Reviews
Email Miya | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great communication, proactive, helpful, informative,
BEST EXPERIENCE EVER ! David was amazing. He was so helpful, informative, reassuring and was super fast at responding. I was scared that it would be a scam however David sent the certificate and all the information and was super understanding when I was questioning him. He even emailed me after the safari to see how the safari went. Thank you so much David ! I saw all the BIG 5 and MORE! It was a surreal experience, no words could describe it. It was amazing and I’m glad I did 7 days as I got to see everything that I wanted at a close range. Cheetahs, leopard, elephants, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, water buffalo, jackal, lions/lioness, all kinds of birds, white and black rhinos and more! Not only this but to see and experience the nature and the terrain of the parks is out of this world ! If you’re thinking of booking with Bienvenido then do it ! However as people have mentioned, all the companies itineraries are similar and you’re with different people from different companies so it really doesn’t matter. However Akira safaris was pretty cheap ! The hot air ballon was such a cool experience, very peaceful and beautiful. The driver Peter, made it 100x better. He was informative, friendly, fun and took his time for us to see the animals and to explain everything about the animals. I tipped him since he was so good! I did a budget safari however the accommodation were great, the tents were pretty cool experience and the hotels were so GOOD considering it was budget. I was impressed and glad I did a budget safari. The staff that worked at the camps and hotels were amazing, friendly and helpful ! The food was pretty good and there were a few options, dinner and breakfast was a buffet style so you self serve and help yourself to as much as you want. Lunches were usually a sandwich, fruit, yogurt, juice and chicken. The portion size was great. I think the group you’re with and the driver you get can really make or break the experience as well as what animals you see ! I had an amazing group for the first four days, we got on so well but after that all of my original group changed and so did my driver. My first driver Morgan wasn’t the best. Not only was he not very friendly but he seemed miserable. I think he did the job just to do the job not because he has a passion for it or enjoys it. I understand he’s done this hundreds of times but it’s a shame when it’s your first time and it’s such an incredible experience and you get a driver like this. On the first day he was fine ( Evening drive in Masai Mara) but the next day we were meant to spend a full day from morning till around 6 pm in the park. By 2:45 pm we were leaving the park while all the other game drivers were still in the park. We were the only ones who left early and this was not a full day nor did we have anything else planned for the rest of the day. Not only this but Morgan kept driving quickly past animals even when we asked if he could stop to see them, the water buffalo and elephants (both animals were a close distance to us and we hadn’t stopped for them before or seen them this close and there were no other drivers there). It got to the point we actually had to ask Morgan to stop many times if we wanted to see an animal. Many times when Morgan did stop he would usually only stop for 1-2 minutes and then drive off which was rubbish as we wanted to take pictures and observe the animals but this did not give us enough time. Along with this he would often stop in rubbish positions where we couldn’t see the animals great. On a few occasions we asked him to stay where we were and then he would move behind another jeep where our vision was blocked. Furthermore, Morgan did not give us any information about the animals unless we asked for this information and he did not have any binoculars with him for us to see animals which were far away, Every driver should have 1 pair. Morgan failed to give us briefings in the morning or have any communication of what was going on or what we would be doing, at what time throughout the day. For example he failed to tell us that we had to pay for the crescent island walk at the same time as the boat tour if we wanted to do it. He only said we were there for the boat tour and not the island so we had no idea and missed out on this opportunity. Morgan also forget someone’s lunch in my group so they didn’t have any food from breakfast at around 6:30-7 am until around 6:30-7 pm. He also didn’t provide lunch on one of the days for four of us. However we demanded it since it is what we payed for and it was in our itinerary. However, he then did get us lunch at a bbq place which he payed out of his own money which I do appreciate. He just seemed to lack organisation and communication. He also wasn’t the best driver, it’s quite rough in the parks anyway but I had two other drivers that drove much smoother. On the other hand, i appreciate that Morgan let us play music in the