Gamewatchers Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 50-100 employees (Founded in 1989)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, APTA, KATO & Ecotourism Kenya
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $950 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful, personalized trip with amazing experiences! Close Up and Personal!
The safari was better than I EVER could have dreamed of. We went independently (2 of us), and saw so much in several parks. We chose the tented camps which give you a real up close and personal feel for the bush. The guides were all Masai Mara and knew their country and animals. The vehicles were dependable, open-aired, and allowed us to get close to the animals....safely. Staying outside the major parks in the conservancies was ideal....off-roading was possible and NEVER crowded, yet we also ventured into the amazing parks: Amboselli, Masai Mara, and Pejeta. Everything was pre-arranged and went like clockwork, from airport pick-up, to our last days in Malindi and Nairobi. The one-on-one experiences allowed us to really talk with the Masai and learn a lot about their life...then and now. It was truly a trip of a lifetime!
Outstanding customer service
This is not a review on a trip but on the customer service. I had booked a safari more than 1 year in advance. Unfortunately, I had to cancel a couple of weeks later - also more than one year in advance. I was able to communicate with my booking agent and Jake in Kenya. Due to my unusual circumstances they worked hard to help refund my money with the understanding that I would book again in the near future. I cannot say enough good things about this companies customer service and highly recommend that anyone planning a trip to Africa consider booking with them! Thank you Jake and Julie for helping me! Gamewatchers is an A+ business in my book!
US
Email Lauren | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Company
I've been on several safaris with different companies and I have to say Gamewatchers are the best. I only used them for the Nairobi tented camp and game drives in Nairobi National Park but the entire staff had a deeper knowledge of the history of Kenya, the characteristics and habits of the animals and conservation than anyone I've met. The staff was great and they go above and beyond to make sure that your trip to Africa is the most amazing experience ever. Will definitely use on my next trip to Africa. Cannot recommend highly enough!
Email Emily Hendin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari trip of a lifetime at Porini Lion Camp
I've recently returned from a 3 night stay at Porini Lion Camp, booked through Gamewatchers Safari. From reading reviews and following Gamewatchers and Porini Lion camp on instagram and facebook, its fair to say I had high expectations. These expectations were outstripped in every way possible, making for the most magical, memorable trip of a lifetime.
From setting foot in Nairobi, every single aspect of organisation was excellent. This kicked off with the initial meet and greet by Denis at the airport, which was friendly, welcoming and informative. He delivered us to our overnight accommodation before leaving us with clear timings for collection the following morning.
We were then taken to Wilson airport where again our Gamewatchers representative checked us in for our internal flights which ran smoothly and to time. We were then met at the airstrip by the Porini guide and driver and our safari adventure began.
I cannot fault the level of service, attention to detail and efficiency of the entire gamewatchers team from start to finish and would not hesitate to recommend them.
As for Porini Lion camp - the safari experience provided by Porini is exceptional - being based in the conservancy and being guided under the expert eyes of our masai driver and spotter, Little John and Lenny, we felt at one with the animals we observed. There was no crowding of vehicles such as can be experienced in the main reserve, and their knowledge of the animals and ecosystem made for fascinating game drives, at the end of which I felt that I'd not only seen more animals than I could have dreamed of, but that I understood more about them too.
The tented accommodation is excellent and the attention to detail outstanding. Such as hot water bottles awaiting you after a delicious 3 course dinner. Likewise, falling asleep to the sounds of nature outside your tent, to being gently woken for the morning game drive with the delivery of fresh coffee, hot chocolate and a jug of warm water to wash with. The bucket shower system feel like a true luxury after a long mornings game drive, likewise the delicious lunch that follows.
If you're keen to see a huge variety and number of animals in a short space of time, but in the way that nature intended - then Porini Lion camp is an absolute must. It ticks every single box - I cannot recommend it highly enough. My only concern is that too many people will read this and there won't be a tent left for me when I return next year!
US
Email Gail H | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Trip we have ever taken!!
