35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenan Travel and Tours was first class for our once in a lifetime African Safari!!!!
This was our first family trip to Kenya. Traveling from the USA we wanted to use a Kenyan company that was reliable of course it is hard to find a lot of information on companies but was able to research Kenan Travel and Tours and note that they were part of KATO. Still until you actually take the trip it seems like a "leap of faith." Well let me tell you for anyone considering going to Kenya-- Kenan Travel and Tours is the way to go!!
From the beginning Geophrey was extremely easy to get in contact with and responded to emails very quickly which was a great start. When we arrived in Kenya after a long flight Geophrey was there at the airport to greet us and get us to our hotel in Nairobi. We were a group of nine and Geophrey handled all details leading up to our arrival to Kenya. Our trip was customized to include the things we wanted to do unlike the USA travel companies that required so many days in certain areas this personal touch was something that allowed us to go to the places we wanted not the places that the "USA tour companies" required-- Kenan delivered on a first class private tour.
The following morning in Nairobi we met in the hotel lobby and our itinerary was reviewed and we were escorted to our six seater Land Cruisers. Since we were a group of 9 we had two four wheel Land Cruisers that had plenty of room with comfortable seating--two to a row with sliding windows and a roof that popped open. The drivers were first class with incredible knowledge of the parks. Our driver was James and he did an absolutely incredible job of driving through the many bumpy back roads and national parks of Kenya. Our trip was 12 days and we traveled to Samburu, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, and Amboseli. James was absolutely incredible as a tour guide---and for a point of reference we have travelled extensively across the USA, Canada, Europe, South America, and now Africa. He had extensive knowledge of the parks and animals-- he was an like an encyclopedia when came to the many various animals--- everyone knows the big animals but his knowledge extended even to the small wildlife I don't there was a bird that I asked about that he was not able to educate me on. Of course we saw all of the Big 5, but we saw so many of the other mammals and birds and James was able to get us in a position to take pictures of a lifetime. The places that we stayed were extremely nice the food was excellent and the staff was very enthusiastic. Of course you can customize your trip with Kenan to stay at different levels of hotels. We found the Sopa lodges to be very nice. Everyone has their own level they desire and would encourage all to read about hotels booked and where they are located in the parks but we enjoyed our stays at Sopa and then Kibo at Amboseli. I would encourage anyone who is considering going to Kenya that they use Kenan Travel and Tours you will not regret it!! They will give you that personalized experience and allow you to customize things that you want so that you can have the level of luxury that you desire. I would give a big thanks to Geophrey, Shem (who drove the other Land Cruiser for other family members and he to had an extensive knowledge of Kenya!!) and James. James for my family you created an absolutely incredible once in a lifetime African Safari. James we hope to see you again in the near future!!!!
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Taking 22 college students on a tour of Kenya REQUIRES expert service inside Kenya.
Aramati Safaris provided that consistently. We had total confidence in owner/manager John Ndegwa. His knowledge of the country...his sense of good humor...the discipline and professionalism of the staff he assembled. If we had a problem or a question, Mr. Ndegwa was there. Our class in 2015 was a wonderful success. And it was not the first time. Aramati has been our company for several student trips...and will be our company for the next one.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!Dunia camp is amazing!Highly recommend safari tour!
Great experience!!!will strongly recommend Dunia camp!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I have used Aramati Safaris on four occasions (2009, 11, 13 & 15) and have been extremely satisfied.
It has been a delight to work with John Ndegwa and his stellar team at Aramati Safaris over the years. They are as professional as they are personable. And I have personally used them on four prior occasions (2009, 11, 13 and 15) and, not able to go in 2017, my colleague used them then. I am pleased to return to Kenya this coming January (2019) and without question have chosen to continue our relationship with Aramati.
John is kind, compassionate, fair, well-organized and customer-service-oriented. He and his staff go above and beyond to make our trips run smoothly. I have brought groups of college students each time and our groups have ranged in size from 22 - 32. Being in Kenya for 3 weeks requires a lot of communication with us, but also with all of the places we visit, lodge and eat. John and his staff anticipate our needs as visitors to Kenya and are both careful and eager to offer us genuine hospitality. Their "karibu" ("welcome") is earnest and comforting.
