US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great safari with Beacon Safaris
Thank you, Beacon Safaris for a wonderful experience - with special thanks to Kenneth who was our driver/guide, Robert (who helped to plan and coordinate the entire trip) and various staff who picked us from the airport.
We are a multi-generation family group with 3 elderly (but sprightly fit) grandparents on a 5-days Kenya safari. We consulted with many friends who are based in Kenya for recommendations for reliable and cost effective safari operators, but in the end, we are lucky to find Beacon Safaris through Safaribookings.com who provide an easy way to search and obtain quotes from 3 operators.
During our trip, I was able to observe and compare the different companies that are active in the lodges and during game drives, and I can safely say that Kenneth/Beacon is easily among the best. With his superior experience, quality of vehicle, local knowledge and excellent relationships with the hotel/camps as well as the park authorities, we experienced minimal hassle/waiting time and were able to navigate more fully around the parks and see more animals. Very often, we were the only vehicle in wide open spaces looking at wild life while other vehicles/operators were mainly bunched up around known big game sightings. We are glad we opted for the Landcruiser as we observe that the visitors using the vans suffer from limited mobility and poorer sight lines.
We feel lucky having Kenneth as our guide/driver. I notice he commanded a lot of respect from other drivers who often sought his advice. At one point, we ran into a blockade due to civil unrest. Demonstrating resourcefulness and local knowledge, Kenneth was able to locate us a secure compound for an unplanned rest stop. Later, he found a detour using a back country road and led us and another vehicle through to the camp.
Maasai Mara is wonderful when we were there with the great migration in full swing with more animals than recent years. We stayed in Maisha Mara which has good quality rooms, food and facilities. Overall, they have the best guest service. One downside is that its 15 minutes from the National Park entrance. At Lake Nakuru, we stayed at the Sopa Lodge Lake Nakuru. At Amboseli, we were placed at the Kibo Camp. Both locations are well-chosen, well-run and have lovely staff. One scope for improvement would be to request for the rooms closer to the dining areas for groups with elderly guests.
Robert from Beacon Safaris was helpful and responsive in communications. I was coordinating amongst various family members and require plenty of forward information and assurance, but eventually everything fell into place. Robert helped to organize a vehicle for half-day excursion for the family in Nairobi - which we enjoyed tremendously - a quick trip around downtown, national museum, excellent meal at Cultiva (highly recommended) in Karen and a tour of the Karen Blixen House.
We are already recommending Beacon Safaris and Kenneth to our friends who are considering a Kenyan safari.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So kind, beautiful and funny
We are a group of 6 people, and we made the Materouni Village and a double Safari, and it was amazing! also the food, the accomodation and the all services are really nice. Thank you!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded expectations in EVERY way!
Choosing a safari provider can be a very hard decision when you are starting with no information or references. There are literally hundreds of safari companies and most appear to offer similar options and service levels. After doing some online research we somehow connected with Ernest and had a live call to ask some questions about the itinerary, the lodging, the food, his guides, pricing, etc. Ernest was responsive and open to answering our many many many questions throughout our decision process. In the end we decided to book our 6-day private safari with Ernest Magic Tours and were not disappointed. I was definitely nervous pre-paying for the safari without having ever met or knowing anyone who had used this company. However I decided to go with my gut and am so happy I did. Our trip was fantastic in every way…great lodging, super food, amazing sightings, a comfortable and safe vehicle and so much more. The best part by far though was our SUPER-STAR GUIDE JACKSON who made our trip unforgettable and so much fun. Jackson has been guiding for 15+ years and is so passionate about serengeti safaris. His excitement was apparent in everything we did as he went out of his way to ensure we had sooooo many animal sightings. Recognizing nature is unpredictable Jackson did his best to scour the horizons and surroundings to spot as many animals as he could. And boy did we get lucky! Aside from the animal sightings though, Jackson is a great and safe driver who is a true professional that knows the landscape, animal patterns, etc. in every way. I would highly recommend Ernest Magic Tours and Safaris and would be happy to connect directly to answer any questions a potential customer might have.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A memorable and incredible safari with an outstanding guide
We had a brilliant time on this fully serviced mobile camping safari and would highly recommend it to others wanting to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Botswana National Parks (Moremi and Chobe). We were a group of seven which worked really well in our great safari vehicle. Theno, aka Sox, is an exceptional guide and tracker. His wealth of knowledge, experience and love for the animals and the bush adds so much to the experience. What we saw with the range of animals and bird life was just incredible (prides of lions, hippos, leopards, elephants, buffalo, impala, baboons and more). Sox is also supported by an excellent team who do an amazing job with terrific meals and creating such comfortable campsites which are not shared with others. Nothing was ever too much trouble and there was always a wonderful atmosphere around the dining table and campfire. From a sunrise cuppa to a sunset gin and tonic everyday was such an awesome experience. Thank you Sox and the team for a fantastic holiday.
