Elevate Your Escapes
Splendid Vacations
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2023)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $120 to $900 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Colin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect organising and booking of an unforgettable holiday
After looking at a few safari holiday companies I settled on Splendid Vacations. My wife and I wanted a safari holiday with a few days beach holiday at the end. The initial package was more safari than beach holiday so I asked Rachael at Splendid Vacations to adjust, which she did perfectly. Rachael was very quick and helpful in all requests and communications. When making the final accommodation bookings for us there was an issue with no availability at one camp but Rachael researched and provided us with detailed information about alternatives when letting us know. This made it easy to immediately choose an alternative.
Once arriving in Nairobi we were met at the airport by Rachael and a driver and taken to our very grand hotel. Next morning we were collected by Willy, our driver for the next few days of the safari. Having Willy as our driver was the best bit of luck for us as he was excellent. Due to his knowledge and skills we saw some unforgettable sights. Lionesses with their cubs, Leopards, Cheetahs (including seeing a Cheetah make a kill of a young Impala), Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeests, Warthogs, Hyenas, Baboons and various other monkeys, Hippos, Crocodiles, Buffalo, Jackals etc. The only one of the big 5 we didn't see was the Rhino. I think the highlight of our safari was an incredible close up encounter with Craig, the oldest super tusker elephant in Kenya.
All travelling during the safari was done in our own private vehicle, a comfortable Toyota Landcruiser. Travelling between national parts and camps was sometimes quite long but was very interesting seeing the country from the remote parts of the Masai Mara to the centre of Nairobi. Willy was perfectly accommodating with rest stops etc.
The accommodation on the safari was perfect. Zebra Plains Mara Camp was great with its restaurant and bar over looking the Masai Mara and its very comfortable glamping tents. Zebra Plains Mara Camp set a very high standard for accommodation. I would highly recommend the evening nature walk with the Masai tribesman. This was absolutely beautiful and a very informative end to the day. Please tip generously for this; some of the other guests on the walk didn't tip at all which I felt was very remiss after such a great couple of hours.
After a couple of days there we headed to Lake Naivasha and had a wonderful couple of hours on Crescent Island walking with Zebras, Giraffes etc. There we stayed at Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort which was very comfortable. Next day we headed to Amboseli National park and Oilepo Amboseli, another great camp. Here the restaurant and bar over looks a watering hole so you can watch visiting elephants, Zebras, Baboons etc while eating your evening meal. After a couple of days here we were driven to Emali train station where we were dropped off and said goodbye to Willy. Here we caught the train to Mombasa. The train journey was quite long, about 5 hours, but the train was more than comfortable with good food and drink services with clean, looked after toilets.
In Mombasa we were met by a driver who took us into central Mombasa for lunch. We only stayed in Mombasa for lunch but it looked like a city worth spending more time in to explore. After lunch our driver took us to our next stop, The Baobab Beach Resort and Spa in Diani, where we spent the next few days. This resort is deservedly award winning. It's a very beautiful, well designed and maintained resort staffed by extremely helpful and friendly people. Plenty of pools, including one that was a no kids allowed pool, great spa, an amphitheatre with entertainment each evening, a good selection of restaurants and bars and straight on access to a perfect white sands for miles in each direction beach. And who can forget the entertaining monkeys roaming the grounds getting up to mischief. Most of the restaurants were all inclusive and the food quality and selection was excellent. We also dined in one of the premium restaurants which was extremely good with the chefs coming out to speak with the guests and the occasional visit in the roof area by Bush Babies!
During our stay at The Baobab Beach Resort Rachael had also organised a day trip out snorkelling in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park where we saw dolphins and had a great time snorkelling in the reefs. The day included a Swahili lunch on Wasini Island which, after the food was presented to us with traditional song, was served by Swahili women . My only regret is that the food was kind of disappointing. But a minor point in an otherwise wonderful day.
At the end of our stay we were picked up by a driver and taken to Diani airfield where we caught an internal flight back to Nairobi where we caught our flight home.
