US
Experience level: first safari
Excellent value 10-day Kenya & Tanzania safari with smooth planning, great support, and guiding
Our family had the trip of a lifetime on a 10-day safari through Kenya and Tanzania, organized by Shanjoy Tours. From start to finish, the experience was handled with professionalism, care, and attention to detail.
Planning & Support
Martin was incredibly communicative throughout the planning process. He respected our inputs, reassured us whenever we had questions, and made sure everything was arranged according to our preferences. During the trip itself, he remained available for any issues or questions that came up, which gave us great peace of mind. It’s clear that Shanjoy truly cares about their clients and works hard to make sure every trip is both memorable and enjoyable.
Kenya Portion
We began in Kenya with our guide and driver, Steve, who took us to Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara. He was excellent at spotting wildlife and suggesting the best times and lengths for game drives. We also visited a Maasai village (an additional $35 per person), which was an interesting cultural experience to witness their dances and talk to them. Steve was fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and always attentive. He quickly began to feel like a childhood friend, and I would highly recommend requesting him as your guide if possible.
Tanzania Portion
At the border, we switched drivers as required by local regulations. There were a few initial misunderstandings when we first arrived, but Shanjoy handled everything smoothly and quickly, and the rest of the Tanzania tour went perfectly. We explored the Serengeti, staying in incredible tented accommodations where we could hear animals at night—an unforgettable experience to have an elephant literally next to your tent at night or hyenas cackling perhaps way too close by.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area was a highlight of the trip, with breathtaking views of the crater and an astonishing variety of wildlife all in one place. Tarangire National Park was another gem, where we saw herds of elephants and the iconic baobab trees that make the landscape so unique.
Optional Add-Ons
For those considering extras, hot-air balloon rides are mainly available at the Maasai Mara and Serengeti. They typically range from $400–$500 per person depending on the season and park. While pricey, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience the savannah from above.
Overall Impression
If we were to do this trip again, we would absolutely choose Shanjoy. The value was excellent, and they even surprised us with upgrades to our accommodations at Maasai Mara and in Arusha. Their professionalism, personal care, and dedication to ensuring we had a remarkable trip stood out at every stage. Also, if you are trying to catch the migration, perhaps book more for July time frame. We had just missed it by a week while visiting at the end of August/early September.
We cannot thank Martin, Steve, and the entire Shanjoy team enough for making this safari such a memorable experience for our family. If you're trying to figure out which tour operator to go with, don't look further.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Safari Company in Africa
We did a 4 night, 5 day safari with Calvin at Serengeti Clarity, and I honestly don’t think it could have gone better. Calvin was extremely experienced, and after observing hundreds of other tour companies during our 5 days, we concluded we wouldn’t have wanted anyone except for Calvin. He knew the offroads like the back of his hand, taking us along secluded tracks to find animals all to ourselves. We were always front and centre to the action, and we saw the big 5 along with so much more. The accomodation that Serengeti clarity chose for us was incredible, along with the service. The troop carrier was very comfortable with wifi and snacks when needed. Calvin was very knowledgeable and knew a lot about the animals and their behaviour. We saw over 50 lions, elephants, giraffe and thousands of zebra. So many baby animals, and the wild flowers were incredible. We went in May, and loved this time of year and would 100% go back again with Serengeti Clarity. Thanks, Jade and Jake.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Murchison Falls National Park by Christopher Ringguth
Was blown away by the amount of giraffes in the park! We saw everything except a male lion.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely amazing country and the people are o friendly!
Food was great, people are really friendly, no one tries to rip you off, super safe, thousand times safer than Southeast Asia or Central America. Will definitely be revisiting.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exquisitely crafted customized tours - a rare gem
Ker & Downey is truly a unique and profoundly high-end boutique travel company with exceptionally qualified professionals who truly care about you and crafting your dream trip!
My first trip with them was with my son in 2024, to Kenya. My brilliant agent, Natasha, handled every detail with ease, confidence, and grace. From our first conversation, I knew this was the agency with whom I had to work: Natasha is kind, keenly informed, a fantastic listener, highly professional, and always available. We had less than 2 months to plan this trip during high season – and Natasha made it happen. From the moment we arrived in Nairobi we were met at customs, whisked through the airport, and taken directly to our transportation.
Our time in Kenya was so tremendously spectacular, I brought my daughter the following year. (2025) This time, the challenge was higher, as she has particular medical requirements. I knew I could count on Ker & Downey.