NO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Stunning wildlife
We flew from Zanzibar to Tanzania and spent 2 days and 2 nights on a Safari in Tanzania. Fabulous experience in Ngoronguro Crater with our awsome guide, Joseph. He was a great driver and story teller, knew so much about widlife and nature, the experience was overwhelming. Day 2 was spent in Tarangire, a fascinating yet different experience .
OM
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Difficult to enter
I am unable to write a review of South Africa, its wildlife, or its landscapes due to the frustrating experience with the online eVisa system.
Our first application was rejected after nearly three weeks without any update on the website, despite being notified of a decision. It took several phone calls, emails, and text messages to receive the official verdict.
We are still waiting for a decision on our second application, two weeks after submission.
Our travel plans for July had to be rescheduled for August in the hope that the visa will be approved in time.
Having traveled to numerous countries, we find this process to be the most exasperating. While most countries have their peculiarities in documentation requests, requiring copies of our deceased parents' death certificates appeared unreasonable.
Other eVisas we've applied for were processed within hours or days, but this takes weeks.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful and welcoming!
Highlights were Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Gorilla trekking. Many lovely lodges with friendly and helpful staff.
CR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya is a diverse and vibrant country in East Africa, known for its stunning landscapes, rich wild
We were on safari in Kenya, known for its incredible landscapes, rich wildlife and vibrant culture. We spent 2 days in the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the most famous reserves in the world. It is famous for the annual Great Migration and we were able to see wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and tons of bird species. We were also lucky enough to see four of the Big Five: lions, rhinos, elephants and buffalo.
We also enjoyed 2 days in Amboseli National Park, right at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is famous for its large herds of elephants and a wide variety of birds. We also visited Lake Naivasha, which is home to a large population of hippos, and saw them relaxing in the water.
Our tour operator, Camptrek Safaris, was fantastic. They were super professional from the moment we contacted them to request a custom tour and throughout our stay in Kenya, they made our trip amazing.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Breathtaking infinite landscapes
Exploring unforgettable national parks on safari and also Zanzibar wonders with my family has been a kaleidoscope of colorful emotions .
I suggest to explore the infinity of Serengeti to experience the magic ferling to be alone you, the simba , the silence and the infinite .. sorrounding you
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent and accommodating
We were very happy and satisfied with the services provided by Hyrax Safaris to our small 3 person group.
Irene, the associate working with us, was extremely responsive to all our queries regarding the safari booking and was a real help in our decision to go with Hyrax.
Sammy, our driver and guide throughout the 6 day Safari was fantastic. Right from the pickup at the airport to the pit stops and picnic lunches on the road, and making sure that we had amazing wildlife sightings all the time.
Very calm and good natured all the way, and answered all our small queries, making sure to drop us off safely at the airport at the end of our very exhilarating trip.
Will definitely recommend this agency , overall it was great value for money.
