Imara Africa Safaris Team
Imara Africa Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2022)
- Member Of:
- AMREF, KWS & TRA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $120 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Eduard | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable and experienced
We were initially picked up from our hotel and greeted with gifts (a beautiful animal art picture, safari water bottle, and safari hat) for each member of our family! The safari vehicle is very large and spacious, has WiFi and outlets for charging! The vehicle also comes with a mini fridge stocked with sodas and bottled water for the trip. Our tour guide, Simon, was very knowledgeable and drove as carefully as he could, and got us up close to most animals in the parks for clear pictures, and easily knew his way around the massive wilderness areas without any maps or GPS! The only downside I would say about this trip are that most of the roads in Kenya and out in the wilderness are not paved, so most of the drive is extremely bumpy, like worse than a rollercoaster, and caused some motion sickness, we were bouncing out of our seats many times, and getting into the vehicle is a bit challenging as the steps are extremely high up to the knees, so be careful if you have bad knees. The Zebra Lodge that they booked for us was very luxurious, and spacious, though the food was so-so and very limited, the bathrooms were very large and even had an outside shower, although the water temperature regulation and water pressure was terrible. The second hotel, Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa, Nakuru, was very nice, professional, great buffets, and a very nice clean 5 star hotel. The first two days doing the game drive in the national parks were great and exciting seeing all the wild animals, the third day going to the lake was honestly the most boring and uneventful as most animals were extremely far away and just saw some birds very far away, also I did not care much for going to the Masai Mara Village, and seeing their poor living conditions. The 4th day was great though, as we took a boat ride to see many birds up close and then did a walking safari tour and got sooo up close to zebras, antelopes, a hyena, and right up next to a sleeping giraffe! I strongly recommend going in August as it's the "migration season" and there are far more animals to see. The drivers also like to drop off tourists at rest stops with souvenir shops, just be careful cause the prices are extremely jacked up and the locals try to rip tourists off like crazy; if they say something is $25-30, in reality it's worth more like $5-10, do your research and haggle down!
Overall I liked this tour company and the safari experience, and would definitely do it again someday if I ever went back!
Professional, reliable operator with expert guides, great hotels, and an unforgettable safari.
We had an amazing experience on the Maasai Mara + Lake Nakuru + Naivasha Mid-Range Safari with Imara Africa Safaris. Booking and communication were smooth, professional, and hassle-free from beginning to end. The itinerary was exceptionally well organized, giving us plenty of time to enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.
Our guide, Simone, was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and always made sure we had the best wildlife-viewing opportunities. His experience and sharp eye helped us spot an incredible variety of animals and birds.
During our safari, we saw lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, zebras, African buffalo, rhinoceroses, hippos, hyenas, thousands of wildebeest crossing during the spectacular Great Migration, gazelles, impalas, warthogs, baboons, monkeys, crocodiles, ostriches, majestic eagles, vultures, and many other colorful bird species. Witnessing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara was truly breathtaking and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We also enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, which added a wonderful variety to the safari.
The accommodations selected by Imara Africa Safaris were excellent. Every hotel and lodge was clean, comfortable, and welcoming, with great food and friendly staff, making it easy to relax after exciting days of game drives.
This safari exceeded all of our expectations. From the excellent planning and comfortable accommodations to the incredible wildlife encounters and exceptional guiding, everything was first class. I highly recommend Imara Africa Safaris and the Maasai Mara + Lake Nakuru + Naivasha Mid-Range Safari to anyone looking for an unforgettable Kenyan safari adventure.
Email Tamara Muhler | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience
Fantastic experience. Our guide Simon was knowledgeable and helpful and so fun. Made the experience great for our family. We spotted so many animals and the accommodations were wonderful. Beautiful settings and tent rooms and dining buffets. We had a memorable trip. Our teens were excited to see new animals daily and learn more about the Masai culture and Kenya. Food was tasty, beds were comfortable, and our guide made it amazing. Thank you to the Imara team who helped us organized our trip and stay. They responded quickly to our requests and questions and planned our days well. Wish we had had more time. We are sad to leave Kenya and will be back! Thank you Imara team!
Email Kristian | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful safari experience!
This safari has been nothing short of epic. When looking for a safari, Cate was very thorough - understood what we were looking for, asked good questions, understood our budget, and made us comfortable throughout the entire process.
