Denis, our tour manager posing with staff!
Bushtop Kenya Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Member Of:
- AMREF, Eco Tourism & Kenya Wildlife Service
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $75 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
MY
Email Sharon Kuan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bushtop Kenya Safaris is Your Reliable & Trustworthy Tour Operator in Kenya
7-Day Nairobi, Nakuru, Naivasha and Masai Mara
We chose Bushtop over the others because they were the only tour operator that provided us with a very comprehensive and detailed itineraries among the few that we had initially approached. The Manager Denis is very courteous, responsive and always replied to our questions promptly. Big thanks to James too who was our driver cum tour guide during the safaris. He always kept the Land Cruiser in tip top condition and tried his very best to ensure that we didn’t miss out on anything. We get to see so many awesome animals except for the elusive leopard, but James had tried his best. The tented accommodations throughout the safaris were amazing. We loved all of them and the foods served at the accommodations were so delicious and had exceeded our expectations. Our biggest surprise was when we were upgraded to a 5-star accommodation during our 2-day stay in Masai Mara. Back to Nairobi, Charles took us around Nairobi for the city sights. We especially enjoyed our time at Giraffe Centre. On our last day, we had planned to have a relaxing day in Nairobi but due an incident that’s going to take place in CDB where our hotel was at, we were advised to leave the area early in the morning. As our flight was scheduled to depart at midnight, we contacted Denis again and within 10 minutes, he made arrangements for us to visit Fairview Coffee Estate with lunch. We spent a few hours of enjoyable time there and with some time to spare, Charles drove us to visit Karen Blixen Museum. After that we departed for the airport with happy memories of our holiday in Kenya. Thank you very much Bushtop Team ie Denis, James and Charles!
Sharon Kuan
Malaysia
DE
Email Ruben | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
All-round excellent short safari with a super guide
Dear James (our guide), Dear Denis, Dear Bushtop-Team,
Even if our Safari (Pick-up in Nairobi, two days Amboseli, two days Tsavo West), is already some weeks ago, we are still or even more super happy about this experience. Communication, organization, camps, driving&game-drives and especially James knowledge were super nice. James is not only a super friendly guide, great driver, human being, but also a walking encyclopaedia. He stopped for the smallest plants&beetles and knew so much about those (but also we were amazed of this - for people not interested in he for sure wouldn't be so much into the small things). The only thing that put a damper on an otherwise well-rounded and great experience was the tip issue at the end (James demanded more than we had set for ourselves and after research and we couldn't afford as a young couple, spoke of ‘previously communicated tip rates through Bushtop’ - which wasn't the case...). Apart from that, I can only continue to enthuse and would recommend James and Bushtop at any time!
Bushtop Kenya Safaris
We initially booked this tour with Viator the day before and was surprised to see that we could get into the elephant orphanage (it normally takes two days notice). About an hour after booking, Denis from the tour provider, Bushtop Kenya Safaris, contacted me. He said that due to the lateness of our booking (our fault), he could not get us into the orphanage and suggested we cancel with viator and book just the national park with his company. The main reason we booked the tour was to visit the orphanage. When we canceled with viator, they canceled our tour but Viator refused to give us our money back because we canceled. Denis had contacted viator and explained all of this to them on our behalf with no resolution. Denis somehow managed to arrange three tickets for us to the orphanage. He did not need to do this nor did we expect such effort, and it was amazing that he went above and beyond. The next morning, Henry, our driver, picked us up and we had a personal driver for the entire morning through the national park and then onto the orphanage. Needless to say, Denis came through for us and Henry was a great driver and guide. I can highly recommend Bushtop Kenya Safaris.
CA
Email David | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding
I took the 5 day Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboselli game park safari from Diani Beach with Bushtop Kenya Safaris.
Everything was excellent. Julius the driver/guide was very safe and cautious and I never worried. The selection of hotels was 5 star and the food was excellent. We had 3 game drives every day. I liked the pop-up roof on the Land Rover. I saw all the animals I expected. Lots of elephants and zebras. Saw cheetah and lions. I contacted Bushtop safaris to book the tour two years ago. Unfortunately circumstances changed and I had to go solo but Denis honoured the original price and itinerary.
Overall it was an outstanding and enjoyable safari.
Much more luxurious than the one I had taken 43 years ago.
Email Annalisa | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing start to finish
We have just arrived back from a 5 day safari booked through Bushtop Kenya Safaris and wow what an incredible experience!
From the moment we started looking at booking this, Denis at Bushtop could not have been more helpful. We received quick responses to all our enquiries and did not feel pressured into booking with them at all (a few other companies had contacted me daily asking if I was booking with them). The communication was really clear throughout the process and I felt trusted in the team that they understood our requirements and they definitely delivered! They supported us in customising the packages so we got out of the trip what we wanted and at the best rate they could. They kept us really informed throughout making sure we knew who would be there to meet us on our first day etc and the whole transition felt so smooth.
Our safari date arrived and we met our amazing guide James. James especially is to thank for an incredible time throughout our trip - it truly was an amazing experience and we loved every minute. James was a pleasure throughout the whole experience, very helpful, knowledgeable, professional and welcoming. He was a fantastic tour guide from start to finish. He went above and beyond to make our trip, making sure we saw as much as we possibly could, ensuring we were comfortable throughout, provided us so much information about the Kenyan culture the wildlife etc. We are so thankful for his time on our 5 day trip - he is an asset to the company!
We stayed in 3 different lodges (Sarova Lion Hill, Naivasha Sopa Lodge and Mara Serena) and they were all perfect! Fantastic food and service, very welcoming staff, comfortable and clean rooms. The scenery from all 3 lodges was also beautiful. That’s Bushtop for securing us such wonderful accommodation throughout.
