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Roberto   –  
Chile CL
Visited: January 2019 Reviewed: Feb 17, 2019

Email Roberto  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

The review below is the personal opinion of Roberto and not that of SafariBookings.
Good experience and recommendable but not liked expected and with many objections
3/5

We are a couple that booked a group joining safari of 11 days in Kenia and Tanzania with Pride o Africa. We booked it in advance from our country. Below I describe first all the positive things of our experience with this company and then all the negatives:

Positives:
- All the staff is very friendly and are nice persons.
- Stephen was very fast in reply all our inquiries before and during the safari. He was very attentive and was always concerned about us and our satisfaction.
- Jacktone and Deo, our drivers in Kenia and Tanzania respectively, were very good guides, they knew good the visited parks and made a big effort for giving us a great time.
-We could see the big fives (but leopard just one time and it was the last today and from afar).
-Both drivers cleaned the vehicules everyday.
-In general good organization (except the problems mentioned below)
In general I think the people of Pride of Africa is serious and very reliable.

Negatives:

-As soon as we arrived at Nairobi and were picked up by the people of Pride of Africa (the managers), they persuaded us to change our group joining safari for a private safari (only for the Kenia’s part). We agreed because they recommended it strongly and we didn’t have much time to decide (we were under pressure). They said that the only way to keep the original accommodations was making the private tour. We had to pay an important extra cost not considered in our original budget. It would much better if people of Pride of Africa had talken about this before arriving there, so we would have time to think about it without pressure. Besides the group joining safari in Tanzania was as good as the private option in Kenya, we were only three persons in total, and finally we didn’t see real advantages to make the private safari in Kenya, specially considering we like to share with other people.

- We didn’t all the game drives indicated on the original program. I think this happened because the program was very optimistic. Is not possible to do all the game drives offered because of the timings.

-We were cheated in a shop where we stopped for resting on the way to Masai Mara. I think that the guide should not stop on bad reputation places or at least he or/and the company should aware the tourists of this bad practices.

-In Tanzania the Safari was made by another company from that country (I think that they are partners of Pride of Africa, but we were not informed in advance). They changed an important part of our program without asking or telling us. Luckly and casually we realized this the day before thanks to a conversation with the driver. We were just at time to talk the managers of both companies and claim for maintaining the original program. They solved it quickly, but if we didn’t see this the day before we would loss an important time in Seregenti.

-We liked all the lodges and campsites we stayed, except one because it was a campsite in a town and not in a park or in the wildlife as expected (Jambo Lodge, Lake Manyara). Also the staff there were not very friendly and we were almost the unique tourists there. We didn’t feel comfortable in that place. Unfortunately we spent three nights there(more than in all the other places).

- Again, without asking us, they changed 1 night in Nogrongoro for 1 night in Lake Manyara (Jambo Lodge, the place we didn’t like)

-The Land Cruiser in Tanzania didn’t have radio (important tool for communication between guides and to find animals). This was offered in the original program. The vehicle had also the windshield broken and seat belts were not very good working.

In brief we still recommend this company, but we suggest to be aware checking everyday the program in advance to have time to claim is anything is changed or wrong. Take care with the shops where you will stop for resting. If you visit Lake Manyara, ask to not say in Jambo Lodge, is not a comfortable place. Is better to stay on campsites inside the parks with the wildlife and sharing with more tourists.

