AMS Directors and Tour Guides
Amazing Memories Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- ASTA, KATO, AMREF & Eco Tourism
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $130 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Laurena | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing Memories Safaris Provides an Outstanding Trip
Traveling to Kenya is not new to me. This trip in March 2017 was my 7th visit. When trying a new trip operator, I have typically put them under the microscope. For the last 3 trips, I traveled with All Seasons Safaris. My first trip went well so I traveled with them the next 2 trips. All went well with only a couple of minor issues revolving around the mPesa system. More recently, a couple of clients I had referred (which I have always followed up with) had more significant issues. Based on those issues, I decided to get quotes from other operators.
I requested a quote from Amazing Memories Safaris. From my initial contact, Anne was extremely helpful and communicated professionally. For this trip, a slightly shorter one, I decided to go to only 2 different camps but stay 4 nights in each. The most significant change was that instead of traveling in a van with the same driver/guide throughout the whole trip, I opted to fly to locations. This was a big challenge to me because of the total weight restriction of 15 KG (33 lbs total for all luggage). My camera gear weighs almost half of that allowance. Anne assured me that I could do it, but also offered to store anything I wished to leave in Nairobi with her to decrease weight to the bush. Excellent. The challenge was on.
Originally I was thinking I’d travel in June but the international flights were a lot higher in price. By traveling in March, the low season, I took advantage of the lower air fares, as well as one camp (Offbeat Mara) offered a special, pay for 3 nights, stay 4. The other camp (Laikipia Wilderness Camp) had low season rates. And the best part, both camps did not have a single supplement which is good because I travel solo.
On my initial arrival into the Nairobi airport, although the plane was on time, clearing immigration (with my eVisa in hand) took 1 hour plus 20 minutes. I was one of the first persons to exit the plane but due to some sloppy handling of the lines, one of the last to clear their check point. Luckily my bag was still there waiting for me. I was never so happy to see my tour operators waiting for me. It was a very late night for them as we didn't arrive at Southern Sun Mayfair until 12:30am.
Even though I had been to Kenya 6 times, I had many questions for Anne, especially those that involved the air travel portion on the domestic flights. I was unaware that during the low seasons, often the small planes either don’t fly or if they have only 1 passenger, that person has to purchase a 2nd seat (the policy on Safarilink). Now I’m all for feeling like you have your own plane, but I didn’t want to have to book an extra seat. Anne said she could find a solution. What she was able to do, was to have me fly to Nanyuki and then instead of flying directly to the Mara (where I was the only passenger), she had me fly back to Wilson and then fly from there back out to the Mara. That solved purchasing the extra seat. She also said someone from the company would come to Wilson on that day I had to make the transfer to another domestic airline to help me with my luggage so I wouldn't have to carry it and strain my back. I was impressed. As it turned out, there must have been a change on flight passengers because I was the only person on the flight from Nanyuki back to Wilson but Anne said they would take care of the charge.
A big concern I had during this trip had to do with the disputes going on between the cattle herdsman and the ranch owners in the Laikipia area. I was extremely nervous not knowing what was happening on the ground. Anne stayed in continuous contact with Annabelle from Laikipia Wilderness Camp as to the situation and said there were no problems there and there were currently guests at the camp. This reassurance from Anne went a long way to making me feel more comfortable (as well as my husband at home who was very concerned).
Anne also communicated well to the camps about my preference to have a larger bed as well as my dietary requests. On arrival to the camps, they verified this information.
Upon arrival at Wilson (coming back from Laikipia) Anne and company co-owner Joseh met me at Safarilink to assist me with my bags to SAX airline. Since there was some time between flights, we had the opportunity to talk more. They wanted to know all about my experiences so far and was there anything they needed to correct. No, all was perfect. They waited until my flight was called to make sure I was off on the next part of my adventure, the Mara.
When I arrived back from the Mara, Anne was there to greet me again. I had a day room at the Eka Hotel and she got me checked in, even getting them to extend their normal 6pm check out time to 7pm to give me some extra time prior to my flight home at midnight. At 8pm, I was picked up promptly by my driver for the short trip to the airport and the long flight home.