jeep and that he stopped at a lodge for me to go to the toilet as I was desperate. However, David was very helpful and sorted everything out for us ! We also had a member of staff in Miti Mingi eco camp help us. I think he might have been the leader of the camp. When we got dropped back to our camp early when we were meant to do a full day game drive in Masai Mara he could see we were not happy. He asked us the problem and was not happy with what he heard. He called Morgan and told him to come back to pick us up on take us back to the park (which Morgan did but still didn’t take us deep into the park and only took us to see cheetahs and gazelle in 3 hours). Morgan tried to deny it and had an expression on his face while we were there with the man who called him back. But I called him out on his behaviour and he didn’t argue with it. The camp staff member was very helpful and apologetic. After four days my driver changed for the last three. His name was Ron and he was amazing!! He was so fun,friendly and chatty. His tyre went flat on the first day driving to the next destination but he didn’t stress and fixed it quickly and efficiently. He was very knowledgeable about animals and drove us around to all the places sharing information about the species and the park.He even stopped at a lodge for me to go to the toilet as I was desperate. Ron made sure we were all happy and stopped for long periods of time for us to observe the animals and take pictures of them. He was a very good driver even when going faster or in rougher terrain. He made sure we had our lunches and gave us enough time and did a few toilet stops. He was really passionate about the animals and what he does which made a big difference and made it a great experience ! I also tipped Ron a decent amount. Remember if you’re doing a safari you’re spending a lot of time in the jeep and with your driver. When you’re not doing game drives then you are driving around in the jeep to your next destination. It is A LOT of travelling. From one place to another it’s around 5-6 hours. If you’re going to do a safari I definitely recommend packing enough clothes as there’s not any place to wash and hang your clothes really (for a budget safari). Also make sure you’re clothes are neutral and earthy tones. Also bring a fleece or something a little warmer because at times in can be a little chilly. My 1 piece of advice I have for all of the safari companies is that you should make a small booklet (even if it’s at an extra cost). It should contain all the animals, birds and creatures that we could possibly see in the parks and information/pictures about all the species and things about the animals. Also information about the parks would be nice. That way we can tick off what we see or read information about the different things we see. Then if you have a driver which doesn’t know the information you can read it. I definitely would book with Akira safaris again and would 100% recommend them, a big shout out to David !
Reply from Akira Safaris
Posted on Dec 26, 2025Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. Honestly, reading it brought up a mix of gratitude, pride, and a bit of discomfort too. But the honest kind. And that matters.
First, thank you for trusting Akira Safaris. I know how scary it feels booking from far away, wondering if it’s real. I’m really glad the safari gave you what you came for. Seeing the Big 5, the landscapes, the quiet moments in the park… that’s why we do this. And I’m happy the 7 days gave you space to really soak it all in.
I truly appreciate your kind words about me, about Peter, about Ron, and about the camp staff. Ron especially will be happy to hear this. Drivers like him are exactly the standard we want. Passion, patience, communication, and respect for the experience. You’re right. The driver can make or break a safari.
Now, about Morgan.
I want to be very clear and transparent here.
What you experienced is not acceptable, and I’m genuinely sorry you had to go through that during what should have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We acknowledged the mistakes, not just from your feedback but from several other complaints as well. After reviewing everything, we terminated Morgan’s contract. He no longer works with Akira Safaris.
Safari guests pay for time in the park, proper briefings, good communication, patience at sightings, meals, and care. Cutting drives short, rushing sightings, missing lunches, poor communication, and lack of basic tools like binoculars goes against our values and standards. There’s no excuse for that.
I’m grateful you spoke up. It helped us take action, and it helps protect future guests.
I also appreciate your practical advice about packing, clothing, and the reality of long drives. That’s very real, especially on budget safaris, and it’s important people know what to expect.
Your idea about a safari booklet is a really good one. Simple, informative, something guests can use in the vehicle and at camp. I’ve noted it, and it’s something we’re seriously considering implementing.