Reply from Pride of Africa Adventures
Reply from Pride of Africa Adventures
Posted on Feb 18, 2019

Thank you very much for taking safari with us and for the review, concerning the negative comments they are very important to us so that we can improve in our services. By answering the comments
1: Concerning the pressure his saying we put on him to take a private a safari, this was a discussion between us and we gave the advantages and disadvantages of both private safari and group joining safari . We gave them time to way between the two options then before they agree to take a private safari, they gave us condition of the driver they want for the private safari in Kenya side and we both agreed on him and the departure date we deliver the driver we agreed on. So to me I don't think we forced them to take a private safari because we both agreed.
2: Concerning the Shop they stopped, that one was not even in the program and when they stop to buy the carvings he confirmed to me that the driver remains in the car, on this I don't know how they agree to buy carvings.
3: Concerning the game drives, due to the fact that this was a private safari the number of game drives were to be agreed between the driver and them because in group joining safaris we do have fixed game drives for the group.
4: Concerning the Tanzania part I am really sorry for what took place and we discuss that before with the client and we both agreed.
NB: We will improve in the problems indicated and promise to other tourist this will not take place again and don't get worried, people do learn by mistakes and this will not repeat again

Paolo Andres   –  
United States US
Visited: January 2019 Reviewed: Jan 28, 2019

Email Paolo Andres  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

pride of africa exceeded our expectations! excellent customer service!
5/5

Tour was well-organized from pick up to drop off. Our driver maxwell was excellent, made sure we saw the big 5. i highly recommend this company as staff seemed family oriented with customer service as its highest priority.

Jun   –  
Germany DE
Visited: January 2019 Reviewed: Jan 10, 2019

Email Jun  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Nice tour
5/5

I could see the Big 5 during 4 days.
The driver is so nice. I could see many animals closely.
Day 3, I did not go to Nakuru lake in the plan.
There were some problems. But finally I could see many animals and go back to the airport.

Trad   –  
United States US
Visited: December 2018 Reviewed: Jan 8, 2019

Email Trad  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Very professional. Extremely responsive in the set up.
5/5

Really excellent. We had a great time. My kids really enjoyed the safari but especially the visit to local Masai Village which was a great learning experience. The eco camp is well integrated into the community so a trip there has the added bonus of supporting this lovely Masai Village with very kind Masai guide who does a fantastic job teaching Masai culture and practices. We learned a lot!

Syed Qasim Ali Shah Gilani   –  
Pakistan PK
Visited: December 2018 Reviewed: Jan 1, 2019

Email Syed Qasim Ali Shah Gilani  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

3D 2N Masai Mara Safari Package
5/5

Excellent service, professional guide / driver was provided. All timelines amd requirements were seamlessly met. Best for group of friends travelling on a budget.

Dr. Sarfaraz Nawaz Salgar   –  
Kenya KE
Visited: December 2018 Reviewed: Dec 29, 2018

Email Dr. Sarfaraz Nawaz Salgar  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Fantastically Awesome
5/5

We (4 people) went on a safari to Tsavo national park (East & West) for 3 nights.
It was a awesome trip to remember. Enjoyed the every bit of safari and hotel stays..
Mr. Stephen & Mr Eliad, were very good in their approach and through professionals.
The Driver/ Guide Mr Godfrey, was very helpful & very humble, had a great ride with him but the ride (van) was only the problem as it was old Nissan..
Anvys, enjoyed the trip & surely would recommend Pride of Africa & if, God willing,
I will also go to Masai with same guys..
Thanks for making the trip memorable one..

Hesan   –  
Iran IR
Visited: December 2018 Reviewed: Dec 18, 2018

Email Hesan

Professional and loyal to the customer
5/5

These guys were awesome. They had planned everything and kept every single one of their promises. I strongly recommend you take this tour if you're going to Kenya.

Ron   –  
Israel IL
Visited: September 2018 Reviewed: Oct 26, 2018

Email Ron  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Great Safari! highly recommended!
5/5

Pride of Africa is a great Safari because the service is amazing and the staff is very experience and willing to help with every question
or need, also during the safari.
Everything is well organized and the price is affordable

Rahul Z   –  
Kenya KE
Visited: September 2018 Reviewed: Sep 18, 2018

Email Rahul Z  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Amazing People - True Professionals
5/5

It was very Pleasant experience traveling to Masai Mara with Pride of Africa Adventures.
They Made whole experience so Good ,
We thank them for making our holiday really a memorable one . Please keep doing good work, All the best wishes, God Bless.

becca   –  
United States US
Visited: September 2018 Reviewed: Sep 17, 2018

Email becca  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Excellent options for a budget safari outing
5/5

With this review, my aim is to provide a realistic picture of the outing. First, let me be clear: this was an incredible experience for SO many reasons, and it fully earns its five stars. There were a few minor things I wish I'd known coming in, so I'm sharing them here. In no way would I have changed anything -- the trip, the safari, and the people were all absolutely wonderful!

