Trip Advisor Africa Safaris
Trip Advisor Africa Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Tour Types:
- Short mid-range tours (½ to 3 days)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $300 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Jackie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My dream came true
It was my first safari in Kenya and I love it so much! I had a dream and
guys from Trip Advisor Africa Safaris made it true. First I want to say
thank to Vincent. He helped me in organization and was in contact every
day. He is so kind and responsive. Secondly, I want to say thank to the
guide Kimani. He made safari fabulous and funny. We saw so many animals
and birds, I think we were very lucky:) And of course I want to say
thank you to the whole crew of Trip Advisor Africa Safaris guys, you are
awesome!! my 3days masai mara safari is unforgettable you deserve it.
Email Jack | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
SETH VINCENT IS A CON MAN, AVOID THIS COMPANY
We have had the most miserable Safari experience organised by Seth Vincent.
We booked on a tour of Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru with this tour operator ‘Trip Advisor Africa Safaris’, operated by Seth Vincent.
We have spent our trip being harassed through calls and texts from the tour organiser, Seth Vincent. He is persistently asking us for extra money for previously agreed services and ended up cutting our trip short and not providing half the pre-agreed services. Our hotel was downgraded and filthy.
From further research into Seth's practices, we have found significant volumes of similar reviews of his practices on review websites and it appears he runs unsafe tours and regularly demands money or changes services offered.
This man has sent us 50+ messages, constant calls and leveraged the rangers as well to take us to unagreed places at unagreed times.
Avoid this man and company at all costs
The biggest test of his capability was when we entered a restaurant for dinner.
I must congratulate Trip Advisor to have such a dedicated tour leader like Seth Vincent Oketch, who has served the company loyally for more than 10 years and handling the African market.
With experience, naturally comes maturity and confidence in handling our tour itinerary.
Simple things like seat allocation were firmly settled by his clear instruction and explanation. Some places were closed due to activities organized by local government or strikes. But Seth Vincent was able to make us understand and make alternative routes and times to visit the location on another day.
With his leadership, all our members are 100% happy and followed him for all the side trips, which makes it more enjoyable for our group and easier for him to organize the trips.
This review cannot truly encompass all the good acts, professionalism, responsibility and dedication Seth Vincent Oketch towards our group, but I must say my and Friends, Thormas, Daniel & Marc including the whole group felt at ease and thoroughly enjoyed the trip and we look forward to more trips with Trip Advisor
BE
Email Traveller Sister | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!!!
With my 2 sisters, we have made the safari from Kenya to Tanzania, it was amazing!!!We had the chance to have great guide Jacob in Kenya and Ezekiel in Tanzania, you also have a cooker only for you…there were just great, they have made sure we get and see all what we paid for. Jacob has been sooo nice to us and gave us so many advices about what to do and when and explanation whenever we were seeing an animal. The cooker were also soo sweet, we have eaten very well our 6 nights. We have made all the National park listed. Vincent Seth has made sure as well that we were safe and kept in touch with us all along the Safari. I definitely advice!!!!
The only point, I should say is that the program given is not always geographically possible time wise, so make sure you review it before you start your safari and even better few days before just to avoid some disappointment. Make all your statement clear…We have made 7 days/6 night, instead of 8 days/7nights and I have to admit that each day was quite full, so we do not have any bad feeling about the 2 places we didn’t do as the hell gate in Kenya and Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.
Thanks Africa Safari!!!
DE
Email Anna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Trip but ....
First, I can't emphasize enough how beautiful and scenic landscape and wild-life watching is! Our Tourguide showed us great places. Since all tour operators do more or less the same (travel plan, camping sites, food) its maybe important to know how Trip Advisor Safaris works: Its not an operator, but it provides your booking to sub-contractors. For example, the woman who took our payment was from Seven Wonders Safari, other people in our group booked at Hekima Safari... I don't say it's not good or bad, it's just not transparent and you feel that it doesn't matter at all which organisation you choose (at least in this price range). We definitely got a good deal with Trip Advisor Safaris, since they charge less than other organisations.
