35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another great trip with Patrick, Owner and Operator of PD Tours & Safaris
Finally got around to writing a review of my 2 night, 3 day safari at Tsavo East with Patrick. If you want a calm, safe, friendly, happy driver, then Patrick is your man. I first met him in 2016 through another tour company and enjoyed it so much I booked direct with him this time round.
Nothing was too much trouble, the price was what he said it would be (plus a card handling charge) and gave me copies of all his licences and insurance certificates when I asked. I stayed at Ashnil Aruba Lodge both nights having stayed there last year (and Voi Safari Lodge on my first trip, Ashnil by far is the best)
I had a great time and saw an amazing 26 lionesses & lions and 549 elephants (didn't beat my total of 926 from last year) and a couple of cheetah, plus all the normal game.
One thing I will say of Patrick is he follows the rules. In Tsavo you are not allowed to drive off road and if caught the drivers loose their licence and livelihood, this didn't stop many drivers and I was amazed at how many went 'off road' looking for lions and also didn't respect the rules and went too close off road for a photo, scaring the animals off and thus the enjoyment of others. I experienced this last year and understand that some unscrupulous drivers will do this for money (I'm not encouraging you to do this in any way, shape or form - quite the opposite)
If you are someone who understands that we are in their home, respect them and be in awe of the nature around you, to take time to watch and observe and most of all savour every moment, then Patrick is the guide for you.
Don't get me wrong if you want him to rush around just looking for lions, then he will accommodate you but he and you will get the greatest pleasure in enjoying the african wildlife around you.
I have no hesitation in recommending him and would use him again in an instant. Oh, and his van is in much better condition than a number of others I saw in use.
*** Stand up whilst going around the park, you will see and spot so much more this way ***
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience with the most knowledgeable people!
My wife and I booked a week and a half excursion all over Kenya with Australken. It took a little back and forth to really customize our trip, but Zippy was able to adjust everything to exactly how we wanted, despite us asking for quite a bit, and at a very reasonable price too! Leading up to departure, Zippy was very helpful. She guided us on what we should do in preparation, what others have done, and threw in tips here and there on what stuff to bring. Once we actually landed, the experience was smooth, it was clear that this wasn't some janky operation. Everyone at Australken knew what they were doing, and had been doing it a long time. We visited several places all over Kenya, the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and more. Our primary driver, Simon, had such vast knowledge about all of the animals, and he knew how to drive our private Land Rover very well. We got up very close to Lions, others couldn't reach the area we were in due to their vehicle. Aside from multiple lions, we saw plenty of rhinos, giraffes, water buffalo, wildebeasts, cheetahs, hippos, zebras, elephants, baboons, crocodiles, impalas, warthogs, jackals, waterbucks, and more. For me and my wife who love animals, this was 10/10. We ended our stay in Kenya with a beach hangout at Diani Beach. Diani Beach has a lot to offer to couples and just people in general, it has a really nice view, and going into town from there, there are a lot of small shops you can get things for cheap. $0.20 to a tuk-tuk will get you a decent distance. We also spent some time in Mombasa before our flight, which was a very very cool place, culturally. Fort Jesus was one of the most interesting pieces of history in Old Town. I recommend you visit.
Overall, Australken was professional, gave us room to customize whatever we wished, and was the right price for me and my wife to experience the greatness that Kenya has to offer. I would recommend them to anyone!
JP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safaris experience with Jocky tour
I joined the Masai mara 3 days tour. Our driver was very experienced. On the safaris tour, he was very quick to move to the good location where we could easily take photos of wild animals including elephants, lions, giraffes, and cheaters. Also he was very helpful and friendly to us during our entire tour.
I stayed at a tent, which was clean and comfortable enough. Meals were good enough so I think the price of the tour was pretty reasonable. Overall I can strongly recommend Jocky tour based on my experience.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Adventure of a Lifetime! Zack Ouko is THE BEST! Fantastic guide! Smiling every minute! INCREDIBLE!
Everything was truly amazing! Zack Ouko was Incredible! Accommodations were excellent!
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
EXCELLENT ONE MORE TIME!
It´s the second time Nikki Thaver plan a travel for us and we have to say that it has been wonderful again. All her suggestions have been helpful for us in our South Africa & Mozambique two weeks holidays. She is always ready for any question and make you feel good on travel because is calling to destinations to make sure you arrived safety. The guides, locations, accomodations, transfers , etc have been great one more time. There are many travel agencies in Spain but we prefer to choose Southern Africa 360 - Luxury Holidays for the highest level of efficiency.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My family and I travelled with Gilmag and we had a wonderful time. They were very knowledgeable and
I would highly recommend Gilmag because their services were exceptional.I am a very happy customer and will definitely travel with them again in.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had an amazing time in Kenya - thanks to Jocky Tours.
Everything was well organized and the safari exeeded our expectations. We definitely recommend it!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very organized and accomadating. Suggestions: provide a drink at each meal. A driver microphone
All of the above met our expectations.
very good.
CO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
perfect experience to see my countries 123, 124 and 125
after 125b countries moving around , I get a little bit difficult as a tourist
They told me my best option
instead of going by airplane to to go to zimbabwe and from there, they arrange all my transfer s and tours to the nearby countries to Zambia, Botswana
also a nice experience
the hotel they suggested was great, very central located , and colonial style rooms
my friend Lola also made a tour with them and she choose bed and breakfast houses and she was delighted
I am more into the hotel option, but Shikwaru can arrange anything for you
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
John Muhoho took great care of us on our 9 day Maasai Mara and Zanzibar adventure!
From the email communication, to the reservations, bookings, flights and hotel accommodations, John Muhoho, was detailed, responsive and delightful to work with! Confidence in traveling around Sub-Saharan Africa on safari in the Maasai Mara or in the spice farms and Stone Town of Zanzibar couldn't have been better. The Fig Tree hotel in the Maasai Mara, was in a beautiful setting just near the game park. It was a restful and beautiful place full of smiling, honest and welcoming staff! It was in large part a result of the smooth coordination and advance planning within our time frame by John Muhoho. All the best to him and others fortunate enough to book travel plans through him and the CKC tour company!