Director Mpairo Ole Kiyapi explaining about herbs
Namayiana Safaris and Tours
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Michael A. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We made the right choice
There are hundrends of companies out there that offer pretty much the same product or service. It's hard to find the value for money one.
I am more than satisfied with the whole experience that I had with Namayiana safaris. Communication from start to finish was excellent with Mpairo, who was more than helpful and answered all my questions before even making the booking.
Accomodation in Sopa Lodge not only met, but exceeded our expectations. Everyone was professional there and we had a quality stay.
The one though that I would like to specially thank, is our driver Sammy. This guy not only took the extra mile, but he did whatever he could do to keep us happy and spot all the action that was going on Masai Mara park. I could see the other drivers around and I can compare. We definitely had the best driver.
Overall a very positive and well organised experience.
NL
Email www.teamimpactjourneys.com | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was a magnificent, trustworthy, warmhearted, rural, authentic and grounded experience. Aho!
It was a great joy to travel with Namayiana Safaris. We had a good glimp of the Masai Mara, the Masai Culture en living in the Mara at community level, meeting and staying with them. For me it was an easy decision to decide to start doing business with these authentic, intelligent and most friendly men, people. They were open and transparent to us, we trust them for what they say and do. We felt very close to their tradition moving around touristic facilities, the communities and the Mara itself. We can´t wait to be back. Highly recommended thus.
DE
Email Yashas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent choice. Absolutely recommend them
We were recommended to Namayiana Safaris through a friend and I think it was the best choice we did. Mpairo was amazing. Planned all the aspects of the safari very well. Loved their choice of camps for accommodation. The safaris were excellent. Jimmy and Moses were great. They took enough pain in trying to spot Big 5 in the wilderness. They had absolute patience and eagerness to make sure we spot the Big 5. During one of the game drives, they patiently searched for 2 hours to spot a leopard and another 2 hours to spot a lion pride. Thanks to their efforts, we were blessed to witness a lion go for a hunt.
I would absolutely recommend Namayiana for best safaris in Masai Mara
DE
Email Judith | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of a kind agency - incredibly knowledgable, welcoming and devoted hosts and tourguides
Mpairo (John) and Corinna were extremely professional in organising our Kenya trip. While planing the tour, it was always very easy to get a hold of them. They had an answer for every question (even the ones I wasn't even aware of having) , were open to any wishes, were full of recommendations and, knowing our budged, literarily customised our tour just for us.
Both picked us up from the Airport in Nairobi. We turned the corner and there they were, smiling and waiting for us. Communication was easy as John speaks english very well (so does Corinna) and since she is german - no problems there.
We started our trip at Lake Naivasha (loved the lodge there) and visited crescent island Game Sanctuary, a peninsula where you can literarily just walk on your own past Zebras, Giraffes, antilopes all of which just freely roam around there and are not shy at all. I even saw pelicans (they are huge!)- so a lot of firsts on that very first day. Next day, we also went to hells gate, rented some bikes to cycle through the park and then went on a guided hike through the canyon (must do!! but sound shoes are a must). The great thing about traveling with these two is that everything is so very relaxed. They simply know everything and everyone, explain lot's and lot's, about the culture and the animals - we simply fell into rhythm with each other. Especially, when we arrived at "their" Maasai Village.
We had decided to stay in their guest house throughout the rest of the stay (10 days). Best decision ever, as we got to experience the Maasai culture from within. Everyone, from Johns grandmother to his small nieces and nephews were just great.
Friendly, helpful, welcoming and curious - I still see this little girl (4) asking John to translate whether she can touch my (many) birthmarks and after having been given the permission by me, hopping with here tiny finger from dot to dot, giggling all the while. The guest house is very cosy and nice. It offers a little more comfort than the traditional maasai houses that are surrounding it (matress, couch, a terrace, a basic bathroom) - and there is the possibility of charging your electronics.
