Wild Destinations Owners - Fareen & Shaheen
Wild Destinations
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 1997)
- Member Of:
- KATO & KTF
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,230 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Gabby | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Value and meets N. American expectations
The short of it is: They recognized North American standards, and were able to provide great insight and value for our tour without the mark-up of the big brands operators. I also found they provided some excellent input about timing to hit the less busy times and areas.
When I booked my honeymoon, I wanted to make sure the money I was spending went to the local economy instead of foreign agents. Given I was spending thousands of dollars to do this, anybody would be hesitant of the quality of service they're going to get from locals in the developing world. I spent dozens of hours doing the back and forth with several agencies and outfits from N. America, Europe and East Africa in search of that elusive combination of Exclusivity with the perfect variety of activities and great value for my money.
Wild Destinations was recommended to me a co-worker who grew up in Kenya but had lived in Canada his entire adult life. I chatted back and forth with Shaheen, the Principal of Wild Destinations on Skype and email, and found her communication to be detailed and thorough (and patient because I know I'm a difficult customer).
Over several Skype calls we started from a broad description and worked our way down to what ended up being an ideal itinerary specific for our needs. Choosing parks and camps is only the beginning of the equation. I'm an experienced traveller, even in Africa, so I had strong ideas of what I thought I could get for my money if I booked things on my own. Shaheen delivered great points on what I should consider and introduced options that were easily overlooked when you are dependent on online reviews.
This back and forth was super helpful when you are trying to avoid the crowds because the local agents have a better idea of locations that aren't as busy, and since they don't operate to the same scale as major operators, they craft a much more personal connection to the lodge owners and managers.
In the end our itinerary was Samburu, the Mara, and Tarangire at the end of September.
I already felt good about what we decided on. It was about the same as what others offered and included accommodations with great reviews. The extra bonus was the execution. Wild destinations may be a small operator, but they delivered like they were a bigger one. Being met at the airports and lodges, etc are expected, but they added several personal touches to our honeymoon, that including meeting us herself at our hotel both at the beginning and end of our trip, giving us her cell number to call at any time if there was an issue (never had to use it), we were comfortable working through our guides, and they followed up with any nuance even after we returned home.
The best part was that anywhere we went, they booked us into areas where we were treated well, and weren't with the masses if we didn't want to be. Overall, the end to end service left us knowing we'd go with them next time we go on Safari.
You often worry about what your trip will be like on African vacations, but with Wild Destinations, it was hassle free. I do wish I booked with them on the beach part of our vacations as well.
US
Email Mohamed | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very thorough, responsive & professional.
Wild Destinations was very organized & detailed in providing information leading up to our safari at Masai Mara.
Highly recommend booking thru Wild Destinations.
The safari that was booked at Mara Serena exceeded our expectations!
Terrific!
Thank you!
Great trip!
Wild Destinations asked generally where I wanted to take my family, the timeline, and the price range. Then they arranged everything, from flights to lodging to transportation. Normally on these types of trips, I play tour guide because I live in the area. But because Wild Destinations had taken care of everything, I could relax and enjoy the trip with my family! Also, the tour guides and lodging that they set me up with were all great!
US
Email Nancy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wild Destinations Perfectly Planned Private Safaris Provides Outstanding Service
We just returned home from our second Safari, with all arrangements made by sisters, Shaheen & Fareen, through their agency called “Wild Destinations”. Five years ago we used Shaheen’s expertise, (she came highly recommended to us from a friend who lived in Nairobi). That first safari experience was truly amazing! Everything was taken care of and we especially enjoyed not being part of a large group, but just the two of us with an excellent driver/guide. Having talked about how much we loved the trip for the last five years, we decided that we had to re-visit. This time, we invited our adult son and his wife to join us, added two stops in Tanzania, and once again, had so many memorable moments, as a result of Shaheen’s knowledge, planning, and outstanding service. I hope our third safari occurs in less than five years!
Shaheen always replied quickly to our many e-mails, answering all questions, concerns, and desires. Planning was easy, especially since the arrangements are being made by an agent who has many years of experience, first hand knowledge of the areas, and has visited all places prior to suggesting we stay there. Unlike working with a large travel agency located in the U.S., or having to use an agencies set itinerary, we were able to tell Shaheen which places we wanted to visit, and she would then suggest the options available. Using Wild Destinations, the safari is completely customized. Upon arrival, there is great comfort in knowing that if any problems or concerns should arise, Shaheen and Fareen are right there in Africa, always available. Their professionalism combined with a complete understanding of what we wanted, resulted in our Safari being a “trip of a lifetime”. Every place Shaheen selected for us to stay in was perfect; she made sure our total costs were reasonable, and she stayed within our budget. Wild Destinations also booked all flights for us, saving us money. Although I found many “deals” on the internet, her pricing was the best deal of all.
