SA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An enchanting experience that is relatively affordable and complete in one package.
SunnyCreeks provided my friend and I with an amazing experience that I truly recommend everyone should try out. They really made the most of the amount whilst not being too expensive. Everything was adequate and good for the price housing, food, safari car, everything! We went with Alex as our driver and guide and he did an amazing job at explaining and talking about all animals that we encountered. Alex really went out of his way to make sure each and every one of us had a good time and that I loved. We were able to spot all big 5. Though I have a few minor concerns over the whole experience.
1. I wish the tipping/fee culture was explained more adequately for someone who comes from a different culture tipping is not the norm however when visiting the masai mara village, then going over the river we were expected to tip, as well as pay a masai mara entrance fee which threw us offgaurd as I didn't expect to spend cash during. (thou the tipping wasn't a lot ~20-40$) I still would have appreciated an earlier headsup. I would have honestly preferred if the price of the package was increased to accommodate the tipping as I found it to be a negative part of my experience. As budget travelers we try to calculate everything involved and these unexpected fees do harm the experience.
2. The third day could have included more activities we visited the masai mara village (took around 2-3 hours) and travelled to the lake to check in. I really think we could have done a lot more in terms of visiting local attractions or just going around in the city or even a group entertainment activity. In the evenings there was a lot of emptiness we wished could have spent better.
3. I wish we were given more tips about pricing and tourism merchandise earlier. Just general tips that help when it comes to bargaining and discussing. We were cheated by the village people who guilt tripped us into purchasing mass produced items that were described as "unique and locally made" and paid 2-3x their usual prices. For many this might be the first thing we try in Kenya so general tips would be nice.
However, the above concerns still did not ruin the experience sunnycreeks is still an amazing provider and I would definitely come back with them again. Even before we landed in Nairobi Maureen made sure our itinerary was correct and that our airport pick up went smoothly. Sunnycreeks gave us nice recommendations of places to enter and spend time as our flights were in an awkward timing. and Maureen made sure our return to the airport went smoothly and even offered us rides to the airport on the way back.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable, communicative
Migration Venture Africa was very communicative, and they offered a good value for money in their offer. We initially compared a few and went for MVA as they had the number of days we wanted (5 days). The driver/guide picked us up in a clean car with water, we had a great introduction about the days ahead and we went off. The first two days were lovely, a lot of information was shared about the surroundings and habitat of animals, which I love because I'm a curious person. We went to Tarangire, Serengeti 2 days, Ngorongoro and lake Manyara. The days are intense but well organized, there's always water and lunches are good. Noel is a great guy and very knowledgeable, just ask him whatever you want to know. We stayed in Octagon Lodge, which was OK and the staff is lovely (they have the best Swahili samosas). However, in Serengeti we stayed at Baobab and that exceeded our expectations - lodged camps were luxurious, the food was good, there was a campfire with an amazing view on Serengeti and the sunset, I wouldn't mind to come back to this one. We were lucky to see the big 5 quite soon which also of course sets the tone. And we did the hot air balloon, which is a unique experience, however in hindsight it's more interesting to do it when the big migration is happening. For me Ngorongoro made the biggest impression because it's the versatile nature (lake, mountains, clouds, lush trees here and there) combined with mixed wildlife living together (all except for giraffes, and rhinos if you're lucky to see them). Lake Manyara was OK but I wouldn't go back, we saw there elephants and lions but as it's the nature you have to be lucky (which we were!). For all others - Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoror - amazing destinations! On the way from Ngorongoro to Serengeti you'll be passing by an archeological site (Laetoli footprints) which is worth a check. I'm blessed by this safari experience and we ended our holidays on the beach in Zanzibar.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gaps in infrastructure, but beautiful wildlife
More than anything, a good guide and driver makes all the difference! We went to Maasai Mara through Perfect Wilderness Tours and Safaris, and Khalifa absolutely made our trip. He was knowledgeable, insightful, funny, and a good driver (despite the extremely rough terrain). More than that, he's fostered good relationships with everyone in and around the park, from rangers to locals to other guides, which gave him an extra edge in creating a memorable experience. If you book with Perfect Wilderness, ask to have him as a guide!
With accommodations, I would recommend skipping the luxury spots and sticking with a basic option. Lenchada Tourist Camp wasn't cushy, but had everything we needed. When you're only going to be there to sleep and have breakfast, it's not worth it to spend the extra money.
One thing I can't recommend is the Maasai cultural experience. If you want to support the tribe beyond your park fees, I would donate to a community fund and skip the show.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Maasai Mara Safari
This was a great tour for the value. Perminus was able to give us all the information we needed during our months of planning. The driver was prompt and we (4 women) felt safe for the entire 3days of our trip. The driver made sure we were able to see as much animals as possible on our outings to the park. We stayed at Enkorok which was very rustic and a great experience of ‘glamping’. The staff at the camp was pleasant and very accommodating. We also enjoyed the balloon ride and the visit to a nearby Maasai village which was also planned by African Marvel.
NP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
JEF is very good tour guide in 3 days tour, he is cooperative with lot knowledge.
Jockey tours and safaris is good tour with all staff members and provides good food and hospitality.
NP
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jeaf is helpful and cooperative tour guid with lots of knowledge.
Jockey Tour is very good travel with all staff members,good food.But there should be 1or half n hr limitation of WiFi.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice and uncomplicated
We’ve only had a one-day trip. It was pretty good and uncomplicated. Our ranger knew how to drive very well and made sure that we got to see multiple animals.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kilimanjaro Experience
I Did the 6 day Marangu route, starting at the Marangu gate. Had a fantastic experience with the main guide Denis mtui and his team. Taking the Marangu route allowed us to see the entirety of Mount Kilimanjaro from all angles.
Very scenic and beautiful, and the pacing of the trip was very nice with plenty of time for acclimatization, and the service and support by the crew was excellent.
Every day we got served three warm meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), which all were very tasty. In fact, every single day we got served something different, an impressive feat seeing as we were on a 6 days hike. Beyond this, everyone in the crew were so friendly and helpful.
I highly recommend booking through Let's view Tanzania if you’re keen to climb Kilimanjaro
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Overall we are happy enough to recommend Makario Safari
Mwaka from Makario Safari was in charge of our booking. She is responsive and helpful. The experience will have been a solid 5 rating hadn’t we felt pressured by time and the way the driver drove us back from the tour. It was traffic plus he sent us to collect our luggages from the airport (as they were delayed by 60 hours since we last saw our baggage), it was taking longer than expected and I can understand that he was bit agitated by the situation. To be fair, we also would like everything smooth and not wasting our time had it was a choice that we could make.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good value and good to support a local company
We enjoyed our short safari trip (2 nights, from Nairobi) with KT and Safaris. Our game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park were excellent (with lots of lions!), the hike up Mount Longonot was amazing and the morning boat ride on Lake Naivasha was super interesting. The two lodges chosen were very comfortable and had good food. Dicky was always on time for pick ups and activities.
We were pleased to support a small local company and encourage others to do the same. It is good value and nice to know more/all of what you pay stays in Kenya.
However, it is worth noting that as a small company, the service from KT is not as slick or comprehensive as what you might get from the bigger or international firms. The vehicle for our tour was quite old and wouldn't have been suitable for children. Make sure you check exactly what's included when you book, make any expectations very clear and get agreements in writing.