US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Balu Travel exceeded my expectations - and they are very high - 10 stars
This summer, my family visited the Masai Mara Reserve for a safari with Balu Travel Limited, so our 8-year-old son could experience wild animals in their natural habitat, and we had such an incredible experience.
Upon our arrival at Nairobi International, the Balu team met us at the airport and transported us to our hotel. This was a no-hassle experience which started the trip on a wonderful note. After a long flight and landing in a strange international airport for the first time, it was awesome to walk outside and have someone meet you right where you were. We stayed overnight at Hotel Boulevard. This hotel was one of about 5 recommended by Balu and it was a great choice. The hotel had all the toiletries and a very attentive front desk staff. There is a restaurant on site.
I was in constant communication with Mr. Morris, who always answered my many many questions – thoroughly. He told me exactly what time our guide would pick us up the next morning.
The next day, our tour guide, Mr. Isaac, picked us up from the hotel at about 6AM and transported us via our private tour bus to the Masai Mara.
When we got to our luxury hotel, ‘Jambo Mara Lodge,’ we were welcomed with watermelon juice and a wet warm rag to wipe and refresh ourselves. The staff provided exceptional service, and we were escorted to the restaurant because we were on time for lunch. We were then escorted to our personal glass cottage. The meals we ate there for the duration of our time were wonderful as we enjoyed African dining at its finest. The water/juices were safe to drink. The spreads and varieties of food – for every meal – was awesome. It was all displayed so elegantly, and tastefully. The staff was so wonderful, pleasant and helpful – attending to our every need.
Later that afternoon, we embarked on our first ever -Game Drive (safari) where we saw a wide array of animals in their natural habitat including gazelles, impalas, zebras, wilde beasts, vultures, elephants, baboons, and lions. That was a taste of great things to come.
On day 2, we started our game drive at 7:30AM, and we shared our anticipated animal encounter list with Isaac, and he said he will take us to the various animals. First up, we saw a lion and lioness up close, along with other tour trucks, as they gave us a dating and mating show. The experience was amazing, and Isaac told us that this can happen many, many times a day. From there, Isaac took us where we saw a giraffe tower (many giraffes together-tallest animal in the world). We also saw cheetahs, cranes, ostriches, warthogs, meercats, water buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, and many more lions, gazelles, impalas, zebras, wilde beasts, giraffes, and many others. Many of the animals walked alongside our vehicle on the tour trail, and this was very exciting to behold. We always felt safe with Isaac and focused on enjoying the experience.
Around midday, we found a balanitis tree in an open area where we had our first bush lunch with many wild animals in the background. This was in the Serengeti Park in an area were Kenya borders Tanzania. The feeling we experienced during this moment was phenomenal. We were able to call family back home as far as the Caribbean (via what’s app - video) and share the experience with them.
After lunch, we continued our game drive where we saw many more animals. We were taken to see Crocodiles and hippos, where a special ranger took us along the bank of a river to see them. This was one of the animals my son wanted to see. This is an experience we will never forget.
We enjoyed every bit of our game drives.
Now I will talk about our tour guide – Isaac. I do not have enough positive words to describe Isaac. This man was exactly what we needed. On the way to the Maasi Mara, he introduced us to the local music and had us dancing and learning Swahili very early on the trip. Isaac is down to earth, warm, friendly, caring and just downright awesome. He bonded with my 8-year-old in a way that makes this mother’s heart so happy. Isaac is now part of our extended family. We gave him a list of the animals we wanted to see and (I still don’t know how) but he knew how to maneuver that great span of Safari and find the animals we wanted to see. There are no road or directional signs on the safari. It is amazing to see how he knew where to go.
We had so many questions, he answered them all, he went above and beyond each time. He was always on time to start our days. He left no stone unturned for us. He was obviously known and respected by his peers (he seemed to know everybody, and everybody knew and respected him). Our tour guide- Isaac was very knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. I could not ask for a better experience than we had with him. We were sad when the safari ended, and my son cried.