What I didn't like so much was the communication. Before we paid the deposit communication was fluent, after having paid, questions weren't answers anymore. This doesn't raised my trust but in the end everything worked out well and we were picked up at the airport as promised. The second thing I didn't like that much was our tour guides attitude from time to time. On our first day Umar guided us. He was really great and told us a lot interessting things. Unfortunately, he had to leave after the first day (for personal reasons as he told us) and was replaced by Amani. For my impression, Amani seemed a bit rude and not very motivated. One day he had our binoculars in the trunk and refused to get them for us even if we pleased him several times. As you can imagine... being on a safari without binoculars is not that helpful ;-) The worst thing for me was when he got off road once to get closer to a group of cheetahs (in his defense, a member of the group coerced him to do so) but it's forbidden to leave the trail and the protection of animals should weigh higher than annoying tourists. I know, a lot of tourist want to get as close as possible to the animals but Serengeti is not a zoo and I expect guides to follow the parks rules.
Even if I complained a lot it was an unforgettable trip and I can recommend strongly to do it - no matter with which organisation. By booking Trip Advisor Safaris you get the same quality as by any other organisation as long as your willing to deal with some intransparencies.
IN
Email Reema Teronpi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A lovely Africa Adventure
It was just my daughter and I visiting Kenya and Tanzania. So I was quite apprehensive about the trip. But I needn't have worried at all! Trip Advisor Africa Safaris, specifically Seth Vincent, Reuben, Godfrey and the team took amazing care of us. As two women travelling alone in a different continent, I felt nothing but safe, secure and taken care of all thanks to the team. They were there at the Airport an hour before we arrived. Their coordination was incredible throughout the trip and we didn't have to worry about a single thing after landing. They made sure everything was smooth and automatic. We saw so many animals and learned so much about them through our experienced, well informed guides i.e Reuben and Godfrey. Visit to the museum and Maasai Village also taught us a lot of the culture, heritage and history. Our meals were always ready with careful preparation and the guides were so alert, accomodating and entertaining. Seth also kept in touch with my husband when I didn't have network to contact him. It was such a different experience for me as it was my first time camping and travelling so much, but I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. I also loved our complimentary dinner in Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi a lot.
Overall, I couldn't have asked for a lovelier time. I experienced so much in such a short span of time, in so much comfort, all for a budget price! I've personally recommended them to all my friends and will definitely choose them again when I return! Lastly, I want to thank Trip Advisor Africa Safaris for giving my daughter and me the best adventure ever!
US
Email Aluku | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Trip of A Lifetime at Excellent Value
There are two Africas: one where Westerners see exotic wild animals in
safari parks, explore natural wonders and natural beauty, are waited on
in resorts with gourmet meals. The other Africa is the real Africa, of
everyday people striving to survive, of farmers and herdsmen, of
students off to class, of arguing politics in roadside bars over a
Tusker, of motorcycles and diesel trucks, of delays and happy surprises.
Trip Advisor Africa Safaris is the best way to see both Africas. The
Africa of television and movies and novels, and the Africa of the people
who live there.
For years my wife and I wanted to visit East Africa, and after some
research and comparisons of itineraries and cost,Trip Advisor Africa
Safaris won out for a 16-day trip covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Our trip covered a majority of the parks allowing us to see the Big Five
(including the elusive Black Rhino!), the Big Seven, Southern White
Rhino, birds galore, and a trek into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to
view Gorilla's at close range. All-in-all, they delivered a
unforgettable trip.
The key difference between Trip Advisor Africa Safaris and other tours
is that we traveled by land, stopping in towns and cities along the way,
not just seeing animals, but observing Africans in their day-to-day
activities and understanding their way of life. Other safaris whisk
visitors across the country from park-to-park in bush planes and wind up
seeing little of what lies between. Those safaris seem just an expensive
visit to the zoo. I have great memories of this trip, many of the
animals, but many more of the people and places we saw along the way.
Our drivers were fantastic, Jack ,Kim , and Fredrick felt like close
friends by trips end. They made sure we were taken care of and safe.
Mindful of everything from finding a secluded grassy spot to go to the
washroom, to not taking pictures of the power plant or they'll take your
camera, to earning a red banana for every rare animal you spot. The
drivers were knowledgeable and kind and always looking out for our best
interest. My sincerest thanks to them all!
Our sincerest thanks as well to Nairobi office under the boss Seth
Vincent, for arranging the trip, providing wonderful drivers, and
getting us around the region and back to the airport early for our
flight home!
Lastly, A few small logistics and items of note. Trip Advisor Africa
Safaris, provided a mix of accommodation types varying from tented
camps, to local hotels, to five star resorts. Meals were provided, but
drinks were extra. Tipping is an art all its own, so make sure you
research what to give to who and when. Their tours can be customized
depending on your interests, preferred accommodation, etc. You need to
book in advance if you want to go gorilla trekking as the permits are
limited and go quickly.
