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
HR
Email Anica | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Deeply explained positive/negative experience
We found Namayiana Safaris by google. I thought it is a nice place to stay since it was a home stay with the Masai people, for 15 usd per person per night (hardly you will find anything cheaper there and so close to the park).
There are some good things (food, seeing all the animals, experiencing life in Masai village, having land cruiser) and some less good (trying not to buy us tickets, organized bad transport for the way back, entering in our room while we were not there, idea that the tourist is the bag full of money).
In each section i will write both sides in details. My boyfriend Yekta already left a review (should be 2nd review under mine... I will also respond to Mr. John who found himself offenfed after reading the review of my bf).
We paid daily 120 usd for the land cruiser (car, driver, gas included). We rented if for 3 days (was supposed to be 2, i will explain under why 3).
If you will have extra questions, ask me on my Instagram @thismorningiwokeupin. I was in about 60 countries, made many tours, so i can tell i am experienced traveler.
Let's start from the beginning:
Arriving there - we were coming from Narok to John's village. John offered us to use matatu for 1000 KES, but we didn't know what time it goes and we missed it. It was very hard to find another transport to the village, we had a lot of problems (because of the rain and going with the car which was not 4x4). However, John was always available by phone. I recommended you to organize the transport before coming (John can help you).
Accommodation - Masai house, one room for you, one room for John and chefs... It was nice to stay there, meet the kids, talk with adults, "play" with animals... Walls in the house are thin, so whenever someone is speaking you can hear. There is no electricity (we had to charge phones in the car. Keep this on mind if you are carrying camera!) or mosquito net over the bed. Shower and the toilets were outside, in the nature. They can make buckets full of the warm water for you.
Lock your room (bring your own locker?) - we noticed that some food is missing in our room, i also found the package of my chocolate out of the house on the floor... John told probably kids entered and took it...
I suggest you to bring some extra food with you before coming to the village. Shops are limited with choice, there are some restaurants inside of Masai Mara NP. Kids will be happy too to eat some cookies :).
One thing what should be mentioned before coming - if it is raining, it is extremely muddy, slippery and not everyone would be able or want to walk there. (For me it was not a problem, maybe only for my snickers :D)
Food - breakfast was one boiled or fried egg per person, butter and toast bread. Sometimes with extra beans and pancakes. Lunch was the same as breakfast (egg, toast bread, butter). For the dinner we would get a lot of rice with vegetables, some meat, fruits, chapati... Normally they would ask if we have some dinner wish. In total dinner was delicious. I was feeling a bit uncomfortable that 1 or 2 of them would stand next to us and stared at us while eating (they would tell they ate before, but as they were staring we would offer them to eat, they would tell they will eat after us - it confused us - we were not sure if all the food is really only for us (as they told at the start... or they are waiting to eat and if we eat everything they would have nothing?? ).
Restaurant lunch - one day John told we will go to eat barbeque in the restaurant instead of home. We told ok, barbeque sounded good :). When we arrived in the restaurant, they told they don't serve a barbecue... 2 of our chefs ate with us - when the bill came, they didn't offer to pay their part, it was expected that we pay (again not a big money, but it is polite to offer to pay your own part or tell thank you after someone else pays for you).
Safari - Be sure that they buy for you the entrance tickets!
We were able to choose between 2 options - to have land crusiser in the morning (aprx 6 till 9am) and late afternoon (aprx 3 or 4pm till 6pm) OR for the full game drive (8am-4pm). In total, we saw big 5 and many other animals.
1st day - We went to the river and short walk with the scout. We got stuck with land crusier in the mud near the elephant with the babies - it was a bit scary (it can happen to anyone:). I was surprised that they don't have any protection with themselves (like smth to make animal sleep if it attacks), but i don't know what are the rules about it so maybe it is normal not to have.