As a reference point, we are a family of 3 - 2 parents and an 8-year-old boy. We travelled from Tampa Fl, went through London, to get to Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi – Kenya. I was anxious leading up to the travel date. This was a whole new world for us and the media can be cruel. The places we stayed at were top class. I remember contacting one of the hotels and asking if they provide towels and toiletries. I needed to know how to pack. They provided everything – from shower caps to bedroom slippers, toothbrushes and Jambo Mara even had robes. The experience we had was better than most top-class hotels in the US.
If you are reading this and are apprehensive in choosing a company, choose Balu Travel. Morris took care of all the details, and it was a seamless transaction. I had no issues – NO ISSUES. From the time we exited the airport, until Isaac dropped off at our hotel in Nairobi, we were taken care of to the utmost degree. We have no reservations with recommending Balu Travel – there is nothing they could have done better – it was the best.
We will never forget his experience and will be forever grateful to Balu Travel and by extension – Isaac.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent guide with attention to detail
We had a wonderful experience with Laxatrails. From the time of booking, Peter
was in close contact and available to answer all questions. All transfers and hotels were perfectly organised. John, our guide was excellent, making sure we saw so many animals and looking after us throughout the trip.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was all as described.
It was all as described. Masai Safari in the tall
Benson was really helpful and focused.
They were adaptable when it came to arranging clients from various offices. All things considered, Tall Masai Safari is highly recommended.
However, there was one drawback that I must address. Nearly everyone in our group experienced extremely bad dyspepsia; the first accommodation was probably the cause. Other group members later corroborated this.
IL
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience
I had an amazing time on the safari trip! Our guide, John, was incredibly sweet and wise, knowing how to answer all of our questions and dealing with our family silliness. We drove in the car that was very comfortable and was stocked with drinks in the fridge for us, the open roof was amazing, allowing us to have a much better experience, and the fact that the car had charging spots was a life saviour. I enjoyed the trip very much and I hope more people will get the opportunity to experience it like I did, especially when John is your guide you are promised for an unforgettable trip!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The complete attention to detail and to us, made us feel like royalty!
From the moment we started planning our safari, we had Jessica’s full attention. From the preferences survey to the advice on the actual travel; to the personal discussions about what we wanted from our safari, I felt like we had a completely personalized and top-notch experience. Our camps and guides were way beyond my expectations. I truly felt like royalty from the time I stepped off the plane until we got back in the plane to head home.
KR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My best experience that I've ever met
Driving across the Serengeti plains with Furaha Tours was the best experience of my life.
Our amazing guide, Laizer, was not only experienced at spotting animals but also had a great sense of humor that taught us how to always find a reason to smile. No matter what challenges we faced, it never felt difficult knowing that Laizer was by our side.
I believe this is a choice you absolutely won't regret. I would definitely want to go with Furaha again on my next trip.
SG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Serengeti National Park by Ian
Least "corralled" of the parks we visited and we felt as if the animals really roamed the lands as they pleased. In some other parks, fences and natural barriers made some feel more like giant zoos; Serengeti does not have that feel
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip ever
We started planning our trip in 2024 and with Spirit of Kenya it came true in July 2025. Special shoutout to Filipa, who was the backbone for organizing such a wonderful itinerary with everything we had conveyed to her. She took care of all the minute details and it was the best week of our lives. Next special thanks to our guide Mr Ruler, who was amazing throughout the trip. He made sure we could see all the animals we wanted to. He was quick and also so patient. Thank you team!
MY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
unforgettable safari experience with great guides
Our safari with Morning Star Tours & Travel was absolutely unforgettable! From the beginning, Joysharon was fantastic. She helped us plan every detail of our trip, from the parks to the accommodations, with incredible attention to detail. Her quick responses and thoughtful recommendations made the whole planning process easy and stress-free.
When we arrived in Kenya, James was our guide, and he made the experience even more amazing. His knowledge of the wildlife and the local culture was impressive, and his friendly, easygoing nature made every game drive enjoyable. James knew exactly where to go to give us the best animal sightings, and he made sure we were always comfortable, whether on bumpy roads or relaxing at the lodges.
The trip was perfectly organized, with smooth check-ins, great accommodations, and delicious meals. We couldn't have asked for a better safari experience, and we’re so grateful to Joysharon and James for making it all happen.
RO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazin experience
I want to thank the company for this unique experience in which I felt safe and lived extraordinary moments, especially our driver Simone.