years of age
| Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable safari & warm hospitality in magical Kenya
5 / 5
5
/5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
0 / 5
Kenya is an amazing destination where every day feels like an adventure. The wildlife parks, from the Masai Mara to Amboseli, are full of incredible animals and unforgettable scenery, with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Beyond the safaris, the local culture is rich and welcoming; the warmth of the Kenyan people makes the experience truly special. The weather was generally pleasant, and I felt safe and well taken care of throughout my trip. Highly recommended for anyone who wants both natural beauty and cultural depth!