SafariBook Evolution
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- Kenya Professional Safari Guide Assoication
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email WorldTravell3r | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrible choice to sub-contract the Tanzania portion of our Trip
We recently went on a Safari (Kenya and Tanzania) with SafariBookEvolution. These guys can handle Kenyan safari alright, but they were not forthcoming about the fact that they don't run the Tanzanian safari themselves, and it was nothing short of a disaster as they sub-contract to Jackpot safaris (who basically give you dangerous cars, careless guides and put your lives in danger. See below the list of issues we faced. I wouldn't recommend them and can't say much for Safaribook Evolution as they but us in a very terrible situation.
Kenyan Safari issues
1) no power at destiny Eco camp for 2 days
2) no hot water at destiny Eco camp for 2 days, although we were promised.
Tanzanian Safari issues
Safety - We put our families in danger. Don't risk it!
1) Car's door kept opening right in the middle of game drives and on the highways endangering our families.
2) The car's open top literally fell on us which could have killed all of us. Thankfully we were sitting at that time.
3) Car broke down in the middle of forest. And the driver had least concern for our safety. A speeding vehicle nearly crashed on our car.
4) We were lost in the jungle of for four hours with the driver George not having a clue about where we were. He didn't even have the mobile number of the Kati Kati camp.
Value for Money - Zero
5) We paid a lot for the Kati Kati camp's luxury tent, but stayed there just for 8 hours in Kati Kati camp without enjoying any part of the stay. Thanks to George who got us lost in the jungle.
6) Car was small and cramped in Tz for 3 days. When we complained about this, George said he couldn't drive the other car so we ended up using the same cramped car for one more day which eventually broke down.
7) The guide/driver was very rude and arrogant, not well informed(like he didn't have the phone number of the Kati Kati camp when we were lost in the jungle.
8) The tents given to us at the flamingo hotel were so small. We had to pay $200 extra to get the rooms. Andrew (Jackpot Safari) threatened to cancel the whole safari even though he saw we had 2 small kids.
9) No binoculars for the Tz safari, although we were promised that we will be given one.
10) The itinerary was changed mid way, only one day at the Tarangire national park as opposed to two days.
11) the Tz driver has a total lack of interest with the safari, with us having to push him to go on game drives. For example we spent only 2 hours at the Lake Manyara game drive. Then we had to call the managers to get him to take us to another game drive.
12) The Tz driver only drove us around the main gate most of the time. We had to constantly push him to drive a little bit further. As soon as he shows us one thing, he will be satisfied, but we were not as we have paid a lot of money.
13) The last two days were completely useless, especially Tarangire was a complete waste of time. We didn't see anything partly because of the itinerary change. George, the Tz driver, lied to us that Tarangire will take 3 hours to reach when it took only an hour and a half.
14) The Tz driver tried to sneak into all the parks without paying for the kids
The list goes on. But there are two big things to keep in mind. First, Safaribook Evolution never informed us that they subcontract the trip in Tanzania, nor did they tell us who it would be doing our trip. In the end they are responsible for our trip and our safetey. Second, was anytime we spoke to Andrew about the problems he was not willing to discuss ways to solve them, but would simply threaten to stop the safari and abandon us in Arusha. This is very unprofessional, especially as we were only asking for what was written in the itineary and to be in a safe vehicle.
Don't use them of Tanzania!!!
RU
Email Maria | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Must choose another company
I had 4 days safary (lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro).
"Pole-pole" you'll heard all the time (means slowly). Did you thought you'll start at 8:30 just because they told it? No way, pole-pole, you'll have to wait till 10 o'clock. Do you think the way from Arusha to Lake Manyara just 1,5 hours? Pole-pole and akuna matata (means no problem) 4 hours way.
In Tanzania they calls cooker "Stomach engineer", but they got stomach user. First, it's really small size of food (1 egg for breakfast isn't enought for me), second they prepare everything with bouillon cube. Soup with bouillon cubes, rice with cubes, potato with cubes. Remember, cooker and driver will eat first, the rest for you. "I'm so hungry" told driver after I saw him eating meat (by the way, there was no meat for us).
Better pay 100$ for better company. You don't go to Tanzania every day.
Email Aleksandra | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience and service
SafariBookEvolution is a professional company that organises safari from scratch, not an agent.
They have a lot of experience in what they do and they are locals. They have their own people too who are equally experienced and dedicated.
The communication between us was by email and, I must say, answers were received promptly.