2nd day - we again gave160 usd for the tickets to enter the National Park. We noticed that John and, the owner of the land cruiser, Steven didn't buy the tickets so in the evening we asked if we can get our tickets. They told it was crowded on the entrance (how crowded it can be in the low season?), they decided to avoid that entrance and go directly in (and they told that workers on the gate know vehicle registration plate, they will charge them later for the tickets, that if they don't pay they can have serious problems). John mentioned in the answer to Yekta that they went fast inside to see the leopard --> on that day we entered twice in the NP. We saw leopard around 16:30 (we entered in the NP at 15 h!). Cheetahs were seen next day. First time we entered was around 05:50 and i didn't notice many cars around. Also, one thing they told was that we were allowed to enter in the NP earlier than normal. If so, how it could be crowded? Notice the contradiction?!
John is telling they bought the tickets next morning - no, they went to buy it after we insisted on them to go for it the same evening (they were telling before how the ticket will be for that day, but as expected he came back with brand new tickets for the next day. It was obvious he got nervous about the whole situation).
3rd day - since we got one extra day tickets for free we decided to stay and use it. That is the answer on John's question why we stayed 2 extra nights. We had to pay again 120 usd for the car. In the afternoon John invited 2 more Masai people to go with us, but he didn't ask us before if it is ok. He asked when we were already inside the car and we had no option, but tell yes. Honestly, i would like that we were alone with him + eventually one extra person sitting next to him, not having someone sitting back with us - then it is not anymore a private tour.
Leaving tips - Sometimes they would repeat multiple times to "take a good care of chefs/whoever". I think tips are optional and we should leave according to our satisfaction with the service. It is ok to mention once at the start to leave tips at the end if we liked certain service, but to repeat it multiple times is pressuring. Once, we asked 2 of them how much we should leave for the leader from the another village (they took us to see it + dance, in total it took inside max. 30 min.) - they told us some tourists leave few thousand KES (means 50 USD or so). We left less than that and the leader of the village didn't seem very happy about it (and all of them were staring to see how much we left, he counted money in front of us). Before leaving Kenya, we talked with some Kenyans in Nairobi and we asked is it normal to leave tips and how much - they told it is not normal, but we can... They told us 500 KES is already a lot for tips, but we didn't have the same impression from the village. People there have to understand that not all of the tourists are bag full of money, it is already expensive to pay for the tour itself. I suggest you to bring envelopes and give tips inside of it.
Going back to Narok - John organized '"matatu". That "matatu" was actually normal car for 5 people (not a van neither 4x4 wheels). Inside there were 10 PEOPLE (including John and his brother)!!! 3 sitting in front, 4 behind and 3 in the baggage. 3 of 4 doors were not possible to open from inside of the car, window on my door was also not able to be opened... You could hardly breath and ride itself was very dangerous. Car broke down after the certain point and we switched to the new car. They asked us to pay 1000 KES (~10 usd) per person for supposed to be 2 hours ride in such conditions. We believe that they overcharged us, because we are tourists. No one can convince me that all the people in the car paid 1000 KES each, it would mean about 90 usd total. Even when we were coming from Narok to the village, regular taxi for 5 people charged normally 600 KES per person.
Mr. John - despite some troubles up, i believe he si intelligent and friendly person. I wish him a good work with the company and i hope he will not get poisoned by the idea that everybody are "tourists with lot of money" and he will work with people as "travelers" who want to see, feel and enjoy the local culture.
Reply from Namayiana Safaris and Tours
Posted on Jun 12, 2018Dear Anica,
thanks for your again very detailed review and the nice pictures. I guess everything has been explained in my previous answer to your boyfriend, so I will not go into detail again.
I can just emphasize that I'm not a person who thinks "tourists are full of money". I want to create unique experiences for my guests and at the same time I support my community by employing them on the safaris. If you read all other reviews on my company, you see that this is what people mostly love about me and Namayiana Safaris. We are a small and personal tour operator and I can just say again: you and me, we left each other with happy smiles and no mentioning of any things you are complaining about now. I'm really wondering what happend to you afterwards that you changed your mind like this.
