JOCKY TOURS TEAM
Jocky Tours and Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2002)
- Member Of:
- AMREF & KWS
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $135 to $1,800 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Good affordable option
I recently took my 6- and 7-year-old daughters on a safari trip to the Maasai Mara. Initially, we had booked a shared safari vehicle, but during the drive to the Mara, I realized that a private vehicle would be a much better fit for our family. My kids loved moving around the vehicle and looking out from different sides to spot wildlife.
After reaching out, both the hotel and Jockey Travel were incredibly flexible and accommodated our last-minute request for a private safari van. That change made a huge difference and helped create a truly memorable experience for all three of us.
We were also fortunate to have two excellent drivers and guides. Papa John drove us to the Maasai Mara and led our first evening game drive, while Patrick guided us for the remaining two days. Both were knowledgeable, patient, and wonderful with the kids.
We booked the mid-range package and stayed at Mara Jambo. It was a great choice for families. The property had a swimming pool (a bit chilly in June, but the kids still enjoyed it), and the food was excellent. The live cooking stations for pasta, omelets, and pancakes were a big hit with the children. Plenty of vegetarian Indian food option as well.
Overall, I would highly recommend Jockey Travel to anyone looking for a stress-free safari experience. Their flexibility, organization, and quality of service helped make this a trip our family will never forget.
Email Jav | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A whole gem, amazing, kind, lovely, a whole vibe, he definitely needs a raise - an asset to the team
I had the pleasure of having David as my tour guide and this man was brilliant! He was keen for us all to experience seeing the wild life for the first time and genuinely you can tell he loves his job.
He was great at communicating and provided a history about each animal we saw - he’s so knowledgeable and passionate about his job, it shines through in his presentation when not only trying to find the animal but when we do see it too! It was my first safari and oh how I wish I could do it again - if I do come back, I’m asking for David because I felt like the service we received from him was 10/10 - I had the BEST experience.
In regards to the service, as a woman, I felt safe and did not feel uncomfortable at all, it was a great experience - David was so friendly and smiley and he deserves to be recognised- he is an asset to the team
PK
Email Rabbia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very cooperative and highly responsive, excellent services
We had a lovel masa mara safri experiance with Jockey tours. All queries were responded timely. Transport was convinient. Excellent Guide Mr Papa Johns. Very informative and helpful. He made sure a smooth and enjoyable journey. The tour was worth the money and they are highly reliable. 100% recommended
Email Samantha From Michigan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievably better than I imagined!
I was able to book 2 days in advance, and they were so helpful.
-I had a little difficulty figuring out the location of my hotel, but they answered immediately and were able to pick me up with ease. The driver even let me stop at a store on the way to pick up some missing items.
I was paired with 2 other solo travelers and 2 other couples; we became like a little family, sharing photos and enjoying one another’s company. I was nervous about being a solo traveler for 5 days with strangers, but it felt super comfortable! We shared snacks, and the 7 of us travelers really felt confident about knowing the animals around us as Evans explained everything.
ANIMALS
We saw the big 4, small 5, and ugly 5! We saw a leopard with its meal for the night, a giraffe giving birth, hippos fighting, lions mating, and I felt so joyous the entire time. Bringing a hat and scarf is smart because mornings are cold and the sun beats down on you when you’re outside. I was glad I brought a portable charger because my phone was snapping photos 24/7. Evans had such a depth of knowledge about the animals, I felt like I was in a 5-day episode of National Geographic.
SLEEPING
-The first sleeping place for the budget-friendly was modest, and they used a generator. You get your own bathroom everywhere you stay, and bugs were really never a problem; I didn’t need my bug spray. The staff were really happy and even celebrated someone’s birthday with music and a cake. It was so charming! Everyone there was on a safari from different companies, and I made friends easily!
- The second place was an upgrade with WiFi and 24/7 power, but it lost the campfire companionship of the first one. Really good food! They had a pool and a bar, and I was enjoying the views.
- Third place had a pool and trampoline and all that good stuff!
WHAT TO BRING
I brought 3 books and read all of them. Be prepared for many hours in the vehicle. If you don’t get motion sickness, I suggest bringing a book, word search, or companion! I stayed off technology so I could see the culture of all the different areas, and Evans was a fantastic driver, so I kept finding myself falling asleep when we went between events. I usually never sleep in cars with strangers, so I was surprised to be awoken for food or when we got to our next destination!
Closed-toed shoes! You won’t go out much to walk around, but when you do, there may be animal poop!
Light colors that don’t show dirt. You are riding with the windows open, enjoying the fresh air and the roads often turn to dust, so wearing all white is not smart.
