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 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!
IE
Email Orla | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime to Kenya
We had the most incredible experience with Imara Africa Safari and truly made memories that will last a lifetime. From the very beginning, the booking process was seamless and stress-free. The team was extremely responsive and accommodating, happily amending even the smallest of details to ensure everything was perfect for us. Before we even arrived, they went above and beyond by assisting with a visa issue, having it sorted for one of us within just 30 minutes, which was absolutely amazing.
Our itinerary was thoughtfully planned and executed with outstanding attention to detail. We visited the Masa Mara, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and Diani Beach, with every stop organised flawlessly. We were even met in Nairobi upon arrival, which made everything feel smooth and welcoming from the start. The accommodation, food, and people we encountered throughout the trip were all fantastic, and the entire experience was excellent value for money.
The highlight of our trip, without a doubt, was our driver, Anthony. He was patient, kind, and incredibly generous with his knowledge. He truly made our trip. Anthony is a complete gentleman and a real credit to Imara Africa Safari. We loved spending time with him, both during our game drives and in the evenings getting to know him. He made sure we saw absolutely every animal possible, and many of the unforgettable moments we experienced simply wouldn’t have happened without him. One particularly special touch was when he went off track to show us tea plantations after we mentioned how much we enjoyed Kenyan tea, something as Irish people we were very grateful for! 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.
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. We are especially delighted to have made a new friend in Anthony.
Email Kumiko | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very much enjoyed the tour
We took the tour with 1 adult and 3 kids of 9,11 and 15 years old. They were very responsive during planning and flexible to accommodate our family’s needs like adding horseback riding. Our guide Patrick was very polite and knowledgeable, we could see very exciting moments in safari.
The tour was well designed to experience variety of things in Kenya, very much recommended.
Email Dara | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a phenomenal experience
We had the most amazing experience with this tour company! We changed our itinerary multiple times and Catherine was so helpful, kind, and patient all throughout the planning. Simon, our tour guy, just phenomenal!! The best man that made our trip worthwhile. Wendy and her husband are absolutely considerate and caring couple, making sure everything was perfect during our stay. They all took the time out to see us on our arrival and before our departure, which meant a lot to us. Everyone is so personable, attentive and welcoming. We had the best experience, best anniversary, trip ever and very blessed to have come across this company. Highly recommend 100/10 🌟
Email Douglas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
10/10 for Imara Africa
I had an opportunity to visit Africa for the first time on a trip organized by Imara Africa. The 6-day trip was centered in Kenya and included wildlife reserves in Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Maasai Mara. Each location had unique experiences and the details were expertly curated through Imara Africa.
We met the team, including our guide Simon, as soon as we exited customs in Nairobi, Kenya. They met us with lovely welcome gifts and explained our itinerary, answering all questions. What I did not understand initially was that Simon was to remain with us every step of the way. He was our driver, translator, facilitator, bodyguard, wildlife expert, concierge and companion. We could not have asked for a better guide helping us to maximize our experience.
You will not travel wild Africa like we did without complications, diversions and the unexpected. Simon met each challenge with patience and good humor. It was a genuine pleasure to talk with him and see him at work. He knew where to go, how to get there and seemed to know everyone in Kenya!
The lodgings were top notch, with world class service and excellent food. Lodgings and almost all food were included in the package. The team even upgraded us at one point to help celebrate an anniversary in our group.
En route to Maasai Mara we traveled deep off-road and spent several hours with the nomadic Maasai people, walking their territory with them and visiting their village. We were partnered with a pair of Maasai men who demonstrated their way of life and answered all our questions. This was not a tourist simulation, but a very moving window into the lives of real people living as they have for centuries. The hours we spent with the Maasai were humbling and remarkable.
I did not expect to be moved as I was by the vast grasslands. You may know that the Grand Canyon is a big hole in the ground but it still steals your breath when you stand at its edge. The Maasai Mara savannah is like that. Looking for miles in all directions, witnessing teeming herds of wild creatures, watching the cloud shadows race across the grass. It is a spiritual event.
The safaris were the highlight of the trip. We traveled in the same heavy duty four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser each day, modified for the rough terrain of the savannah and safe animal observation. The large windows, pop-up top, individual charging stations at each seat and additional cushions made long hours in the vehicle comfortable and ideal for close but safe viewing of the animals.
The animal encounters were intimate and almost too numerous to count. We saw dozens of lions, hippo, elephants, monkeys, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, gazelle, and exotic birds. We even saw elusive animals like hyenas, warthogs and white rhino. We visiting conservation centers dedication to rehabilitating orphaned animals (12 baby elephants simultaneously fed from 12 enormous baby bottles). The headliner for me was the 30+ minute encounter with a regal mother cheetah and her three fuzzy cubs.
In short, I cannot imagine visiting the wonders of Africa with any other group. I will return with family and friends so I can share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with them. Imara Africa gets a 10/10.
GR
Email Nikos | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect
We had an amazing one-week safari in Kenya with IMARA SAFARI, traveling as a group of four. Everything was very well organized from start to finish.
The selection of lodges and hotels was excellent — comfortable, well located, and perfect for experiencing the different parks. Our itinerary included Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli, which was a fantastic combination of landscapes and wildlife.
Our driver-guide was one of the highlights of the trip. He was very experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly, and it was clear he knew the parks extremely well. Thanks to him we saw an incredible variety of animals and always felt safe and well taken care of. He was also very flexible with the daily schedule and adapted the program when needed so we could make the most of every day.
The safari vehicle was in very good condition and comfortable for the long drives, making the game drives very enjoyable.
Communication with the company was excellent throughout the entire trip. Through WhatsApp we always received very quick responses whenever we needed something. They were also incredibly helpful with several things that were not even part of their responsibilities, which we truly appreciated.
Overall, this was a fantastic experience and we highly recommend IMARA SAFARI to anyone planning a safari in Kenya. Professional service, great planning, and an unforgettable adventure.
Email Cheang | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent safari partner in Kenya!
We reached out to several Kenyan tour operators directly but ultimately selected Imara Africa Safaris due to Wendy's responsiveness, flexibility and attention to detail. We leaned on her experience and input as we crafted what ended up being a 10-day trip across Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli.
We were a little nervous at the nature of safari trips where upfront payments are made, but the Imara team delivered as planned, made accommodations for our 2 young girls (8 and 6) and assigned the best driver/guide in Eduard!
The trip itself was fantastic. Eduard was timely, patient and informative. We were also amazed at how he navigated all of Kenya with no maps or GPS, and was very successful at identifying animals, sharing fun facts and making the trip very memorable.
I would use Imara again in a heartbeat and have recommended them to a few friends since returning home.