In total we went on two Game Drives with John and Corinna. You couldn't wish for a better driver and guide than John, as he is a Massai himself and simply knows the Mara like the back of his hand. He seems to have this gut feeling were to find the most extraordinary sights and always found all the animals, we wanted to see. We saw the big five and the ugly five and - to my ever lasting delight - lot's and lot's of animals in between, crocodiles, giraffes and even came across a cheetah with her three babies. John even made it his mission to find some more meercat for me, as he saw my fondness of them.
During the days that we didn't enter the national park, we went hiking, visited other villages, made BBQs in front of the huts and learned a lot about the every day workings of the massai culture and how every member is valued and an important part of the community.
I for one left Kenya with wonderful impressions, the feeling that every cent was worth spending and in awe of how immeasurable beautiful the Maasai Mara and the people living there are.
Thanks again, Corinna and John, for these incredible two weeks. It was a pleasure and a gift traveling with two people who are both so fun and genuinely excited to share their life and surroundings. I'll be back ! Next on my list - a ballon ride. I can only imagine how the Mara must look from above, at sunrise, bathed in gold.
I can only recommend Namayiana, you won't regret it for a second!
US
Email Trevor Blaise | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
John is the best tour guide you will ever find!
Our safari could not have been better in anyway! John being of the Maasai tribe knew the park better than anyone else and knew exactly where to take us for the best views of wildlife. Our stay was so great, right near the park staying in permanent tents and good local food for breakfast and dinner. I cant thank John enough for the personal and exciting experience. I don't think anyone could show you a better safari than Namayian! Meeting the Maasai on the last day was also one of the highlights of the whole experience. I cant wait to return and visit again. Thank you John for inviting us to visit your home. Aloha my friend
DE
Email Jon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful experience of the Masai Mara
I did a 3 day Safari trip to the Masai Mara with Namayiana Safaris.
Mpairo and his team were very professional in organizing my Safari. They were in touch with me all along the way to support any requests which I might have.
I also enjoyed meeting Mpairo's (John) brother, Moses, when staying at the camp site and he showed us around the Masai village near by, which was a fantastic experience as well.
The Masai Mara, of course, was stunning with many wildebeest and zebra herds still around, despite it being late in August.
I would certainly recommend organizing your trip to Masai Mara through Namayiana Safaris. Especially since it is a company run by members of the Masai community themselves.
DE
Email Elisabeth | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic agency, experience of a lifetime
I spent a week in the Maasai Mara and had the trip of a lifetime. Corinna and Mpairo offer the perfect balance of true, unadultered Maasai life and a few western amenities that make life a little easier. The entire family is warm and welcoming, I felt truly immersed in the culture and their life and got to witness things you can't usually experience - for instance, visiting the medicine man and trying to figure out the proper Maasai greeting for the entire week, with plenty of help from everyone. I highly, highly recommend booking the Maasai Village Homestay for this - the only way you will eat true a true Maasai BBQ, spend the night in a traditional house (although one modified for comfort - there's good coffee, and they have electricity, you can charge your electronics!) and hang out with Mpairo's adoreable nieces and nephews.
Our game drive was one of the best days of my whole three-month-journey across Africa. Mpairo grew up there and it really shows, he seems to know where there will be lions long before any of the other guides. Also worth noting, his English is very good and both he and Corinna are very knowledgeable when it comes to the wildlife, they could answer every question I had. I didn't get to see all of the big five (although Mpairo truly didn't want to give up the search, the man is determined to show you the absolute best time you could possibly have), but that's just how it is sometimes and it didn't lessen the experience in the slightest.
They also showed me around the other villages, introduced me to a lot of other people, and showed me the way to get a cold beer. Mpairo also seems to know everyone everywhere, can solve any problem in minutes, and makes sure you will never get ripped off no matter where you buy something, and Namayiana themselves and the family never ask for any additional donations or money that wasn't agreed upon, and don't pressure you into buying anything anywhere - from what I hear this is not always the case and I felt very safe with them. Additionally, Mpairo, Corinna, Mpairo's brother, uncle, the women and kids are just genuinely very nice people who are excited to share their culture with you.
