TEAM BUSHTHORNS
Bush-thorns Adventures and Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Member Of:
- Kenya Professional Safari Guide Assoication
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $70 to $400 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
ES
Email Sander Scholte | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An amazing and enjoyable Adventure
Were we lucky to be able to catch Samuel and Benson of Bush-Thorns Adventures on a few free days, for a last minute trip with them in Kenya.
Due to changes in our travel plans we ended up with a few unplanned days on the final stretch of our Kenya trip. We wanted to see Aberdare National Park, but we were not in Nairobi where most trips leave from; therefore it was hard to find something suitable. We contacted a few agencies, and noticed quickly that Bush-Thorns Adventures was by far the quickest, most communicative and most helpful to create an affordable plan that suited our departure location and wishes.
We spent two days visiting many beautiful Waterfalls in Aberdare National Park, and hiking Mt. Satima (4001m., often called Lesatime) together. This was a wonderful, exciting and for us doable hike suggested by Samuel, which turned out to be a great substitute for our cancelled Mt. Kenya trek.
We enjoyed it so much that we decided to extend our two day adventure with Samuel and Benson with a safari through Ol' Pejeta National Reserve; a testimony to their willingness and competency to adapt, make good suggestions and fully accommodate their clients even if they are 'spontaneous' travelers like us :)
A part from their competency, general care for our well-being and openness to 'new' itineraries, we also simply enjoyed their company; the conversations about Kenya, Wild-Life, tourism and our shared interest in birds definitely made the final part of our stay in Kenya with them one of the highlights. Our frantic search for birds often lead to funny moments with Benson flipping through his Birds of East-Africa book, while Samuel was trying to find matching bird sounds online in order to identify one of the many beautiful and for us foreign species we encountered.
If you are wondering wether to travel with Bush-Thorns Adventures, let this be a gentle but convincing nudge towards a yes.
CZ
Email Lenka | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing adventure with knowledgeable, reliable and respectful guides
Bush-thorns Adventures and Safaris was recommended to me by two different people (both very happy with their safaris) when I was searching for an affordable way to explore some of Kenya's national parks. From the very beginning, Samuel was extremely helpful and quick with his responses. He readily accommodated all our needs (low budget, vegetarian meals, early pick up at the airport etc.) and created an affordable yet packed plan for us. He and Joseph picked us at the airport early in the morning and Joseph took us to Masai Mara and later to Lake Nakuru. Samuel joined us then for the rest of the trip (Hell's Gate, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Tsavo West). Both were very friendly, extremely knowledgeable and respectful not only to people but also to the animals, which, unfortunately cannot be said about all the tour operators. Joseph always left enough space for the animals which often somehow worked for our benefit since, on many instances, we observed them passing very close to our vehicle, on their own terms. Samuel and Joseph also enthusiastically satisfied our interest in birdwatching.
Because we had only 10 days, we were able to explore only the well-known parks in southern Kenya. However, as we learnt during our trip, Samuel's specialty are the less frequented parks in northern Kenya, so if you get the chance, do not miss this opportunity.
I cannot recommend Samuel and Joseph more. We were first reluctant to hire a guide since we have experience with self-drive safaris in Namibia and South Africa. Kenya is, however, a different story and although it is theoretically possible to drive on your own, I think that going with Samuel and Joseph was way more rewarding, less stressful and I dare to say even cheaper than a self-drive.
So, thank you, Joseph, and thank you, Samuel, for an incredible adventure and best of luck to you!
US
Email Jeffrey Wang | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Considerate and provide detail introduction
My guide Gitaui Samuel is a nice and considerate guy. He notice I am interested in taking photo for animal, so he actively asked me if I take enough photo in every spot. He also share lots of animal knowledge with me. I learnt so much from a two day trip. In addition, I choose a budge plan, but the stay is clean and nice. The host is nice and I enjoy the stay.
FR
Email FANNY | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfection in every way. Recommend 100%
We did 2 day trips with this tour operator, and both of them were perfect. A big thank you to Samuel for the organisation and to our guide Jeen, everything was perfect.
The first one was the bike safari to Hell's gate with the naivasha visit, you have to do it ! Lunch was great as well. And the second one was a day trip to the Aberdare and its amazing landscape. Thanks again for everything.
ES
Email Jorge Escanciano | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
All we were looking for.
Great communication and planning.
We spent 12 amazing days in several National Parks with Zach and Samu. Everything was taken care of since the first email. We wanted a personalized tour and they made it unforgetabble.
IT
Email Hannah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
5 days Mt Kenya and 3 days Masai Mara
I booked two trips with Bush-thorns Adventures and Safaris:
-5 days trekking tour to Mt Kenya via Chogoria and Sirimon Route
-3 days Safari to Masai Mara
Both trips were very well organized and a great experience. Comunication with the senior tour consultant was always prompt, questions were answered almost immediately. The price, also compared to other tour operators was very fair.
I would definitely recommend travelling with Bush-thorns Adventures and Safaris.
Email Dee | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Samuel is extremely friendly, enthusiastic, reliable and knowledgeable :D
My sisters and I have been wanting to "take a dip in Lake Turkana" for years now. Finally, in December 2021, we decided we will accomplish this dream come hell or high water. A quick browse on the internet brought forth "Bush-thorns Adventures and Safaris". In Kenyan spirit, we didn't give it a second thought and started a conversation with Samuel about quotes and what have you. Since it was our first time to travel to Turkana, we had like a barrage of questions that we bombarded Samuel with every now and then. He was always so patient and kind and satiated us with his responses every time. D day arrived and we found ourselves spellbound with the magnificent views from the chartered flight to Lodwar. Our stay at Eliye Springs was simply "magical" - one has to just experience this for themselves. We don't have enough words to praise the staff there. Special thanks to the chef who catered for our very specific diet (vegan and jain); we definitely came back 2kgs heavier. Day 2 was very special. We took of to explore Central Island - Kenyan geography never ceases to amaze me! GORGEOUS and a must visit! I can prattle on and on about this special trip but, as they say, words won't do justice. I highly recommend a trip to Turkana asap :) Asante Bush-thorns :D
FR
Email Cyrine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfection !!
This safari agency is perfect.
We have been for a one day trip to Aberdares national park and it was wonderful. Samuel was a very nice guide, he showed us the best falls of the park and we loved it.
After, we made a two days safari in Amboseli national parc ! Joseph took care of us from the beginning untill the end drop-off in Namanga. He was an amazing guide and showed us the best parts of the park.
We truly recommend this tour operator, Samuel and Joseph are very professional.
AE
Email Adeel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bush and Beach safari in Kenya
We had an amazing experience with Bush thorns adventures and Safari’s. Samuel and Joseph were our guides and came with vast experience and photography skills. We traveled with children from Nairobi across the country to the beaches of Diani. We saw Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli (Kilimanjaro), Diani beach and Mombasa. We were facilitated with our own private custom land cruiser to suit the rough Kenyan terrains for the whole trip and thoroughly enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it to all.
FR
Email Cyrine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect safari, great agency !
We have been to Aberdares waterfalls with Samuel and Joseph. The place was astonishing and Samuel was a super guide, he knew the place by heart.
We also have been to Amboseli National Park with the same agency. Joseph was so nice with us, he knew exactly where to go to find all the animals. Besides, he took care of us until the end ie the crossing border to Tanzania. I strongly recommand this agency for all the safaris in Kenya.
