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
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely Satisfied After a Trip of a Lifetime!
I was a bit nervous to plan our honeymoon with someone I had never met before. I had looked around at local travel agents, but they really didn't have any expertise in Africa and I knew that we'd end up on some cookie-cutter trip. Chris is a true expert and has traveled to Africa several times. And let me tell you, he knows his stuff! I actually called him and spoke to him for a while before booking with him. He was so upfront with things and he ended up planning an incredible trip for us. (He's really nice too) I had told him that we wanted to hike with the mountain gorillas in either Rwanda or Uganda, and that we also wanted to go to Kenya and Tanzania. We wanted to do a mix of basic camping, tented camps, and lodging. He hooked it all up and checked in with us as he pieced it all together. He even suggested that we ended our trip in Zanzibar- and I'm so glad we did. It was a relaxing way to wind down after an adventurous 2 1/2 weeks. When I say that there was not one glitch during the total 3 weeks we were there, I truly mean it! We flew into Rwanda and we were immediately greeted by two extremely kind gentlemen who brought us straight to our hotel and gave us a run down of our schedule for the next three days we'd be there. The hotel was gorgeous. We were assigned to another driver that following morning and he came right on time and took care of us throughout our time in Rwanda. He was so great, I hated to leave him! He brought us back to the airport for our flight to Nairobi. Again, all our flight details were handed to us and we didn't have to worry about anything! Got picked up in Nairobi by another professional young woman who was so organized. She knew our entire agenda and went through it with us. Chris put us in a beautiful hotel in Nairobi where we felt very safe. Food was yummy too! During our trip in Kenya, we had a wonderful guide. He worked SO hard and was so professional. Everything was about us. He wanted to make sure we saw every animal, and he busted his behind until we did just that. We felt safe, and well taken care of! We stayed in tented camps in Kenya, and they were incredible! Even our journey from Kenya to Tanzania went so smoothly (I was a little nervous about the transportation). When we arrived in Tanzania, we were picked up for our 5 day camping tour. The guide and cook we traveled with were so sweet and they treated us like royalty. The cook worked so hard to prepare our meals, and his food was soooo good! When it was time to head to Zanzibar, we took a small flight (all arranged by Chris) and it was such a smooth transition.
We felt safe the entire time we were in Africa, and at every location. We never had to question anything. There was not one moment of confusion or miscommunication, not one issue with reservations, or transportation, nothing! To be honest, I was expecting something to go wrong, as things typically do when traveling for a long period of time.
Our trip was unforgettable. Rwanda may have been my favorite part of the trip. The country is beautiful, the people are friendly and hardworking, and seeing the gorillas was a dream come true. With that said, Kenya and Tanzania were a must see- truly breathtaking!
I would most definitely recommend The Safari Partners! You won't be sorry!!
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!
Knowledgeable and professional ***AWESOME***
The recommendations Chris made were spot on! This agency made a dream come true and at a good and fair price. I will use them again
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 Carol MacLean | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Fantastic Experience
Our safari to Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania surpassed our expectations in terms of the number of different animals we saw, how close we were able to come up to them, how well organized it was, the level of service and the fine acccommodations. Chris was very helpful and knowledgeable throughout the planning stages. It made us very relaxed knowing that that we had someone with his experience guiding us as we discussed the trip with him, both by phone and email. We would highly recommend Safari Partners to anyone, any age, thinking of taking a safari. It ranks as one of the best trips we have ever taken.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great gorilla and Maasai Mara safaris
We did a gorilla trek in Rwanda and a safari in the Maasai Mara. We enjoyed every part of it. It was all well organized, fun, and memorable. The Mara lodge in Kenya was particularly cool. We particularly enjoyed our safari guide in Kenya, Mustafa Diriye. I could not imagine a better guide. He was nice, fun to be around, knowledgable, considerate, accommodating, and has become a friend. I will recommend a safari to all our friends, and we will highly recommend both Safari Partners and Mustafa.
CA
Email Maynard Vollan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Prompt friendly knowledgeable advice
Our interest in holidaying in southern Africa was to experience the luxurious classic Rovos Train and of course to view the wildlife. Another desire was a very short lead time. Although we consider ourselves very experienced world travelers our lack of knowledge of the area proved very frustrating in trying to combine standard website packages. Then we stumbled across www.thesafaripartners.com. What a real pleasure. After several phone discussions with Chris, they put together a completely customized tour within a couple days that matched our interests exactly. Their knowledge and extensive on the ground experience was invaluable. Having just returned, the trip exceeded our expectations in every respect. Thank you “The Safari Partners”. You turned what might have been a mediocre holiday into a spectacular one.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Kiboko Safari
Our 15 day Kiboko Safari ( Kenya and Tanzania ) was above and beyond our expectations. Chris did a great job co-ordinating everything for the six of us, 2 each from 3 different cities, from flights, insurance, and responding to the many questions we all had. The staff were amazing and right from greeting us at the airport we all felt comfortable and welcomed. We had three guides in total, Obama and Erick in Kenya and Emanuel in Tanzania and all shared their expertise, vast knowledge, professionalism, and fun senses of humour. The animal sightings (including watching two cheetahs bring down their prey) were more numerous and close up than we had ever imagined. We had a mix of lodges and tented camps and all were 5 star, especially enjoyed the luxury of both Ashnil and Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camps .All the food was first rate, the staff so friendly and being greeted after long drives with hot towels and cold juice was such a nice touch. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Peace of mind
Found Chris at the Safari Partners online and he proved to be a fantastic resource during the planning and booking of our 3-week African vacation. He arranged a NBO Airport pick-up for us as well as the entire Rwanda portion of our vacation. There is something so comforting about stepping out of a busy airport to see a smiling face holding up a sign with your name on it! Stress-free and peace of mind!
The advice was excellent and the local company we were connected with were obviously top-notch. Everything went off without an issue and we were able to simply focus on enjoying the sights, scenery, wonderful people and the animals (gorillas!!!) of Rwanda. A country not to be missed!
US
Email Roxanne (Rocky) | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Adventure of a Lifetime
Planning a trip to Africa is daunting for a woman going solo and after months of researching tour companies on the internet, I settled on Safari Partners due to the great reviews from fellow travelers.
They did not disappoint. Jen found the tours -Tanzania and Rwanda- to suit my budget, time frame and trip expectations and Chris took over from there and became the "guru" for all things Africa. Everything was arranged from airport pickups, meals, lodging, money guidance, help with booking, airfare...on, and on. Every single detail was arranged before arriving in Africa. It went off without a single hiccup and I had the trip of a lifetime. Tanzania will fill your senses with the big 5 wild life (especially the elusive big cats and magnificent elephants)and sleeping in amazing tents with Masai scouts on point to keep the wildlife at bay. But Rwanda is so very very special. Beautiful country, beautiful people, the genocide museum will leave you humbled and shaken but as my driver said, you must start with it to get the "sadness" out of the way before you meet the glorious Silverback gorilla and his family. Truly the most unforgettable experience of my life...trekking gorillas. I encourage you to go because the money you spend on the permit goes to the gorillas 24/7 protection of the species and their habitat. It is a reverent experience -gorillas allowing humans into their "living room" to share an hour with them. You can trust Safari Partners to handle all the details so you can experience Africa the way it is meant to be experienced and savored.