35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Incredible Safari Experience – Excellent Service, Experienced Guides and Outstanding Value for Mo
We recently travelled to Kenya for a safari, visiting the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, on a 6 day 5 night package, and we honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience!
I was initially a little sceptical about booking with this tour operator because their prices were significantly lower than those of many other operators, and there were fewer reviews available online. I wondered whether choosing a cheaper package might mean compromising on the quality of the experience as well as our safety. However, having completed our safari, I can confidently say that we made an excellent decision!
The entire experience was absolutely wonderful, and the service was comparable to what other travellers received from operators charging more than double what we paid. The tour guides were highly experienced, knowledgeable and professional. Although we missed out on sighting a leopard, we've had several incredibly close sightings of the other members of the Big Five.
Another thing that really impressed us was how smoothly everything was organised. All the arrangements were made efficiently, and everything happened without unnecessary delays. When travelling across different destinations on a safari, good organisation makes such a huge difference, and this operator delivered exceptionally well.
I would also like to give special recognition to Gentrix, who was incredibly helpful from the very beginning. I had quite a few questions before booking, and she patiently answered my queries and provided the information I needed. I never felt pressured to make a decision. Instead, I felt comfortable asking questions and taking the time I needed to decide. She made the whole process pleasant and stress-free, and that gave me confidence in choosing this company.
Overall, we had a fantastic safari experience, with experienced guides, excellent organisation, helpful customer service and genuinely outstanding value for money. We paid considerably less than many other travellers, but we certainly didn't feel that we received a lesser experience.
I would recommend this tour operator to anyone planning a safari in Kenya, especially those who are working with a budget but don't want to compromise on the quality of their experience.
A big thank you to Gentrix and the entire team for helping make our Kenyan safari such a memorable experience. So glad we chose you!
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Access to Amazing Africa
This is the second time I have used Safari 365. The first was for a trip to South Africa in 2018 (fantastic trip) and this summer to the Masai Mara, another wonderful experience.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great organisation and service
Henry was an outstanding guide throughout our safari. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights about Kenya’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture. He was also flexible, approachable, and easygoing, which made every part of the experience feel relaxed and enjoyable.
Thanks to Henry, we had a fantastic time and made the most of our safari. I would wholeheartedly recommend him and Savannah Woods Safaris to anyone planning a trip to Kenya. If you’re looking for a memorable experience with a knowledgeable and friendly guide, Henry is the person to book!
RU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A reliable and responsible tour operator.
We went on a safari in October and saw so many animals: elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and many more! We booked through a company and stayed at a hotel that was absolutely amazing.
Our guide was engaging, cheerful, and very knowledgeable, sharing lots of interesting information throughout the trip. We visited Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. Three wonderful days!
I highly recommend this experience. You definitely won’t regret it. It was truly incredible!
By the way, we booked six months in advance and had some concerns, but everything went really smoothly. The transfers were prompt, and the company took care of all the arrangements. Everything was well organized and ran like clockwork.
Thank you so much!!!
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Maasai Mara experience with Geeman!
We had an incredible two full days on safari in the Maasai Mara, and Geeman made it truly unforgettable. His tracking instincts and knowledge of the reserve are top-tier. Thanks to him, we managed to spot everything on our checklist across just two days. He positioned the vehicle perfectly for sightings and photography every single time.
Beyond being a brilliant guide, Geeman is warm, exceptionally friendly, and constantly brings great energy and conversation to the drive. He made us feel completely at ease from minute one. If you are heading to the Mara, ask for Geeman, you won't find a better companion out in the bush!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience!
We had an amazing experience from beginning to end with Pega tours. We had a slightly quirky itinerary and not much time, and they worked with us to arrange a perfect trip. John was a fantastic guide, so knowledgeable about the wildlife and all the books and crannies of the parks, and went out of his way (quite literally!) to show us all the gems and animals. The home stay with the owner is basic, clean and welcoming, with tasty food. We were so pleased that we ended up hiring out John as a driver all the way to rift valley as well, and we were very comfortable in the safari van on the scenic route. Thoroughly recommend!!!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a very enjoyable 5 day safari
It was well organised from the beginning
Reservations Sales team and then a smooth handover to the coordinator
Safari driver was good as well
It certainly was very expensive and the one thing that we didn’t like is the high expectations from your company to give the drivers a tip of more then 100 USD per day for a family of four
Nowhere else in the world does that exist
Aren’t you paying them enough when your company is already charging a lot for the actual Safari ??
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime
We just returned from a 8 day safari with Safari Soles. They helped customize an itinerary that was exactly what we wanted. Their communication was excellent and emails were answered within a day Mandela was our guide and he was superb! We saw all of the Big Five multiple times. Our accommodations were very comfortable and each place had staff that were very helpful. We highly recommend Safari Soles as a company and Mandela as a guide.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Could not ask for or find a better company
I have never left a review on any tour group before. However, I felt compelled to here because Jangwa was a truly amazing group. Not only did they set up an amazing trip, they went way above when the airline lost our bags (even though Jangwa had nothing to do with the airline booking or choice). While we continued our trip, they spent numerous hours working to find our bags and make sure that we were able to get those back while at the same time keeping our itinerary. They were extremely responsive during all aspects of the trip trip planning to after we returned, and they quickly responded to any issue we had arise. I cannot recommend this group highly enough.
CA
Be sure You Bring New US Currency If You Are Paying Your Balance To Shian Tours In Cash
Albert was our guide through Shian Tours and he was the consummate professional, incredibly well versed in all of the places he brought is, sharing relevant facts and personal anecdotes, all laced with humour. He was prompt and prepared for each of our days and both flexible and attentive in considering our needs and preferences. We would give him 5 stars!!
As far as the Shian Team goes we worked primarily with Jackie and only occasionally with Jane. Although they were both professional and responsive, Jackie neglected to inform us of a very significant piece of information involving the fact that any US dollars dated prior to 2017 or having any marks or tears are considered illegal tender in Kenya. She texted us this information while we were boarding in Frankfurt for our second flight on our way to Nairobi. Impossible for us to do anything about it at that point. Upon arrival in Nairobi at our meeting with her she informed us that 700 USD of payment was unusable and that we would have to come up with it again. She was unwilling to eat the cost within the company, or to share the cost of the mistake, she insisted on dumping it fully on us. As Canadians it involved yet another transaction changing our money to American, again at a cost to us. This should have been something she told us well ahead of time when we were still in Canada and could have easily been appropriately prepared. It was a debacle. We had to come up with our own solution as she handed us the “old” currency and threatened to cancel our safari. At one point she messaged and told us to use that $700 as our gate entrance fee yet she told us noone would accept it only at a great loss to us. Seemed like a 4 hour drive to find they would not take our money was a risk she wanted us to take. There were other instances of misinformation, but that being said, our hotels were booked, transportation mostly on time and communication available throughout our trip.
She came and presented us with a Shuka and wanted a photo op in front of the Shian Tour marked vehicle which we obliged her. She also upgraded us to 2 inclusive breakfasts before all the problems even started. , A big shout out to the Hilton Garden Inn near the airport in Nairobi. Again 5 star! They took fabulous care of us in all ways possible; transportation, flexible check-in and check-out, great rooms, tasty food and warm, welcoming staff. We believe we received good value for what we paid.
Can’t wrap this up without once again saying Albert is an exceptional guide. Ask for him!!!!