The team
Karibu Safaris In Kenya
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 1986)
- Member Of:
- KATO, Tourism Regulatory Authority & Eco Toursm Kenya
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range & luxury)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $80 to $280 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
IN
Email Mahesh Shah | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
excellent and value for money, he is Best
We have started 1st day from Nairobi with a driver cum Guide James, he has picked up from our hotel at right time and took us to Masai Mara Safari for game ride, he was most aware about all routes in a so big field and showed us all most all animals available in Masai Mara and arranged a trip to Mara village, his aim was our satisfaction, and we found he has achieved their aim, we have enjoyed a good vegetarian food and shafe of camp is specifically taking care of us as being vegetarian, we have ultimate experience with karibu safari and I will surly recommend my upcoming friends to use their services fear lessly, Robert has booked my tour with proper communication and response of my mail and queries.. Thanks to team Karibu safari for their excellent coordination and cooperation.
Email Alina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super safari trip and a great team
It was amazing safari journey! We had Patrick as a guide and he is so wonderful teller with a great humor! It was clear that he's experienced cause we often were the first on the place with animals. The safari trip was really good organized and very nice! We've met the great 5 and so many others! Me and my husband really enjoyed it.
I would like to share 2 short stories that show this team.
First, Karibu Safaris company organized a birthday cake during our stay in Naivashi. It was so nice and warm evening, thank you guys! Cake was very tasty! And we didn't expect that it will be free for us, thanks!
And another one. When safari was ended Patrick and the company proposed us to leave our bags in the office cause we had a bus to Malindi at 8 p.m. After we took our luggage at the evening we suddenly met the company boss (so sorry that we don't know his name!); he recognized us and was very surprised that we didn't have any accompanying person with us to go to bus station. He said it's not saved for us and called and paid 2 guys from company. He was so kind I can't express my feelings about that situation! The way was really crowd, dark and dangerous. This man said that he feel responsibility about their client every time! Thanks a lot you, Karibu Safaris!!
I recommend this company as very good and kind team with excellent organized safari and Patrick as the best guide!
MX
Email Alejandro | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great adventure and good price
We contact Karibu Safaris via email, Robert answered pretty fast the same day. We chose Karibu cause they had the cheaper price for a 4 day Safari to Masai Mara and Nakuru. They picked us up at 6:30 am as they told us cause our camp was a bit far. If this is your case be sure to be on time cause the traffic is terrible. We spent two hours to get to the city center. The van for the safari was ok, it's conditions wasn't the best though. And be prepared for 4 days of bumpy roads. Our driver was Isaac, he was friendly and helpful. The camp where we stayed was just outside Masai Mara Reserve and it was a beautiful and confortable place with big tents and beds, and the bathroom was ok too with hot water. Note that you would have power just a few hours during the day. The Masai Mara Reserve experience was awesome. We were able to see a cheetah hunting, lions, elephants, and many more. The hotel where we stayed in Nakuru was of very good quality too. And in the Nakuru park we were able to see rhinos and baboons. If you are on a budget I definitely recommend Karibu Safaris in Kenya.
Great time in Masaai Mara with a few flaws
Overall, Our visit to Masaai Mara has been incredibly enjoyable. But a few things just got a bit annoying after a while:
- Robert told us there would be 7 people in the van, however there were 8. It was a VERY crowded van and during game drives, it got quite hectic
- We were told by the operators that seeing the great migration was a guarantee. We almost cancelled because we saw online that great migration already passed, but he assured us that great migration was happening. Sure enough, there were no wilder beasts... We could've saved it for Tanzania. I highly encourage everyone to do their own independent research... because at the end of the day, its a business for these tour operators.
- The Masaai village tour is NOT free. Its 1000 shillings to enter, which was not clearly communicated by the tour operators. There were a few shocked faces in our group when this was communicated.
However, overall, the people in our group made it worth while. We've met some great friends during the trip and don't regret the decision to visit masaai mara :)
Reply from Karibu Safaris In Kenya
Posted on Sep 29, 2016
Hi Jay,
On the emails we listed to you well what was included and not included, kindly recheck well and you will see that the Masai village entrance fee was not included and was on the extra activities paid direct to the masai chief elder.
About the group number, you were 7 clients with one kenyan (a guide in training) making it 8 and he was seated in front with the driver but we apologize for that and it will not happen again, the company offers/sponsors free field training for the less fortunate wannabe guides who have the passion for safari guiding.