Everything was perfectly arranged by Rachael with all trips, lunches, train and internal flight tickets all sorted. We didn't need to pay additional fees or fares; just tipping as we saw fit. And Rachael answered all questions promptly. This was an unforgettable holiday. Many thanks to Rachael and Willy.
TR
Email Ahmet | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attentive and reliable
Splendid Vacations planned and executed a week-long tour for my family. We had a rough plan in mind as an experienced traveler friend engaged Splendid and explained what we wanted to do and when. Splendid executed very well. The communications were very quick and responsive as they engaged with us through WhatsApp. Our guide and driver was always on time, and very responsive to our wishes. He had good friends among other guides and was always updated on the recent animal sightings.
FR
Email Flavia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect vacations in Kenya!
I had a wonderful experience with Splendid Vacations in my safari trip to Kenya. From the organization and planning with Alice, who was always very responsive and happy to discuss the best itinerary and hotels for us, to the trip itself with Joshua, our wonderful guide! He was always taking us to the best spots in the parks and very knowledgeable about the wildlife and life in Kenya. In our next safari trip we will definitely book with Splendid again!
US
Email Ketaki | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour guides were personable, kind, and so engaging!
We had a wonderful experience with Splendid Vacations. Our tour group had 21 people aged 26-62! Given how large and diverse our group was, Splendid Vacations did everything they could to give all of us a wonderful experience. We did a 6-day-safari and went to Amboseli National Park (2 nights), Lake Nakuru (1 night), and Masai Mara (2 nights).
James, from the central office, worked with us to help plan the trip and was incredibly responsive, accommodating, and helpful. He answered all of our questions and made sure the trip ran smoothly. He also helped us with some last-minute adjustments and changes.
Our tour guides: Alex, Timo, Masila, and Malolo were all amazing. Our group got to know all 4 tour guides and enjoyed their company. Each of them was engaging, easy to talk to, and comfortably able to communicate with our group. They were very knowledgeable and taught us about things along the entire way. We were able to see all of the Big 5 and also got to see a cheetah eatings its hunted gazelle, a lioness feeding her cubs, an antelope giving birth, and more crazy things. All thanks to the guides.
The Jeeps were very spacious and were able to transport the baggage for all of our groups. One thing to note is that some of the travel times listed are variable and may take longer than written depending on weather, traffic, and other circumstances. Also, the rides can be bumpy so it is worth carrying a neck pillow or something to protect your joints if you are prone to neck/back pain.
Many members of our group had various dietary restrictions and practiced vegetarian diets. Splendid Vacations was helpful in accommodating that diet and all of the lodges we stayed at were super friendly as well.
I absolutely recommend booking Splendid Vacations for your next trip!!!
US
Email Ashish | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well-organized, communicative, and personable tour guides!
Communication:
We had an incredible experience on the Safari thanks to the meticulous planning by James. We had a large group of 21 people with differing requests and James worked with us every step of the way to customize our package.
Safari Experience:
Our 4 tour guides Alex, Timo, Masila, and Malolo were super personable and knowledgeable about the animals we were seeing. They were constantly communicating over radio to find the best viewing locations for our cars, and we saw all kinds of animals in multiple settings. Overall, the safari felt fulfilling, and I can confidently say that everyone in our group had a positive experience.
US
Email Vaidehi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible tour guides! Once in a lifetime worthwhile experience.
My group of family friends (21 people total) travelled to Kenya for a 6-day safari with Splendid Vacations. We visited Amboseli NP, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara Reserve.
Our guides - Alex, Masila, Malolo, and Teemo — were very knowledgeable and personable. We saw every animal we hoped to see, including plenty of lions, a leopard, cheetah, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and so much more!
Splendid Vacations was also great about accommodating dietary restrictions and we were always well fed with nutritious food.
I definitely recommend booking a tour with this group, every bumpy car ride was worth it!
ID
Email Belinda | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Asante Sana!
