Our Kenya and Tanzania guides smiling to a photo
Oakland Tours and Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) & Kenya Tourism Board (KTB)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $130 to $320 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Shannon | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We did not get what we paid for
On the 5, 6, 7 May, my two colleagues and I went on a “classic” three-day, two-night Maasai Mara safari with Oakland Tours Kenya.
It was critical that we booked a private safari as the three of us rarely, if ever, have the chance to meet in person.
Felistus from Oakland confirmed that this would be the case.
We were also told that we would be staying at Fisi Camp, as per the information on the website. However, on Friday we were driven to Manyatta Camp. (Felistus told me after I telephoned her that this was an “upgrade”, but I had made the booking purely on the fact that we were to stay at Fisi.)
On the Friday evening, as we were heading back to the camp after a game drive, our driver, Patrick (who is the saving grace in this whole debacle, because of his exemplary attitude) ran into some troubles with our vehicle, and we had to abandon the vehicle and catch a lift with another group back to camp. We were told that the vehicle would be fixed and ready for our game drive the next morning.
However, the next morning, the van was not fixed. Patrick told us that a part was being delivered from Nairobi which would be used to fix the car. He arranged that we joined another group (of 4 other people – not a private safari). We did not even have the chance to sit together.
At the end of the day (4pm), the part had not yet arrived from Nairobi, though by 7pm it had, and we were absolutely assured that we would have our private game drive the following morning,
Again, we were disappointed: the car was not fixed and we joined another group (5 people) for the morning game drive. We were also told that we would be driven back to Nairobi that morning in a rather beaten-up saloon car.
When we arrived back in Nairobi, Felistus and her business partner were there to greet us and offer their apologies. We had told them that we sought financial compensation because we had paid for a service (in full) that was not delivered. The best they could offer us was local currency for a trip back to the airport. (Which we did not need, but took.)
We found Felistus' attitude to be not at all what we had read about online: she brazenly told us that she would not take responsibility for what had happened, and she proceeded to blame poor Patrick for any wrongdoings/bad decisions made on her part. She didn’t seem in the least bit interested in the fact that we had paid for a private safari, but had not received one, telling us that they “got us to the Masaai Mara and back” and that was the only responsibility that they had.
What’s more, on our itinerary, it was listed that we would enjoy a trip to a local Masaai village on Sunday. This did not happen, and when we questioned Felistus on this point, she said it was “optional” (but, clearly, not our option, as we were never given the choice)!
I had spent some time investigating the wealth of companies that run safaris in the Mara and budget camps. It’s frustrating that nothing that I thought I had chosen was eventually delivered.
I understand that a safari is a complex product, and that things go wrong. But it's how you deal with it, Felistus and Oakland, that is of the utmost importance for continued business.
Reliable organisation
From the beginning, Felistus was a very dedicated and patient organizer, she answered every question I had very soon and was very helpful. The trekking to Point Lenana was beautiful, and with funny guide Elijah, quiet cook David and nice companion Joy we had a very good time. The bandas were very simple but clean and nice, and less cold than a tent. Transport to and from the gates was also good.
QA
Email Rajesh M. R. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well organized trip,excellent lodges and very cooperative driver.
Well organized trip with excellent lodges and very good Safari driver. Initial response from their management through mail and WhatsApp for finalizing package also was very good.
CA
Email John | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great SafariExperience, despite the accommodations
We booked this private Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari online although it was a bit more expensive than others exactly like it, thinking the increase in price would upscale the experience just a little. But we had the same accommodation as others we talked to at our two overnight stops who paid less. The first, Manhattan Camp, in the Masai Mara, was very run down. Maybe thirty years ago when it was built it was a great place. All that left of ‘great’ is the gardens. The zipper on out tent did not work. The mosquito netting had holes in it. The bathroom was a shower I did not want to step in, a shelf mhammered together from old wood was hanging on the wall, and a toilet that had a lid but no seat! The camp entry/reception was a mud pit. This place has simply given up. The food was as basic as possible: either spaghetti, rice, mashed potatoes at every meal all served with the same ‘beef’ sauce. Over and over. The dining hall was big and uninteresting. It did however have a massive tv in the bar section which, when the electricity was on (rarely) was blaring soccer games. Pleasant-not! Hardly ‘dining’ experience. A safari camping experience is one thing but this camp has deceptive older photos and dares to call itself a ‘resort.’ Online it states that each tent has a kitchen. Not ours!
