BE
A reliable, honest, and caring safari operator with excellent guides and service.
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, safe, communicative, and trustworthy safari operator, we highly recommend Beyond the Plains Kenya Safaris. We spent around 3 months researching different companies and reading reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and SafariBookings before deciding to book with them and we’re so glad we did!
A few things really stood out to us:
1. Great communication: Fridah was incredibly polite, responsive, and always replied within 24 hours. She was also very transparent about what was included in the price.
2. Honest pricing: We compared several offers and really appreciated the clear breakdown of the services, lodges, hotels, and tents. Fridah contacted all the accommodations in advance and made sure we actually stayed at the places that were quoted.
3. Amazing guide: We spent 9 days with Aaron, who drove and guided us through several parks in Kenya. He was extremely knowledgeable about the animals and parks, and no question was ever too much. You can genuinely tell that he loves his job and wants you to have the best possible experience. He also drove very safely and always made sure we felt comfortable and looked after.
And, of course, “Hakuna Matata” is his favourite sentence! Whether you want to start your safari early or take a more relaxed morning, Aaron is always happy to accommodate.
Overall, we had an amazing experience and would happily recommend Beyond the Plains Kenya Safaris to anyone planning a safari in Kenya!
High quality safari operator - seamless safari
I did a trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana with Africa Uncovered Safaris. It was my fourth safari in Africa but my first time with this company. I was very impressed from start to finish. Archie made the planning aspect very easy and let me change the itinerary to suit my interests. The choice of accommodations was fantastic: everywhere was extremely clean, spacious and tastefully decorated. The game viewing was excellent, I saw lions in almost all of the game drives I did, alongside elephants, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, jackals, giraffe, hippos, buffalo, crocodiles etc. I didn’t see any leopard or cheetah but it’s the wild, not a zoo, so these things cannot be promised. I saw loads of interesting birds and wished I had bought a bird book with me to learn more. The boat cruise on the Zambezi river was a highlight for me. I was actually intending on skipping this but Archie really recommended it and I’m so glad I did it. I did a day trip into Zambia to see rhinoceros in a protected area which was lovely.
As a solo female traveler I felt extremely safe with my guide Norman and under the care of Archie. One of the guides in Hwange called Simba was fantastic too. During the Victoria falls tour, I had a female guide named Peace. She was brilliant. She told me that Africa Uncovered Safaris had specifically sought a female guide for me, knowing I am a female solo traveler, without me even asking - I was so impressed by this attention to detail.
The quality of the food was very good throughout the tour. Most of the food was halal. Everything ran on time and I knew exactly what to expect.
I would not hesitate to book with Archie again and I was delighted to hear he can also arrange safaris in Namibia and Zambia, I am already planning my next one. For this region I have found my ‘go to’ safari operator with Africa Uncovered Safaris.
If you are a solo female traveler please don’t hesitate, you will feel totally safe.
Tips and advice: the game drives are in open sided vehicles and it gets very cold in the early morning and evening so bring layers and a light down jacket!
Chobe Magic
I will remember our experience at Chobe House forever- perfect location on the river, stunning sunsets, warm hospitality from the friendly staff, comfortable rooms and both river and Park trips revealed very special sitings - we hope to return one day!
BR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of our best trips!!
The time we spent in Kruger with Hoppy was amazing! We saw a lot of animals, had a lot of fun and when we left, I was already missing Hoppy! He did our trip so much more special!! We Will always remember him and this incredible journey!!! Thank you
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent safari, but poorly organised
Jocky will arrange your pick up in a normal car and bring you to their office where you get in the safari vehicle (this was not communicated at all, but is sensible).
Good value for money - a day and a half of safari in MM, plus accommodation, park fees, food and transport. MM is totally worth it - we saw so many different animals. My guide also helped me join a hot air balloon ride.
However, I had some concerns about the way our guide treated both the rules in the MM and the animals - he often drove off road, right into/up to the big cats in the bushes, skipping the lines of other vehicles and getting in trouble from rangers. A lot of the time he trapped a lion between our car and other cars and made them uncomfortable enough to move. We got great photos but I would have been happier being more compliant. He also spent lots of the time on the phone.
Our final day was a total mess - two people on our tour were staying an extra night so Jocky gave them the guide and the car and tried and failed to organise other transport for 5 of us. We ended up taking a total of 4 other cars, with limited communication and my bag was left behind in one of the transfers and needed to be retrieved which meant the whole trip back to Nairobi took a few extra hours.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ben showed us all we want to see and bring us everytime in the best position. Best guide ever!!!
Communication was good, the driver was always punctual, and we felt safe at all times. There was plenty of water, and it was in original sealed packaging. We really got our money's worth—it was a fantastic safari where, in addition to the Big Five, we saw many, many other animals. Many thanks to Ben from Jocky Tours.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
a vety Nicea esperienze more than expectatiob
all organised has been very good. our driver has been very professional
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant Experience Throughout
My family and I had a great time on Axis Africa’s safari tour, which covered the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru. We were able to see all of the animals we wanted to, checking off the big 5 as well as other exciting wildlife. The vehicle we were in allowed us to easily view all the animals at a close distance, and was comfortable too. Our tour guide, Tom, spoke amazing English, providing us with interesting facts and information about all the flora or fauna we witnessed. Not only that, but outside of the park, Tom was amazing at engaging in conversation - his willingness and ability to talk about the Kenyan lifestyle making the longer journeys fly by! I would thoroughly recommend the entire trip.
FI
35-50 years of age
Great tour
We did a 10-day tour from Tana to Antsirabe, Morondava, Kirindy and Tsingy and everything went very smoothly. Phieldine from the office was very friendly and she answered fast to all emails. Our drivers Rivo and Njato were very patient and great drivers. Our guide Tahiry had great knowledge of the places and the culture and was super helpful and friendly.
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience
The trip was extremely well organized. Everything worked perfectly and took place exactly at the agreed times. The biggest thanks definitely go to our guide, Bacardi! Our entire group of six really liked him. He was kind, friendly, spoke fluent English and helped us at every accommodation. He taught us so much about the safari animals, answered all our questions and was an absolutely excellent driver!
It felt like we were constantly getting to the best spots for photographing the animals, and whenever there were no animals to see, we moved smoothly and efficiently to the next location. 😎
We were served breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, and our cook prepared delicious meals for us. Everything went so well that I honestly can't think of anything negative to say – except that Ngorongoro is REALLY cold! 🥶 Bring plenty of warm clothes, as it was only 5°C at night when we were there.
One more tip: bring some toilet paper with you, as you won't always find it in the toilets.
Overall, an absolutely amazing and unforgettable safari experience. We would highly recommend Swahili Paradise Tours & Safaris!