Communication beforehand while booking was easy and prompt, and they send me on my way with plenty of very helpful tips for the rest of my trip. All in all, I loved my time with them and hope I can go back sometime! Next time I wanna do a balloon ride, too!
Thank you, Corinna and Mpairo, and say hi to everyone!
DE
Email Maike & Niels | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extraordinary Experience
This is really a must-do when you are in Kenya or East Africa - these guys are doing an amazing job.
We spent a whole week within the Maasai Village, while you normally stay inside a Camp. Living in the village with Mpairo, Corinna and the family was really an extraordinary and totally geat experience. Though we could learn a lot about culture and warm hearts. We drank tea in the maasai houses, cooked together with them, met a lot of cows, sheeps, goats, cats, dogs and puppies and felt at home.
The house and guest room is very cosy and nice. It offers more comfort than a traditional maasai house like a matress, a couch, a terasse, a kitchen and basic bathroom.
During our visit we went on a Game Drive with Corinna and Mpairo where we could see a lot of great animals like for example lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and many more. It was really a lot of fun and Mpairo knows the parc very well and is great in finding all the animals.
We also went for half day hiking tour with Moses und Koreata which gave us the opportunity to learn about the nature surrounding us.
Next to that we were able to visit the school and another traditional Maasai village.
What also was really interesting for us was to visit the market and the "shopping center".
All-in-All this was one of the best weeks during our world travel so far.
So, everybody we met: thank you so much for everything.
US
Email Vicki and Terry | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip of a lifetime with the most experienced Safari operators in the Maasai Mara
We traveled from the state of Washington to Kenya on our first safari and chose Namayiana Safaris because our daughter in law and our son, whom we traveled with had researched this safari company as we all wanted to see the Maasai warriors and visit in their village. Our guide is actually a Maasai warrior. This trip more than met our expectations in every way possible. Their van had a pop top so we could stand to get a view of the animals. Their knowledge of animals, their habits, how close we could get to them was exceptional and so educational. They basically stop at nothing to make sure you see all of the animals, and I mean very up close!!! We actually saw the the Big 5 twice and a lion taking down a wildebeest and feeding the pride.
Our every need was met and any special requests we had were always fulfilled. At times they had to go off course to get what we wanted. We always felt very safe in our accommodations which were very nice and had great chefs. The food was different but it was nice to eat the food of their culture as we experienced their culture.
Our guides John and Sammy and Corinna were so kind , considerate, accommodating, and intellectual.
I personally feel we could not have had some of our experiences with another Safari company. Our safari was for 11 days and we really hope we can make this trip again.
BE
Email Carol | under20 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing nature and culture!
Our guide, Mpairo was a Maasai himself.
He knows the park by heart and shows you everything you want.
We were able to see the big 5 within 3 full days.
We also walked in the park with a ranger next to the river with hippos and crocodiles.
We stayed at Sopa Lodge, which was amazing.
Lunch included 4 courses and dinner was a buffet.
We also had a group of monkeys in the hotel to entertain us.
The pool is perfect to cool down after a hot trip on the safari.
We also stayed at the Maasai Village for 1 night.
This is not as luxurious as the hotel but it is definitely worth it!
This is the only way to join the habbits of the culture.
They welcomed us with local food (which was very nice).
Then we went for a walk (it's a hard walk in the mountain but the view from above is amazing)
When we came back, Mpairo's brother made a bonfire where he made us a goatleg on the BBQ.
The morning after we did a balloonride where we saw lions, a big group of buffalos, hyena, elephants and many more. (I really recommend to do this!!)
Mpairo is really friendly and flexible.
I would love to go back with this organization!
Thanks again for the nice trip and say hi to your brother!