I felt completely confident in Natasha’s leadership and when a medical situation did arise, she and her team in Nairobi leapt into action and resolved it in less than a day. We were able to continue the trip and dive into our blessed adventure. During a stressful time, Natasha went above and beyond anything I could have expected or asked for.
The trip was magical and perfect! From being picked up and walked through the airport to the drivers, access to wheelchairs, to stunning and gracious hospitality at the hotels and camps, we were blown away.
The daily safaris were beyond amazing – the guides, the staff, the food, the focus on conservation, it was unparalleled. Our guide (who speaks 6 languages) shared his limitless knowledge of wildlife and found amazing encounters with leopards, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and the rare white and black rhinos. Many close and fun hours were spent observing elephants and giraffe along with the meme-worthy hyrax.
As for communication with Ker & Downey: flawless. Even with our California to Cape Town time difference, communication was a breeze. Between the travel portal and WhatsApp, Natasha made sure we were well taken care of and had no issues communicating along the way. The travel portal held all necessary documentation and a detailed itinerary to share with family, along with a packing list. Natasha connected me with a wonderful travel insurance broker. She thought of everything, often anticipated our needs, was always available, and always followed up quickly with any questions or concerns prior to our trip. In summary, Natasha is a true gem.
I recommend Ker & Downey unreservedly and with great joy.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable
We spent our honeymoon with Loren African Safaris in Tanzania. We had an amazing 6 day safari in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Serengeti, all thanks to the carefully planned schedule prepared by Benjamin. From the airport pickup to the drop off, everything went flawlessly! Benjamin is extremely knowledgeable about all the animals and knows the parks very well - whenever we would tell him what we wanted to see, he made every effort to show us. This is how we got to see leopards, lions, cheetahs, elephants, and much more! All the additional tours (hot air balloon ride, masai village, etc.) were planned for us, and all accommodations were perfect. Benjamin also helped us get our delayed luggage back, coordinating with the airport after they were lost for two days. After booking our safari with Loren African Safaris, we didn’t have to worry about a single thing - everything was planned for us. We would 100% recommend Benjamin and his team at Loren - they all know the region very well and you’ll be supporting a local business! We hope to be back soon!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Tour of a magical island
We hired Soul of Madagascar (Ms.Theresia) toa rrange all transport and hotels on a tour of the island. The company was amazing. They delivered exactly what was promised and the island is so interesting and unique. We saw tons of wildlife and the geaography is so varied. But the best part of our tour was their guide and driver, Eric and Ambitsoa. these guys were so fun, enthusiastic, and energetic. We loved spending long days on the road with them and never tired of their knowledge of the island as well as their terrific stories. Would recommend this company without reservation and ask for Eric and Ambitsoa for guide and driver!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 3 Day Safari Experience in Masai Mara
We went to Masai Mara National Reserve on a 3-day private tour with Africa Kenya Safaris. All the arrangements were excellent, and the travel manager was always helpful. Our guide was experienced and told a lot of interesting information and stories about animals.
In Masai Mara, it was wonderful to see the lion, zebra, and elephant from close. Especially the view of the Mara River is not like Bhola. This trip was perfect for our family. I would definitely recommend Africa Kenya Safaris.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very reliable
From the planning stage to the actual trip, the service was excellent. I really appreciated the time the sales person took to answer all my questions in detail—it made the planning process much easier and helped set our expectations clearly.
Our guide and driver, George, was outstanding. He was professional, knowledgeable, and went out of his way to satisfy our curiosity about the wildlife and the ecosystem. His expertise made our game drives truly enjoyable and educational.
We also loved experiencing Kenyan hospitality—everyone we met at the lodges and camps was warm, friendly, and welcoming. The food throughout the trip was excellent as well.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Timing was perfect!
My sister set this trip up, so I can’t say what exactly was promised. I can say our driver Patrick was always on time and helpful. We stayed at 2 different camps, because I believe Kibo was booked for the 2nd night and we didn’t want to spend 5 hours going to the 2nd place. So we spent 2 nights and 3 days around Amboseli national park, which was beautiful. The 1st lodge called Kibo was beautiful and perfect in every way. The 2nd lodge- maybe AA was more of a budget place, and we did know that- just to save us from more travel time. The staff at AA were really sweet and helpful, but the room itself was just okay. It was definitely clean. We did have some loud neighbors, but overall, it was very affordable and comfortable. The food could have been better, but the hospitality at both lodges was great. Thank you all for the great memories!
