Andrew will take you to remote places
Wildebeest Safaris
- Located In:
-
China
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 1997)
- Member Of:
- ETT & TRA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $450 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
SG
Email MK | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall smooth experience
We booked Wildebeest Safaris after a lot of research and after talking to many different agents. Main differentiation was that they were able to arrange the camp that we specifically asked for (Entim) and the price was competitive. Also, before the trip we asked a lot of questions to Noah (the owner) and he responded to all of them with the requested assurances. We asked for a good guide and he allotted Dennis to us. We asked for unlimited Water and he agreed and he allowed us to pay balance on arrival instead of all advance (we initially asked for some payment at end of the trip which he refused)
We stayed at 2 days at Lake Nakuru (Flamingo Hill) and 5 days at Masai Mara (Entim Camp). Flamingo hill camp was very good whereas Entim was excellent. Stay at Entim was incidentless but the stay had Flamingo had a problem when we were leaving as there was some dispute between Wildebeest and Flamingo and they held us hostage till Noah went to their office and offered himself as hostage instead. It was probably a past payment dispute and we lost 2 hours while they were talking to each other. The good thing was Noah rushed to their office early morning so that we could be released and leave for our onward journey. Flamingo offered us a bottle of wine as a compensation for the inconvenience so it was good gesture on their part. So all in all it wasn't a very unpleasant experience and some glitches are a part of every trip.
Dennis was a great person to have as the guide. He was very patient, is vastly experienced with Masai Mara area, is a safe driver and is a fun person to talk to. He answered all our questions in relation to the forest or the animals and whenever he spotted an animal he knew which one it was. He also showed us the animal in his book which he carries with himself describing the animal and interesting facts about it. That helped in better understanding what I was seeing infront of my eyes. He also agreed to wait when we wanted to at a particular spot and was not forceful to leave unless it was dark and time to get back to the camp (we waiting 5 hours for the five Cheetah brothers to wake up from their sleep and he was waiting without cribbing). Even if we barely had little time left, he ensured we atleast got 5 mins with an animal sighting so that we dont go back disappointed. He was constantly calling his network of people on phone to ask for right places to visit and he wouldnt tell us what was there till we reached to create excitement and element of surprise. Probably just his style. We took bathroom breaks whenever we needed and ate packed lunch at whatever time we wanted. Even if we wanted to eat in the car, he didn't insist otherwise. He was very good with spotting animals from a far distance and he spotted some really good lions which anyone would have easily missed. Another good thing was that he was a keen photographer himself (we went there mainly to shoot) and hence he understood if we wanted some specific angles and took the efforts required for us to get the right shot. He was happy to take the car in any position we asked so that we could take satisfying pictures. He was always ready to leave on time and got us back only when it was time to leave. It was only once in Nakuru that he ended the Safari at 4pm instead of 6.30pm as he wanted to get his car fixed which should have been done before we arrived in Kenya so we lost about 2 hours there. But largely my experience with Dennis (as well as Wildebeest Safari) was a pleasant one and I recommend them to others as well.
DE
Email Sven Schlesiona | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari with easy communication
Me and my girlfriend booked a 3-day Massai-Mara private safari. This was our first trip to east Africa and also our first safari.
The pre-booking communication with Noah was easy-going and hassle free. Our Driver picked us up in Nairobi and after three days dropped us off at Nakuru.
Our Driver and Guide Joseph was great and had an excellent experience in spotting animals that were well hidden. The park was huge and beautiful. Our Lodge was located on a small mountain right outside the park. The Lodge was incredible. The staff was extremeley nice, the surrounding jungle gave the place an unique feel and the view over the mara was breathtaking.
The ride in our Land Cruiser was enjoyable, in spite of the kenyan roads.
We were lucky to see four out of the "big five" as well as numerous other animals. Only the Rhino didnt show himself in the Mara (we did see Rhinos later in Nakuru).
I can highly recommend this tour operator. Ask for Joseph!
AE
Email Ankit Garg | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Pathetic
Very unprofessional... Don't plan with them if u want a peaceful trip...
