20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The very best of the Kenyan tourism industry!
We organised through Charles at Afrikenya for 2 days of guiding in Lake Nakuru National Park. Before the trip I found Charles really nice to deal with and I was much more confident about this part of our trip than the Masai Mara safari we would be doing after it (booked with a different company).
Our guide, James (also goes by Jimmy) was really nice and friendly when we first met him and things only got better from there. James was determined to give us the best experience of Nakuru and found everything we wanted to see including Black and White Rhino, Lions and other rare sightings like striped hyena. He was respectful of the animals, he was interesting and engaging with some great stories and facts about the animals and most importantly he was a great person to spend a couple of days in a car with.
All of that would be enough for me to leave a 5star review, but our experience didn't end there. On the night of the first day of our safari we had it confirmed that our Masai Mara trip (with a different company) would not be going ahead - the company had most likely gone bankrupt and had taken our money and would not be giving us a safari. This was our honeymoon and a trip of a lifetime and I (the groom) had booked it and felt terrible.
The next morning as we told James what had happened he was straight on the phone to organise a different trip for us, so that we could still go. He then changed the original plan and arranged for him to stay on another night so that he could take us back to Nairobi. He took us straight to the company he had helped us to get on a tour with, we were able to pay for the safari with them and then he came with us to the Nairobi Central Police Station to report the incident with the other company.
I would be happy to never set foot in that police station again. Reporting a crime was like an interrogation and the police officer in charge clearly did not like the idea of helping mizumbas (white people - his words not ours). Without James' help and charm I'm confident we would never have come out of that station with a crime report (giving us some hope of claiming the money back). Honeymoon saved!
We experienced the worst of the Kenyan tourism industry but in James and Charles I can happily say we also experienced the absolute best!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Better than we could have ever imagined
We came across Beacon safaris while going through the Safaribookings website and decided to use them based on the multiple positive reviews the company had. I'm very glad we did. From the first email I sent, Robert was very responsive and very very helpful. It was our first trip to Kenya so we were very appreciative of his guidance and recommendations. All we had to then do was finalise and provide the confirmation and Robert organised everything for us. When we arrived in Kenya we were met by our safari guide John. It is very important that you have a good guide and John is one of the best. His manner, his knowledge and his humour were brilliant and our safari was made so much better because of him. All in all I highly recommend Beacon Safaris if you are thinking of visiting Kenya and I can guarantee that you will get excellent service. We loved it so much that we are already planning our next trip their and will be asking specifically for John as our guide.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ker & Downey provided a spectacular trip of a lifetime for us
I have never written a review before but after our recent trip to Africa (Kenya, Tanzania & South Africa), planned for us by Terri-Ann Scholtz of Ker & Downey Africa, I felt compelled to write one. Terri-Ann was incredibly responsive and really listened to what we wanted to see and how much we wanted to spend and planned an amazing trip designed just for us. From the minute we arrived at the airport in Nairobi and were personally escorted through immigration and then handed off to our driver everything was perfectly organized and first class. Each lodge was stunning and unique with beautiful settings, rooms, food and incredibly attentive staff. The game viewing was beyond our wildest dreams and the guides were extremely knowledgeable, kind and fun. Everyone went above and beyond to ensure that our every possible need was met. We had a beautiful room on the water in Cape Town for four nights to end our African adventure. I would highly recommend Terri-Ann and Ker & Downey if you are planning a trip to Africa! Thanks for the trip of a lifetime that we will never forget.
LB
It was the best experience of my life thanks to Chachas's amazing team
I didnt know what to expect before arriving to tanzania, but we were greeted by Chacha at the airport and we could tell directly it was going to be great. The team was ao helpful the whole time, the food was awesome, and the energy was super positive. We Made it to the peak because of Chacha and his team, and would definitely recommend Chacha tours to anybody who's willing to go
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Flash vacation in South Africa
We only had five full days to explore South Africa, and so we booked a tour with Williem for two of those days. I am so glad that we did, we were able to see so much, and the tour really made the country come alive for us. A lot of little things, like Williem bringing binocilars for us to use, and sending his proffesional-grade photos after the tour etc, totaled up to make the trip extra special. I would recomend this tour to anyone that can spend any amount of time in South Africa.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service planning the trip; Top-Notch safari guide
We had a very good experience with African Scenic Safaris on a 6-day safari in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. David was a very good guide. We liked how he often made us feel like we were the only ones out there looking for animals, even though there were of course many other vehicles out there. He rarely followed the crowd, which to us seemed like a good approach. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the animals and the landscape and he welcomed our many, many questions.
Before the trip Amanda was so helpful and responsive. She gave us options and adapted our itinerary according to our priorities in balancing luxury with cost-savings. When we had to cut out a 3-day mountain climb from our itinerary due to an injury two weeks prior to the trip, she was very gracious about it.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great holiday with an excellent tour operator.
My wife and I recently booked a trip to Diani Beach with Edith from Kenya Safari Arcade.
The whole process was so smooth - Edith recommended several hotels for us to choose from and after we had made our selection she arranged everything on our behalf, from the hotel room to our flights and the transfers. All we had to do was turn up at the airport.
Edith was always quick to answer our questions and everything from start to finish could not have been easier.
The flight and transfers were excellent and the hotel itself was a great recommendation, meaning that we had a very relaxing stay at the coast.
Thanks Edith!
KR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Two Thumbs Up!!!
We were totally satisfied with their service. They were always trying to suit our schedule and our guide, Nelson was so experienced. They were also reasonable, polite and honest. I would definitely choose Campofrio Safaris if I came back to Kenya.
Fun friendly knowedgeable service
I went with Godwin and Stanley of Yala Safaris on a tour around the Fort Portal and Queen Elizabeth area, including highlights such as hiking in the Rwenzori mountains and chimp trekking in Kibale, and staying in great accomodation in beautiful surroundings. Godwin ensured that the whole thing went smoothly and enjoyably, and that we got it all for a an extremely fair price. I will be using them again and I would definitely recommend them to anyone else thinking of visiting Uganda!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Superb Experience
Splendor holidays is a very reliable and helpful operator. We had been provided the best Safari experience by them. The safari guide who accompanied us has done a great job in helping us explore the Masai Mara. The resort they chose for us was superb with very comfortable rooms, very scenic too.