On Safari in the Mara
The Safari Partners
- Located In:
-
Canada
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- IATA, ACTA & TOPAC
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Jeanne and Tom | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip..great safari, great lodges, great food and great guides!
We recently returned from our 15 day East Africa safari ending on Zanzibar for a beach holiday. All the arrangements for this trip went amazingly well. No missed transfers, no bad lodging, no negatives at all! It was the trip of a lifetime...we got to see all the animals we hoped we would and close enough to hear them breathe! The two guides we had from Safari Horizons were just wonderful...knowledgable, friendly, helpful and they really worked hard to make sure we saw the animals we wanted to. Our guide in Kenya, Dennis, helped us locate a charger for our camera when we lost it. He even got the shop to stay open!
Our group was so nice...just 6 people including us in an overland vehicle that took us over some really rugged roads and landscape. The lodges we stayed at in very remote locations on Masai Mara and Serenghetti were also truly amazing. All were a little different architecturally and fit into the landscape well. Great rooms, great views of animals from balconies, pools, great service, wonderful large reception halls. Many had entertainment. Two bush babies lived in one of the Great Rooms. The lodges all had great choices of food...I especially appreciated the vegetarian and Indian choices. Box lunches, picnics when we were on the road really were nice. Who dreamed we would be picnicing under a tree on the Serenghetti surrounded by wildebeest! Our rooms were all beautiful and had great bathrooms, access to wifi, pools, and opportunities to meet other guests from around the world. Can't say enough about the staff at these lodges...always helpful, greeted us with warm towels and juice. The staff at the Stanley in Nairobi were especially helpful in finding replacements for our electronic chargers. And Chris from Safari Partners was always helpful and prompt in answering all our questions, addressing all our many concerns. He saved the best for last. We stayed our last 4 days or so on Zanzibar at the Hideaway/Nungwi. What a fabulous place! Beautifully appointed rooms, gardens, and public areas. Just a gorgeous place to end a perfect vacation...a great beach, an infinity pool, fabulous food choices, balconies looking over the ocean, and the most attentive staff ever. We really loved our stay here and enjoyed using the snorkeling equipment, kayaks, catamaran...all free. We went on the Spice Tour and a sunset cruise out of Stonetown. The company we used in Zanzibar, Island Express, were also great. Very professional, prompt, friendly and set up a schedule of activities that was just right. All the flights were arranged for us and we did not have any problems for the entire trip. Thanks, Safari Partners, for one trip we will never forget!
CA
Email Gail McKay | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An outstanding company with an outstanding experience
I booked a gorilla trek in Rwanda for May 26-29 through Safari Partners. Although excited about the trip, I was totally unprepared for the incredible experience it would entail. I was picked up at the airport by my guide Eric and had, TRULY, the experience of a lifetime. The hotel in Kigali was quite luxurious and the buffet breakfast by the pool delicious. I was given an impromptu city tour which reflected where the city had been and the evidence of where it was going - the development of new neighbourhoods and housing gave a positive picture of a country almost reinventing itself. Eric was attentive to giving a great overview of this country in which he had obvious pride and showed government initiatives reflective of a successful evolving country. The Genocide Museum, although heart wrenching at times, is a MUST see.
The drive to the Gorilla Lodge showed Rwanda in all its natural beauty - my guide allowed stops to photograph stunning scenery and gave extensive, informative answers to all questions.
The Gorilla Lodge provided excellent food and accomodations with attentive staff - the hot water bottle to warm the sheets in the cool mountain air was much appreciated. Before supper, guests were treated to a performance from local school children - what a treat it was especially the performance of a lion dance!
The gorilla trek itself is life-changing - no one who comes eye-to-eye with our gentle relatives can be anything but awestruck. The parenting of babies by the females and the antics of the juveniles under the watchful supervision of the patriarchal Silverback was awe-inspiring - that they have forgiven humans for past transgressions is a credit to THEIR evolution. The obvious relationship of the trackers with their gorilla charges was a priviledge to witness.
I would consider Safari Partners as a first choice for any future planning for trips. The gorilla experience is NOT to be missed either as a sole endeavour or added to a planned safari - it WILL change you!
CA
Email Rick and Alice | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip and Memories of a Lifetime
We traveled with a group of friends (6 in total) to Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. We met with Chris to communicate what we wanted from our trip to Africa and our budget. The smartest thing we did was listen to Chris and have him put together the itinerary for us. It ended up being an amazing trip that met and exceeded our expectations in every way. We were well looked after by local guides during the entire time we were in Africa. We were in Rwanda to see the gorillas which were the highlight of our trip. Our animal safari was in Kenya where we stayed at two camps, the Elephant Bedroom in Samburu and Encounter Mara in the Masai Mara. Both camps were in a private reserve/conservancy that made for easy and up close views of animals. Both camps also provided excellent service and food but a special shout out has to go to Encounter Mara camp for their 5 star all around experience. We ended our holiday in Zanzibar in Tanzania where we spent several days on the beach at Matemwe Lodge.