Anyway, all the best and safe travels for the future,
John
DE
Email Yekta | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Many good things and a big negative
-We stayed with the owner of the tour, John, in his Masai house in the Olalaimuitek village for 3 nights which was in total a cheap and different/nice experience like living one of them wihout electricity and water in nature. As we arrived there at night, we had some problems with the driver who dropped us, John was very nice and calming us. The bed was very comfortable but without a mosquito net. The food prepared at home was delicious. One day we climbed up to the hill with his brother, he was a nice person. There were lots of children in the village, we and they were very happy to meet, play with them and take photos together.
-So about the safari, we planned initially a 2 full day safari tour. Since the price John offered us was good, we decided to do it with him. He doesn''t have his own 4x4, so it is kinda getting let from another person. On the first day we had a driver which was ok. And on the second day the actual owner of the car was driver. John was practically a guide there in the car on both days. Safari itself was nice, they were trying to find animals and going near and waiting for us to take photos. But here comes the big NEGATIVE on the second day. They told us that we will go to the 'deep parts of the park to see cheetas which we couldnt see on first day. What practically happened was, we went to another gate (Sekenani) after half an hour drive, instead of the nearest one (Olalaimuitek). The owner of the car told us that he is also working and living near that gate. So he knew a way to enter the park without passing through the gate, went basically though the quarters and didn´t pay 160 dollars in total, which they took from us to pay to the enterance. When we asked about it, they told that there was a line at the gate and they would pay it when going out. When we left the park after 3 hours through the same path, we asked again about the tickets. Then they -mostly the driver- started to find some excuses and lies about it. It was so irritating that we insisted on to get the tickets. Finally when they understood that we won't give up, they decided to drop us home and told that they are going to the other gate to bring us tickets. We wanted to go together, but the driver told us that 'it is forbidden for us to stay outside at that hour'' and refused. It was 7 pm and the gates were closed. Of course they couldt get any ticket and it was anyway not possible to get it for an early hour. So they found solution in buying us a new ticket on the next day with the money which we gave them before. In that way we had a free enterance for the third day which was actually good for us. But we payed them for the third day for the car again, so they profitted anyway. It was extremely irritating to feel that they are trying to fool us so cheap (and also their own community and villages, since a part of the money goes to them when you pay normal enterance on the gate).
-Again about the stay, the only negative thing for the home stay was that, people who were preparing the food were waiting in front of us and looking at us while we were eating. They were telling us that they would eat after us but at the same time were telling that all the food on the table belongs to us. So we didnt feel comfortable to finish the food of course. Sometimes the food was big enough for mayn people but sometimes not. Tried to solve the problem with communication but it was not very succesful. But i am repeating again, the food was very delicious and another plus for it, that they prepared all without a tap and practically any kitchen, incredible! Maybe this feedback can be helpful for them to make it better.
-So for the home stay i'd give 5 stars. For that issue on safari 1 star despite the good things. In total 3 stars. I am sorry for that, since i know that John is actually a warmhearted person but I hope this will not happen to anyone again in that way.
Reply from Namayiana Safaris and Tours
Posted on Jun 7, 2018Dear Yekta,
thanks for your review. Nevertheless I'm very irritated by your writing, since we left you happy and not complaining about our services at all. If you feel uncomfortable with anything, I would expect you to talk to me first – and not to write a review like this.
On day 2 your driver was one of the rangers of the Maasai Mara. He got a call from his colleagues telling him about the leopard (not a cheetah) and since we didn't see them on day 1, we decided to give you this opportunity. It was raining most of the days and the roads were muddy. That's why we didn't went through „our“ gate, but decided to take the better road to Sekenani to get to the leopard. Of course we could queue at Sekenani Gate, but we were with a ranger who is allowed to enter the park and both of us wanted to give you the opportunity to take photos of the rare animal before it disappears.