My experience with Amazing Memories Safaris was excellent. They are very professional and go the extra mile to make sure all your desires are met (and then some). They have bumped to the top of my list of tour operators to use when I return and I would definitely refer others to them.
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Email Laurena | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
My 3rd Amazing Safari with Amazing Memories Safaris
This is my 3rd time making my travel plans with Amazing Memories Safaris. It is not surprising to me why they have "Amazing" in their company name. You could not ask for a better Tour Operator. Anne and Joseph have become like family to me. On this trip, I even got to meet their young son. I was very excited about that but I think he found Baby Shark more exciting. Anne and Joseph's skills truly complement each other. From the minute I contact them to let them know I'm planning a trip, they are there to answer every question, make suggestions and run interference when a curveball comes up. Since this was my 9th trip to Kenya, they know the places I like, my allergies, that I like a full size bed (even though I travel solo), what I like to do while in Nairobi and that although I'm exhausted from the long flight, I bounce back pretty quick.
There is nothing that makes me happier after 17 hours of flight, than seeing my checked bag arrive, and then stepping outside the terminal and finding Anne, her husband Joseph, and my Nairobi driver and friend Joseph 2014 (I first met him in 2014) with smiles and enthusiasm. I know from that moment on, that even if I have a concern, all will be wonderful and I'll be taken care of.
I spent my full Nairobi day with Joseph 2014. He is so engaging. He is always prompt at picking me up to make sure we get to the public visit at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust with plenty of time to spare. He shares my love of the elephants too. This time, in addition to my usual elephant visits, Kazuri and Karen Hub market shopping, we also both enjoyed visiting a new gallery, Matbronze (at the suggestion of a friend). Then at the end of the day, we made our way to Carnivore Restaurant for dinner with Anne and Joseph and an evening of laughs.
Since rain heavily impacted my last trip in March 2018, it was suggested maybe I wanted to try coming in February as it typically is less rainy. I think Mother Nature missed that memo. The rains came early and although it didn't impact the wildlife I saw, it did cause some transport issues. Anne was always on top of it. It is a slower time to travel (good news is that lodging prices are less) (bad news is that the bush planes require a minimum of 2 seats being booked). The heavy rains had caused connecting bridges to be washed away so that meant that air strip and ground route changes were necessary. Anne would keep me informed via email and also let my guide Daniel know the latest updates. There is no controlling Mother Nature and sometimes you just have to go with it. But all was as they say, "hakuna matata".
This was my 5th time having Daniel for my guide. As a fellow photographer, he knows how important lighting and positioning the vehicle can be. We have a great time swapping photo tips, catching up on things since my last visit and solving the world's issues. He has an excellent ability to spot animals, a great sense of humor, communicates well and generally spoils me rotten. A guide can make or break a trip, and Daniel sure makes mine.
Time always flies so quickly and before I knew it, it was time to arrive back into Nairobi, to check into my day room and prepare for the long flight home. Even though sad to leave, it was wonderful to see Anne and Joseph and Joseph 2014 come to the hotel to hear about the trip, go over any concerns, and share more laughs before heading to the airport. Thank you to all for looking after me so well. I can't wait to see you again on my next adventure!
PT
Email Albano Cortez | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable company .
Being passionate about photography and African wildlife, this year I decided to visit Kenya.
After an attentive internet search, I decided on an 8-day tour. I liked the itinerary presented by Amazing Memories safaris.
After a first contact with this company, I was positively impressed by Anne's helpful, enlightening and professional attitude.
I changed the program to nine days. I told her that my main purpose for this trip was photography and asked for a knowledgeable but above all patient guide.
David was exactly that. A kind and competent guide/driver, always ready to satisfy the customer.
I had the opportunity to take thousands of photos which included the migration by the Mara River, something not to forget.
The itinerary and chosen accommodation fulfilled my expectations.
Were really amazing memories
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Email D&W | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful 2-week Tour!