We apologize about that and we will find an alternative way to train them on the field.
Regards
Msafiri
AE
Email Tom & Emily | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Elephant Man
We did a 2 day safari with Kevin in Amboseli National Park. Kevin was an excellent driver and guide. A little shy at first but this soon wears off and you get to know Kevin really well. He made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. He knew exactly where the elephants in the park were and what time they and where they would cross. Made for a magical experience watching herd after herd of elephants crossing. Would highly recommend Kevin as a guide.
Email Hannah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenyan hospitality
The good
Our guide Robert was very kind and wanted us to have a good time. We saw all of the big 5 except leopards but saw LOTS of other animals and got some amazing pictures. Robert seemed a great tracker always listening to the radio to find out where to find the best animals. For some reason we got given a Jeep when we were expecting a mini van which was much better for Masai Mara. Communication with the company was good. All plans were executed smoothly. They even helped us to book train tickets for our onward journey as we didn't have an Mpesa account. All the camps and meals were very clean and we'll located. Meals were buffet style and very nice and plentiful.
On the last part of our safari we had a new guide Kevin who was also very nice and organized.
The bad
Even though it says a maximum of 6 guests in the vehicle we had 8 guests + the guide. This meant that there wasn't enough room for everyone + their luggage so we ended up leaving over an hour late because the guide was trying to shove it all in, and we ended up boxed in with luggage in the aisle of the vehicle. When we asked the guide about the 6 maximum rule he said "But this is good for me." We then got pulled over by the police on the way to masai mara because our TLB (tax) was out of date which delayed us for another couple of hours. To be fair to Robert he was very apologetic and dealt with the situation as best he could and made up the time on the safari the next day so we didn't really miss out, it was just frustrating.
Overall
I would recommend booking Karibu for a safari, but I'd check the itinerary on their own website before you do, as it doesn't seem to match what is written on 3rd party websites.
SI
Email Melanie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience with loads of wildlife
Experience was very nice value for the money. Especially I would like to thank driver Chris (they do not call him Safari Doctor for nothing) as we were able to spot a load of wildlife.
Email Theodora | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent tour!
The tour was very well organised. Thank you to Castro and everyone who made the trip to Kenya an unforgettable one. Everything went very smoothly. The accommodation was excellent in both Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. The food was very tasty, I am vegetarian and my partner is not, it was well catered for both of us with many options. The car was big and comfortable and we got to see all the animals we wanted. We also made some friends on the way. Thank you again!
CH
Email Rach | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A beautiful and memorable safari to Amboseli : highly recommended!
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a day trip from Nairobi to Amboseli with Karibu Safaris, and I must say, it was simply wonderful and exceeded all my expectations.
Despite my very last minute reservation the night before, Karibu Safaris was able to confirm my booking and the organization of the tour was flawless and hassle-free. And as a solo/only traveler on the tour, I felt fully safe and also received personalized attention and care from start to finish.
The driver Kevin was simply commendable. He was punctual, a safe driver, extremely professional, fun, kind, friendly and courteous. He was also patient with me as I was late to meet him and start the tour. And he subsequently also managed the time well, ensuring that the day's itinerary still flowed smoothly and that I made the most of my time in Amboseli.
Kevin's extensive knowledge and genuine passion and respect for the nature, the animals and especially for birds, added depth and beauty to the journey, enriching my understanding and appreciation of the place.
Throughout the tour, Kevin went above and beyond to ensure my comfort and enjoyment. He shared information about the various birds, elephants, gazelles, hippos, zebras and other animals we saw. He offered a longer game drive and a visit of a Masai village along the way to the park. He also stopped at view points, helped me take the best photos, and his genuine passion for sharing the beauty of Amboseli made the trip all the more special.
The logistics were great. The vehicle/van was very comfortable and in perfect condition. The packaged lunch was delicious and there were more than enough water bottles provided for during the whole trip.
Also, as I enquired with other tour companies, I realised that this tour operator offered the best price and value for money without compromising on quality -
making it a worthwhile option for budget-conscious travelers like myself.
Thanks to Karibu Tours and Kevin, I had an amazing safari day exploring Amboseli! I wholeheartedly and highly recommend them for their outstanding service and such a fun and memorable experience in Kenya!
CN
Email Yi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Patience, and enthusiasm
They arranged a private car for me and my boyfriend, only for two of us. We changed our hotel the last three nights, the driver and the office kind and drive us safely to our hotel.