The prices they offer are very competitive. Everything we were promised, has been delivered, or even more.
They give you advise and help when needed.
In terms of actual conditions: we went to Maasai Mara and Naivasha Lake. Everything was punctual and well organised. Lodge was exactly as described. Food (plenty and tasty) was provided throughout all tour as well as water. Our safari vehicle was a mini bus (much more popular in Kenya than jeep) - comfortable and giving great view.
Our driver - Ambrus did everything he could in his power to show us as much as possible.
We saw vultures eating a wildbeest or lion cubs consuming zebra. We saw big 5 and tens of thousands of other animals. It required a lot of patience, focus and dedication from his side to show us as much as he did.
I think it is crucial to keep in mind that supporting local communities is so important. I can highly recommend this company. There is also no downside I could possibly think about.
Steve (owner) went an extra mile with us and I am sure he does it with each of his customers. He is polite, friendly and straightforward.
Steve thank you very much for everything and best of luck for the future!
SG
Email Shirley | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
professional team, well organised and value for money
I joined a 6-day safari tour to Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli with my 3 other friends and I must say the tour was very well organized by Safaribook Evolution. Steve was prompt in replying emails most of the time and gave us good advice about our trip. Sam, our driver/tour guide, is absolutely fantastic, he knows very well the way in the national parks and he was very proactive in giving us the best spot for viewing of wildlife. We managed to see all the big 5 in one single day and snap some real good photos. One of us got his luggage delayed due to the airline’s mistake and Steve did his best to communicate with various parties and sent the luggage to somewhere near Lake Naivasha on day 4 for us to pick up on the way to Amboseli. It was a huge relief for my friend and we felt truly thankful of that. All in all, I think the tour was value for money and well delivered up to our expectation. I would recommend it to anyone who is keen to visit safari in Kenya.
US
Email Fancy Spaulding | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Quality Safari providers.
Travelling with a newborn baby was always a name nightmare for,not until I booked for an African safari with Safaribook evolution.
The first thing I give them credit for is the punctuality and that was a big deal for me having a newborn,a cranky teenage and a tired husband.
The driver Cyrus was his name. He was greeted us with a wide smile and helped load our luggage in the trunk.
The safari Mini van was clean and spacious that's a big deal for me as well. (Call me a clean freak)
Being a private Safari just for my family and i,the 7days safari kept getting bettet. These guys know exactly what a safari should feel like. From the scenic views to wild life,they are on point. I was amazed about how well connected they were to have known all the dynamics of safari in Zanzibar given that they were from kenya. At the end of it I forgot I had a newborn,she was ok the whole time. If you have a baby and wondering how you're ever gonna get that vacation,wonder no more. I can confidently recommend Safari book evolution to fix you just right. I am definitely coming back to Africa. Maybe this time I will explore kenya a bit and not Tanzania. Good job guys keep us coming :)
Definitely recommended - good for the price
I had a 4 day safari of Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru and enjoyed it very much. Our guide was a pro and enabled us to see the big five. The accommodation 'tented camps' were much better than I expected. I had a great time and would definitely recommend it for the price!
Email Natasha & Abdel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Onesmus is the man!!!
My husband and I are in our early thirties and pretty much got hooked on Africa in 2014. We visited Zambia, South Africa and Botswana. We always tried to support local ventures and booking with Safaribook Evolution to Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara was a great choice. Steve the owner is a Kenyan and I communicated with him via email. He was always very polite, very efficient and prompt in his responses. His tours are operated by his own people (driver/guide/chef). He is not an agent like so many. His pricing is extremely competitive and he offered us excellent value for money. We did a 4 day trip with him toward the end of March. Because this was technically low season we got a great price. All meals are included and he thoughtfully provided water for the entire trip.
The best thing about the entire trip though was our tracker/guide and friend, Onesmus. Onesmus is a Masai and grew up in Masai Mara and boy did he find those animals. There were times were were in stretches when we were the only vehicle and we were surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of animals. We left Nairobi around 8am. It just so happened that we were the only two people on the trip. We joked that we were VIPs. We left Nairobi, no traffic which is always a blessing as you can just never tell. Great weather and scenic drive to Lake Nakuru. As we were passing Lake Naivasha, I had asked Steve via email if we could stop over and do a boat tour, he said no problem. He arranged everything for us. We did the tour. If you are fond of birds and hippos, please do this. Lake Naivasha is home to many species and the setting is magnificent. After Naivasha and lunch we headed, up to Lake Nakuru. Upon entering we saw the elusive black rhino. Zebra, wildebest, all types of antelope, buffalo and flamingos in the hundreds. We saw a family of lions sleeping, baboons playing and several animals on the water's edge.