Two of us took an incredible 2 week vacation in Kenya and Tanzania in January. We started planning this trip 16 months ago. The first company we booked with turned sour, but luckily gave us a full refund. Upon excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, we ended up then booking with Amazing Memories Safaris and what a great decision that was. Anne (general manager) was great to work with, answering my emails & questions and planning out & booking our trip. We were on a budget, so we needed a mid-range priced tour and Anne delivered. We were impressed with the camps and lodges we stayed at; most were 3.5–4 Star ratings. Not super fancy, but they were surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable. The autos we traveled in weren’t new or perfect, but they got us through the mud and we LOVED the pop-up roofs for viewing.
We visited Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Amboseli. Can't really say what our favorite park was as they all were unique and wonderful. Our driver/guide in Kenya was Joseph; with 20 years experience he was such a great asset and really made for an excellent tour experience. It was uncanny how he could spot the animals, network with other drivers, and was just simply a friendly, thoughtful and pleasant person to be around. We happily invited him to share a few meals with us, just to spend more time with him and hear of his life, tour experiences and Kenya.
In Tanzania, we were turned over to a partner company called Migada Adventures Tours & Safaris. (Evidently Kenya drivers can’t do Tanzania, and visa versa). Donald was our driver for 3 days; a good driver. Again, Anne coordinated all this for us, and going through immigrations/visa at the border, going and coming, was easy and simple.
The only negative issue we had (and it wasn't really their fault, I guess) was when we arrived into Nairobi at 10pm on a Sunday night, there were only 4 Kenya immigration/visa agents processing all the passengers on our Boeing 747 plane. It took us 2.5 hours to be processed and there was still more passengers behind us that waited longer. Not smart on Kenya’s part. Our driver, waiting for us, left… guess they figured we missed our flight. We had to take a taxi to our hotel. Amazing Memories apologized and refunded to me the money I spend for the taxi. But beyond that issue... our tour was WONDERFUL and was truly a trip of a lifetime.
We highly recommend Amazing Memories Safaris and would choose them again for tours in East Africa.
Now, if interested… some tips for fellow travelers, from our 2-week tour experience:
1. Take lots of new or newer USD for tipping, Visa’s, village visits & drinks at camps. We took about $1200; part of which was $200 in new $1 bills and they really came in handy tipping porters, housekeeping, waiters and security people. We found out that tips left in ‘camp tip boxes’ don’t always trickle down to staff. Staff genuinely appreciated the personal tips. Most camps & roadside shops, took Visa/MC, but not all. We did withdraw $200 in Kenya Shillings from ATM – probably only needed $100.
2. Tipping: We followed Anne’s advice of tipping $10 to $20 USD per day per person to our driver/guide and $10 USD per day per room to Camp Tip Box.
3. After reading lots of blogs on the internet on what clothes to take on safari (i.e. only beige colors; no black, white, blue, camo, bright colors), our experience was that it really didn’t matter… take & wear what you have and are comfortable in. Don’t go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. You will see people wearing everything. In warmer parks… we wore shorts and tank tops, comfortably. We found our converted zip-off pants to shorts, invaluable.
4. It sounds like "high season" is July-Sept, when the Migration happens. Yes, we missed that, but we are so happy we went in "low season" as the large crowds in the parks were gone, temperatures were comfortable, hardly any bugs, and in two of the camps... we were the only ones there. Very personal service & memorable.
5. We really didn’t need it, since we didn’t see many bugs… but before we left for Africa, I treated our shirts, pants & shorts with Sawyer Insect Repellent; just spray on and let dry. Our Friends that do a lot of traveling swear by it for controlling bugs.
6. Ahead of the tour, we were a little concerned about the food we would eat in East Africa. Don’t worry… Lot’s of great food at camps and lodges and we never went hungry. Lot’s of rice.
7. Wi-Fi was spotty or non-existence at most lodges and camps we went to. Don’t expect to rely on it.
8. Expect some long days, riding many hours on dirt, dusty & bumpy roads. We found the roads in Tanzania are better than in Kenya. I wear contacts so can’t tolerate dust. I took with me some compact padded motorcycle goggles (Global Vision Aerodynamic Eyewear) and they really saved me a couple of days in avoiding the dust.
