AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Budget friendly option for Kenya safari
Our safari experience in Kenya was unfortunately below expectations due to several issues we encountered along the way.
We started the journey with an old 4x4 Nissan vehicle, which had multiple mechanical problems. On more than one occasion, our driver had to stop to fix issues with the vehicle, costing us valuable safari time. At Masai Mara, the vehicle broke down and got stuck, resulting in a **2-hour delay**. We had to rely on another passing driver (luckily) to take us for the game drive, and our assigned vehicle only rejoined us later in the afternoon around 3:30 pm.
The driver also did not have a radio, which is a crucial tool for wildlife spotting in the reserve. This further limited our chances of maximizing the safari experience.
In terms of accommodation, we were not provided with the camp originally promised in our contract (which was of a higher standard). Although the organizers compensated with a boat ride at Lake Naivasha, it did not make up for the downgrade in accommodation quality.
Our accommodation at Lake Nakuru was really good.
Additionally, poor planning of travel time and multiple vehicle breakdowns (including another repair during the transfer to Lake Nakuru) meant that we lost several opportunities to better utilize our time and include extra activities.
Overall, while Kenya itself is beautiful and the wildlife unforgettable, the logistics, vehicle condition, and lack of proper planning from the safari provider made the trip frustrating and disappointing. Better maintenance of vehicles, honoring of accommodation commitments, and professional planning would have made this experience much more enjoyable.
HK
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Don't join "night game"
We are one elder couple from Hong Kong. We took 11 days Safari tour in Kenya was one big event for us because it is very expensive. Anyway we think it would be one great experience in our life after retired.
In January 2025, we find Ramesa Adventure via Safaribooking.com. one man called' Lincons" contact us to concern all details. During the discussion period, he offered us
"Balloon US$450 / p and Night game US$100/p". These 2 items can be confirmed when we arrived in Kenya.
Our Safari tour was from 23/July - 3/August. We were really looking forward to this holiday. Therefore we well planned everything half a year ago.
On 23/July 2025, Lincons meet us in Hotel in the morning. It was our first Safari day. At that moment, we confirmed to join" Balloon and night game." But Lincons said the price for Night game is US$200/p. I said" No", before you quoted the price US$100/p not US$200/p. They had 3 persons included the driver - kept saying this game is very full and interesting ....
Finally we paid night game total US$400 for 2 persons because we though we can only visit Kenya once in life, even it is very expensive.At the same we were very highly anticipated something special in this Night game.
Consequently very disappointed-
2 hours Night Game.
How Interesting?
We found not more than 8 aminals, Zebra, Giraffe, Antelopes and one elephant'sbutt . All animals we can find exactly same as day time.
How full ? - only I and my husband in one land cruiser.
We ( 2 idiot) spent US$400 for 2 hrs to look at the stars in the sky.
I understand everything in Kenya is not reasonable expensive. I accepted to paid US $ 100 /p for "Night game" because we made wrong decision but we can't accept they raised prices when we confirmed to join this game.
The next morning, I strongly complained to our diver. He just said he would respond to Lincons who will handle our unhappy.
From that day up to this moment, I do not receive any messages even one " sorry " from Lincons.
We share our unhappy experience with other, we just hope no one is as stupid as us anymore.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Edwin
We saw some very unique things and enjoyed it. But the park has suffered extensive flooding over the past ~5 years making it tough to see animals.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Arusha National Park by Hanne van Meerbeeck
Beautiful park and lots to see
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An average agency
The 8-Day Northern Parks Budget Safari Tent was an average trip. Some aspects could be improved to ensure a better or five-star experience.
The driver was an average driver, but they were not a guide. The information provided was minimal and they showed little initiative. Another thing that could be improved is the tour's organization. Some stops, like the Ngare Sero Waterfalls and the Flamingo Lake walk, could be combined into a single day instead of over several days. Their proximity, the easy walk, and the short duration of the excursions would allow for more time to fully explore Serengeti National Park and observe the animals.
Overall, the trip was nothing special. However, if you are looking for a special experience and a guide who provides at least some information, I recommend evaluating other agencies.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Ok, but more and ealier informations would be good.
The Safari was good. First day we had to leave the park ealier because of others in the car. The infomations came late and some of the people from the hotel had no informations too. So maybe a timetable would be great. The driver switched also (unfortunatly). For this price, the safari was nice.
Maybe next time start ealier to Go to the Parks in high season.
GR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly and polite
Good organisation, value for money with however last minute change of hotels upon arrival (one of which with downgrading). In addition be aware of a 3% card service fee in case you don’t have cash with you…
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and friendly service
Wajefya Expeditions exceeded my expectations, their knowledgeable guides took us on an unforgettable journey through Ngorongoro stunning landscapes. Professional, friendly and enthusiastic service made our tour truly exceptional.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Agency is reliable, but jeep and organization need improvement
We booked this agency through safaribookings.com based on the good reviews and quick communication with Brenda. Everything was easy to arrange and the cost was as expected, with the option to pay part of it in cash upon arrival in Nairobi.
Overall, the experience was positive, but for the price we expected better.
Jeep: ours (plate KBP 454K) was in very poor condition (broken seats, torn upholstery, seat belts not working, serious fuel tank problems). Refueling took over 40 minutes while other jeeps managed in 2. On top of this, we had to deal with multiple flat tires — even the two spare wheels were punctured, forcing us to repair them on the way and wasting a lot of time.
Guide/Driver: Dan did his best, but combining both roles is not ideal. He seemed inexperienced and lacked basic equipment (no binoculars). Driving and spotting animals at the same time is very difficult.
Transfers/Timing: travel times were much longer than promised (about +50%), which cut short our safari time. For example, we paid USD 400 but had only 3 hours inside the Masai Mara.
In short: reliable agency and smooth booking, but the vehicle quality and organization need serious improvement.
MY
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Budget and affordable tour
We are grateful to Zanzi’s office staff (Freshia and Lydia) for making such an interesting itinerary and making arrangement including our shuttle bus to and from Nairobi and Arusha with pick-up and for assisting us in changing the driver on our last day. All the best to Zanzi African Safaris.
Despite having so many issues with Mr Daniel (a freelance driver), we managed to fulfill our itinerary. We had a great time and we got to see the animal’s migration and the big five. We also like the Matutu Experience which was fun. The only thing we missed was the pink flamingo at Nakuru Lake National Park due to one of the vehicle's tire busted (for the second time on the same day).
We requested budget accommodation but were not disappointed. The accommodation was simple but stayed affordable. The package price was reasonable and within our budget.
We also like to thank Mr Victor (our last day driver) for entertaining us and accommodating our request on the last day.