A big reason why we had such a great experience in Africa is due to Chris' guidance and knowledge. We received great value in using Safari Partners and highly recommend them for anyone thinking of traveling to Africa.
CA
Email Ruth | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memories for a lifetime
We stumbled across Chris and The Safari Partners during an internet search. We had been in contact with two US-based tour operators and had been disappointed in their proposals so we broadened our search. Reading the other reviews on this site prompted us to reach out to Chris and the rest is history. He listened very closely to our wish list and took the time to understand the type of experience we wanted. The result was pure magic.
Our trip consisted of 3 safari camps in Tanzania and mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The safari camps were Asilia properties and I cannot say enough about this wonderful company. Each property is totally different. The Highlands, with its futuristic domes, is high up and has amazing views. The accommodations were superb as were the food and staff. Ubuntu, a mobile camp, is homey and comfortable; it's incredible how they operate at such a high standard in the middle of the Serengeti. Finally, the all-women Dunia camp is charming and cozy. Leaving each camp was like leaving family and friends. Asilia must be commended for its high standards, excellent staff and community development.
Of course, our main purpose was to see wildlife and, in that regard, our expectations were met a thousand times over. The guides in each camp were wonderful, very knowledgeable, passionate about their work and eager to please. They know the territory like the back of their hands and are expert at spotting wildlife in the most obscure places. We were blessed to see a wildebeest giving birth, lions mating and countless other slice of life moments on our numerous game drives.
To top off an incredible safari experience, we took a sunrise hot air balloon ride. The Serengeti Balloon company is a top-notch professional outfit. The operation is run like clockwork and the result is a magnificent overview of an beautiful landscape filled with wildlife, and followed by a hearty champagne breakfast.
The final leg of our trip was Rwanda to visit the mountain gorillas. We spent a night in Kigali and visited the Genocide Museum. Although a difficult series of exhibits, it is a must-see. Then on to the mountains. Our accommodations here were so-so but they were incidental to our reason for being there. The purpose was to trek up the mountain and spend an hour with the mountain gorillas. At times, the climb was tough as we were slogging through dense jungle but our guide and the porters were skilled and patient in getting us there in one piece. Our family was the Hirwa (or Lucky) group. The huge silverback sat calmly as we entered his domain and allowed us to enjoy his rambunctious family. A female with 7-month-old infant also let us observe her mothering skills while several juveniles played on the ground and in nearby trees. An hour passed by in a blink and then we had to leave this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I would highly recommend Chris and The Safari Partners. This was a bucket list trip and the memories will last a lifetime.
CA
Email Cindy & Don | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
East Africa Safari
My husband and I have recently completed a trip of our lifetime to Rwanda and Kenya. Chris from Safari Partners helped make that dream come true. From the very first phone call and throughout planning our trip Chris was extremely helpful with his wealth of knowledge, information and suggestions. I appreciated all the time he spent talking with me to determine exactly what we were looking in order to help us customize an itinerary that would suit what we wanted to accomplish in our trip. Having never been to Africa before we had many questions while planning our trip which Chris was always so patient and prompt to answer by email and phone. Our trip all went as planned from beginning to end and we were thoroughly pleased with all of the accommodations and itinerary that Chris helped us to choose. We came home with only thrilling and happy memories of Africa. Thank you Chris! We could not have done it without you!
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Email Jeannette | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous Beyond One's Expectations!
My three week, two day trip exceeded my expectations of my long awaited trip to Africa. The key to the success of this amazing trip is summed up in three words: Chris - Safari Partners. Chris developed an excursion that led me through Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa with Cape Town and the Garden Route. Every detail was attended to so that at no time was there a concern about the quality of accommodations, food, tours, connections. Everything was outstanding! I found Chris to be concerned listener who took my ideas and ran with them superbly. With all of my own research including that of checking out other companies, nothing would have come close to what I received from the itinerary and wonderful array of accommodations, safaris, tours and tightly organized traveling connections designed by Safari Partners. I would like to note that when my traveling partner was not able to go on the trip due to health reasons, Chris made some adjustments, gave me advice, and assured me safe passage. He wasn't wrong. I also want to share that the value I received on all facets of this trip FAR exceeded the cost of the trip. Fabulous all around! Highly recommended! Thank you, Chris!
CA
Email Fran M. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Trip of a Lifetime Come True Thanks to Chris and The Safari Partners !
Just returned from a Safari trip to Kenya followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar, Tanzania for a bucket list trip for my 50th Birthday and it was beyond awesome all thanks to Chris and the Safari Partners. Travelled July 05-15, 2015.
Chris put together a package for us to stay at the Encounter Mara Safari Camp located in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy in the Masai Mara National Reserve for 5 days and then 5nts at Dreams of Zanzibar in Tanzania.
What i liked the most about The Safari Partners was that they took care of everything for us. From our internal flights, being met by a representative everywhere along the way and transferred between airports and hotels/camp, our accommodations, meals, tours, including safaris and it was flawless. I'd like to think of myself as a travel guru having been a travel agent for the past 33 years and having travelled around the world but even I would have been a little bit intimidated by both Nairobi and Zanzibar had we not had someone to meet us and take us to our hotels. So Kudo's to Chris and his team for having such a vast knowledge of Africa and setting up a great network of reliable suppliers and people to smooth the way for his guests.