We found Splendid Vacation through Safari Booking and got connected with James — he was honestly like my personal Google 🤣. Super helpful, patient, and always ready with answers no matter what I asked.
Pricewise, I had texted many other agencies, but Splendid was the one that matched my expectations best.
Our first safari experience was guided and driven by our favorite driver/tour guide, Steven. He’s firm, professional, and very experienced — we felt safe and well taken care of throughout the trip.
It was an 8-day safari and truly unforgettable. Thank you Splendid Vacation, especially James, Steven, and Simon, for making it so memorable. Can’t wait to be back one day!
PL
Email Sergii | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional safari with Timothy: expert guide, skilled driver, and unforgettable wildlife moments
From the first sight, Timothy distinguished himself as an exceptional guide and driver. His professionalism immediately put us at ease and set the stage for an extraordinary safari experience in Kenya.
We were in a 5-day trip through Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru and Masai Mara. And we were lucky to meet not only the big 5 of Africa, but also an Ugly 5! Unfortunately, the Shy 5 was too shy 😂
Timothy’s knowledge of the terrain is nothing short of remarkable. Navigating complex safari routes without reliance on maps or GPS, he demonstrated both expertise and confidence, ensuring a seamless journey through diverse landscapes.
Equally impressive was his ability to identify and locate wildlife. Timothy’s keen eye allowed us to witness rare and unforgettable sightings that we might otherwise have missed (like leopards, lions etc).
Moreover, he is a great driver, and while others had problems with Masai Mara routes, we have none.
He consistently ensured that we had the time and opportunity to fully appreciate each encounter, whether observing quietly or capturing the moment on camera. His passion for the region, its wildlife, and the overall safari experience was evident.
Our safari, under Timothy’s guidance, was a real adventure. His professionalism, expertise, and love for a wildlife elevated the experience to the highest standard. For those seeking an outstanding guide, Splendid Vacations and Timothy come with the strongest possible recommendation.
Email Aditya | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Disappointing Experience and Lack of Value
Our experience with this service was profoundly disappointing. We found that the quality was poor, and markups were added without delivering any corresponding value.
Key Issues
Overpriced with No Added Value: Significant markups were applied, but the service did not justify the cost. For instance, our flight tickets show a price in Kenyan shillings equivalent to approximately $470, yet we were billed $698. For such a premium, we expected expertise, local insights, and proactive support, but received none.
Unreliable: There was a lack of rigour in the details provided, and some committed items in the itinerary were left undelivered until we challenged them. We were initially assured of premium room , but when we requested specifics, we discovered that our rooms were merely superior, not premium.
Disorganised: We had to repeatedly follow up for basic details such as driver timings. To us, the experience felt like dealing with a basic middleman service, without any added value. Thankfully, the hotels we booked were excellent and ultimately salvaged our trip.
Detailed Experience
Nairobi: Last-minute changes to our plans resulted in missing most of the elephant centre, skipping a paid-for market stop, and being transported in substandard vehicles for both the airport pick-up and the day tour.
Masai Mara: The vehicle provided was in poor condition—dirty, with some doors that wouldn’t open, and felt generally neglected. The driver was rude and spent the entire six-hour drive and subsequent game drives on their phone. They attempted to skip the paid game drive and were hostile when we insisted on following our itinerary. The day began with no clear plan, and when questioned, the driver was extremely discourteous. Later, they informed us that the paid for village tour could not be accommodated, as we supposedly needed to leave at 7 a.m. to reach the restaurant for lunch by 2 p.m.—none of which was previously communicated. We had to insist (and offer additional payment) for a different driver for the return journey to address these issues. To give them their due, Splendid organised an alternative.
Mombasa: Although we paid for a late checkout, the hotel was never informed. Transfers required constant chasing for details.
