50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent trip of a lifetime! 2-weeks Bush and Beach Safari
We – 3 couples in our 50’s and 60’s –returned yesterday from a 2-week Bush & Beach Safari from Kenya. In this trip, we covered game drives in Masai Mara NP (1 ¼ days), Amboseli NP (1 ¼), Nakuru NP (1 day) and Naivasha (1 day). We enjoyed 3 nights/4 days beach vacation in Diani (Mombasa) and also had city tours in Mombasa (1 day) and Nairobi. The entire trip was organized by Salina Wild Adventures.
We approached several tour organizers listed in safaribookings.com. In the end, we selected Salina for their competitive pricing and responsiveness. Our initial contact was with Charles and were handed over to Teddy, who was very responsive to all our queries and demands. He customized a tour based on our necessities. Teddy is based in Nairobi but kept in touch with us throughout the tour.
The accommodations were superb – special mention for Lotos Inn and Suites in Nairobi for their cleanliness and superb Chinese food, and Sentrim Elementaita on the shores of Lake Elementaita, for the excellent location, comfortable accommodation and the excellent buffet spread.
We travelled in a 4 x 4 Toyota Landcruiser during the safari section and had 1 – 2 cars during the city & beach sections of the tour. We always had a vehicle at our disposal and 95% of our meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) was included in the tour price.
Our driver, John, during the safari section, was fantastic. He was Masai and was very knowledgeable about the animals, the local customs and traditions. He took extra effort to drive great distances in the National Parks to spot the animals.
Future travelers should take note that the luggage space in the Safari vehicle was quite cramped for 6 travelers and their 6 suitcases and personal baggage.
Perhaps the only complaint we had during the trip was that the vehicles provided during the city parts of the tour both in Nairobi and Mombasa could not accommodate all 6 of us in one vehicle. We had to constantly call Teddy to make alternate arrangements. This was annoying at times, especially after tiring journeys. Also, the bottled water was a tad inadequate during whole-day car travels, though it was supposed to be covered by Salina.
Overall, we were quite satisfied with the arrangements made by and the competitive pricing of Salina. We will certainly recommend them to our friends and families who would like to undertake a journey of a lifetime in Kenya. We wish our very best to Charles, Teddy, John and everyone in Salina for their future.
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
We had a 4 days budget camping safari, and loved it! We were in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorogoro. The driver and the chefs did everything they could to make us having the best safari! They were easy to communicate with.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Benson was professional, knowledgeable, flexible, and a great communicator.
My husband and I went on a 2 week safari in Kenya and Tanzania. Benson put together an amazing itinerary and fulfilled our every need. Would definitely recommend Banok Safaris to all our friends and family.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great and enjoyable Safari Guide
It was a wonderful, kind and enjoyable Adventure. Great hospitality, Safe Journey and best Safari experience. The driver was Great and the Tour was Amazing. We saw all the Big 5 and enjoyed delicious Food and super accomandations.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ali is the best guide anyone could’ve asked for. I rarely give 4 or 5 stars, but Ali gets all 5!
When booking please pick Dancing Simba! My wife and I flew from the states and did a 3 day tour with Dancing Simba. Ali is the most friendly guide you’ll meet. He’s very funny, and personable. If I lived closer, I probably would have a new best friend in Ali. He is a great dude! He’s veteran guide who knows the entire park like the back of his hand, he knows the history of the park, and we got to see some really rare wildlife because he seems to know their behaviors and habits. Ali has been a guide for many years and knows it well. You may be asking yourself why didn’t I give it 5 stars. It had nothing to do with David or Ali. They each earned 5 stars. The campsite was 3-4 stars. We didn’t have hot water the 2nd day, they said they’ll do our laundry for us. They didn’t mention we had to pay extra until we were checking out. 15 usd for 8 articles of clothing. 😑 Also the tents are very close to each other. It’s great to hear lions and hyenas making noises in the evening, but it wasn’t so great hearing all the other couples in the campsite making love. 🙄 We paid for the luxury tour and the luxury tent was right beside the dinner and breakfast hall which means we were the last ones asleep at night and the 1st ones awake. Bring ear plugs or a sound machine. The food at the campsite was some of the best food I have eaten! The chefs were on point, and made a delicious meal! The inside of the tents were comfortable and very clean! I would choose Dancing Simba every time! They are the best.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
N'tee is the absolute best, a consummate professional and just an all-around awesome gut!