The Encounter Mara Camp now operated by Asilia Africa was out of this world excellent. The Service and experience was Top Notch from the management team of Sammy, Moses & Andrew, our Guide Wilson and all the staff at the Camp. Every single employee in that camp could not do enough for you, it was humbling. Their attention to every detail was incredible, and beyond all of my expectations. Our guide Wilson was excellent as I'm sure all of their guides are but we felt very fortunate to have Wilson as our guide. His knowledge of the area and all of the animals and birds was incredible and we had great drives everyday under his tutelage and saw more animals then I could ever have imagined up close and personal. It is not an experience that I will soon forget.
Our beach holiday at Dreams of Zanzibar following our Safari was also a great way to cap of a Trip of Lifetime.
All and All this trip is rated 10 out of 10 in my books and I hold The Safari Partners responsible for that and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone and hope to send more business their way by also recommending to my clients whenever possible.
Thanks Chris for all of your help and making it happen !!
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Email Joy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
No follow up
A few mistakes in our flight itinerary, one of the hotels dropped the ball regarding transfers, had to be stressed out and contacted Chris he got back to us and said he would look into it. He said he would get back to us but never heard from him again. Chris never followed up after the trip either as we expected he might do to get our feedback or explain what happened. One of the hotels we stayed at was under construction. Things happen on holidays that are out of peoples control I get it but we feel with how things happened there would have been some follow up. We are well travelled and have done many private tours with follow up afterwards.
Reply from The Safari Partners
Posted on Oct 26, 2023Hello Joy, thank you for your review. We are very sorry we did not full meet your expectations for your safari. We pride ourselves on the itineraries we design to run smoothly and to keep you focused on enjoying your trip, not the logistics. We want you to come back with fond memories, not feeling like things could have gone better.
In this case, our local operator in Victoria Falls dropped the ball on getting transfer times correct and communicated to you. Please accept our sincerest apologies as this should not happen. We have since worked to address this with the appropriate teams so that it does not happen in the future. When I became aware of this situation, I immediately responded to clarify and rectify the situation and was in contact with you continuously on this matter. I am always there for my clients (as you will see from other reviews) as I know they trust us to make their logistics effortless and holiday memorable.
It is not always apparent, but I am continuously checking on clients with the hotels, guides and teams on the ground in the background to ensure that things run well. This is even more important when a client has experienced a hiccup along the way. I had been constant contact with our partners for you, and received reports that you were enjoying your time throughout following on from your stay in Vic Falls. I actually emailed with your husband while you were in Botswana with a followup on the transfers in Vic Falls and to check on your stay so far. I wanted you to know that I had spoken to everyone and reconfirmed all arrangements were in place and correct from there onward. Your husband responded positively that you were enjoying your experience so far and thanked me for following up.
As you transitioned to the Cape region, I checked in with your guide Thomas on your time in Cape Town and Winelands and how things were going. He remarked on how fun you were as clients, and that you were really enjoying your experience there.
South Africa is experiencing a boom in tourism and post-pandemic there has been a fair amount of building taking place. There was some construction happening on the backside of One Marine Drive in Hermanus and I have confirmed that this only took place between 9 AM - 4 PM when you would have been on day tours. Your room was on the other side of the property facing the sea and should have not impacted your stay. Hermanus in particular is extremely busy in September and given you would be out during these times on tours, we did not want to rebook you in a property of a much lesser standard. Our sincerest apologies for any disruption to your enjoyment this caused.
Despite all this I do hope you enjoyed your trip as a whole. Thank you again for all your feedback and I hope that we can take you to Africa again one day. We would like to show you that this was the exception and not the rule. We take great pride in our attention to detail and planning.
Warm Regards,
Chris.
Perfect trip.....made possible by meticulous planning of Safari Partners!!
Chris and Jen provided excellent service for us in planning our two safaris to Kenya. As our first safari adventure we had many questions, and each one was answered diligently, thoroughly, and knowledgeably. Every detail....from beginning to end, travel arrangements, transfers to hotels, choices of hotels, camps we stayed at and enjoyed our safaris, and excursions in and around Capetown, South Africa. The entire trip (one month) was wonderful and meticulously planned. The two safaris were amazing (Samburu, staying at Elephant Bedroom Camp; and Maasai Mara, staying at Entim Camp on the Mara River, site of the big migration).
CA
Email Marion | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Just use these guys. They're top notch
This was the ultimate trip of a lifetime and it was obvious that our trip was very well considered for both our safety and ultimate enjoyment. The accommodation, the food, the guides, the staff, the people, all of it was very well planned.
We did the 12 day Kenya/Tanzania safari and I wish Ijhad stayed longer to visit more countries. If I go back to Africa, I won't shop around. I will just go back to Chris and crew. They know what they're doing.