Reviews
US
Email Joy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
“Don’t Worry About Anything. I’ve Got It Dear.”
“Don’t Worry About Anything, I’ve Got It Dear… Until He Didn’t.”
Those were the exact words our guide used to reassure me at the start of our safari. But what followed was a string of disorganized bookings, vehicle breakdowns, and costly mistakes that turned what should have been a seamless adventure into a stressful experience.
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Review of Kenya Tour Safari Heights
Logistical Failures:
The most critical breakdown occurred with accommodations. We were assigned the wrong room types—or worse, no rooms at all. The only property that met expectations was Miasha Luxury Tent Camp, and even that wasn’t originally part of our booking. Keekorok, the intended sister property, rerouted us after system failures—but without proper coordination, this led to disputes, incorrect room assignments, and long waits to check in.
Worse, due to a failure in securing rooms in Masai Mara, we were forced to drive five hours back to Nairobi after a full safari day, cutting short our planned two-night stay in the reserve.
Despite months of planning, there was no airport pickup for me as the group leader, nor for a participant who had arranged a separate transfer. For a company coordinating premium safari packages, this oversight was unacceptable—especially for a woman traveling and arriving late at night.
Lack of Transparency:
We were asked to make large payments in USD cash with no itemized invoices or receipts provided upfront. Attempts to obtain a clear financial breakdown were met with vague or delayed responses. Even when discrepancies were raised—such as inflated transfer fee claims—the guide avoided direct answers and never provided proof. Meshak also attempted to push the currency conversion fee onto me. This lack of transparency undermined trust and made it difficult to manage the group confidently.
Vehicle Issues & Safety Concerns:
Our safari vehicle broke down multiple times during the trip, including once on a major highway while returning to Nairobi late at night. These repeated mechanical issues not only delayed our itinerary but also posed serious safety risks. Additionally, the guide’s driver drove off-road to get a closer look at a lion, which resulted in the vehicle being pulled over and fined by revenue police—a completely avoidable incident.
Cultural Sensitivity & Conduct:
There was a troubling moment of racial bias during the safari when the guide singled out our white participant for a solo photo, excluding the rest of the group (all Black women). This moment was not only inappropriate but deeply telling. Group travel requires cultural awareness and equal respect—neither of which were demonstrated consistently.
Final Thoughts:
While the country of Kenya is extraordinary, Kenya Tour Safari Heights did not deliver the caliber of service promised. Between disorganized bookings, questionable financial practices, safety issues, and culturally insensitive behavior, my trust and confidence in the owner, his company, and his entire operation—despite using them previously—have been eroded.
I cannot in good conscience recommend this company, particularly for travelers seeking clarity, structure, safety, or group-friendly support. My recommendation: choose a true professional who doesn’t cut corners that ultimately undermine the experience.
NL
Email Sander | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
tour was nice but costed more, and was shorter then agreed, promised shirts were not deleivered
We arived from the airport in our hotel at 8.00 a.m. We asked at the hotel reception if we could do a safari Nairobe NP. They advised us not to do because it was too hot and to late when we would arive. They called Tour Kenya Safari Heights and they offered a citty tour vissiting 1) Elephant Orphanage 2) Giraffe Centre 3) Nairobe Animal
Orphanage 4)Kenyatta International Congress Centre 5) Nairobe National Museum and a lunch somewhere during the day. The man at the reception called in my presence, saying that it would be $60 each. I agreed on the $120 for the both of us and that we would be picked up at 9.30 a.m. We unpacked our stuff and I stick $120 and a few thousend Ksh in my pocked and went down to the reception to wait. Meshack and Diana arived at 10.40 A.m. because of traffic jam. We got in the car and got on our way. Then she said that it was 120 dollar each. The elephant orphanage is opened only between 11.00-12.00 and we got there at 11.10. After that we went to the Giraffe Centre which was nice and we got a lunch in a beautiful garden. Then we went unasked to a souvenir shop. The animal orphanage was next which we had to pay with our credit card because they didn't have money on their M-Pesa system. Then going to the KICC was a beautiful vieuw on top. it was 4 p.m and no use to go to the national museum any more because it closed at 5 p.m. They brought us back to the hotel and they promised us T-shirt with the big 5 on it when we would get back to Nairobi. They would deliver it to our hotel 14 days later. I fetched the extra $ 120 and Meshack gave me his card for contact. Back in our room we had a double feeling. We had a fun day but payed far to much for what we got. 14 days later we traveled back to Nairobe. I called him at 8.a.m.to ask if he would deliver the shirts to the Hotel. He confirmed that he would. When we arived at the hotel at 6 p.m. there were no T-shirts. The hotel made the phone call another 3 times but it was not answered.
if they would have brought the T shirts then we would still have felt overcharged. But now they didn't keep their promise we really feel screwed and overcharged. We had a beautiful 2 weeks aranged with sombody else in Nakuru with Masai Mara; Lake Nakuru; Hell's Gate; boat on Lake Naivasha and more. we did not get overcharged anymore. We would not go with Tour Kenya Safari Heights again.