Here is a list of our main stops between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania:
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Lake Nakuru
Lake Victoria/Source of the Nile in Jinja
Kampala
Lake Bunyonyi
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Lake Naivasha
Arusha
Serengeti
Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire
Email Kirsty | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an overall great experience
We did a 12 day circuit round Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Serengeti, the crater, Tarangire and Amboseli.
What made this trip were our two drivers, Eric and Godlove who were simply excellent.
Our accommodation on the whole was excellent although several changes were made to our itinerary. However, this generally worked out well.
We were met at the airport and our transfers across the border were smooth.
Having been slightly sceptical of using a non- UK based operator I am glad that we did.
RU
Email Kseniya Yaroslavtseva | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari with Trip Advisor Africa Safaris!
We started a process of choosing safari company about 40 days prior to arrival to Kenya. I sent about 15 emails to different safari companies with price request. Trip Advisor Africa Safaris replied very quickly and after the process of communication with the director Seth Vincent he offered us the best price among all safari operators! Need to note that safari by itself is not a cheap entertainment.
Communication with Seth was via Whatsap and email, he replied very quickly and detailed.
We transfered a deposit of 500 USD to Trip Advisor Africa Safaris to confirm our booking, residual amount we paid on arrival by cash.
Our itinerary included:
Day 1 - Pick up in the Airport Nairobi, where director Seth Vincent and our driver guide Jacob met us, then we proceeded to baby elephant center (David Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage), then to the Giraffe Center, then after lunch we had a guided tour in Kibera slums, after which we had a wonderful dinner in Carnivore restaurant. The program in Nairobi was well-thought and intense, we probably wouldn't have made it by ourselves, so, services of Trip Advisor Africa Safaris was really valuable!
Day 2 - at 7:30 in the morning we started driving to Masai Mara through the Great African Rift Valley escarpment and through Lake Naivasha where we had a great boat trip. We saw a lot of birds, big group of hippocampus in the lake and even on the land! They are really impressive animals! And we even had a chance to walk on the land nearby to giraffes, very close! However, they are rather cowardly animals:) Overnight was in Mara Sidai tented camp which is quite nice.
Day 3 - Full day Masai Mara game reserve with our driver Jacob, who managed to show us a lot of animals just in one day! We saw a lot of wildebeests, antilopas, elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions - we even saw a hunting of female lion (which btw finished not in her favor:)) Jacob is really experienced and knowledgeable guide, he always tried to show us animals up close and to ensure that we have the best view!
Overnight was also in Mara Sidai camp.
Day 4 - After morning game drive in Masai Mara we headed to Serengeti national park via Isebania Serare boarder (Tabaka gate). At the border we changed our vehicle and met our Tanzanian driver guide Zigi. The scenery in this part of Tanzania is fantastic - very sumptuous greenery, authentic local villages (however, we were advised not to take photos of people there), gold mining pit! It was really beautiful road. Then we had a game drive in Serengeti and we saw also a lot of animals, here our driver Zigi showed us leopard and cheetah family! In Tanzania we had our private chief who cooked fantastic meals for us, the food was absolutely mind blowing, believe me! Especially in this natural conditions of camping, it was so romantic:))
Overnight in Serenera campsite.
Day 5 - Morning game drive in Serengeti national park, then we proceeded through Olduvai Gorge to Ngorongoro national park and stayed overnight in a picturesque Ngorongoro Simba campsite, it was rather wet and cold in the night and morning, however, we were aware of this.
Day 6 - in the early morning we headed to Ngorongoro Crater, there was morning fog covering crater's rim it was a mysterious view! In the Crater we saw many animals and the lake with pink flamingo! However, we were not able to drive close to them as far as park's rules prohibit off-road driving. It is wonderful how animals can form their own world inside the Crater.
After game drive we headed to the small town Karatu where our accomondation was beautiful lodge. I would recommend you to chose not camping but lodge option for the last day on safari to have a rest and relax :)
Day 7 - it was just a drive from Karatu to Arusha Airport from where we had a flight to Zanzibar :)
Overall, I would recommend to use Trip Advisor Africa Safaris services, their price policy is really fair, the director Seth Vincent tries to do all his best to organize your tailor-made trip. I wish you further development and a lot of happy clients! :)
US
Email Will | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Four night package to Amboselli, Tsavo West and Tsavo East.
