Our Director on Safari in Kenya
Thinkk Travels
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Member Of:
- TRA & Tour Operators Society of Kenya
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $263 to $1,259 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
BS
Email Earlston | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Incredibly detailed oriented and highly efficient
My clients and I had the most amazing Safari experience, thanks to the detailed oriented attention given by Thinkktravels staff. The accommodations, food and wildlife experiences were above our expectations. Kudos
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Email Wenhong (Eddie) | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Two of four tour operators have professionalism issues
First and foremost, we the team sincerely appreciated for the safari company Thinkk and its representative Ms. Muthoni’s assistance for a good time in the most of 10-day safari in Amboseli, Nakuru, Maasai Mara, and Lake Naivasha. Your country offers unparalleled Safari experience in an unmatched animal kingdom. The itinerary was very smooth and well planned, diversified for our big group with different interests and preferences. Food was good and tasty in some camps, lodging was very good except Nyati Safari Camp near Amboseli. I heard a lot of complaints about Nyati camp with its facility and environment. It was not what we paid for. But, it was okay. It’s within our tolerance. In the safari game drive, we saw a lot of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, all kinds of antelopes, various kinds of exotic birds, and a male leopard unexpectedly. I have been Serengeti Wildlife Park twice in Tanzania and viewed leopards in a very long distance. Here in Maasai Mara, the male leopard was right in front us, resting in the bushes and licking its paws. After more than two hours waiting , the leopard gracefully climbed on the tree munching its prey, an antelope cached earlier, maybe the night before. We could see the broken bones dropping and blood dripping. After its feasting, it nimbly climbed down in the same route up. We also had a breathtaking hot air balloon ride in Maasai Mara. Below our balloon on the early morning, the sun leapt out eastern horizon, the wild spread out in every direction, the remote mountain silhouette made me imagine the long history and mystery of old Africa, the meandering rivers glistened under the sunrise, African acacias swayed slightly with cool morning breezes, and animals grazed and roamed willingly on the vast green plains. The balloon ride was safe and one of the highlights in our safari, etched in our memory forever.
Nonetheless, there were some issues with safari guiding and professionalism during the short 10-day safari.
On the way to Maasai Mara, one of the first seafarers complained the guides made an unnecessary stop, not too long from the last stop as he was eager to have a game drive in the well-known animal kingdom - Maasai Mara National Reserve. As an experienced safari guide, Richard should absolutely not escalate the undesired situation and had an almost out of control argument with his customer. In my professional opinion, Richard should coordinate with the team lead Stephen for a convincing explanation why we had an extra stop or maybe not even an extra one. After Stephen knew the hot argument, he was a little furious and showed his somewhat anger to my partner and myself in the rest of the day, which shocked and awed my partner momentarily.
On the afternoon we got to Maasai Mara lodge, Stephen made a decision to leave at 4pm for a game drive. He showed very annoyed because one couple didn’t show up yet at the gathering point. He proclaimed on-time is number one for a professional. I reminded him we were on vacation. After the couple showed up and got in the vehicle, I showed him my watch, it was exact 4pm. The couple might be the last ones showing up, but they were not late. On the following morning, we were supposed to leave the camp at 6am sharp. We were all at the lodge front at or before 6am. Stephen and his team showed up at least half an hour late. When he got into the vehicle he found our lunch boxes were left at the camp kitchen and had to go back to get the boxes. That morning we headed out for a game drive approximately 45 minutes later than scheduled determined by him. Obviously Stephen has double standards in regards to punctuality.
Truthfully, Stephen is an experienced and knowledgeable safari guide. He claimed he began his safari career since 1994. So, he knows a lot of guides/drivers, park rangers, government officials and others. He had too much social with his acquaintances, sometimes long conversations during game driving. Though Stephen is knowledgeable about animals and birds, he seldom provided information in depth, just animal names and few basics. If we asked more he would show annoyed and impatience. He also liked to play mean-spirited and nonsense jokes, making us uncomfortable. In one incident, he even bit my leg, half-jokingly, half furious to show his irritation and uncontrolled anger. This is completely unacceptable.
In the customer service industry, people pay the service upfront and give tips for good or excellent services at the end. I believe we paid good money for the safari service, lodging, food, and good tip ($15 per day per person. This is also in the suggested range in the contract). We also offered incentives for happy, thrilling, and unforgettable encounters like wildebeest crossing the Mara River and any hunting by the Big Cats. Unluckily, we didn’t have either. However, the guide Richard approached me demanding more money after we had a good time photographing/videotaping the male leopard aforementioned. Was this supposed to be included in the contracted services and tips? Nevertheless, my team was cooperative and generous to give each driver extras (good amount) beyond the suggested tips.
