50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing holiday!
I just wanted to say a HUGE Thank You for organising the most amazing holiday for us in Kenya and Zanzibar. Our trip planner, Filipa, was just incredible, so efficient and attentive, the email communication was really good, all my queries answered super-quickly. When we got there, everything was just perfect, from our amazing driver Konana who was just brilliant with the game drives in the Masai Mara, he was so knowledgeable and just so easy to get on with, he went above and beyond for us to see all the animals and have the best experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
I’m so glad to have booked with Imara for our wedding anniversary trip. They went above and beyond throughout the trip , starting with such a warm welcome by the entire team at the airport. Met Lewis and his lovely wife Wendy, we were gifted some goodies to be used during our safari. The team also went above and beyond on our arrival when our baggage was delayed and delivered them to us before we set out for our safari.
Similarly, having such an experienced safari driver was a plus, Patrick has over 18 years of experience which was evident by the way he drove us as close to the animals as possible giving us the best view. He also gave us great knowledge about each animal when sighted. He was very friendly and accommodating when we asked for anything. And found the perfect balance of being informative without being overbearing which is a fine balance many drivers won’t have.
Imara also planned some special surprises for us which made our trip even more memorable! We went for a more customised package thus covered Nairobi, Aberdare forest, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara. They managed to meet all our accommodation choices unlike other Safari companies we came across. Would recommend them to anyone and looking forward to book with them in the future to cover other parts of Africa :)
On the last day, we really wanted to try local food, the team went out of their way to take us to their local favourite spot. We were joined by Patrick, Lewis and Wendy for lunch which made it a wholesome experience.
TH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Waited my whole life for this
I had the most unforgettable weekend thanks to Karibu Tana tours. From the pick up to the drop off at the hostel, our experience has been nothing short from extraordinary. We were lucky enough to get Osman as our guide for the weekend. He was driving so smoothly on the bumpiest road which I thought was quite impressive. He also made sure we were informed about all the animals we saw, which he fortunately knew all the spots for. We also had excellent food prepared for us for each meal.
My group is very lucky to have booked through them. Even as students, it was definitely worth the money. I wish I was here longer to go on their Serengeti tour as well, hopefully with Osman as our guide!!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Sufficient
It’s difficult to leave a negative review after such a magical experience in Kenya—going on safari is truly unforgettable. That said, our experience with Hyrax Safaris was mixed.
While the overall trip was incredible, we found our time in the Masai Mara to be underwhelming due to our guide/driver. Unfortunately, he was largely uncommunicative and disengaged. He rarely spoke to us or offered insights about the wildlife, which left us feeling disconnected from the experience. There were long periods where we drove around in silence without spotting animals, followed by sudden, unexplained changes in direction. We often felt unsure of what was happening or what to expect.
The most uncomfortable moment came on our final evening when he unexpectedly had us exit the vehicle at a riverbed without any explanation. We were then handed off to an armed park officer who led us on a brief walk to view hippos—and promptly informed us that tips would be expected. While the walk itself wasn’t the issue, a simple heads-up or inclusion in the itinerary would’ve made this feel much more comfortable and transparent.
In contrast, our driver in Amboseli National Park was outstanding—friendly, informative, and genuinely passionate about the environment and animals. His approach made that portion of the trip far more enjoyable and engaging.
With a few changes in guide communication and professionalism, this could have been a flawless experience.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Complicated traveling, lots of animal encounters, but also lots of non-essential payments occurring
Overall Rating: The overall travel experience was acceptable, but near the end of the trip, we realized there were communication misdirections and cost traps that led to many unnecessary expenses.
Main Issues:
1️⃣ Guide Replacement Without Prior Notice
* Our contracted guide, Wilson, was unexpectedly replaced with Alvin (no advance notice). While Alvin performed reasonably well later, this uncommunicated change felt disrespectful.
2️⃣ Excessive Cost Traps
* We were encouraged to join a "nature walk" (not disclosed as a paid activity upfront), which was of little value. Upon finishing the brief 20-minute walk, they demanded $30/person. After negotiation, we only paid $30 for the entire group.
* During the Masai Mara Safari, an on-site ranger was arranged to accompany us to see hippos and crocodiles, after which we were charged $10/person. Conversations with other tourists later confirmed this activity is typically free.
* Nakuru Crescent Island Hike: Besides the $20/person boat fee, we were charged an additional $20/person "island hiking fee". We later verified through social media and other travelers that the specific area we hiked in is free. Furthermore, we were rushed throughout the short (under 20 min) hike and not taken to the island center. The actual standard island hike costs $33, lasts over 40 minutes, and includes photo opportunities with animals in the center. (We were not informed of this option nor given a choice).
3️⃣ Poor Safari Timing Caused Itinerary Reduction
* Amboseli park tickets are valid for 24 hours. Due to the guide's incorrect scheduling of the Safari time (done without consultation), our contractually agreed-upon final day Morning Safari was canceled. They knew how to schedule correctly to allow us an extra Safari, but we were neither consulted nor given options. Our complaint to the office received no reasonable response.
4️⃣ Unprofessional Guide Conduct
* On the last day, we paid $180 to extend the jeep hire. We confirmed an itinerary (Giraffe Centre -> Market -> Restaurant - guide specified). We indicated we'd decide on the restaurant that day. Midway through the planned activities, we requested to change restaurants, offering 2-3 options within the distance range the guide himself had suggested, but he refused them all. While searching for a new restaurant (which took less than 15 minutes), the guide decided we were taking too long. Without any discussion, he abruptly drove us directly to the airport. We arrived around 3 PM without having lunch/dinner and had to wait 4 hours before we could even enter the terminal for security and food.
Highlights:
✅ Guide Alvin was proactive in tracking animals: He ensured close-up sightings of most animals (we saw nearly everything except a leopard).
✅ During Safaris, the guide actively shared knowledge about animals and nature, enriching the overall experience.
"Alvin was exceptionally personable — assisting with luggage daily and even buying us fruits. We tipped him generously with daily gifts, developing a friendly rapport that made the later conflict particularly disheartening."
Conclusion: While the wildlife viewing experience met expectations, issues with chaotic management, opaque pricing, and guide negligence were significant. We advise exercising caution when choosing this operator.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour was amazing, we had a fantastic time. Excellently organised and very friendly staff.
The tour was by far the best thing we did in Tanzania. Gombe national park is a must see. The tour operated incredibly well, it was seamless from being picked up at the airport to being dropped back off at the airport. I would thoroughly recommend this tour with Selous Ngalawa.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So many animals，and so amazing views.
Reliable. Staffs are kind. We communicated from the begining of the safari to the end.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They made it personal.
Exciting Africa Holidays didn’t feel like a big company — it felt personal. Meta remembered our names and preferences. The animals seen were a bonus to the thoughtful service. Meals, transport, and accommodations all top-tier. So much value for money in every detail.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
responsible&careful
7 days&6 nights Safari traveling，every day needs such long driving，fortunatly under the，guidance of Dennis we saw a lof of animals，worth it！
DE
Great service and safe driving
The company was reliable in their communication and offered a good package. The guide was knowledgeable and was really careful in driving in the park and on the roads. He made sure that we get good animal sightings.