Mandela and the Big Five!
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our four day safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangiri Parks. With the expert guide, Mandela, we saw the big five (Black Rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, Leopard) , plus Cheetah, Hippos, Hyenas, Jackles, Foxes, and many more wonderful animals and birds.
We went with the mid-level package and had two nights of glammping and a wonderful lakeside resort all to ourselves (mid-November slow season). Each of the accommodation were well equipped. The Arusha based transit hotels were just that, basic clean rooms for a nights sleep as you arrived and departed.
The highlight of the trip was Mandela, with over 8 years of experience, he not only provide background and knowledge of the animals and birds, but also has a good rapport with other guides , which we benefited from when big five sights were made and information shared between friendly guides. For example on our last day we had seen all but the illusive leopard. Before lunch, Mandela was flagged down by another guide and told where he had just seen a leopard. We raced off to the site and were able to view the leopard.
Overall, great safari!
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dont hesitate, just do it.
Went on safari with Plex Africa Safaris and it was great. We booked 1 night and only regret is that we dint book more nights.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kenya: A Magical Safari Destination
Our journey through Kenya was nothing short of spectacular, combining breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and warm hospitality. From the savannahs of the Masai Mara to the golden beaches of Diani, every moment was packed with wonder and discovery.
Lake Naivasha: Scenic Beauty and Adventure
We began our adventure at Lake Naivasha, staying at the peaceful Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge. Surrounded by the serene waters of the lake and acacia trees teeming with birds, it was a fantastic place to immerse ourselves in nature. Hiking Mt. Longonot was a thrilling (if not hard at the altitude) start, offering panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Elmenteita and Hell’s Gate: Wildlife and Unique Landscapes
Next, we visited Lake Elmenteita, where the luxury of Serena Camp added a touch of indulgence to our stay. We explored the rugged beauty of Hell’s Gate National Park on bicycles, weaving past dramatic cliffs, geothermal steam vents, and even zebras grazing nearby. This park is truly one of Kenya’s hidden gems, offering adventure and wildlife without the crowds.
Masai Mara: The Ultimate Safari
The Masai Mara National Reserve was the highlight of our trip. Staying at &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, a luxurious retreat overlooking the Mara plains, felt like stepping into a dream. Each safari game drive was unforgettable—we saw lions lounging and eating in the Mara, elephants marching majestically across the plains, and cheetahs killing warthogs! The abundance of wildlife here is unparalleled.
The most magical moment was a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Floating silently above the savannah, watching the golden light illuminate elephants, wildebeest and zebras, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A Train to the Coast and Beach Bliss
Our journey from Nairobi to Mombasa by train was another highlight. This scenic ride passes through three national parks, giving us glimpses of elephants and giraffes from the comfort of our seats. Once in Diani, we stayed at the Lantana Galu Beach, a perfect spot to relax after the safari excitement. The pristine beaches, swaying palms, and turquoise waters made it the ideal ending to our adventure.
Kenya offers an incredible mix of wildlife, adventure, and culture. The parks are well-maintained, the scenery is breathtaking, and we felt safe at every step. Whether hiking, cycling, or going on a safari, the country offers unique experiences for all kinds of travelers. The local people were warm and welcoming, always ready to share stories about their culture and traditions. This trip showed us why Kenya is a bucket-list destination—it has something for everyone. The warm weather was perfect for outdoor activities, and we felt completely safe throughout the experience.
Crimson Brook Safaris made our mega holiday seamless and stress-free. From their attention to detail and knowledgeable guides to their flexibility and friendly service, they exceeded our expectations at every turn. Whether it was arranging logistics, offering local expertise, or making sure we had the best experiences, they truly went above and beyond.
This trip was everything we dreamed of and more—thank you, Crimson Brook Safaris, for making it all possible!
Excellent, very organised
Our driver Jack was very good, always willing to do what we want in our own time. He was on time and went out of his way to ensure we had the best experience. From start to the end everything has been inco. Thank you Axis safari and especially Jack
DK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super
really a very well-executed and exciting Safari with our good and skilled guide Steven, he knew a lot about the animals and was very attentive to our wishes
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
care and detail
We had a wonderful experience with this agency and with the driver Zefa, who spoke Italian very well, knew the places and the animals.
the agency also takes great care of its customers, with small daily attentions, great care in cleaning both the jeep and the tents on the campsite.
The chef's cuisine is also excellent, as he follows you step by step throughout the Safaris.
If you are Italian, ask for Zefa to be your guide!
Super recommended tour.. it will be a once in a lifetime experience!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent from start to finish, would book again without hesitation
Excellent tour operator that organized our 4 day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari. Very friendly, quick and efficient communication with Chris (manager) and John (guide & driver). We were able to tailor the itinerary, accommodations and car to our likings. John did an excellent job with the driving (incl stops whenever and wherever we needed), game drives and showing us around. I would book again without hesitation.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect we have to do nothing and have an amazing holiday
Nice trip good driver and professional guides.
We have to do nothing only enjoy! The place in Serengeti was 🤩 amazing.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing service, knowledgeable and friendly staff!
We booked a Mokoro tour in the Okavango delta with Keya Botswana and had the best time! Edwin knows the most skilled polers and most expert guides, so they spotted a lot of animals from incredible distances! We also did some tracking and were even allowed to (try to) steer the Mokoro ourselves. Really had an amazing day, felt well taken care of and got some really useful tips for the rest of our travels. Would use their service gladly again anytime!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dependable and Experienced
Our guide, Michael, did a fantastic job driving; locating game; and explaining the plants, animals, and people we encountered on our 8-day safari. Prosper, our chef, prepared excellent meals using fresh ingredients that included sufficient fruits, vegetables, and meats, and, most importantly, the food was delicious.
The only concern during the safari was we seemed to start the day later than I would like given that most predators sleep during the day. We did see plenty of sleeping lions, but I preferred to see them while they were more active. After discussing this with Michael and Prosper, they agreed to an early start, and we were the first truck to enter the Ngorongoro crater that day.
The only concern after the safari is that, when I went to write the review here, I noticed that the last review was by someone with my last name. While I am dubious that this is a review from an actual customer, I still want to recommend Meijo to others from someone who did indeed go on an 8-day safari with Meijo.
Here are some recommendations for others:
Discuss the exact lodging that will be provided. I was under the impression that we were only staying one night in a tent and was surprised to learn that there were three nights planned in tents. After reading the proposal again, I realized that this was a possibility, but it was not clear whether a tent or room would be provided.
If you want to start your game drives at sunrise, make sure you tell Daudi, the owner, before he finalizes the plans so the guide and chef are prepared. In this case, I would plan to leave an extra generous tip since the chef will have to wake up extra early to prepare a warm breakfast.
Daudi recommends $10 daily minimum tip. I personally feel this is inadequate and would hope others are willing to leave a much more generous tip.
Bring plenty of cash to tip sufficiently and buy things as needed. None of the places we went accepted cards. Bring USD in the amount sufficient to tip for the best service possible and decrease as needed if the staff doesn't meet your expectations. Add to this amount any additional you want to allot for souvenirs, snacks and coffee purchases, and unexpected expenses. Upon arrival, the driver can take you to the best exchange. There are ATMs available in some places with max withdrawal 400,000 TSH ($160 USD) at a cost of 15,000 TSH ($6 USD) for any amount withdrawn.