This Tour Is Offered By
Shian Team receiving the KPMG Top100 award
Shian Tours & Travel
- Office In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2003)
- Member Of:
- IATA, KATO, KATA, TRA & WOMEN IN TOURISM
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
-
KERWTZUG
We are a medium sized company offering tours predominantly in the Eastern Africa region, but also to the whole of Africa through solid partnerships with reputable ground handlers. We are fully equipped to offer all African travel services ranging from FIT bookings, family tours, specialist group tours and scheduled group departures.
Reviews13
CA
Be sure You Bring New US Currency If You Are Paying Your Balance To Shian Tours In Cash
Albert was our guide through Shian Tours and he was the consummate professional, incredibly well versed in all of the places he brought is, sharing relevant facts and personal anecdotes, all laced with humour. He was prompt and prepared for each of our days and both flexible and attentive in considering our needs and preferences. We would give him 5 stars!!
As far as the Shian Team goes we worked primarily with Jackie and only occasionally with Jane. Although they were both professional and responsive, Jackie neglected to inform us of a very significant piece of information involving the fact that any US dollars dated prior to 2017 or having any marks or tears are considered illegal tender in Kenya. She texted us this information while we were boarding in Frankfurt for our second flight on our way to Nairobi. Impossible for us to do anything about it at that point. Upon arrival in Nairobi at our meeting with her she informed us that 700 USD of payment was unusable and that we would have to come up with it again. She was unwilling to eat the cost within the company, or to share the cost of the mistake, she insisted on dumping it fully on us. As Canadians it involved yet another transaction changing our money to American, again at a cost to us. This should have been something she told us well ahead of time when we were still in Canada and could have easily been appropriately prepared. It was a debacle. We had to come up with our own solution as she handed us the “old” currency and threatened to cancel our safari. At one point she messaged and told us to use that $700 as our gate entrance fee yet she told us noone would accept it only at a great loss to us. Seemed like a 4 hour drive to find they would not take our money was a risk she wanted us to take. There were other instances of misinformation, but that being said, our hotels were booked, transportation mostly on time and communication available throughout our trip.
She came and presented us with a Shuka and wanted a photo op in front of the Shian Tour marked vehicle which we obliged her. She also upgraded us to 2 inclusive breakfasts before all the problems even started. , A big shout out to the Hilton Garden Inn near the airport in Nairobi. Again 5 star! They took fabulous care of us in all ways possible; transportation, flexible check-in and check-out, great rooms, tasty food and warm, welcoming staff. We believe we received good value for what we paid.
Can’t wrap this up without once again saying Albert is an exceptional guide. Ask for him!!!!
Punctual, reliable, and a great safari experience
We had a great experience with Shian Tours & Travel. They were punctual and kept to the agreed schedule, which we really appreciated. The tour was enjoyable overall, and we were very happy with the experience. It was a memorable trip, and we would recommend them to anyone planning a safari in Kenya!
Great organising and excellent guiding of an unforgettable safari !!
Right from the start when we were looking to book a 1 week private Safari in Kenya (Lake Naivasha, Nakuru, Masai Mara and Amboseli), from the 3 companies we asked to quote, we got the best response from Jackie (of Shian). The brochure she tailor made for us was the most detailed, colourful and had a full itinerary along with various resort options to choose from depending on our budget. Her communication throughout the process was quick and efficient. She met us on day 1 and even got in touch during the safari to check if we were doing fine.
All the locations that we went to were simply magical with Masai Mara being my personal favourite. I have never seen such pristine nature with so much wildlife in one place. We saw everything we wanted except the elusive leopard. Both our driver/guides (Joseph and Christopher) were top-class guides who knew their routes very well and had immense knowledge about the animals which they willingly shared. They far exceeded my expectations and they always did their very best to help maximise our experience based on our priorities. However luck also plays a part. They were friendly, punctual and in constant communication over radio with other safari guides in the area so we don't miss out in case someone else has spotted something interesting. Note that the the safari vehicles are standard 'pop-up roof' Land Cruisers ATVs (for obvious reasons) and you need to be prepared for long journeys between locations. They were not air-conditioned but I would say they were comfortable for safari vehicles and even had a fridge for cold water which was provided throughout our trip.
The resorts we booked (Sopa and Serena) were all beautifully maintained with lovely rooms and some even had wildlife (zebra, water buck, monkeys) on premise. The food was very good and above all the staff were so courteous and helpful.
I will never forget the sight of watching so many animals in the immense landscape. It was nothing short of magical.
Thank you again Jackie, Joseph and Christopher for making this the trip of our life !
DE
Well-organized, fantastic safari!
Jacquiline organized an amazing 3-day safari experience at Tsavo wildlife sanctuary for me. Both lodges (Taita hills resort and salt lick lodge) were amazing and provided great wildlife. For a mid-level budget I got fantastic almost luxury accommodations. Jacquiline always responded fast, had everything organized and proactively made sure I was always in good hands with my drivers. There were no hidden costs and the drinks at both lodges were priced very reasonable. Jacquiline is a very kind and reliable person and I will certainly recommend her for future safari trips. Thank you Jacquiline and entire team!
IT
Stunning safari voyage with an excellent punctual private tour.
A very efficient trip organized and customized to our needs. They were very flexible and our tour guide Albert was truly professional something we were very happy with.