N'tee's camping safari was nothing short of superb. He and his staff absolutely nailed every element of the experience, from the pre-trip communication to the safari itself (which was absolutely sublime, by the way) to the post-trip logistical help. He is a masterful director, and his guides are truly incredible at what they do. My partner and I had the time of our lives in the bush, and you will, too, if you decide to safari with N'tee and Co.!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The most amazing safari i’ve ever had
This was without a doubt one of my favourite 7 days ever! Our guide, Raymond, made me and my friends all feel so welcome, and really made us all laugh & have such a good time. We were lucky enough to see the Big 5, the accommodation was lovely and the food was lovely(I’m vegetarian). As wildlife photographers & conservationists it was so nice to see how respectful this safari is to the wildlife. Will be recommending to all my friends interested in a safari in Kenya!!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A very responsive and well-organised safari planner
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a 7-day safari in Kenya, and I am thrilled to share my exceptional experience with Steve as my tour guide.
From the very first day, Steve’s friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge about the wildlife and environment made a significant impact on my journey. His ability to teach me about the various animals and their behaviors enriched my experience immensely. Each day was meticulously organized, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that I had the opportunity to see and do as much as possible.
Steve’s passion for his work was evident in every aspect of the trip. Our conversations were not only interesting but also insightful, adding a deeper layer to my understanding and appreciation of the safari.
One of the highlights of my trip was Steve’s determination to spot a male lion in Masai Mara National Park. His efforts paid off, and I am thrilled to say that we were the only ones who had the privilege of seeing this magnificent creature. This moment, among many others, has made my journey in Kenya truly unforgettable.
I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Caroline, the tour consultant. Her responsiveness and quick replies to any questions I had about this trip made me feel very reassured and trusted. Caroline’s assistance was invaluable in making my trip planning smooth and worry-free.
Thank you to Steve and Caroline for their dedication and for making my safari experience so memorable. I highly recommend this tour operator to anyone seeking an exceptional and enriching safari adventure.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Arranged for us one of the best trps we've ever had
Archie and Johnny at Ranger Buck Safaris were a pleasure to work with. They arranged everything for our fabulous trip, not missing any details. During the planning they were responsive and helpful, answering all our questions in a timely manner. During the trip they were easy to reach and so helpful! Their service, along with the service at all the places they arranged for us to visit, was fantastic. All of the places they picked for us were amazing...the hotels, the safari lodges, the animals, the activities, the game drives, etc were all top-notch. The food was out of this world. I'm at a complete loss for words when it comes to describing the amazing people that took care of us at the hotels and safari lodges. From the safari guides to the chefs, the greeters to the housekeeping staff...everyone was beyond belief. I really can't think of the words to express how blown away we were by the level of service and the friendliness of everyone we encountered.
From now on when anyone I know expresses interest in a trip to Africa, I will immediately say "GO!", and I will give them the number for Ranger Buck Safaris. And if (when?!) we get a chance to go back, I wouldn't trust anyone else to plan my trip. Thank you Archie and Johnny!!! You're the best.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great tour, plenty animals and super guide
Booking with Ozon Light has been easy, with consistent emails and follow ups. We did have some issues with some accommodation, due to late booking, which during the tour resulted in longer driving hours. But the tour was amazing! We had a happy guide who was very informative, and super nice, always cracking a joke and keeping everyone happy. He’s taking us to all interesting stops on the way, and spotting all the animals, making sure we get the best spots to see them, and answering all the questions we had. Giving us the best experience and enjoying ourselves, all while driving safely.