In the next morning we immediately went to the gate to pay for your game drives. You wanted to see that we actually buy the tickets and of course we did. You were lucky: since we were with a ranger, his colleagues gave you the „leopard experience“ for free.
But one question comes up: If you feel being scammed on day 2, why did you enlengthen your stay for another two more nights and another game drive? You felt scammed the whole time in Kenya, but I can assure you: the services arranged and done by me, were no scam at all.
Everyone who ever travelled with us, knows about our passion for wildlife and our love for our community. This is where I live, everyone knows me, so I can assure you: I would never risk my very good reputation for 80 USD (and more neither). In fact, people staying in my home always contribute to our school fund and I employ local Maasai guides to go on the walks. This is truly supporting the community and as a Maasai I'm part of it! That you are questioning my social responsibility and integrity is a big insult and not true.
Regards,
John
Email yooni | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
excellent
It was very nice to me. after traveling I recommand it to my friends. the staffs were good especially driver was very kind! never miss it!
DE
Email Sven | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience and Great People!
We had a wonderful time with Namayiana Safaris in Kenya in September 2022.
This trip was like a dream.
Everything was perfectly planned according to our wishes, and it was even better than we could have expected!
We (2 couples from Germany) spent 1 week with our guides Moses and Solomon and after just a few hours we felt like a group of 6 friends travelling together.
During our trip we visited the Maasai Mara (our favorite park!), Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Tsavo East. It is very difficult to describe, you really need to see it.
Beautiful Nature, friendly and happy people, wild animals, and adventure, all together in one week.
We are so grateful that we found Namayiana Safaris and get to know Mpairo (John) and his team.
Also highly recommended to wildlife photographers... they will bring you in the best position for the perfect picture.
CA
Email trevor lowthers | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Namayiana Safaris got me into the spots that pro photographers dream of. culture and animals.
I'm an avid traveler and pro photographer from Canada. Namayiana are top shelf in their ability to find the unique wildlife and cultural experiences. From John and Corinna in constant contact to the lodges ( I highly recommend Enkorok Lodge) to the abundance of wildlife and village opportunities. Moses, Solomon, and Tony. You are my Maasai brothers and the most fantastic bush butlers a guy could hope for. An honor to see and be family. Many thanks and so highly recommended. I hope my photos speak the many words of appreciation.
DE
Email Katharina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic and unfortgettable experience with Namyiana Safaris
We have been looking forward to our trip to Kenya for two years and Namayiana Safaris was there for us not only during the trip but also all the time leading up to the trip. Whether it was questions about the packing list or travel vaccinations, John always had an open ear. Our safari was planned completely according to our wishes and needs and with great attention to detail!
It's hard to put into words what I experienced, but I'll try. We spent a week with our guides Moses and Solomon and they shared all their knowledge about animals, nature, but also the country and people with us. They both did a fantastic job and we couldn't have asked for better company. We had traveled to four friends from Germany, but after a short time it felt like we were traveling with 6 friends.
We first went to the Maasai Mara, a beautiful national park where we were able to discover the entire Big 4 in 1.5 days (unfortunately the rhinos hid too well in the mountains). But that's not all, the incredibly diverse landscape and the multitude of different animals that can be discovered there made the Maasai Mara the number one national park visited. We slept at Enkorok Mara Camp, which Namayiana Safari chose superbly (glamping and delicious food just a few meters from the entrance of the national park).
Another highlight was that we were able to experience our wedding the Maasai way and at the same time spend a day and a night in the traditional Maasai village with Moses' family. We were welcomed so warmly and learned a lot about the lives of the people there.
We will tell our grandchildren about this experience, but you can't describe it, you have to experience it. The best way to do this is with Namayiana Safaris!
The rest of the trip, like the first three days, exceeded our expectations. We took a boat across Lake Naivasha, went on a walking safari on Crescent Island, saw the herds of elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park and observed the animals colored by the red earth in Tsavo East.