Reply from Wildebeest Safaris
Posted on Mar 28, 2023Dear Ankit,
Thank you for your Safari feedback to us. Please confirm what exactly happen in order for us to address the issue accordingly.
Kind Regards,
Noah
RU
Email Irina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent holidays in Kenya with Wildebeest Safari
Best services and best safari experience with this tour operator
CA
Email Kim | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The safari of a lifetime!
We had the most amazing safari experience. Our guides Abubakar Chotara and Ibrahim Swalehe were experts on everything from the animals, to the roads, to the driving, to the people. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have had their experience in choosing the parks we visited and the timing of the excursions each day - we literally saw thousands of animals!!! We were so close to a lion sleeping in a tree that we could have reached out of the truck and pulled his tail! I highly recommend this "6 Day Adventure Tanzania" safari which covered Tarangire park, Serengeti park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara park.
Email Nikhil Tanna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Warm and Friendly Team - Hamza was great!
My wife and I did a private tour safari with Wildebeest in Tanzania.
We had a FANTASTIC time and I recommend safari on the bucket list for anyone that's never been.
We had a good strong car, it was reasonably comfortable and it gave no trouble during the trip. Hamza our driver was very warm and friendly and we felt looked after from pick up to drop off.
We had fantastic experiences getting right up close to the animals and Hamza's experience here was invaluable. He was chatty and friendly but could tell when we were tired so didn't chat us to death after our long journey from London. He had a great eye for animals and spotted so much but could also sense when there was something about to happen and patience was required e.g. lions about to hunt, an elephant about to cross the road. There were times where people waited and he could tell they were done trying to hunt and recommend we move on but also times where he advised to wait it out and almost every other car had given up and we'd see a spectacular occurrence e.g. we saw 12 lions attack a huge buffalo, or cheetahs on the hunt. It was amazing and the insight he brought was really incredible.
I want to be realistic about this review and particularly say it's not like our trip was without hiccups because when visiting the wilderness that's just unrealistic. Our first hotel didn't have our booking and had to remind about being vegetarian after arriving but going to visit Africa the team are juggling lots of unexpected factors and they were very professional and apologetic about anything that didn't go fully to plan. They tended to any issues we had and resolved them as quick as possible and the reality was we didn't really have to worry about a thing because they took care of everything. Coming from the UK being able to make the entire payment by credit card was important to us for security and they were happy with that approach. Some companies really push and insist on cash payments and this extra security really helped. I think if you have an appreciation of everything they are juggling they really do a phenomenal job.
We'd thoroughly recommend Noah and his team and particularly if you're going to Tanzania ask for Hamza, he was fantastic!
IT
Email Gianfranco | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari Top . Guide Hamza Fantastic !
We did the 5 DAYS MAJESTIC TANZANIA.
Lake Manyara National Park 1 day
Central Serengeti 2 days
Ngorongoro Crater 1 Day
Every park visited was wonderful. Our Guide Hamza was of incredible courtesy and professionalism.
Hamza's fantastic view allowed us to see and photograph all kinds of animals (my wife kept taking pictures and Hazma's patience was exaggerated).
The lodges chosen were all excellent
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Recommended for everyone.
Many thanks
LK
Email Kelum | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Breathtaking safari
From the pick up at the Nairobi airport until the return there, it was a well planned tour. Our driver guide Geoff was a fantastic man who was exceptional in his jungle driving and reaching the wild animals. I had a little fear when the first lion group surrounded the land cruiser but for Geoff it was only a routine, safe moment. The lodging was also a more comfortable and safe place with protection of massai warriors. The hotel staff was also very friendly and keen on their work. I can happily say that I got the best wild safari experience.
PL
Email Piotr Poznan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
6 Days Big Cats Safari pro and cons.
I have booked by them 6 Days Big Cats Safari Package.
2 nights Samburu National Reserve - Samburu Sopa Lodge.
1 night Lake Naivasha - Lake Naivasha Country Club.
2 nights Masai Mara - Zebra Plains Mara Camp.
Communication wit the company before the trip was fast and efficient. I made them full prepayment for the trip.