The second was a hotel at Lake Nakuru (City Max) in a very very sketchy neighbourhood. Secure but you don’t want to walk around here at night. Grumpy daytime front desk staff and manager. Night front desk was good. Restaurant with maître de and two uniformed wait staff. But, again, the food was miserable. I pushed away the dinner after a few bites as did a few of the other four couples in the restaurant. The room was good. The beds were good. But this neighbourhood is noisy, way into the night. Our room was directly above the kitchen early, so early mornings there was banging pits and pans, etc. I complained about this to the manager but all I got was a blank stare. As for the wifi, although this place claims to have it throughout - forget that. We just gave up on it. It does work sort of in the dining hall.
So, as far as accommodations are concerned, this safari is not just budget but very very budget.
The best part of the safari was Robert, our driver/guide. We had a safari van with openable roof all to ourselves. Robert was a great driver and an informative guide. He was sensitive to what we wanted and made sure we were always having a positive animal viewing experience. We saw almost every savannah animal you could think of . So that made up for the questionable acccommodation. Ask for him if you are still going to book after reading this review.
The owner of the tour company, Felistus, was quick to respond to our emails and even got us onward train tickets to Mombasa. So she is good. I am not sure however that she has recently or ever visited the two places we overnighted in. She and all others who use them should think again.
‘Budget’ does not have to mean ‘inadequate’!
AE
Email Karen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Felistus arranged our tour on very short notice.arrangements were good n gave us a good deal.
I would say Felistus n the entire team did a fantastic job. And exceeded our expectations, n made Mum n me have a wonderful n memorable holiday. I would certainly recommend Oakland tours to friends n family.
QA
Email Gabriel Olushola | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was awesome
They rendered a very good service and communication was excellent, they lived to my expectation. am looking forward to visit Kenya again during my next vacation because of the service rendered to me by them Please keep it up.
NG
Email Ife | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
great experience
My contact person at Oakland Tours and Safari was Felistus, she was very prompt to replying any email and very professional, upon arrival my guests had a wonderful holiday experience and of course a gift from the Oakland Tours and Safari team.
CA
Email Alison | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Kenyan Safari - Highly Recommend!
My mom, myself, and my 18 year old daughter travelled to Kenya for a safari and we are so glad we booked with Oakland Safaris! From the first communication with Felistus in Nairobi, we were kept fully informed and felt very comfortable that we were in good hands. She designed a perfect safari for our mid-range budget with excellent lodges and all the logistics were taken care of so we just got to enjoy the beautiful country and wildlife. Norah and Felistus were so communicative about payment and itinerary and once we arrived we were met at the airport and given into the care of our guide Willy. He was fantastic!! He took us safely through three parks and dealt with all the entry fees, lodge staff, etc with us but most importantly he was so friendly and knowledgeable about Kenya and the wildlife we saw and he was GREAT at finding it - including a cheetah, oryxes, and lions! We loved our time and highly recommend this tour operator to anyone who wants a safe, affordable and extremely fun safari in beautiful Kenya.
AE
Email Naghmeh | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
amazing lifetime experience
The journey was started from Nairobi airport when we received the warm welcome from tour leader and driver ( Mr Edward )
Our stay was 2 nights
Both accommodations were perfect
One night stay in giraffes mayor was another amazing life time experience
Everything was managed professionally in advance by them
I did not have time to check and organize the trip by myself and I am really happy to did it through this travel agency
Eddi , our driver and tour leader was on time , gentleman and he loved his job so much that’s why he made this trip unforgettable for us
LT
Email Agne | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, fun and exciting experience for the first time
From the first minute, our tour guide was super friendly and professional. He took us from our hotel in Diani, while driving to the park Tsavo East, he explained a lot things about culture, life style of locals, abut local plants. He was also fun to talk about difference of countries.
He took care of us the whole safari time, suggesting how and what is better to do around. During our time in the park, he was also very talkative and we talked a lot about animals, we learned a lot about wild life. As we saw some tour guides while little stops during the safari, our tour guid Daniel seemed more fun and relaxed than other, which gave us an opportunity to feel safe and have lots of fun. Cheers to Daniel.
Even though we had some problems in the beginning, which was not about Oakland tour, but the agency was helpful and understanding. They are super reliable and we already planing our next trip with this agency. Definitely would recommend Oakland tour for anyone who want best time during safari.