All accommodations were individual and very nice, we ate well and slept well. Even though the nights were mostly over at 6:30 a.m., we could hardly wait to go on safari.
Whether professional or hobby photographer, the guides at Namayiana Safaris always position their guests for the perfect photo while making sure not to disturb the animals.
This is really a recommendation from the heart!
The Kenya trip was our dream trip and Namayiana Safaris made it possible.
We are very grateful and would love to fly there again directly!
PS To all those who are flying there soon: take pens and drawing pads with you, the children will thank you! And when you pack your clothes, it's best to only take things that you can try at the end of the holiday (t-shirts, tricots, jackets, etc.). The people there are very happy about it and you have space for souvenirs in your backpack ;)
(automatic translation from German)
BE
Email Phéline & Elke | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Would definitely book again!
Me and my friend booked a safari experience in Maasai Mara with Namayiana. Communication with John/Mpairo was very clear, informative and reassuring from the start. He helped us put together a private safari for 3 days taking into account our budget. On the first day, we were picked up on time in Nairobi by Sammy. He is an excellent driver and a very knowledgeable guide, who finds the perfect balance between showing and teaching you about the beauty and wildlife Maasai Mara has to offer, while at the same time giving you your space to take it all in during the drive. We spent the night in Enchoro Camp: a really cool eco lodge with all the basics you need (including a nice hot shower!) ran by friendly and helpful staff. Overall a great experience that we would book again without any hesitation. Highly recommended, thanks again guys!
IN
Email RK - The Travel Bug | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing and Well Versed with Mara !!!
This was the second time that i visited Masai Mara and my previous experience with Namayiana it was a no brainer which operator to choose and like last time it was not a regret, Namayiana team is a bunch of enthusiast people who make sure your wildlife experience is a memory and as i am now like a family to John Mpairo who is the owner of Namayiana, I got the privilege to have Moses as my Guide and Simon as the driver, the 3 days in mara was wonderful, infact got not only glimpse the big 5 but a very relaxed and long sighting specially the Single horn Rhino, we were with this wonderful but very shy and aggressive animal for over 20 min, we almost go the cheetah kill hadn't it been because of the smart zebras, we visited the sand river which lot of people miss but Moses had different plans for us and its was wonderful experience as well. As i am a wildlife lover and enthusiast that 4 days is never fulfilling 2for me but with Namayiana i get the comfort and assurance that i will atleast have memories that i can cherish and tales i can pass on. Waiting for my 3rd visit to Mara and of course it will be with Namayiana. For people who want to see the glimpse of Mara and how well Namayiana can subscribe to my channel and watch the videos. "https://youtube.com/user/leorulz998"
US
Email Lisa C | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely AWESOME!!!!
This tour delivered an experience like no other. I wanted the real deal and they sooo delivered!!! Mpairo, Solomon, Jimmy and Moses went out of their way to make me feel comfortable as I was a solo female traveler. I always felt safe and at ease and never lonely. Jimmy was fantastic at getting the Landcruiser close to the animals for the best pictures. He was also very knowledgeable. Solomon, a true Maasai warrior, was kind, caring, protective, and the sweetest man you could ever meet. It was wonderful learning about his culture, people, way of life and his experiences. I spent 2 days/nights living and sleeping in his village and felt welcome and cared for by all. The Maasai people are wonderful!! This was the trip of a lifetime that Namayiana Safaris provided to me! They customized it to exactly what I was looking for and it far exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend them to everyone and will definitely be going on safari again with them!! An AMAZING tour company with INCREDIBLE people!!!!! A special thanks to Jimmy and Solomon
SE
Email Anton | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Safari !
This whas my second safari in Kenya with Namayiana Safari, and its whas very good.
All the parks and the camp i visit whas great !
Mpairo and his freinds do a very good Job to spot the animal and fix any problems!
I Also visit a Masai village and that whas very interesting, that its a thing that you should do if you get the upportinity !
I can realy recomend to do a safari whit Namayiana Safaris if you visit Kenya !