Before I complete my review, let me compliment the other two guides - Duncan and Gerald. These two guides consistently showed their professionalism, dedication, patience, kindness, and their caring for our interests. When I come back to another safari, I would feel lucky if they are my drivers, they are preferred.
Thank you again for your organizing this safari for us. In addition to viewing and photographing lovely animals, we also enjoyed talking and interacting with the beautiful people, their hospitality enriching our safari experience, and viewing the stunning landscape, including the Great Rift Valley, of your country. I have to admit I love Kenya and will come back again.
Last but not least, on behalf of the whole team, I wish you continued success.
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Email Bhavesh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical 5-Day Masai Mara Safari – Perfectly organised by Think travel
We had an unforgettable 4-night, 5-day safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara, flawlessly arranged by ThinkTravel. A special thanks to Muthoni, who personally welcomed us at arrival and was there again to see us off at the end – a truly thoughtful gesture.
Our guide, Jimmy, was excellent – professional, knowledgeable, and always enthusiastic. With his help, we saw the Big Four (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo), a majestic cheetah, and many other incredible animals. Though we missed the rhino, the sightings and overall experience were beyond expectations.
The balloon safari at sunrise was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, followed by a scenic champagne breakfast in the bush. The sundowner experience in the middle of the Mara was equally memorable – peaceful, picturesque, and beautifully arranged.
Our lodges were comfortable, the meals were delicious, and the hospitality was excellent. On our way back, Muthoni kindly took us to a local African cultural souvenir shop, where we enjoyed browsing and picked up a few lovely items.
We highly recommend ThinkTravel, Muthoni, and Jimmy for anyone planning a well-organized, personalized, and truly enriching Masai Mara safari.
Email Phillip Imoh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An experience to remember and cherish at the Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge, Maasai Mara
I had trip recently to the Maasai Mara, and we stayed at the Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge, this was one of those beyond words experiences, seeing as I am not a Safari person nor really fascinated by wildlife, but what I can say is that IT WAS BREATHTAKING. The lodge sits on top of an escarpment, offered breathtaking views of the reserve, it was rainy season so the clouds from within the reserve were really magical, and hard to unsee from the mind to-date. The accommodation is luxurious and spacious, and it's refreshing how it blends well with the surrounding wilderness. The staff were welcoming and attentive and made very moment worth it.
The safari experience was exceptional I particularly loved their safari vehicles and the effort our guide took to ensure we saw the wildlife. Even though we didn't experience the bush dinner because of the weather, the bush breakfast was incredible. Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge is a must-visit for anyone seeking a romantic and immersive safari experience in Kenya.
PS: make sure you get to visit the vantage point for breath taking views.
Email PabloVarela | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Helpful, fiendly, professional, flexible.
The person in charge of the company was professional, helpful, and flexible in meeting our needs. The staff was always punctual, friendly, and professional. While the itinerary on our last day varied from what the guide initially had in mind, resulting in 1.5 hours less of game drive time before reaching the airstrip, this could easily be clarified upfront during itinerary planning. Overall, it was a well-organized experience with excellent service, and I’d recommend confirming details ahead of time for a seamless trip.
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Email Faith | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very cool. We really had a good time together as family. Operator was kind and helpful. We recommend
Catching a lion hunting and making a kill was one of a kind
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Email Hezen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well planned and thoughtful
The trip was well arranged and planned. Good properties were identified and they were very comfortable with the kid. Good food options were available at every hotel . The drivers arranged were accommodative and courteous thus leading to a smooth journey . On the whole we had a very positive experience.
Email Carole | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Warm,professional, excellent and honest
Clear communication and expectations. Reliable and delivered excellently. The whole team loved their services, we had taken two vans. Super helpful team from booking to transfers etc
Email Kibue | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Simply Awesome!
Thinkk Travels booked me and my family for a trip to the Mara and it was such a lovely experience!!
Right from the transport where we had a very engaging driver, to the hotel accommodation, the round trip around the park everything was awesome.
The planning phase was also excellently handled by Muthoni Gathitu with information being shared in a timely manner.
I am already looking forward to booking my next safari with Thinkk Travels and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking to plan for a vacation!!
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Email Leslie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Accommodating
The safari experience was amazing! I will definitely be booking with this company again.