The safari vehicles in Kenya are small mini buses in which the entire roof pops open, in my opinion these are much better than the open land rovers used in South Africa etc. Although we were technically in the time of the long rains, the weather held out enough so the roads were dry and we could cover any terrain.
We overnighted in a local basic hotel. Dinner was provided and it was delicious. Although it was basic, we were comfortable and safe, what more could you want? We headed to Masai Mara the next day and that was an adventure. The road as Onesmus said is a glimpse into the real Kenya. We settled in at our camp which we loved. It was tented in serene surroundings, cool in the evening with the sound of thousands of animals. We did a game drive that evening and again saw soo many animals. Onesmus asked us if we would mind waking up early to do a full day game drive. He really went above and beyond to find us animals. Since he grew up there he knew all the locals, was in contact with the rangers. My friends, we saw lions mating, cheetahs kill a wildesbeest, a lion and two cubs kill an ostrich, lions hunting, crocodile eating a dead hippo and we went through the entire park seeing thousands and thousands of animals and again this was in low season. Imagine if we came during the migration?? Now I think it is worth to say that a real live safari is nothing like Disney, you cannot arrange for animals to be somewhere performing activity for your pleasure. You just have to be lucky and have a skilled tracker. We were blessed enough to have both! Everyone should go in with no expectations and just savour the entire experience.
Having been to Chobe, Kruger and several game reserves, I can safely say there is no place like Masai Mara and majestic does not even come close to describe the sight of thousands of animals on the plains... It is ideal for viewing as the land is so gently undulating.
Dinner on the evenings were provided by our personal chef Simba. The food was plentiful, delicious and filling. Packed lunches were provided and I simply cannot find a fault or have a regret. We had our packed lunch under a tree in the open savanah.. AMAZING!
I would wholeheartedly recommend Steve (Safaribook evolution) and encourage everyone to support local small businessmen. They provide the best service and always aim to please. Hopefully you will be lucky like us to get Onesmus. We are already planning our next safari to Tanzania with Steve and the gang!
Thanks guys... Asante!
Email Steve Sibora | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
My dream wedding and Excellent Honeymoon package at Neptune Paradise
My wedding was on the 25th of January 2014, due to the hustle of work and pressure of organizing a wedding, I decided to pay someone to handle all the preparations for me.
I must say I got total value for money, the wedding grounds was in Nairobi at Cool Breeze Gardens, which was very successful words cannot explain it. Our first night was at Windsor Hotel, followed by a flight to Ukunda airstrip in Mombasa where we picked and dropped off at Neptune Paradise Beach Hotel. I have never seen such clean, white sandy beach like this. Our booking was all inclusive all you can eat and drink buffet, no need to say the rest :)
DK
Email Angie Emera | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very amaizing
Sam was our driver for our 3-day/2-night Maasai Mara tour and he really made the trip for us. He knew where to find the animals (though I think he got help from the radio call :D). Sam is super friendly, helpful, and is always had a smile. We were fortunate to see so many animals, the big 5 too. We stayed at the Mara Sidai Camp, which served us good food and had very comfortable, clean tents and beds with private bathroom. Our Maasai Mara tour was an unforgettable experience and I have Safaribook Evolution to thank for that. I will definitely recommend Safaribook Evolution and Mara Sidai Camp to all my friends.
US
Email Jean | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible 3-day/2-night tour at Maasai Mara
I’m so glad a friend recommended Safaribook Evolution to me. Steve’s communication with me throughout the booking process was fast and friendly through WhatsApp. Sam was our driver for our 3-day/2-night trip to Maasai Mara and he really made the trip for us. Sam is an experienced driver (6 years!) and knew where to go to show us the animals. He usually spotted the animals before we even saw them. He even brought binoculars to share, which greatly improved the experience. Sam is super friendly, helpful, and is always smiling. We were fortunate to have excellent weather and we saw soooo many animals (lots and lots of big cats!), more than I expected. For our trip we stayed at the Sinai Camp, which served us good food and had very comfortable tents and beds with private bathroom. Our trip to the nearby Maasai village was also a wonderful experience. Overall our Maasai Mara tour was an unforgettable experience and I have Safaribook Evolution to thank for that. I will definitely recommend Safaribook Evolution to all my friends.