Thank you again for your honesty, your patience, and your trust. And thank you for recommending us despite the challenges. That means a lot. Truly.
You’ll always be welcome back with Akira Safaris.
IN
Email PATEL KUMAR | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Seamless Safari Experience with Akira Safaris
We booked a two-night private safari and stayed at Kibo Safari Camp. Everything was smooth and well-organized. The experience was amazing, and booking with Akira Safaris made it effortless. Highly recommended!
Reply from Akira Safaris
Posted on Dec 26, 2025Thank you so much for your kind words. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
We’re happy to hear that everything was smooth and well organized, and that you enjoyed your stay at Kibo Safari Camp. Creating a seamless, stress-free safari is always our goal, so it means a lot to know we delivered that for you.
Thank you for choosing Akira Safaris and for the recommendation. We’d be delighted to welcome you again for another adventure.
IN
Email Shreyansh | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best experience
I am from India and was in Nairobi for a meeting at the UN offices and staying at David’s place, and I decided to fit in a one-day tour with Akira Safaris. It ended up being the best part of my trip.
We started at Nairobi National Park, and it honestly felt surreal to see wildlife with the city skyline right behind it. The guide was easygoing, didn’t rush anything, and knew exactly where to take us.
The visit to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage was the most touching moment of the day. The baby elephants, their stories, and the caretakers create such a peaceful, emotional atmosphere. We arrived at the perfect time, so it felt calm and personal.
Our final stop was the Giraffe Centre, which was just pure fun. Feeding the giraffes brought out the child in me, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
For something I booked at the last minute, Akira Safaris handled everything smoothly, great communication, perfect timing, and a guide who truly cared about the experience. If you’re visiting Nairobi for work or travel, this is a day trip that’s absolutely worth it.
Reply from Akira Safaris
Posted on Dec 26, 2025Thank you so much for sharing this. We’re genuinely happy to hear that the one-day tour turned out to be the highlight of your trip.
Nairobi National Park really is special, that moment when wildlife and the city exist side by side never gets old, and we’re glad the guide took the time to let you enjoy it without rushing.
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage touches something deep for many people, and arriving at the right time makes all the difference. We’re glad it felt calm, personal, and meaningful for you. And the Giraffe Centre… yes, it has a way of bringing out the child in all of us.
We appreciate you trusting us with a last-minute booking. We’re happy everything flowed smoothly, from communication to timing, and that the care showed throughout the day.
Thank you for choosing Akira Safaris, and we hope to welcome you again, whether for work, leisure, or a longer safari next time.
Email Willys Mark Daysel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Magnificent
Planning a trip as an expatriate with stringent timelines was somewhat tricky. But, here is the kicker, AKIRA SAFARIS came through, at enquiry, to planning and organizing, the Manager David made sure that everything was executioned to perfection.
The Nairobi trips, to Maasai Mara, Mombasa, Kisumu and Ruma Park in Homa Bay, everything was within precision.
This trust can be rare, and when you get value for money, it can only be humane to acknowledge that.
Asante sana AKIRA SAFARIS, you made my sojourn remarkable and unforgettable.
Greetings of peace, love and joy from Atlanta, USA.
Reply from Akira Safaris
Posted on Dec 26, 2025Thank you so much for taking the time to share this heartfelt review!
We’re thrilled that David and the whole Akira team were able to turn your tight schedule into a seamless, memory-packed journey from Nairobi to Mara, Mombasa, Kisumu and Ruma. Reading that our work made your sojourn “remarkable and unforgettable” is the best reward we could ask for.
Safarini njema until we welcome you back peace, love and joy to Atlanta from all of us here in Kenya.
Email Steven Douglas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Best Birthday EVER!