I am eager to return this January and am confident that the service we have experienced over the years will continue. I couldn't be more pleased. Therefore, I highly commend Aramati Safaris to anyone traveling to Kenya. You'll get first-rate professional service, fair-pricing, and a wonderful introduction to the beautiful country of Kenya.
NZ
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great overland trip through game parks in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana
We really enjoyed this trip. The agents in New Zealand provided us with detailed information on what to expect and take with us. The loca guides in the Zimbabwe and Botswana parks were all very knowledgeable, and our main Safari guide was excellent, with a wide knowledge of the flora and fauna of all three countries. The accommodation, including our four nights in mobile tented camps in Botswana was good. Overall an enjoyable, great value experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They planned an amazing trip that captured everything we wanted to do (and more!)
I was not actively involved with the booking of the trip (my travel companion did this), but from the minute we arrived to the minute we left I was impressed with how much they were able to fit into our short trip and how seamlessly everything went. They sent us a detailed itinerary laying out where we needed to be when and where they would be taking us. Our accommodations were excellent and all of the activities that they recommended to us were exactly in line with the experiences we were looking to have. They also surprised us with a sunset river cruise when we got back to Victoria Falls after our stay near Hwange. Personally, I think the best part about working with Cultural Vibes was the guides. Not only were they very professional and friendly, but they were incredibly open in sharing their culture and local knowledge with us. The long drives to and from Hwange were not just transportation, but full conversations about the local culture, politics, animals - everything! It was amazing to get that perspective and insight.
The only complaint I have is that we were missing a few details regarding our accommdation that would have been nice to have (mainly that our stay was all inclusive!). We had no idea that all of the alcohol purchases were included, so it would've been nice to know about this beforehand. Otherwise, everything was wonderful!
MX
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything went great
They always replied fast and with accurate information. Before my arrival, it was noticeable that they were taking care of everything. They provided free transportation from the airport to my hotel. The tour went great. Our guide, Joseph, exhibited commitment in his service and knowledge about his country and the animals we saw. We took a mid-range tour in tented camps. It was just what we expected. However, I have to say that we took other tour in Uganda (Achieve Safaris) and we got much better accommodations than in Kenya for about the same price. Maybe it has nothing to do with the company, but with a more expensive country. I think Uganda makes your money more valuable. Anyway, the experience with Spirit of Kenya was very good. I recommend them. They were quite professional.
KW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The program promised was 100% executed. Great experience and very good service
The tour has absolutely match my expectations. Safety wise and money wise great safari tour. I was travelling alone and Wildlife Oasis tours included me into the group of three other travelers, which was great. And the price was very reasonable based on our program. We have managed to visit The Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro. Driver was very good, brought us to key secret places to catch more views of animals. Cook was also excellent, field food was amazing. Humphrey (manager) was also very helpful and responsive. As a travel blogger with experience I can recommend this tour to others. You can read more about my trip at flynocry.org
NO
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Friendly and informative. Everything whent smoth and according to plans.
We where 8 people in the group. Our luggage were lost but the team from Aramati worked har to recover them before our trip started after great effort. The trip was nice and all bookings were done and the trip where a great success.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
WONDERFUL Experience with Tanzania Roadsite
We first got in contact via mail and later I was in contact with Paul directly via Whatsapp, which is a very convenient way of clarifying all issues.
It was our first safari so we did not have any experience. Many suggestions and possibilities (e.g. when it comes to the different national parks and accomodations) were explained before by Paul.
From the beginning everything felt very professional and friendly.
After all we decided to book a private safari.
Paul picked us up at Kilimanjaro airport and brought us to the first hotel in Arusha.
Conversation was very kind, friendly and interesting from the beginning.
Next morning we met our guide Idrisa and took off to the Tarangire national park, which was about a three our drive from Arusha.
Some words about the car: It was a Toyota Land Cruiser in very good condition. We had sockets to charge phones, cameras etc. and a fridge in the back for storage of water / drinks.
Idrisa was a very good guide and explained everything about the unique features of each national park before entering.
In the park he explained further details about the different animals and was always able to answer questions - plus he had a very good eye when it comes to spotting animals.
Some information about the route summed up:
First day Tarangire - after that crossing Ngorongoro conservation area going to Serengeti - two days in Serengeti - after that one day Ngorongoro Crater. In total 5 nights and a mix of lodges and tented camps.
In conclusion we were really happy with how everything went and can highly recommend Tanzania Roadsite and also our guide Idrisa in particular!