Booking: Stephen is an excellent communicator and provides lots of details during the booking process and leading up to the trip. He answered all questions, and was available with very quick response times in the weeks prior.

Travel: Stephen and his colleague Elias picked the two of us up from our hotel in Nairobi early on the morning of our departure. They transported us to Nairobi's downtown area to meet our vehicle (a good safari van), where we met with the other people who were part of our group. We were a group of seven total, plus the tour guide from the partner safari company. Together we drove in our safari van from Nairobi to the Mara, which was about 6-7 hours of travel, including the stops. You could see LOTS of country side during the drive, so I actually quite enjoyed it. (There is an option to fly in to the reserve, which is good if you have limited time or if you're particularly averse to driving; I am glad we drove.)
Helpful hints on travel: I wouldn't recommend traveling with all your luggage; a smaller bag is easier in the vehicle.
You will have several places to buy souvenirs during stops on the way up, during the safari and during a stop on the way back to Nairobi; don't feel rushed to make all your purchases.
You'll want cash for any purchases, including drinks at the camp, etc.

Accomodations: We arrived at the Miti Mingi Eco Camp late in the afternoon on the day of travel. The Eco Camp is located just outside the gates to the reserve, and it's a good African experience. The food is nice (I never went hungry!), and they've got a bar for beer/cocktail/extra water purchases. To be clear, though, this is a budget safari experience and the camp reflects that. You are effectively camping (with a toilet and a shower in each of the tents), so go in with that expectation. Also, these are shared tents, and so you will likely be paired with people from your own or other groups.
Helpful hints on accommodations: Bring a towel; this is something I wish I'd known. There are showers, but they do not provide towels. They do provide sheets and mosquito nets.
Definitely bring and use mosquito repellent. There are some persistent mosquitos in the Mara.

Game drive: Our guide, Mansoor, was WONDERFUL. He was super accommodating and friendly to our group, and he was able to share a vast amount of knowledge about the animals, the culture, and pretty much anything else we asked. I'm sure many of his colleagues are up to his standard. Many of the guides out on game drives will communicate with each other by radio, which allows them to alert each other of big finds. With a signal from another guide, we'd take off on a speeding chase across the reserve to see a leopard eating an impala, or a band of cheetah brothers, or a pride of lions, or a rare sighting of a rhino. During our outings, we saw ALL of the big five, along with everything else on our list. Mansoor was happy to stop whenever we asked, and he maintained his patience with all seven people wanting different pictures of different things. The top of the safari van pops up, so you're able to stand up and watch with a great vantage point.
Helpful hints for game drives: A good camera is of course wonderful for documenting the experience; a good zoom lens makes it even better. You'll see some incredible things, but often they're a few meters away and/or in shade.
It's super dry and gets warm during the day, so I'd recommend you pack extra water. Pride of Africa provides you one big bottle for each day, but be prepared to buy extras for the outings.

Following the trip: The tour guide dropped us off at our hotel in Nairobi. A few hours later, Elias came to the hotel to make sure we'd arrived safely and to hear all about the trip. Pride of Africa's level of service and attention to detail is REMARKABLE. They are dedicated to ensuring you have a good outing. So much so that my friend left her hat in the van, and they even delivered it to us the next day.

I absolutely enjoyed the outing and would recommend Pride of Africa to anyone looking for a good adventure.

Average User Rating
4.5/5
Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 60
  • 4 star 3
  • 3 star 2
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 3
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