9. Last comment-Our opinion: You will spend a lot of money for a trip like this. You will enjoy your vacation in Africa more if you go with the right attitude. Not everything will be perfect. Don’t be demanding. Just go with the flow and you will then be pleasantly surprised and appreciate the African experience more.
CA
Email Lauren | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing safari with Amazing Memories
Our family of 4 is recently back from an amazing 11 night safari in Kenya and Tanzania with Amazing Memories. Almost a year before our trip I began emailing safari companies for quotes and Anne was always quick to respond to my seemingly millions of questions. I had a very clear idea of where I wanted to go, stay and do and Anne was very accommodating at making that happen. Also, her quote was very attractive compared to some other companies. Anne was extremely helpful in the planning stages and always took the time to answer all of my questions.
Upon arrival in Kenya we were warmly greeted by Anne, Joseph and our guide/driver Daniel. After a quick nights sleep we were off on our adventure. Our trip of a lifetime included 2 nights at Kibo safari Camp in Amboseli, 1 night at Meru View Lodge in Arusha national park, 2 nights at Maramboi tented camp in Tarangire, 3 nights at KubuKubu tented camp in Serengeti, 2 nights at Rhino lodge in Ngoronogo National park, and 1 night a Rift photographic Lodge in Lake Manyara. Our guide/drivers Daniel and then Donald, were professional, friendly and always working to ensure we were happy. We were very happy with both Daniel and Donald. There were one or 2 small mix ups while on safari but Anne was always just a quick phone call away working hard to make everything right. We were very pleased we chose Amazing Memories for our safari company and would not hesitate to refer them. I realize the process of choosing a safari company can be exhausting, and I can say that you should choose Amazing Memories and be confident you will be getting the best price and the best service. Additionally, everything about our safari was fabulous from the animals we saw (everything and so close and so often) to the accommodations which in most cases exceeded my expectations. Book your safari with Amazing Memories...you will be so happy you did!
Email Steve Taylor | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing 4-day safari experience
We were badly let down at short notice by another safari agency so I challenged several safari companies to organise a luxury 4-day safari at 1-days notice. Only Amazing Memories came through for us, turned up on time at our hotel in Nairobi at 6am the very next day and guided us on the most amazing 4 days in the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. Our driver 'Tony' was knowledgable, flexible and had the most amazing gift of being able to drive and spot game at the same time. I can thoroughly recommend The Mara Serena and Nakuru Sora game lodges as luxurious and with breathtaking views of the surroundings and wildlife. Overall - nothing to fault. Book with Amazing Memories with confidence. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime.
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Email Ruta | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari with Amazing Memories
My husband and I just returned from an 11-day safari in Kenya and Tanzania, and we will enjoy "amazing memories" for the rest of our lives, thanks to the advice, planning, and execution provided by Anne and her staff. When we first started planning this safari, we were literally overwhelmed by the large number of safari companies and tours available. We chose Amazing Memories based on the favorable reviews it had received -- and without question, we made the right choice. From the very start, we knew that we were in excellent hands, as Anne was terrific to deal with. She replied to all of our e-mails promptly, answered all of our many questions, made appropriate suggestions, and customized our itinerary and accommodations to meet our budget. We were fortunate to meet Anne, and she is as wonderful in person as she sounds in her e-mails.
