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:
- $150 to $900 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Kevin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Organized, prompt, responsive, caring.
Kevin D
Where do I start? We knew the Kenyan people were kind and caring, but this company blew that baseline out of the water.
To find a Safari company I did a Google search and filled out a sort of questionnaire to detail what we were looking for. Esther Maina from Leisure Escapes Safaris responded within a few hours with a full quote and detailed itinerary. Over the next week or so, a couple of other companies responded, but Esther's quote was the lowest. I am apprehensive about picking the lowest bid, but at the time 44 of 45 reviews were 5 stars, and 1 was 4 star. However, that is a low number of reviews compared to some other companies that has several hundred. The other issue was that many reviews used the word "professional" with similar themes. I wondered if these reviews were real. I needn't have worried. I asked my son who is well versed in sniffing out issues to look at them. He verified that they were real reviews from real people. I reached out to Esther to ask why they had so few reviews. She immediately responded that they were a new company that started just before the pandemic and then had to take a break. They were starting again. Because Esther was so responsive, my wife and I felt good about moving forward with this company. BEST decision ever. We paid the deposit and as we worked through the details of the trip, we emailed Esther several times, and each time the response was prompt and comprehensive, even when we had asked the same question previously.
We were spending another week in Kenya after the Safari, so we asked Esther if she could help plan the other days we were in Nairobi and Diani. Again prompt comprehensive responses. But the kicker that sent me over the top on this company is what happened when our initial flight out of Dallas got delayed and we missed connections in NY and Paris. We were rebooked by Delta on Kenya Airways, but we were getting there a day late and so would lose the hotel reservation in Nairobi the day before the safari. Because the flight out of Nairobi back to Dallas at the end of the trip was at 10:30 at night, Esther took it upon herself to ask the hotel to let us stay in the room until it was time to leave for the airport, rather than giving up the room at the customary morning check out time. She argued that we had paid for but not used the rooms at the start of the trip, so requested them to swap out the days. This was a game changer for us as we were able to explore the city during the day and then come back to the hotel to shower and change before the long flight back home.
I have a long career in customer facing roles, and so I know what I am talking about when I say this company sets the Gold Standard.
The Safari itself was great. Our guide/driver Duncan was incredible at spotting animals with the naked eye, which we struggled to see with binoculars. Often he was the first to spot animals and then radio the other drivers as to the location. He admitted we lucked out with how many animals we saw, including a pair of Lions mating, but I would like to give a lot of credit to his experience and skill .
He was also calm, kind and low key and we always felt safe with him, particularly on the long drivers between the parks. Where other people on the road seemed reckless, Duncan put safety first.
I give this company, Esther and Duncan the highest possible recommendation. Well done!!
Kevin Dias
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Email Travis | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Honeymoon!
The trip was great, communication was easy and responsive and our guide Ken was very friendly!
CN
Email rui | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
amazing trip and good services
I travel with my family this May to Kenya, and LES is our local travel agency.
It's a pleasure to talk with Esther, while I was planning the itinerary, Esther's responses were very prompt, and she provided professional advice to help me plan the route more reasonably. During the trip, Duncan, our guide, was very professional. He picked us up on time every day, and during the game drives, he used his extensive experience to show us many beautiful wild animals, allowing my family to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the African continent. The only dissatisfaction I had during the entire trip was that on one of the days, there was only travel between two locations without a game drive arranged. Therefore, I did not tip, but I was subsequently asked to pay a tip. This was a small unpleasant experience for me during the entire trip.
Email KATO | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Undoubtedly an unforgettable experience
Despite the rainy season, we enjoyed wonderful weather, except for a few hours at the Giraffe Centre. We saw lions, giraffes, and elephants, and admired the beautiful scenery and stunning sunsets and sunrises.
Our stay at Alama Camp Mara was excellent, with great facilities, delicious food, and hospitable staff. Visiting the Maasai village and experiencing their traditional way of life was unique and memorable.
