ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari Ok but itinerary was not fully followed
Overall the safari itself and the guide were good, but in the 5 days safari itinerary it was mentioned 2 days in northern Serengeti, including lunch there. But in the middle of the safari they communicated to me that it was not possible. So I had to deal with them for a fix while trying to enjoy the safari, which is the last thing you want to do. I read similar comments on the reviews. At the end we managed to make changes waking up at 5AM and rushing it. I just recommend to ask for specific times and locations, so you don't have to deal with it on the road. The safari itself was great since I saw most of the things I wanted to see.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Service could be improved, vague planning.
The driver was excellent, and the hotels, while simple, were decent.
However, regarding the 4-day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru itinerary: it states that you’ll see Lake Naivasha from a viewpoint, but that doesn't actually happen—you drive past it on the road, but there isn't even a stop.
Also, we only spent three hours in Nakuru Park, even though the entrance fee is $95.
The picnic lunch provided during the safari is quite meager—just a piece of bread, a piece of chicken, and some fruit to last the whole day.
On the days we were scheduled to stop at a roadside restaurant for lunch, the stop happened at 11:30 AM 😅.
All in all, the parks were great and the staff were pleasant, but the service itself leaves a lot to be desired.
(automatic translation from Spanish)
JP
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The response is quick.
I was quite anxious about choosing a local tour, as it is difficult to determine whether a company is trustworthy. Given the circumstances—and despite the time difference between Japan and Kenya—I chose this company because they were incredibly responsive whenever I reached out and answered my questions immediately. However, the tour didn't use the company's own vehicles; instead, it brought together people who had signed up through various different companies. The members were staying at different hotels, which made the rounds very time-consuming. The driver often failed to arrive on schedule, resulting in a waste of time. Although an ample supply of water was supposed to be provided during the tour, it was not replenished for two days, and requests to have it restocked were ignored. I think the tour itself was fairly ordinary. However, the failure to provide a water supply strikes me as a major oversight. While I assume this was the fault of the subcontractor chosen by the company, it raises the question: what would the experience have been like if they had selected a provider that owned its own vehicles?
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Adequate
I have headed this review ‘adequate’ as I feel Big Apes should have prepared me more for my trip. It was by chance I found out when reading about Uganda, that I needed a visa. Thankfully these are very easy to obtain on line however if I hadn’t read this, there would have been a delay at the airport. Also, I had not been advised to take gloves for the trek because of the thorny shrubbery I would be walking through. My fellow trekkers were better prepared and I felt at a disadvantage. Similarly I did not know I needed a photocopy of my passport for each trek. Thankfully my driver Ben was able to sort this and I hope he was reimbursed. Being aware of these small matters would have been greatly appreciated. After the confirmation of my booking I did not hear anything until I emailed the company two weeks before my departure when I received an acknowledgment and advised of what time I would be collected from my hotel.
However, after the comments above I cannot praise my driver enough. Ben was polite, courteous and professional and looked after me throughout the whole of my visit. He made sure everything was sorted and even managed to arrange an alternative activity after I fell one day and could not trek the next. I cannot praise him enough.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall, very average. Lacking atmosphere and not comfortable.
Rather expensive for what felt like a very average experience. Accommodation was as expected and quite nice. Food was also ok, nothing special.
Vehicle very old, rattly and not very comfortable. One of the oldest we saw. Which was a shame given how long you spend it it every day.
The driver was similar to an Uber driver, hard to communicate in English and lacking detail or any excitement at all. Gave up asking any questions.
The overall experience felt disappointing and lacking given the mid to high range price. Recommend keeping options open.