From the moment we started planning our trip with Gamewatcher's they took care of us. When we landed in Nairobi we never had to worry about another thing. They expedited our trip every step of the way. The transition from camp to camp was seamless and the attention to detail was outstanding. The food at each camp was delicious and the staff couldn't have been more accommodating. The guides made sure each day that we had a new and more spectacular experience than the day before. We reluctantly left each camp as we felt like we were leaving good friends. The only problem we had is the standard set by Gamewatcher's can't be met by anyone else and as we contemplate planning a trip to a different destination we know it won't be as spectacular as Kenya was with Gamewatcher's.
CA
Email Joanne | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Eighteen day safari
The staff and itinerary at Gamewatchers is exceptional and thorough. We were on safari with them one week ago and found them to be punctual, informative and thoughtful. Despite my husband experiencing two serious medical problems during our eighteen day safari they accommodated us in every way and even provided an extra three day safari at Porini Cheetah Camp when he was unable to complete the Tanzanian portion of our trip. We are grateful for all their assistance and kindness and recommend this company in every way to anyone looking for an exceptional African safari and tour.
US
Email Jaye | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
When it went well it went well but when it didn't....
I know people rave about this company. And, I guess, if you didn't have any problems with them then they were good. But if you do experience a problem with them, they don't really want to hear from you with the what the issue was. I had a 6 day safari booked with them and it was good until I got to the Masai Mara and then things went off the rails. They gave me an incorrect park permit which the rangers would not honor. I contacted the person in the US who did my booking and she wanted to know why I was calling her about this. I mean, she did take my money for the trip so I thought she could quickly contact the Nairobi office for me and get this straightened out but no. After spending over an hour on a desolate air strip in the Masai Mara arguing with park officials and in order not to be sent back to Nairobi on the next plane, I had to pay the entrance fees again even though it was included in my safari payment. When I did speak with the head of customer service for Gamewatchers, she wouldn't confirm to me that I would be refunded for something I had paid for twice (ultimately about a week later I did get a refund). But then, because of this debacle at the park entrance, I missed a game drive which the hotel blames on me for not showing up for (because I couldn't get in to the park due the Gamewatchers giving me an incorrect permit) and neither the hotel, Mara Serena, or Gamewatchers will refund that. As a matter of fact on this issue, Gamewatchers has gone completely silent. So no, this is not a tour operator I would recommend.
Email Pesh | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Looks after you from start to finish
I have used Gamewatchers for my safaris in East Africa and have found them to be excellent. In Kenya I invariably use their Porini camps but I have found them great to book through in other countries also.
I was surprised at the critical review from Jaye and wondered why she did not contact the 24 hour Kenya emergency number that they provide. I have been on over 25 safaris and I know that sometimes things do not go to plan.
When my bags were lost by the airline I found Gamewatchers were more helpful than the airline - helping to resolve all the issues -
On another occasion a guest who I met on safari was unwell and they told me how well Gamewatchers had looked after them
They have always exceeded my expectations - their guides are really well trained and the client care is impeccable.
Email Rus | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari of a lifetime
I have been going to Kenya for safari holidays for some years now and I would not book with anyone other than Gamewatchers.
It's very re-assuring knowing that you are going to be taken care of, from the moment you leave Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, to the moment you are dropped off for your flight home. I like the attention to detail and consideration that they show, with the team in Nairobi working hard behind the scenes to keep your safari superb no matter what is thrown at you. Over the years they've:
1. Kept a vehicle on the other side of the river so we could cross on a footbridge in anticipation of it being too high to drive through safely (it was!)
2. Communicating with the airline to have a flight back to Nairobi wait for us
3. Lent me an SD card when my own one was full
There are also little things, like the guides staying at the airstrip to wave you off as your flight lifts off rather than drive away as soon as you are on the plane.
I wouldn't go anywhere else
Email Matt Caldwell | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wow, superb, efficient, helpful, wonderful
We really cannot express in words how superb Gamewatchers are. Nothing is ever too much trouble and they are there any time you need them, day and night, via their emergency numbers.............. not that we have had need to call these.
Everything from JKIA arrival to departure runs so smoothly and there is always a smile on hand.
The Porini camps are wonderful, set in private conservancies where wildlife is plentiful and jeeps are not.
If you are going to Kenya just once then choose to book with Gamewatchers and stay at their camps,