We booked our trip within 45 days of departing. While Vincent (the operator) was difficult to understand, he made up for with a stellar trip. I'm from America and I speak no other foreign language, and admire those that to. While not fluent in English, we decided emailing and texting would be best for both parties.
The company demanded only a wire transfer for a deposit. I think that in this day and age of credit cards, spending $80 wire fees is ridiculous, but I wanted to support a small business and begrudgingly wired the money and paid the fee. During our conversation, I clearly communicated that I will not be carrying $4,000 in cash and that my party would pay the balance with credit cards upon arrival. Upon arrival, this was met with reluctance by Vincent and mandated a trip back to Nairobi (out of the way by two hours with traffic) to meet his office manager that had a mobile unit for authorizing credit cards. Vincent could have had that with him when he met us, saving all of us two hours of our lives and more importantly, our vacation.
Once we got that out of the way, we met our driver and our guide, Lawi and we were on our way Amboseli. Lawi is a wonderful man and we enjoyed him immensely. After we checked into our accommodations at Amboseli, we went out on our first outing into the park. The first night we experienced an entire family of elephants near a small lake, that had a mother and baby hippo. We were delighted seeing that. We also experienced giraffe, impalas, gazelles, baboons and other exotic creatures. L
Lawi wanted to get us back to the lodge prior to dark, so we could eat dinner. Our group couldn't care less about eating timely or at all for that matter, if it meant sacrificing time looking for animals. That was met with resistance from Lawi. That issue also came up in the morning. We stayed 2o minutes from the park entrance and wanted to meet at 6:00. Lawi insisted we not leave prior to 6:30, but we settled on 6:15. The sun rose at 6:30 and by the time we got to the animals, the sun had been up for 30 minutes and we missed the best light of the day for our photography. However, once there we found a pride of lions coming across the savannah. Shortly after getting there, the lions continued coming directly toward us and we got amazing photographs of these magnificent animals. They crossed the road thirty feet in front of us and settle in a shadow with Mount Kilimanjaro directly behind them. It made an incredible photograph, when a lioness turned her head and looked directly at us with zebra and gazelles in the background.
Shortly after the lions went out of view, we saw a family of elephants again coming right at us. Lawi’s lack of understanding of photography became evident. While we could have easily stopped before the elephant and on the sunny side of them, Lawi continued past them and stopped the truck on the dark side of the animals. I was furious! Poor Lawi did not understand what he had done and after calming down, I conveyed the importance of being on the bright side of the animal, if at all possible, especially in hours immediately after dawn and before dusk. I’m not certain he understood why that was important, but he became vigilant at asking where he would like us to stop and that forged a great relationship with him for the rest of the trip.
After the magic of the morning resided, we went back to the lodge, cleaned up, ate breakfast and traveled on to Tsavo West. The drive there was remarkable with the scenery. It was hilly and heavily vegetated and while very scenic, it made seeing animals very difficult. We stayed at a phenomenal lodge at Tsavo West and it had a watering hole right of the back patio with a back drop of gorgeous landscapes. When we first arrived, an elephant was drinking water there along with many gazelles, waterbucks and zebra. We headed out that afternoon to view animals with little luck. The vegetation was just too thick to catch a glimpse of very many animals. Another outing in the morning yielded similar results, but it was breathtaking scenery. Then, it was on to Tsavo East after the morning drive.
Tsavo East is near the town of Voi and one must navigate its streets to arrive at the entrance to the national park. Voi was an interesting town where trash was simply thrown out and would land on public streets. It didn’t seem unusual at all to the people that lived there. Hundreds, maybe thousands of goats roamed the town and seemed to sanitize the trash as evidence of the fat goats, but I digress.
On our way to our lodge, there was no shortage of wildlife, we saw many bull elephants by themselves, many giraffes (twiga in Swahili). The accommodations were first rate again and we checked-in and then started our next drive. This time we went along a river where we witnessed many elephant families and all got great shots of them. We also experienced vervet monkies, baboons, along with many other species and witness babies as well.
After leaving Tsavo East, we took the highway to Mombasa where we said our goodbyes to Lawi and checked into a hotel there.
Overall, I thought Trip Advisor Africa Safaris served us well and I would book with them again.