Once in Kenya, all of the details were well thought through - every ride, every meal, and we were able to truly maximize the limited time and budget that we had. We were able to experience so much, and our guide Simon answered every question we had, guided us safely through the different terrain and Kenyan traffic, and made sure everything was done to ensure that we experienced as many different animals as possible from several wonderful vantage points. We felt cared for though the whole process and appreciate Imara Africa for everything they did to make this safari a memorable, once in a lifetime experience!
Email Ben | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Safari Experience in Kenya
My buddy and I has two incredible experiences in Maasai Mara and Amboseli with iMara Africa Safaris. We had two drivers/guides named Simon (one at each park) that did an amazing job showing us both parks. Their trucks and the accommodations were both spectacular and we even had WiFi inside the Land Cruiser on the second leg of our safari. Even though we booked this through one of their partners (see separate review), I would highly recommend booking your safari with iMara.
Email Ruth | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience - Ultimate Kenyan with Train and Beach
We started planning our safari about a year in advance. Wendy and Lewis sent lots of information and were incredibly helpful. They were very patient and accommodating as we worked out whether a family member could travel with us due to health restrictions.
At times we had to push for information, but this may reflect the difference between British and Kenyan attitudes to travel!
On arrival we were met by Wendy, Lewis and their full team bearing gifts,and then introduced to our guide Edward. Edward was fantastic throughout he trip, adapting the trip to suit our interests - for example on our visit to Lake Elementitia, knowing members of our group were particularly interested in birds he took us to a section of the lake where the birds were particularly active. He was always in the know about what was happening with animals in the park and helped us to spot so much!
The accommodation was all lovely, comfortable and welcoming. A few days at the beach was just what we needed to relax after our adventure!
The internal flight back to Nairobi caused a little confusion - we were quite panicked about arriving at the airport barely 45 minutes before our flight - but we were not the last to check in! Check details for your luggage if you have flights.
We travelled about 1200 miles over the course of the safari, and Edward never looked at a sat nav once! Finding us washrooms and refreshments where needed as well as the well stocked water supply. The travel is tiring but well worth it for the sights and experiences. Thanks to Edwards network of guides we saw so much!
Tips - although we paid for the safari and tips in dollars, shillings were generally more useful to us.
Food was lovely and plentiful, even as a vegetarian. Many places checked whether I was happy with what was on offer.
Get used to the idea of bush toilets! When using public restrooms toilet roll is sometimes outside the cubicles. We put a roll in our travel bag and we're grateful for it.
Expect to pay for water with meals at some places. It's not expensive but not everywhere included this.
Email Victoria Simpson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari Experience
We have just returned from an incredible safari organised by Imara African Safaris, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the very beginning, Lewis and Wendy were absolutely fantastic. Our first inquiry was handled with care and professionalism. The knowledge and guidance provided in booking our itinerary was invaluable. The team was extremely responsive and accommodating, happily amending even the smallest of details to ensure everything was perfect for us.
One of the things that immediately stood out upon arrival was the personal service. It was such a lovely touch that the owner and members of the team took the time to come and meet us at the start of our trip at the airport at 5am. It made us feel genuinely valued as guests and showed how much they care about providing an exceptional experience from day one.
A huge thank you goes to our guide, Simon who made this journey truly unforgettable. His enthusiasm and deep understanding of the wildlife and local culture added so much value to every game drive. His knowledge of the local area was incredible, and no matter what question we asked, he always knew the answer. Beyond that, he was genuinely one of the friendliest, kindest, and most professional people we have met. We covered many kilometers and visited several parks, yet we always felt completely safe. He waited at every point for us to observe the animals in our own time, take photos and never rushed the experience for us. We enjoyed his calm and relaxed nature and it added to our experience. Simon’s passion for what he does shone through every day and made our safari experience unforgettable.
Each of the accommodations selected by Imara offered an amazing experience. We were greeted by friendly faces who often greeted us with a song, hot towel and cool drink. The accommodations were always spotlessly clean and had everything we needed. The food was always delicious and varied and offered some traditional Kenyan dishes. The locations meant that you were in the parks and able to see and hear the animals from either the main building or your room. We arrived at one lodge and had an elephant mother and baby feeding right outside. Another accommodation had a watering hole which had so many animals visited throughout the day and you could sit on the veranda and watch the animals pass. Whilst the game drives are intensive the accommodations gave you a relaxing safe place to rest after the game drive whilst still having amazing animal experiences.