Our guide, Benerd, was kind and attentive, making the trip wonderful. Although we couldn't visit the Giraffe Centre, he took us to a shopping center instead. His excellent service was greatly appreciated.
Leisure Escapes Safaris' Operations Director was a key reason for choosing them. She answered all our questions, accommodated changes, and addressed our requests, easing our anxieties about visiting Kenya for the first time.
Our trip to Kenya with Leisure Escapes Safaris was unforgettable.
IN
Email Pranjal Nanavaty | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable safari, featuring top-notch stays and amazing wildlife sightings.
Our safari with Leisure Escapes Safaris was an unforgettable experience! The accommodations exceeded our expectations, providing comfort and luxury in the heart of nature. Our driver was exceptional, ensuring we had the best sightings possible. We explored Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru, and Masai Mara National Parks, each offering breathtaking views and incredible wildlife encounters. Highly recommend!
DK
Email Jeanette | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kindly with a lot of knowledge about the animals and surroundings.
From the very beginning, Jeff was nice and always on time.
He drove us through 4 parks, was very interesseted in what we wanted and did absolutely everuthing for us.
Before heading to the airport, he drove us around in Nairobi.
We will in all times recomend Leisure safaris!!!!!!
PL
Email Magdalena | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional
Leisure Escapes Safaris provided us with wonderful experiences and excellent care during the safari. Very competent guide Duncan took care of our carefree and full of attractions time. We sincerely recommend you
Email Carmen Andre' & Claudio Vitale | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience in Kenya with Leisure Escape
I did a request on safaribookings.com and 3 agencies replied. Leisure Escapes Safaris replied very quickly but also very accurate and with a nice proposal. Comunication with Esther was efficient both via email and phone, she understood exactly what I wanted and this is very important to get the right safari for you.
We signed for a 7 days Safari from Nairobi including Amboseli, Tsavo West and Tata Hills Sancturary.
Our guide was very professional, always in time and very competent. We had no issues at all.
The car was comfortable with all the accessories.
All the hotels were booked correctly as we agreed and we ended up in beautiful lodges with beautiful rooms.
What I can say is Esther was amazing since the first contact to the end. We had 0 problems. Everything was organised in the minimal details and you can tell they care about their customers.
My personal suggestion is to choice, whenever possible, a lodge with the waterhole. Safari is tiring and search for animals sometimes don't give you so much.With the waterhole instead you can relax in your room or during dinner and see them in their normal day by day activities, undisturbed from cars
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Email Swaroop | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attention to details
We booked our trip with Ester and Duncan was our driver/ guide. The itinerary was planned very well. The lodge(s) were inside the park and made it easier for early morning game drives. Duncan was extremely helpful and made certain we got to see the big 5 animals. We encountered an elephant in heat on two different occasions and Duncan made sure we were safe. Ester was able to assist with securing a vehicle for city trip of Nairobi as well.
Email Dylan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastically memorable
Our family had the pleasure of being shown the beauty of Kenya and the wonder of its Safari throuigh the eyes of Leisure Escapes.
From the outset, Esther was immensely helpful and beneficial to our trip planning with insights and suggestions on how we could make most out of the one week we had. Her collaborative approach and the years of experience were exemplified in how our safaris played out in reality!
Upon arrival into Nairobi we were welcomed by not only Esther, but also our driver and tour guide for the week - Duncan.
Duncan is very experienced and knowledgeable on all things safari and Kenya. He provided detailed insights on the culture, history and architecture of Nairobi and Kenya. But went above and beyond when discussing the wildlife on safari. His wisdom and familiarity of the road along with the observation of and involvement with the wildlife was truly magical.
We had the pleasure of visiting Amboseli (Mt Kilamanjaro), Masai Mara, Naivasha (Hells Gate).
My wife and I will treasure our unforgetabble african experince and I know that our young daughters will hold the safari adventures afforded to them courtesy of Leisure Escapes for many many years! Thank you -