The thought that has gone into organising and ensuring the best experience from the clear communication throughout, comfort and cleanliness level of the vehicle, the standard of the lodges is very much appreciated.
We cannot thank you all enough for making this trip so memorable.
Email Louise & Mark | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic! Putting together a great itinerary at a good price.
I had a really good booking experience.Denis was very prompt dealing with any questions and very thorough ensuring the itinerary met all our requirements.Our guide Henry was OUTSTANDING! He made the whole safari wonderful. He was a joy to be with, pleasant , good humoured,knowledgeable and accommodating. We would definitely love to have his services again.
Sopa Lodge in Amboseli Park was beautiful. Just how I hoped a safari lodge would be. The staff and accommodation were excellent.
I would unreservedly recommend the services of Bushtop Safaris to all my family,friends and colleagues. It was the best holiday my husband and I have ever had.Henry ensured that we saw a multitude of fantastic animals at extremely close quarters and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.We felt safe and privileged throughout our holiday. Our overall experience was the holiday of a lifetime and AMAZING.Thank you everyone who made this possible.
It was awesome and we will definitely be back for our 10th wedding anniversary.Hopefully to do the Masai Mara with Henry!
Louise & Mark Carlsson- Very satisfied customers!
IT
Email Jessica | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great tour with a very knowledgeable, fun and welcoming guide.
Beautiful experience with this tour that organized our safari.
Friendly, welcoming guide with excellent knowledge of the area. The accommodations have an excellent organization and catering service, very hospitable.
(automatic translation from Italian)
Amazing
We have just completed the most wonderful 4 day/3 night trip of a lifetime with Bushtop Safaris. Highly recommended!!
We were incredibly fortunate to have such a knowledgeable driver in EDWARD to ensure that we saw the Big 5 of Africa!!
The initial engagement was first class - DENIS guided us from start to finish. We were provided with an initial quote and 3 options to meet our requirements.
We eventually chose:
SAROVA LION HILL GAME LODGE - Nakuru Game Reserve (1 night)
SAROVA MARA GAME CAMP (2 nights)
These were chosen as they were inside the park - this saves a lot of time getting on safari - and the SAROVA group proved to be real luxury. The accommodation gave a taste of camp life and the food and service were always top quality.
We also chose the LandCruiser over the minibus option. This proved to be a wise choice as the landcruiser has better off road capability which allowed us to get close quickly to the mins blowing experience of a lion kill.
Our driver and guide was EDWARD (the MOST FAMOUS GUIDE IN THE WHOLE MASAAI) who is a 15 year veteran of the parks. Working in tandem with a couple of colleagues he was able to steer us through the park experience; pointing out the various wildlife and steering us to:
1. A family of white Rhino
2. Over 5 pride of lions - and one pumba kill
3. An elephant up close
4. A leopard eatings it’s kill in the setting sun
5. The terror of the Cape buffalo
Alongside: cheetah, giraffe, baboons, and the lovable (but very stupid) pumbas.
Bushtop Safaris thoroughly recommended - 5 stars!! And we will be back DENIS and EDWARD - thanks again for one of life’s great experiences in the Masai Mara!!
THANK YOU EDWARD FOR THE GREAT EXPERIENCE!!
AT
Email Tsaiyun | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience, highly recommended!
Bushtop was very professional in whole process, they reply very fast to all of our questions before the trip. The accommodations arranged for us were excellent, providing a comfortable and relaxing space after each day's safari, along with delicious meals.
Most importantly, our safari guide James was very knowledgeable and professional, greatly enhancing our experience with his expertise. We had an unforgettable adventure with him, and we are very thankful for everything he did to make this trip so memorable.
KR
Email Jin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic 6-Day Kenya Safari Tour(Amboseli-Masai Mara-Nakuru) with reliable and competent staff!
My safari trip to Kenya with Bushtop was an unforgettable experience. When I first planned the safari trip and requested quotes from several safari tour operators, Denis of Bushtop provided the most reasonable quote while fully reflecting my needs. As my travel schedule, transportation, and accommodation requirements changed, he perfectly adjusted the safari tour itinerary to meet my needs
When I contracted with Bushtop, the accommodations I wanted were already fully booked, so I had to be on a waiting list. However, Denis skillfully and persistently worked until the end to ensure that I could stay at my desired accommodations in Amboseli(Serena), Masai Mara(Serena), and Nakuru(The Cliff). All three accommodations were satisfactory in every aspect.
What made my trip most special were the passionate, cheerful, and professional guides from Bushtop. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jesse (in Amboseli) and James (in Masai Mara). They ensured that we could fully enjoy the safari tour throughout the trip, doing their utmost to help us see more animals, have more experiences, enjoy more, and feel more. We were especially touched by their care and dedication in using the simplest words, speaking slowly, and repeating explanations several times for us, who are not proficient in English. When parting with them, I felt the sadness of saying goodbye to old friends, and if I ever return to Kenya, I will definitely meet them again
The most challenging part of planning a safari trip to Kenya is having to contact local tour operators only online, make a contract, and pay a substantial deposit in advance. I also made a reservation and paid the deposit about eight months in advance, and I was worried whether the tour would proceed as planned without any issues. However, now that the trip is over, I can say with certainty that Bushtop and Dennis are truly reliable, and you will never regret entrusting them with your plans. Every detail was perfectly prepared throughout the trip, and everything proceeded without any problems. If I go to Kenya again, I will definitely choose Bushtop again, and I can confidently recommend them to people around me.