Refund and Transparency
We received a small refund for undelivered items, but there was no transparency regarding what these items were. The refund did not compensate for the poor experience. What was most disappointing was the lack of transparency—for example, skipping parts of the itinerary and claiming it was for our safety, yet not communicating this at the time of booking, Or late checkout not being arranged despite charging - with the explanation that they do this only on the last day when flight details are known. However, by then, the hotel had already allocated rooms – so even had they wanted to extend, it would have been impossible. Note - this late check out charge was refunded, on our demand.
Our recommendation based on conversations with other guests and travellers, is that you skip this service as you will receive better value, service, and advice by booking directly with hotels and camps.
Reply from Splendid Vacations
Posted on Sep 1, 2025Dear Aditya,
Thank you for choosing Splendid Vacations Africa to arrange your recent trip, and thank you for the detailed feedback. Allow us to shed more light on the feedback as follows;
Overpricing of the flights: We booked a domestic flight with Kenya Airways in economy class as requested. Flight rates continue to fluctuate daily, depending on demand and supply, driven by factors such as seasonality, holidays, fuel costs, airline competition, economic conditions, special events, and airline operational costs. The rates quoted were based on the date of quotation, and we booked the flights on the exact dates specified in the booking confirmation. However, the in-flight services offered by the airlines are beyond our control.
Unreliable: During the planning and booking of your safari, the assigned tour consultant, who was your primary contact, clearly stated that the rooms booked at the Baobab Beach Resort were superior rooms, an upgrade from the standard rooms. This was clearly indicated on the price breakdown, and the room allocated for your stay in Baobab Beach Resort was the superior room.
Disorganized: We specialize in private safaris, which allows us to accommodate clients' needs and special requests with flexibility. Each day, the driver guide provided a detailed briefing on the day's activities. Additionally, the driver's contact details and pick-up details were shared a day before you arrived in Kenya. Upon your arrival at the airport, you were welcomed by our airport representative, who provided a complimentary transfer to your hotel in Nairobi for your overnight stay.
Detailed experience: We completely understand the disappointment caused by the last-minute change to visit certain parts of Nairobi during the Nairobi City tour. The safety of our clients is our top priority. During your visit, some suggested locations were deemed unsafe, and the driver informed you of this. We also offered a full refund for the areas that weren't visited. On the first day of your safari to the Masai Mara, the itinerary clearly mentions an en-route game drive before check-in and a hot lunch at the hotel. Due to traffic and the fact that your hotel is situated outside the park, the driver suggested checking in first, having lunch, and then proceeding on the game drive at a relaxed pace. After a 6-hour drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, you opted not to go to the hotel first and instead suggested doing a game drive until evening. The driver was happy to accommodate this change, even forgoing lunch to enhance your experience. The driver-guide kept in touch with our office to update us on the frequent changes to the itinerary. We have scheduled a meeting with the driver-guide to address the claims of being hostile and rude, which do not align with our company's values. We sincerely apologize for this and will take appropriate disciplinary actions.
Refund and transparency: On the day of check-in at the beach hotel, the office clearly communicated that the hotel check-out is typically booked two days before the guest's check-out date. This is a result of the constant changes in flight timings that we've experienced for quite a while with domestic airlines. The booked airline changed your flight timings from an evening flight to an early afternoon flight (we shared the communication from the airline in advance for your records), and it was pretty evident that we didn't have to reserve the late check-out in advance, as the fees could not be refunded. However, the late check-out fees were fully refunded in cash. The breakdown of items to be refunded was shared a day before you arrived in Nairobi from Diani Beach, and was offered in cash at your hotel in Nairobi.
We greatly value your feedback and are committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that future guests have a memorable and fulfilling experience they deserve.
Thank you!
DE
Email Katarina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our heart's desire was fulfilled
Our trip to Kenya fulfilled a long-held dream. We had our trip planned through Splendid Vacation. Rachael customized our itinerary to our individual needs, and everything was superbly organized. Thank you so much for that. Julius, our safari guide and driver, also did a fantastic job. We had so much fun and saw so many incredible animals and landscapes, and everyone was so incredibly nice. We hope to come back one day. It was simply a dream.