We spent 2 days in Ol Pejeta (great for viewing rhinos), 1 day at Lake Naivasha (hippos at night on the lawn of the country club were amazing), 3 days in Masai Mara, 2 days in Serengeti, 2 days in Ngorongoro, and 1 day in Amboselli (largest elephant herds that we saw). The lodgings Anne recommended in each location were excellent, staff was very friendly, buffets were plentiful and good. The most important thing, of course, were the game drives, and they were superb due to our outstanding guides. James was our guide in Kenya for the first leg of our safari and became our friend. He had an incredible skill in finding the various animals, and we saw the Big Five within the first few days of our safari. In addition, he was a wealth of information about the animals and their behavior, the areas through which we traveled, the various local tribes and villagers. Ikamba, our guide in Tanzania, and Daniel, our guide upon our return to Kenya, were similarly knowledgeable and personable. Aside from being great guides, they also were great drivers on the often challenging trails in the game parks and knew how to position the vehicles for optimal photos. Moreover, they "shepherded" us through the border crossings and made sure that our check-ins at our various lodgings went smoothly. Since so much time is spent with the guides and the success of the game drives depends on them, it is critical that they be top-notch, and James, Ikamba, and Daniel certainly were.
One final note. Planning a safari (especially for the first time) can be daunting, and choosing the right tour operator can make the difference between a marvelous experience and a mediocre one. Amazing Memories Safaris lives up to its name -- it is truly amazing and does not disappoint. Our safari was as perfect as a vacation can be, and we are grateful to Anne and Amazing Memories for making it so. We recommend them most highly and without reservation.
CA
Email Joseph | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari experience and memories, the name says it all!
Our guide, Daniel is the best guide you could ever ask for. He was extremely knowledgeable about all wildlife from every animal we came across to the trees and terrain. Any question that we had, he had an answer to! He was an incredibly capable driver both on the roads and off roads. We were able to see all the animals and up close and personal too! He was a great photographer so be sure to ask him for advice and tips on how to get the best wildlife shots! He is funny and easy to talk to and endlessly interesting if you are a curious soul. We learned so much about all the animals, the culture of the country, history, and so much more that we only wished we had booked a longer safari!
It's safe to say that you'll be in the best hands with Daniel as your guide! I highly highly recommend Daniel and Amazing Memories and when we come back they will always stay our first option!
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Email Nancy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Saw Big Five and More! Best priced Safari with nice accommodations
I researched many tour companies and many different safaris (and prices) and chose Amazing Memories. My husband and I took the private 5 day Amazing Safari and visited Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, staying at the Flamingo Tented Camp and Sentrim Mara Lodge, both of which were nice. Anne responded quickly to my emails and answered all of my questions. She quickly sent me the itinerary and the quote, and gave me options to make it less expensive when I asked, even though it was an awesome deal for a 5 day safari staying in lodges. James, our tour guide, was great at getting us to the best spot to see the animals, even if there was a jam of multiple safari company vans around us. He was determined to make it a wonderful safari and it was! He stopped as long as we wanted to, got as close to the animals as he could (with awesome driving skills) and drove to see the animals that were on the top of our list. We saw southern White Rhinos, which are greatly endangered, Black Rhinos, Cheetahs, Lions, elephants, wildebeest, African Buffalo, hyenas, Hippos, Zebras, giraffes, birds, Ostrich, and more-- AND we saw a Leopard up close! James not only talked about the animals,but also talked about Kenyan Culture, which was great! We're very glad we picked Amazing Memories for our safari.
ES
Email Tamar Peters | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Living up to their Amazing Memories name by helping us to create Amazing Memories!
Well what can we say about this AMAZING company Amazing Memories Safaris other than that they definitely live up to their name!!! What a a great trip we had with them. Right from the start they were so wonderful to work with while we created a brilliant experience of all that Kenya has to offer. Any problems we had were quickly and effortlessly dealt with. So impressed with their amazing Nairobi team who looked after us for our first few days and transfers - Joseph specifically! He is amazing and just so full of knowledge about Nairobi and what it has to offer. Then we had the delightful and very talented (at spotting and finding animals) Ronnie who was our guide and driver for our safaris. Just amazing and such a gift to be with on those long journeys. He is an expert in finding animals which was a real bonus. Just loved his laughter and personality as added significantly to the fun of our adventure. But I couldn't have created and enjoyed the adventure as much as I did without the incredible Anne who was truly an Angel to work with. 10 star rating if it was available. I highly recommend this company and its team as been the best experience and I have been doing events for over 27 years so really know what's out there. Asante sana!!!!!! See you in 2019 xxx