From the moment I landed in Nairobi at 3am after nearly 24 hours of travel, Akira Safaris went above and beyond in ways I could never have imagined. The owner, David Odongo, welcomed me into his home and even offered me a spare bedroom so I could rest before our departure for the Masai Mara. His daughter, Alynne, surprised me with a birthday gift, a stunning sweater embroidered with the Akira Safaris logo, and I was nearly moved to tears by the family’s warmth. Within minutes of meeting them, I felt like I had found family in Kenya.
What followed was beyond my wildest expectations. I grew up watching nature documentaries and assumed safaris for tourists would be limited to driving along pre-planned routes, hoping to catch a glimpse of distant animals. Instead, I felt like a real Nat Geo explorer. Our guide, Jeff, would get a call on the radio, flash us a smile, and say “hold on tight” before cutting through chest-high Masai grass, chasing the next unforgettable sighting. With binoculars around my neck and cameras in hand, I felt like I was living out my childhood dream of filming Planet Earth.
Jeff made all the difference. His knowledge, humor, and camaraderie with other drivers turned the Masai Mara into a brotherhood of explorers rather than competitors. When a Jeep got stuck, others rushed to help. When we spotted something extraordinary, Jeff shared it with others, and they returned the favor. I later experienced other safari companies in other parks, and the difference was night and day. With Jeff, every moment felt alive, purposeful, and safe.
And the wildlife… words barely do it justice. I witnessed lionesses feasting on a fresh zebra kill, a cheetah with its morning gazelle, and, the crown jewel, the Great Migration. Though the Mara River was too high for a crossing, Jeff’s patience and skill led us to a smaller creek where we witnessed hundreds of thousands of wildebeests leaping across. The engine off, silence all around us except for the thundering hooves, it was like stepping straight into a documentary. I captured the entire scene on video, a memory that will never fade.
Beyond the animals, Akira Safaris gave me the gift of culture. Visiting a real Maasai village, being welcomed with song, dance, and laughter, and learning their traditions was a dream fulfilled. From start to finish, logistics and comfort were seamless. I never felt like just another customer, I felt like family. Even small gestures, like Jeff buying me an ice-cold Tusker lager and toasting to my 40th birthday, made this trip deeply personal.
This safari changed me. It opened my heart, gave me lifelong friends, and reminded me of the power of kindness and connection. I’ll never forget it, and I’ll spend the rest of my life paying forward the love I felt in Kenya.
If you are considering a safari, do yourself a favor and book with Akira Safaris. And if you can, request Jeff as your guide. You won’t just see wildlife , you’ll feel what it’s like to truly live in the wild, safe in the hands of people who care about you like family.
Reply from Akira Safaris
Posted on Dec 26, 2025Reading this took us right back to that moment. And to be honest, it still gives us goosebumps.
Thank you for trusting us with such a meaningful milestone in your life. Welcoming you after such a long journey, sharing our home, celebrating your birthday together… that wasn’t “service” to us. It was human. We’re really glad you felt that, because that’s exactly how it was meant to be.
We’re especially touched that you felt like family so quickly. That says everything about the kind of energy you brought with you too. Alynne still remembers that morning and your reaction to the sweater. Little moments like that stay with us.
Jeff will absolutely love reading this. He’s one of those guides who doesn’t just drive through the Mara, he lives it. The way you described the radio calls, the trust, the patience at sightings, the shared respect among drivers… that’s the heart of a great safari. We’re proud of him, and we’re proud that he could help turn a childhood dream into something real and tangible.
The scenes you witnessed, the migration, the silence, the engine off, the sound of hooves, those are rare, even for people who work in the parks. We’re glad you got to experience them the way they should be experienced. Unrushed. Safe. Fully present.
Thank you also for appreciating the cultural side of the journey. The Maasai village visit, the laughter, the learning, those connections matter just as much as the wildlife.
Most of all, thank you for seeing us not as a company, but as people. That’s how we operate, and it means a lot to know it was felt so deeply.
You’ll always have a place with us in Kenya. And we truly mean that.