50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Luxury prices, economy experience
I had been to Kenya before with a high-end travel company and thought I knew what to expect. The price from Freedom Africa was a bit of a shock at over £14k but included Giraffe Manor in Nairobi. I was therefore expecting a high standard of accommodation and safari guides.
I had arranged to go to the Nairobi Elephant Nursery on the first morning before we were taken to Giraffe Manor. There was absolutely no flexibility in transportation so we had to pay an extra £140 for what amounted to a 20 minute taxi ride. After Giraffe Manor we went to Sweetwaters with what we thought was going to be our safari guide for the holiday. He was excellent and the accommodation on our first stop was quite good.
After Sweetwaters we went back to Nairobi and were put on a train to Amboseli (fare: £5 for first class). That was the last we saw of our guide until the final hotel when we bumped into him driving another party.
From then on the quality of the trip deteriorated with every stop. We did not have our own guides, we had hotel drivers who in our opinion are not safari guides. We spotted lions before they did, we heard the story of elephants' teeth from every one of them. Some didn't speak English very well. We were booked on a walking safari and they tried to charge extra. Every time we entered a national park we were asked for the entry fees which we had already paid.
Lodges were variable but none are what I would call luxury standard, and some are in fact described as basic. The worst lodge was Salt Lick at Taita HIlls - it was overcrowded and we had to wait for a table at dinner time. The drivers were silent and the cars were full, with people talking on their phones. We went to a rock which had a lone lioness and I counted 35 cars jostling for position to see an ear. The lodge is in two parts, the accommodation block with a restaurant and another block which has the pool and spa. On our second day we didn't leave the accommodation block or go on any drives because we couldn't bear the noise. It was the best day there. We couldn't wait to leave,
When I got back I complained to Freedom Africa. They said they were "surprised" to hear I wasn't entirely happy with my holiday. Further emails went unanswered. They didn't want to listen to any of my comments and insisted Salt Lick was one of their most popular lodges.
I had also booked a holiday with Freedom Asia which is part of the same group and had even worse problems with them.
GH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It is a very nice trip, very appreciates
The guide was very patient, the hotel was very comfortable and the itinerary was great, a perfect trip, very trustworthy travel agency!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible! A Must See and experience vacation
I would recommend Spirit of Kenya to everyone! This was my first trip overseas and a dream vacation – the guides made me feel at ease, comfortable and went out of their way to ensure I had the best experience. Words cannot explain the experiences I had and the beauty of this country. The accommodation and people were top notch! I would highly recommend Spirit of Kenya to everyone! I am already working on booking my next trip with them.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
GREAT
I had an unforgettable experience with Felix and his associates. The safari tour was warm, welcoming, and thoroughly enjoyable. In addition to the safari, we were given a wonderful tour around Nairobi, which added to the overall great experience.
Felix even invited us to his home, turning what started as a professional relationship into a genuine friendship.
I highly recommend this agency for an exceptional safari adventure!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best trip ever!
We went on a 3 night 4 day safari in mikumi and nyere national park.
Our guide was Michael and he was amazing from start to finish. He was so knowledgeable and gave us the best opportunities to spot all of the animals which included lions, zebras, giraffes and elephants.
We had so much fun with him at dinners and on the safari we would recommend to all.
Irene was also very helpful and responded to queries immediately.
Overall it was 5/5 stars!
CN
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing! Petros was brilliant letting us know interesting facts and extremely knowledgeable
It was an outstanding day. The ride was comfy and coats were offered for those of us that were cold. He explained everything thoroughly and gave us fun facts about the animals we saw.
MY
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable, Helpful & Trusted Operator
Mr. Andre from Safari With Us is a very helpful & easy going guy, if you have any problem or issue during your trip there, he is most willing to help. My family & I enjoyed the trip very much & sceneries there are awesome. All the arrangements like transport, accommodations, meals etc also perfectly arranged. Thinking of visit again. Once again, tq Safari With Us, keep up the good WORK. Cheers!!!
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good experience overall
We had a nice safari and were lucky to spot a lot of wild animals, especially in Ngorongoro crater. The jeeps are very well equipped and comfortable.
We've been quite disappointed by our guide, expecting at the end a higher tip than what we planned and "ruining" the friendly atmosphere... Lunch boxes in the safari are also a bit repetitive - plain rice, chicken and a sauce.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very efficient and reliable
I was generally satisfied with the tour operator who made our safari memorable. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to customer satisfaction were commendable.