Our team
Leisure Escapes Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2015)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $330 to $900 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Iana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing First Safari in Kenya – Incredible Guide, Seamless Planning, and Unforgettable Wildlife
We had an amazing first safari experience with Leisure Escape Safaris. From the beginning, Esther was incredibly responsive and detailed with every question I had. I compared quotes from several companies, and their pricing felt the most fair for what was included. They handled everything — accommodations, park logistics, and meal arrangements — so aside from researching itineraries and booking flights, the rest of the trip planning was effortless.
Our driver-guide Duncan was fantastic. With over 20 years of experience, he knew the roads and parks extremely well and always made sure we traveled safely. We visited Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Lake Naivasha. Unfortunately the rains came early this year (we traveled the second week of March 2026), causing some flooding and road closures, but Duncan handled it like a pro — navigating muddy terrain and alternate routes while coordinating with Esther when adjustments were needed.
Despite the weather, the wildlife sightings were incredible. We saw 4 of the Big Five (elephants, lions, rhinos — both black and white — and Cape buffalo). One of our most memorable moments was watching a cheetah take down an impala while her three cubs waited nearby. Duncan positioned us perfectly so we could see the entire moment. On our last day in Amboseli we also saw elephants crossing with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background — an unforgettable view.
Game drives were flexible: either full-day drives with a packed lunch or sunrise and sunset drives. We preferred the sunrise/sunset option because it allowed time to relax at the lodge midday.
We stayed at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Sawela Lodge, and Ol Tukai Lodge. Our favorite food was at Sawela Lodge, while Ol Tukai had the best wildlife sightings and an incredible Kilimanjaro view when the skies were clear.
A highlight activity was the boat ride and walking safari at Crescent Island, where you can actually walk among wildlife — definitely worth the extra cost.
A few tips for future travelers:
• Bring some Kenyan shillings for tips and small purchases.
• Expect long drives between parks (4–6+ hours), but there are stops along the way.
• Lodges generally don’t have AC, but they do have hot water.
• Bring a camera with a zoom lens if possible — we used a 75–300mm and it made a big difference for wildlife photos.
Kenya’s landscapes are breathtaking, and this safari exceeded our expectations. We would absolutely book another trip with Leisure Escape Safaris again — possibly in another country. Huge thanks to Esther and Duncan for making our trip unforgettable.
DE
Email Tanja | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kenya Safari: Book here!
We booked a private tour for four people in a Jeep with a driver, and we can wholeheartedly recommend Leisure Escapes without reservation. Esther, in particular, was always very responsive during the planning phase and tried to accommodate all our wishes. When that wasn't possible, she had excellent alternative suggestions. Our driver was very good at finding animals and an exceptionally safe driver. The accommodations were great, and the staff everywhere were incredibly friendly. We will definitely try to come back!
(automatic translation from German)
CH
Email Rebecca | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Delightful
We had an amazing time with Leisure Escape Safaris! Esther was always so prompt and considerate with her responses. She worked with us when we wanted to amend the itinerary during the planning stages and helped to make it happen seamlessly. We did the five day safari through Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Tsavo East. We saw so many animals and incredibly up close. The photos I got are amazing. It was great doing the different parks as they all had such different terrain and amazing features and we saw amazing animals at all. Our driver, Geoffrey, was a delight. He was kind and knowledgeable about the animals. We felt safe the whole time. The lodges, especially the first two we stayed at were amazing. We were so excited for our first safari and were blown away by this experience. Can truly only recommend!
Email Olivia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else!
Throughout the entire safari Leisure Escapes was beyond accommodating. I worked with Esther to get our group of 6 out in Maasai Mara. Esther helped us with suggestions for flights, trains, and hotels to enhance our experience. We were also unsure of our group size at first and Esther worked with us and accommodated all of our needs.
We had the tour guide Ken. He was absolutely amazing! He was extremely knowledgeable and personable. Ken made sure we experienced the safari to its fullest potential, while still putting our safety first. Ken also accommodated us by stopping at an ATM and stores on the way to and from the train station.
We stayed at the Mara Simba Lodge and it was absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t recommend Leisure Escapes Safaris enough! It is perfect for all groups and our time in Kenya wouldn’t be the same without it.
Email Ella | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Effortless experience! Highly recommended
The communication was super great, quick and helpful responses. Esther helped us seamlessly plan our safari accommodating all our needs/wants.
Duncan our driver was great! Very safe and really good and spotting animals! Super insightful!
All in all recommend this tour group thanks again!
SG
Email JR | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Animals Spotting!
Had a pleasure of engaging Leisure Escape Safari services. Esther is prompt in her replies. Despite the multiple enquires, she was able to provide the pros and cons of each changes for me to decide. Furthermore, I believe the charges are fair. Our assigned guide, Jeff, is amazing! He can spot various animals from miles away which enables us to really enjoy the safari. We were lucky to get up close and spot the Big 5 during our trip. He also gives detailed explanation about the each animal's behaviour and we really learnt a lot from him. 5 star trip!
Email Lavender | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well experienced, kind and very knowledgeable
It was a fantastic trip. Ken was a great driver. He went out of his way consistently to make sure we were comfortable and captured some rare moments. He was also punctual which was great 👌🏾
The accomodation was beautiful! We did not expect to be the only guests present but we were and that was a nice surprise. The staff were so lovely and attentive. The view was beautiful. The food was great! Honestly 10/10. I genuinely don’t have anything bad to say.
Our first trip to the Mara was better than I could’ve expected. And most importantly mum had such a great time 😊
We’ve agreed that we need to go back and take the whole clan with us next time.
AT
Email Franz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent organized safari, perfect tour guide
From pickup at Airport Hotel Nairobi till 7 days later dropoff at Aiport Nairobi everything was perfect. Nothing to complain about. Alle 4 lodges were unique from architecture and surroundings, also each national park had it´s own unique flair and fauna. I could not decide which to skip if you want to stay some days shorter. We could see the big five and a lot of other animals, some from just a few meters. Duncan as guide was always polite and helpful. He showed us a lot of wild animals long before we realizes that there are animals, really perfect tour guide. Also the optional booked balloon flight was an amazing experiance. As we had a private safari for just 2 guests, there was plenty of space in the car.
Also the booking process was very simple and perfect support by Esther. She replied to all our questions very fast and perfectly handled all our wishes and requirements.
As a summary, everything was perfect organized and this safari was an unique experience for us. We would definitely book again at Leisure Escape Safaris!!
CH
Email Diana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well-organized and wonderful safari
We had a wonderful safari in Kenya. Our guide knew the roads well and drove very safely. He was also very familiar with the national parks and always found good routes to see the animals and get close to them.
The accommodations were nice and comfortable. We would have appreciated receiving a bit more information from the guide during the tour.
Esther, who planned the trip for us, supported us at all times, provided us with lots of helpful information, and organized the trip wonderfully.
We highly recommend this journey — it was an incredible experience, and we’re taking many beautiful memories home with us.
Email Mark | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Brilliant communication
We booked a family safari at Amboseli, Tsavo West and Taita Hills. The accommodation at Kibo Safari Camp and Severin Camp was beyond excellent. There was some communication regarding dates and type of accommodation; while booking, all of our changes were accommodated by Leisure Escapes. Our driver Duncan was very attentive and suggested different timings and waited patiently to watch the animals. We managed to see all the Big Five and more. Water and blankets were provided. Throughout the safari. We asked them to pick us up from Nairobi and drop us in Diani, which was a five-hour drive away from the last safari location, which they did with grace. Thank you for a brilliant experience.