Neck pillow for the car rides, a lot of people fall asleep, and their necks hurt from not being supported
Chapstick! And electrolytes. I kept forgetting to drink water! Thankfully, our guide always had bottles of water available.
Local currency, whatever you think of bringing, bring about $100 more. Remember to tip the guides! They deserve it for all the help they give.
I brought entirely too much stuff and didn’t need 70% of it, especially because I only had my limited items until day 4, when I got my stuff!
-My luggage was lost by the airline, and my stellar guide, Evans, helped me immediately when I told him. I got it the next day after a few days of trying myself.
I suggest bringing a long dress that is sturdy enough to walk around in, but also can manage getting dust on it without looking awful.
I was happy to get presents for family and friends at the markets. Remember to get a good grasp on KES currency before bargaining with them!
I was really excited to learn about all we did. The camaraderie really made my trip to Kenya special. I would 100% do another one with this same group for longer if I could! It was one of the best trips of my 30 years of existence, and all my friends are envious that I got to be where the Lion King was imagined.
TR
Email Arif | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Provided what it promised! The guide was a real bonus.
We booked 4 days mid budget tour for Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. They picked us from hotel, gone to office, made payment and the rest is managed successfully by our guide Papa John. We were a group of 8 with diverse interests. Papa John responded to our numerous requests with patience and provided interesting insights on almost everthing: from wildies to regulations to habits of animals. At every departure he was attentive, checked that we had all our belongings. Throughout the journey, his driving was safe. He continuously informed us about the next steps that will follow. The camp and the hotel are as advertised, breakfast and dinner at camp were basic but still satisfying although we wished there would be cheese in breakfasts! The lunch on picnic was above expectations. The lunches on the road were basic but offered at clean, safe restaurants with shopping opportunities. Beware, the roads are bumpy, and dust is part of safari! We observed all the available species at multiple locations except the cheetah and leopard at one location only. Papa John followed our wishes to stop for extra photos but did not allow anybody to step out of car to hug the lions! Rules are followed strictly. The toilets of parks and lunch restaurants were hygienic. Water was always available in the car. The extra visit to Masai village is worth to go. You participate in the dances, take a look at how they live. Everything went smoothly, we chatted a lot with other guests, I definitely recommend the tour and Papa John as a guide was excellent.
CY
Email Orbey | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari! Ki Ki Tu was knowledgeable, friendly, and truly professional throughout.
We had an absolutely wonderful safari experience. Our guide, Ki Ki Tu, deserves special recognition. We built a great friendship during our journey, learned so much from him, and shared countless laughs along the way. His knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality made the trip even more memorable.
Although the journey involved long drives, we hardly noticed the time passing because we were enjoying every moment. The safari was exactly what we had imagined and hoped for.
All of our accommodations were comfortable, well-organized, and exceeded our expectations. We did not encounter any problems during our stay.
On the first day of our trip, we experienced a misunderstanding with another tour company. However, the Kenyan people we met were incredibly helpful and quickly arranged an alternative plan for us. Thanks to their efficiency and kindness, we were able to continue our journey without losing valuable time.
What impressed us even more was that the original company personally delivered our deposit refund all the way from Nairobi to our accommodation in Maasai Mara and sincerely apologized for the inconvenience. Their honesty, professionalism, and dedication to customer satisfaction genuinely surprised and impressed us.
The kindness and hospitality of the Kenyan people made a lasting impression on us. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy at least once.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks once again to Jocky Tours and Safaris and especially to our guide, Ki Ki Tu, for making this trip so special. A fantastic company with outstanding staff. We highly recommend them.
Once in a lifetime experience!
I thoroughly enjoyed the safari.
I saw The Big 5 and so many other amazing animals and sites.
I feel like it was good value for money. I chose a budget option. All accomodations were clean and comfortable with all the amenities I needed. I always felt safe (travelling as a solo female, this was very important)
There was plenty of food at each meal. Not much variety, but that was to be expected given the rural locations.
Our driver, David Mukami, gave us essential information. His 4WD skills were excellent and he was great at getting us up close to the animals quickly.
I would definitely recommend this tour for those who want a see all in 5 days, on a budget.
SG
Email Lim | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amboseli safari tour
The tour provided by Jocky Tours and Safari is good. Our trip to the Amboseli Safari with James is great and we enjoy our safari tour.
IN
Email Navin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
James was excellent. Took care of everyone.
Everything was nicely planned. James was excellent.
CA
Email Safiya | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly and competent
Dennis was a great tour guide, he was very informative and accommodating