US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing experience from start to finish!
We had an amazing safari trip thanks to Spirit of Kenya! Because of my work, I only had about a little over a month or so to plan this trip from the time I decided I wanted to go to the time we landed in Nairobi. It wouldn't have been possible without the amazing help from Vanessa, our main contact and trip consultant. She made it super easy for me to customize our trip and made sure everything was taken care of before we arrived in Nairobi (and very promptly answered every silly question that I had!).
Vanessa gave an excellent selection of options for each area that we stayed in (Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru, and Maasai Mara) at different price points, which made it easy to try to get the most out of my budget for the trip. We stayed at a nice mix of mid-range and luxury accomodations which all had slightly different vibes, and we were extremely happy with all of them - Kibo Safari Camp in Amboseli, Naivasha Sopa Lodge in Naivasha, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp in Nakuru, and finally Amani Mara in Maasai Mara (absolutely worth splurging on!). It was also easy to book add-ons with her -- we opted for the open sided 4x4 jeep (absolutely would recommend this), as well as a hot air balloon ride and Maasai Village tour while we were in Maasai Mara (both of which were definitely worth it). We were very grateful to have Vanessa as our consultant!
Our guide for our trip was Shumo, and he was fantastic! He was super knowledgeable about all the parks we visited, and knew the best places to look for animals. We easily saw the Big 5 (and then some) with him! He also suggested good last minute edits to our game drive schedule that were excellent and obviously well informed - after a long and bumpy drive to Maasai Mara, he suggested we do the nature walk hosted by Amani Mara instead of an afternoon game drive (which we loved -- it was so nice to get out and walk around after the long drive). He also mentioned that Amani Mara did night safaris, so we did a long morning game drive instead of an all-day game drive one day in order to make sure we had enough down time before our night safari! (which was an excellent suggestion -- we loved it!) He was always super communicative about our planned schedule each day. We really enjoyed our time chatting with him as well. Thank you, Shumo!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Efficient and understanding
Great overall experience.
Strong communication, service met expectations and good value.
Intense safari with unique experiences.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about South Luangwa National Park by Philippe
Very interesting place with a lot of different ecosystems. Bird's and obviously the marvelous leopard. Plan a stay of at least 3 or 4 days because he is not always easy to see !
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Lower Zambezi National Park by Philippe
A lot of animals but quite difficult to see because of the vegetation.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Julia
Lake Manyara is a little bit destroyed from the flood. In the morning we almost saw no animals than Monkeys! Would not recommend!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome. God had fun and a sense of humor when creating the country, it's animals and birds.
The safaris by African Paradis Safaris LTD were awesome, 9 of 10. Each park had its own beauty and we saw all the game possible, in incredible quantity. Our guide, Lawrence Muthee, was knowledgeable and ensured that we were always cared for and saw the best possible. Each lodge that we stayed in was a 4* or better. The tent was "gampling" and fun. At no time did we feel any concerns, except that we may not tip enough. I tried to pick a favorite park but couldn't. If we had to shorten our trip, we might skip Lake Naishava. The cultural visit to the Maasai village was another highlight. When we return, we will use the same company and guide. We took an upgrade with a balloon ride. It was worth the added expense. We visited Tsavo East, Amboseli, Lake Naishava, Maasai Mara, Lake Nokuru, Aberdare, and Samburu. Everyone we met was eager to be of assistance.
We went to Zimbabwe and took a game drive there. It was 2 on a scale of 1-10. The Falls was huge and nice, but, after you've seen the water fall down, it's anti-climatic. Not worth the expense. Not much else to do or see.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very friendly country
Amazing game drive, a lot of animals, big cat's and birds. Very pleasant atmosphere everybody helpful, whether the guide, the staff in the hotel or passenger in the bus.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Something Special (one in a lifetime)
We did only a 3 full day safari which is quiet short but was enough for us! Our Safari Guide frome „Lion King Adventure“ was really friendly but also a little bit tooo careful while driving on the „normal roads“ everyone will overrun us even the big trucks.. he was afraid of a big fine.
Also we went to Tiarangire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara. Our Guide was sad we did‘t book Serengeti (because it was too far away for us). And he didn‘t want to go home to his family because of a lot of bills, so he made us feel bad.. They don‘t have enough work / safaris to do / to less tourists.
We REALLY liked the „Karatu tented lodge“ in Karatu where we stayed for 2 nights!
Before and after the Safari we slept each one night in Arusha in the „Mount Meru“ Hotel, also recommend this hotel.
After the Safari we went to Zanzibar and we loved the north of it!! (Nungwi!) Probably the most beautiful Beach ever!
2 days it was raining a little bit but nothing bad.
The service in the Hotel was not as good as expected (sundies baobab hotel), we only booked B&B and went to different restaurants for lunch & dinner at the beach. That was amazing food and really cheap!
After 1 Week we went to the South of Zanzibar (Kizimkazi), we really liked the hotel (fruit & spice) but at the beach it was really windy and the beach was not really nice! Next time I wouldn‘t go to the South.. maye east, but definitely loved the North!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
reliable and efficient
Cuckoo Safaris prepared and tailored my trip to Victoria Falls at very short notice, with very reliable service and always very responsive to my queries. Both Tatenda and Simon, my guide, delivered a superb trip which allowed me to rest during my trip, with no hassles throughout. Highly recommended.