Shaheen and her sister, Fareen, made us feel like “family”, and we felt that their services went above and beyond. From day one of planning the trip, through the last day of our safari, we appreciated their attention to every detail. As a result of the reasonable cost, the individualized attention, the outstanding service, and their knowledge of the areas, both of our safaris have been perfect! We highly recommend Wild Destinations, and hope to return ourselves for another safari!
Email Joao | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tailored trips with great experiences
My wife and I chose Wild Destinations for our honeymoon in Kenya and Tanzania and were quite impressed. Not only the trip was super well organized - with attention to detail and staying at great places - but Shaheen kept in touch throughout, even checking on us after longer trips to make sure all was going well.
Having someone so attentive and professional definitely made the difference!
US
Email Catherine | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wild Destinations made our safari experience amazingly seamless and perfect
From the planning stages, it was clear this tour operator is organized and very timely with any questions and concerns. Different packages of safari were offered, to allow for the best choice without the customer having to do the legwork of cost comparisons. There was no pressure at anytime to commit to any bookings. The transportation between airports and the safari was excellent. We did not have a single worry before , during or after the safari. The safari itself was fantastic, we had the time of our lives. I highly recommend Wild Destinations to arrange any safari.
US
Email Shiraz Daya | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent & very knowledgeable operator
Everything was well-organized, on schedule and we had an opportunity to see a cheetah hunt down a Thompson gazelle in action. The operator kept us informed about all the game we were likely to see any day. He was very punctual.
Email Sameer Paroo | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing Safari Experience!
In January, I had the experience of bringing a group of young people from all around the world to Kenya. One of the experiences that we wanted to showcase to them was a safari. Thanks to the help of Shaheen and Fareen, we were able to have one of the best safari experiences. Right from the start, they were attentive to our needs, they provided their insight and were able to ensure that we were able to have an experience that was extremely memorable. Their knowledge of each park was something that I really appreciated - since they had intimate knowledge and had built powerful relationships - we were able to leverage their knowledge and their relationships as well. We ended up going to Ol Pajeta which was a great choice for our group. The safari was an amazing experience. Working with Wild Destinations was awesome as well! Thank you!
US
Email Mark P. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
They were professional, responsive, knowledgeable and courteous - We were completely satisfied!
From our very first contact with Wild Destinations until our arrival in Nairobi for the start of our 11-day safari, the time elapsed was just over one year. During the entire time, Nairobi resident sister tour operators Shaheen and Fareen were quick and comprehensive in their responses to our questions as well as making sure we were doing what we needed to do for the trip. Having made several initial inquiries to other tour operators, our comfort level with choosing Wild Destinations started early and continued to grow as there was no doubt they were committed to providing quality services caring for both their clients experience and for the animals and resources of Africa.
As for rating our actual safari experience, that's easy. Simply FANTASTIC! We could not be more satisfied! Yes we booked early to be in prime locations at prime times so the animals were there in abundance. But the quality and experience level of our guides at every camp was clearly evident. Four different camps, four different guides, each providing an in-depth local knowledge of the area and the animals and getting us up close more often than not. And every detail of our itinerary was booked and executed perfectly. All our expectations were met and exceeded.
In summary, we know we could have paid more and we know we could have paid less with other choices or other tour operators. But we have no doubt Wild Destinations provides truly incredible safari experiences at reasonable and fair prices.
They listened to us ... And they delivered!
Thank You - Thank You - Thank You
Email Noelle | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic trip with great coordination and lovely tour guides/accomodation
We had a great time! The coordination of the trip was so easy from our end - we were provided with a few options for lodging and flight times and then Wild Destinations did all of the work in making it happen. We simply showed up at the airport with our tickets/vouchers and then everything was completely set up for us - transport between the airstrip and lodging, accommodation, meals, game drives. Our lodging was beautiful, and we had great tour guides! One quick note that a bank transfer or using Mpesa was the only way to provide payment. We used Mpesa, which worked out well. Other friends who have used a bank transfer have had no problems. The Wild Destinations team is trustworthy, efficient communicators, and made our experience wonderful!