Before the trip I have informed that it is very important for me to start all activities just after sunrise and finish just before sunset as I am interested in photography. JUs before the trip they have changed the accommodation by Lake Naivasha for Kongoni Lodge. I have informed than that tis lodge have some negative comments on Tripadvisor and they answered that all lodges there have similar quality.
Samburu Sopa Lodge - Samburu NAtional Reserve.
I can only recommend this park and this lodge. On the first day we saw the pack of 7 wild dogs and leopard.
On the second day 4 leopards, 1 cheetah and 5 lions. Lodge was very good with good restaurant. In in the park however to the places we saw animals it takes 30 minutes of drive. Food at lodge was great. WIFI available only in restaurant area was slowly. In the rooms was available European plugin to recharge the batteries.
Kongoni Lodge.
First of all the drive from Samburu to Naivasha took 8,5 hours. Much more than planned. We arrived at 15.30.
I did not like this place. It is very remote place. Additional 30 minutes drive. They charged me 50 USD for the boat trip close to the lodge. In the itinerary they wrote me that the boat trip cost 25 - 30 USD. In this lodge they do not give food for drivers. So the driver did not get dinner and breakfast.
Lake Naivasha boat trip. However overpaid it was interesting 2 hours. I saw hippos from very interesting photography perspective. @ giant kingfishers, many pied kingfishers, Nubian woodpecker, many pelicans, spoonbills, African fish eagles and sandpipers. The trip was OK.
Zebra Plains Mara Lodge.
The place was nice. Restaurant good. WIFI available at the restaurant area but was slowly. Minus was that it takes up to 25 minutes to come to the gate of the park.
Masai Mare - very good plac to spot predators. In 3 days I saw 2 prides of lions with the kill. Once with wildebeest second with buffalo. First day 5 cheetahs and on the second day the same 5 cheetahs and one female. Disadvantage of this park is that there are plenty of tourist and if any predators are found immediately are many cars around.
David was very good driver and guide. He was able to find many of animals. He had the radio in the car so he easily communicate with others drivers if they found something. It was really pleasant to travel with him through Kenya.
Cons - on the second day in Masai Mara at 17.00 driver informed me that we must finish the safari for today. In fact he used the limit of petrol. I lost 1,5 hour of the day in the very good afternoon light for the photography. This was the question of refilling the car for additional 15 liters of petrol - 1500 schilling - 15 USD..... He solved the problem for next day and we started at 6.30 a.m.
Second small minus was travel time. The way from Samburu to Naivasha took us 8,5 hours. So we have been almost late for the boat trip. There were no issues on the road. So simply travel time was planned unrealistic.
Overall - the itinerary of the trip was very good. I saw and took pictures of all big cats and as bonus of wild dogs.
The driver David was very experienced and saved the trip. The company organized the trip with some minuses. I would suggest if you are photographer to underline with them how important is for you to be just after sunrise and before sunset in the park. If you simply want to see the cats it is enough to come a little later because thank to the radio the will find them all. Also do not agree to change the lodges from those which are in the original plan. If you ask me if I would book with them again I would answer yes. But confirm precisely all details.
FR
Email Emma | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical first safari
I recently booked a very last minute private safari with Wildebeest following a work trip to Nairobi. Noah was extremely helpful from the outset, providing a customized itinerary on short notice and allowing me to pay via a bank transfer rather than in cash even though I only booke a day out (meaning the cash only arrived after I was 2 days into the trip). The camps booked by Wildebeest were absolutely stunning, excellent food and service, and very reasonably priced compared to all the other quotes I received.
The safari itself was everything I had hoped for. I did the 3 night/four day trip to Lake Nakaru and the Masai Mara both of which were incredible. My driver Jeff was a total gem. Very friendly, happy to adjust the itinerary to whatever times I wanted to leave/return from game drives, make extra stops along the way, and also spent four days patiently responding to all of my questions about which animals eat which.
If booking with Wildebeest I highlight recommend requesting Jeff. I'm a 30 woman who travelled solo and felt totally at ease the whole time and really enjoyed his company.
Thanks again to Wildebeest for a magical first Safari!