Masai Mara game viewing..
Ewamanns Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Tour Types:
- Budget & mid-range tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $130 to $290 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Bea | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Subcontracted safaris were great, transfers between them were not
We went on a 9-day safari that included Masai Mara, Lake Manyara, Seregeti, and Ngorogoro Crater. Each of the parks were very enjoyable and we saw a ton of animals, including all of the Big 5. However, all of our transfers between the parts of the safari were very stressful.
When we flew into Nairobi, there was apparently a driver waiting to take us to our hotel, but we were not told to expect a driver nor did we see anyone at the airport that seemed to be looking for us, so we took a cab to our hotel. When we got back from the Masai Mara leg of our trip we were staying at the same hotel for a night, but the hotel had to call Erick, the safari manager, to verify that we actually had a reservation because it didn't seem to be on the books. We then had no idea when we were going to be picked up in the morning to go on the next part of the safari. It turned out Erick was coming to the hotel to talk to us later that night, but we were not told to expect that. He told us he would be picking us up in the morning to take us to our bus to Arusha, but in the morning he did not show up, so we had to call him, and then eventually someone else showed up to take us where we needed to go. Once our bus got to Arusha, there was a crowd of safari bookers and cab drivers waiting to take the bus passengers where they needed to go. All the other passengers either knew where they were going, or a safari booker came on the bus and knew the passenger's name and where they were going. We were left on the bus with no idea where we were going and no idea if anyone was supposed to be picking us up, and then we were asked for our bus ticket, which we didn't have. We luckily had Erick's phone number from calling him that morning, but our phone's didn't work in Tanzania so we had to have someone else call him. Erick told them the safari company that was supposed to be picking us up, but they didn't answer their phone when called. We almost took a cab (that we would have had to pay for) to that safari company's office, but luckily the people who were supposed to pick us up arrived right as we were leaving and caught us. We had a similar experience when arriving back in Arusha at the end of our trip, and we had to have the hotel call the Tanzanian sub-contracted safari company (which we luckily remembered the name of) to verify that we had a pre-paid room, and then again in the morning to verify they were actually coming to pick us up. When we got back to the bus, we were again asked for a bus ticket we didn't have, and we again had to have them call someone to verify that we had a prepaid bus trip back to Nairobi.
A lot of this stress could have been avoided by giving us a detailed itinerary with all the information about the sub-contracted safaris, pick up times, and contact info for a person at each transfer.
To top it all off, before we even left our home country, Erick contacted us to inform us of some increased park entry fees, letting us know we should bring a little extra money to cover them. We did so, but when we settled our balance on arrival, the balance did not include these increased park fees. Then, on our second night in Nairobi (between the Masai Mara and Tanzania parts of the safari), Erick gave us a long explanation about how he sets the safari prices for the whole safari season even though Tanzania often increases their fees in the middle of the season. He told us that he does not force his clients to pay the increased fees since they agreed to a lower price, but that he tells his clients about the increased fees in the hope that, if they have a good time, they choose to pay the price increase. This made it sound as though he wanted us to think of a the increased fees as a tip that he should receive if he did a good job. Because of this long-winded explanation, I chose to see how the rest of the trip went before deciding whether to pay the fees, and since we had to convince people at every leg of the trip that we were pre-paid and have them call various people to make sure, the trip didn't seem like it deserved an extra tip. However, once we arrived back in our home country, we received numerous communications from Erick asking us for the money for the park fees. All of this felt pretty slimy to say the least. The ridiculous part is, if he had just included the park fees in the balance when we settled up at the beginning of our trip, I wouldn't have thought anything of it. Instead he had to make it seem like he was demanding a large tip for a very sub-par job.
CH
Email Mischa Kaufmann | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Greate 12-days budget safari in Kenya and Tanzania
I booked a 12-days budget safari in Kenya and Tanzania with my girlfriend. The trip started and ended in Nairobi. Erick and his team was well taking care of us.
The driver picked us up at the Nairobi airport and drove us to the Decasa Hotel which Erick reserved for us. We met Erick there and discussed our trip in details.
The payment had to be done partly up fron in cash which as a bit difficult but we agreed to transfer the rest by bank.
The next day we met the rest of the group in the Nairobi city center and we started our trip to Masai Mara. The driver was our main contact person during the whole trip. If we needed something they have taken care of it. We slept in basic hotels or tented camps. In Tanzania we were sleeping 2 nights in a tent and a sleeping bag. Price quality is good.
The organisation was smooth and we enjoyed very much the trip. I would book again. Thank you Erick!
Great safari experience in Kenya and Tanzania
Ten of us from around the world got together in Nairobi for 12 days of mid-range safari experience in Kenya and Tanzania. The whole trip was well organized and we had a great time. Erick was excellent with communication and updates. Erick also made alternate arrangements when we had one of us fall sick. I was skeptical about Ewamanns initially given that there were no tripadvisor reviews but Erick made sure that we were all happy in the end.
In hindsight, I think it would have been good to know about long travel in vans (Ambesoli to Arusha etc.) beforehand which we could have avoided given that we had small children and senior citizens with us. Also, it would have been helpful to set the right expectations about Kenya/ Tanzania (where everything happens at slow pace) & 'pole pole' attitude.
Overall, I will definitely recommend Ewamanns safari to anyone who wants to visit Kenya and Tanzania and I myself won't shy away from calling Erick again when I am ready to climb Kilimanjaro.
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Email Lucas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well-Organized Safari to the Masai Mara
Erick organized a perfect 3-day safari to the Masai Mara. Pick-up at home, driving in a bus to the Masai Mara, 3 game drives, and return. It all went smoothly, and Erick was easy to reach to answer questions. Food and water was organized and included. It was the budget-option, so the accommodation itself was really very basic, located a few minutes drive outside the National Park. The compound had a nice garden with benches. The game drives were great, and we got to see many critters in beautiful landscapes. Great operator for safaris!
3 day trip to Maasai Mara
A great experience overall! They are very professional, and communicated well with us both before and through the trip. Everything went as planned, and above all, this is great value for money considering options from other safari groups.
IN
Email Ajay Jayakumar | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ewamanns, exceeding expectations.
When you travel with people who are passionate about what they want to show you, it changes everything. You get carried into a beautiful space. The Safari driver took it upon himself to get us the best sightings. Even though he'd seen these sights for over a decade, you could tell that he woke up every morning excited to do this. I'd like to thanks Eric and jackson who showed us a wonderful time.
IN
Email Purnima | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Promised Service delivered with a smile
Eric helped us out from start to finish, in what ended up being a trip we will never forget. Everything that was promised was delivered. which is what I loved most, especially as we were on a tight budget. I have already recommended his services to friends as I know he won't disappoint.
ES
Email María Teresa | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magic experience
I really enjoyed my trip organized by ewamannssafaris, they were very careful from the first moment, they achieved to make me feel super comfortable.
Join the group was fabolous and our guide took a great care to get a huge vision of all the park. We were very lucky, passing next to the walk of an amazing leopard!
We had so much fun and had magic views during the morning and the sunset... :)
The price was also friendly for the good confort they offer. I could repeat with that company without a doubt.
ES
Email Oscar | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It has been amazing. Our drive Was Very profesional and every day enjoied of This great experience
They aré Very profesional and make a amazing experience with our budget. We were like a family join them
LK
Email Sathyan Velumani | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Experience
Had a great Safari - 4 days and 3 nights - Lake Nakuru and 3 days in masai mara. Wasn't lucky to see leopard in Masai Mara this time. saw the big 4.
I would recommend Erick for your Safari. He is friendly and patient with all your queries.