We cannot recommend Imara Africa Safari highly enough. This was a truly special trip, and we are so grateful for everything they did to make it perfect.
Email Robert N | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Experience!
Our trip to Kenya and Zanzibar with Imara Safari was truly the experience of a lifetime. From start to finish, everything was exceptionally well organised, allowing us to relax and enjoy every moment of an unforgettable adventure.
We travelled through Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and finished with a wonderful stay in Zanzibar. Each destination offered something unique, from incredible wildlife sightings and breathtaking landscapes to beautiful beaches and unforgettable memories.
A special mention must go to our guide and driver, Eddie. His knowledge of the wildlife, local culture, and the parks was outstanding. He always went the extra mile to ensure we had the best possible experience, and his expertise helped us spot an amazing variety of animals throughout the trip. His passion for Kenya and its wildlife really enhanced our safari.
I would also like to thank Wendy, who played a huge part in helping me organise a surprise proposal to my girlfriend at the stunning Salt Lick Safari Lodge. Everything was arranged perfectly, and it created a magical moment that we will cherish forever. The attention to detail and support from Wendy made the occasion completely stress-free and incredibly special.
This was far more than just a holiday—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with adventure, romance, and memories that will stay with us forever. I cannot recommend Imara Safari highly enough and would happily book with them again in the future.
Thank you to the entire team for making our dream trip a reality!
Email Tahseen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive and helpful
Excellent service start to finish. Our first shout out to Lincoln who was our POC for everything from booking the vacation, filling out stuff, answering all our questions and for being always responsive and helpful.
Second shout out to the service we received while in the car and at the hotels. Strong free wifi always in the car no matter how remote the location we were in, we always had the fastest and reliable internet. A mini fridge with unlimited water and cold drinks for us at all times. While at the hotels we were always received with a warm welcome, an excellent service, amazing food options, helpful staff, clean and cozy rooms.
Lastly, and biggest shout out to our amazing driver Patrick who drove us everywhere from start to finish. From picking us up from the hotels, taking us on game drives, patiently waiting for us to take pictures of all the beautiful animals no matter how many times we ask him to stop for a quick snap, for his impeccable driving skills in one of the most challenging terrains I have even experienced, for his absolutely incredible memory to remember every single location for our hotels, all the crazy roads without any sings, while still managing to find the best spots to see wildlife every single time.
Patrick is one of the rare gems who knew was extremely patient with us, kind, caring and helpful. His knowledge of identifying every unique animal and bird was always on point.
I cannot recommend enough how much we enjoyed as a family of 4, if we ever decide to do this all over again, we will not hesitate to book again with Imara African Safari.
NL
Email Ellen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Would recommend 10/10
We were very pleased with our 7-day safari booked through Imara! In short: Simon was an amazing guide - flexible, kind, and a great travel companion. Good service, good program, and flexibility to tailor the trip to our needs, both before the trip as during the trip.
We booked our trip with Wendy just a couple of weeks before departure. She was happy to assist, responded quickly and could help us answering some question we had about travelling during the rainy season (conclusion: please go!). We were offered some nice upgrades that made our trip just a bit more memorable.
On the day of arrival, they arranged an airport pick up to our hotel. The day we started the safari, we had a warm welcome by the Imara team at our hotel, and were set off with some safari presents.
During our trip we visited Amboselli NP, Lake Naivasha, cycled at Hell’s gate, did game drives at Lake Nakuru NP and ended our trip at Masai Mara NP. We were happily surprised about the number of game drives and activities, that were all unique in their own way. The parks were really really amazing! With water levels in the lake rising, we feel that the visit to the peninsula at Lake Naivasha was a bit less special compared to the other activities, but it was a welcome way to break the long trip from Amboselli to Lake Nakuru. In general we feel that the trip was planned making very efficient use of our time, without becoming too stringent or tiring.
The lodges were all in all good to very good quality for a mid-range trip. We were especially pleased with our stays in Kibo Safari Camp (shout out to Anthony managing the restaurant) and Sarova Lion Hill (the best food we had on the trip).
And then the highlight of our trip: doing game drives with Simon, our guide. Simon is a wonderfull person, he listens very well to your wishes and is always happy to explain why certain choices are made. Especially within the rainy season, this is vital to make the most of your trip and skip being out during optional heavy showers. Thank you Simon for making our trip so memorable!
We look back to an amazing safari trip and would recommend Imara 10 out of 10 to anyone who wants to explore the magin of the Kenian savanna!