NZ
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our brilliant driver spotted "The Big 5" within 3 1/2hrs of commencing our 8D Safari in Masai Mara!
Preliminary investigations for our safari commenced one year before we actually arrived in Nairobi. I spent much time searching for recommendations, especially in TripAdvisor to which I have personally contributed for several years.
It soon became apparent that Natural World Kenya Safaris had gained a justified excellent reputation over many years.
My next step was to search the company website for a standard private safari for my wife and me before initiating contact, bombarding Duncan with a myriad of questions, and then fine-tuning results to suit our personal requirements. All my queries were answered in a prompt and professional manner, and nothing was too much trouble. Final choices came down to the level of accommodation i.e. Economy, Standard, or Luxury. We settled on the latter and were pleased that we did so. Also, in Kenya, the type of vehicle. We had the choice between the more basic, but albeit satisfactory Toyota pop-top mini-bus/van in Kenya and the more popular and slightly more expensive 4x4 Toyota jeep, which was the only choice across the border. We chose the former but would recommend paying that little extra for the jeep, especially if travelling in the rainy season. Having convinced myself that I had made an inspired choice of operator and safari all I had to do was to persuade my dear lady (this was the toughest part!) and shortly thereafter I proceeded with a confirmed booking.
Our 8D/7N safari was a round-trip from Nairobi encompassing Masai Mara, a brief visit to Lake Victoria, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
The first 3 days were spent in Kenya, with our vehicle being the standard mini-bus. Our driver/guide Peter, was brilliant at spotting wild-life, and within 3 1/2 hours of our very first "Game Drive" in the Masai Mara we had not only seen "The Big 5" but a cheetah as well. Peter was also a very safe driver and stuck to the speed limit unlike many other operators who smothered us in dust as they "flew" past!
We farewelled both driver and vehicle at the border as is customary, and the formalities and changeover proceeded smoothly.
For the next 4 days in Tanzania, our driver/guide was Milton, another true professional spotter and careful/safe pair of hands, and the vehicle the ubiquitous "Toyota" pop-top 4x4 "jeep".
One major benefit of being on a private safari was that we had the final say with regard to the length of game-drives and on more that one occasion we called "time" early to return to our lodge for some much-needed rest and recuperation, having first satisfied our variety of wildlife for the day. Being on safari is hard and thirsty work! Our drivers were both tough champions and never once suggested that we end the day prematurely!
Our final driver for the last leg from the border to Nairobi was "Mzee" and we knew instinctively that we were in a good and safe pair of hands.
On the outskirts of Arusha we had a pre-arranged road-side meeting with Emanuel from "Comfort Holidays" who operate the Tanzania business on behalf of Natural World Kenya Safaris. Emanuel queried us on our feedback for our safari and assured us that any comments, positive or negative, would be followed up by senior management.
I'm pleased to say that we were extremely complimentary about all aspects of our safari with one exception, which was our final night's accommodation in Tarangire. We felt it did not measure up to the "luxury" standard we paid for. Later it was confirmed that Management most certainly do take notice as Humphrey, one of the Directors, personally contacted me and apologised.
As we neared Nairobi we were reminded as the traffic volume increased and traffic came to a crawl at times but Mzee was far more patient than I would have been had I been at the wheel.
The bottom line:
Would we recommend arranging your safari with Natural World Kenya Safaris?
Absolutely without any qualms at all!
Don't waste time thinking about it. Do it now. You will not regret the decision!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Well organized, guide with eyes like an eagle and a really good cook
There is nothing more to be said about Serengeti and Ngorogoro wildlife, it's amazing.
Shemeji-Safari did everything to perform a wonderful safari for us.
Everything was perfect, even we booked a low-budget-Safari.
(big thanks for the second matress!)
Our guide (Seleman) had eyes like an eagle and Festo (our cook) prepared delicious meals for us.
We had 4 amazing days!
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Like your best friend is a local
From the first moment i got contact with Pride of Africa I felt in good hands! Stephen communicated fast and precisely, giving all sort of advise tonprepare the trip.
We did 5 days in kenia enad 7 in Tanzania, opting for the bisget safari and upgrading in lodges the last 3 nights in Tanzania.
It was amazing!
Please note that being a Bidget safari it might happen that the plan get slightly changed but all the games drive were done as in the plan.
Strongly recommended!
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Khalifa was an excellent guide and a hero when I went ill.
Very good! I was very happy with it all both communication, and it lived up to my expectations
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enjoyable experience!
The safari surpassed my expectations. Our guide was amazing! My family and I enjoyed every second of our tour!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous!!
My wife and I had a fantastic trip to the Eastern Cape! Sandra and her team went out of their way for us. We will certainly contact Sandra for our next trip!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was great. The guys organized everything good so you didn't had to think about anything
All great organized / Decent price / Kind guide(cheers Stanley!) patient and everything will be ready for you without anything missing out. Defently recommended
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing service: our guides were attentive, knowledgeable and kind.
The experience working with Afrishare Trekking was fantastic. Ibra made sure that communication was clear from the booking of our trip all the way through to our last day there. The waterfall hike and Safari were particular highlights and our safari driver/guide, Eddie, made sure we got the most out of our experience. Overall, fantastic!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very nice experience in our first safari ever!
We went to Murchison Falls. The driver Juma was very professional and fun. He knew everything very well and we didn’t need any ranger. We were the first that day to see the lions, it was amazing. The lodge where we stayed was very nice and the staff as well. It was really peaceful. Though, if you want some actions, it’s not the place.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
This has been the best tour I have had in my life as it is organised and reliable in all measures.
Manu and your Regional Tours team are just amazing, many thanks for perfectly arranging and executing our incredible 7 day holiday in Zanzibar. We have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves discovering so much at Zanzibar.
We found out about regional tours from the positive reviews you have safaribookings and tripadvisor and we have not been disappointed. We noted your attention to detail and passion to ensure that our stay was smooth and that we got the best time.
We spent 3 days exploring stonetown with our brilliant guide Omar, whose intricate knowledge of Zanzibar was amazing during the stone town, prison island, spice and Jozani forest tours. He then drove us to Matemwe beach where we had been booked in the spectacular Matemwe Lodge where we spent the next four days relaxing in the secluded beach.
This has been an Amazing holiday, a big thank you to Regional Tours for making it happen!!!