50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Memories Safari was an incredible company to work with to plan our trip to Kenya.
I began planning a trip to Kenya in June 2022 after considering several African countries to visit. Probably my primary reason for choosing Kenya was based on numerous postings by other travelers and their assessment that Kenya has one of the best tourist infrastructures on the continent. As this was our first trip to Africa that was very important to us.
After making the decision to visit Kenya, I did my due diligence in choosing a tour operator to help make our travel arrangements (two of us). Based on several postings I chose the company, Amazing Memories Safaris. I emailed the company with my desired itinerary. Probably within 24 hours (maybe it was 48) I received an email response from Anne. She answered all of my questions and a few days later sent information about costs and other information (hotel suggestions, other options). After a few weeks an agreement was reached regarding a day-to-day itinerary for the entire trip.
I knew I wanted to include a safari but did not want it to be the majority of the trip. I ended up with the following itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive to Nairobi (late at night)
Day 2: Nairobi-David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center, lunch in Nairobi
Day 3: Leave to Lake Nakuru
Day 4 & 5: Maasai Mara
Day 6: Back to Nairobi
Day 7: Train to Mombasa
Day 8 & 9: Mombasa
Day 10, 11, 12: Lamu
Day 13: Back to Nairobi
Day 14: Last minute shopping & lunch in Nairobi
Day 15: Fly back home
Our trip was such an incredible experience and I know Amazing Memories Safari Company made it even more special. First, Anne was great at keeping in touch. Sometimes I just needed to confirm a detail with her and at other times there were some minor changes (flights, hotels, etc.). For example, approximately one or two weeks out Anne contacted me about changing hotels for the Maasai Mara portion of the trip based on feedback from other travelers. I trusted her judgement and the change turned out to be wonderful. Second, Anne was very clear about what I needed to do and what she could arrange. As I wanted to travel to Mombasa and Lamu, she was able to secure train tickets for us, but I was to make the arrangements for internal flights (Mombasa to Lamu and Lamu back to Nairobi). There were no surprises and almost everything went super smooth. Finally, I would add Anne partnered us with some great drivers. On day 1 of our trip around Nairobi we were driven by Joseph. Joseph was so kind, very personable and was able to help us find a new electric converter as our old converter did not work. I asked Joseph if he would be the person to take us out on the 4-day safari, but he explained he is the Nairobi guy – there is a different driver for safaris known as the bush guy. I was a little disappointed as we had connected with Joseph and he was so knowledgeable about Nairobi but my concerns were unfounded. We met Francis the next day. We would be spending the next 4 days with Francis. Francis is the guy you want to take you on a safari. He shares so much knowledge about the animals and he literally knows everyone. After a day or so I could see why Francis is so popular with other drivers, park rangers and others on the route. He (like Joseph) is such a likeable person and made the safari drives so memorable. Our very last day in Nairobi our driver’s name was Eshphan. Eshphan made sure we did everything we needed to do on our last day. Most of our day was acquiring last minute gifts and having our last meal in Nairobi. If he did not where to purchase an item he connected with his contacts and took us to the appropriate venue. He also did some incredible driving on the way to the airport. Traffic is chaotic in Nairobi and I was getting nervous as there was a point when we were in gridlock. We made it to the airport in fine time and I appreciated his driving skills.
Arriving in Mombasa and subsequently traveling to Lamu we made our own arrangements for tours, but Anne made the hotel reservations. I could have made the reservations on my own but Anne was able to get the rooms at a slight discount, which helped the budget.
Overall, I would give Amazing Memories Safari an exceeds expectations rating. All of the individuals who we worked with Joseph, Francis, Eshphan and our main contact Anne were outstanding. We will never forget our trip and hope to return in our future. If you are considering a trip to Kenya I would urge you to use this company – they are the best!
MX
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience, great guide.
Our family safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire was a lifetime experience! The charm personality and outstanding expertise of our guide Zablon, from African Big Cats Safaris, made a difference. He always had the right comment and the right moment to learn more about the behavior of each animal we were encountering during the safaris. Everything worked like a Swiss clock, from the pickup from our hotel in Moshi to the Dropoff at Arusha. Highly recommendable/reliable safari company.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
SENSATIONAL !
Easy Travel is the best company you can choose for your Tanzania Safari and so much more!! Professional, reliable, flawless, no details were left to the uncertain during our 7 days Safari through the major parks. I would travel time and time again with such an amazing company. The hotels were fantastic, the food was sensational, the cars reliable and comfortable (Wi-Fi and drinks on board!!) the drivers … never seen such a good team of drivers- guides. Gilbert, Edward, Santiely and Harry, are THE BEST you can have to explore Tanzania, to see the animals, and to miss them when you leave. True good friends. We will come back for them and the great company behind their work. Asante sana for everything!!!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional organisation, great safari experience!
We had an unforgettable safari experience with Tanzania Specialist. From the first Email contact until the very last day of our safari everything was very well organised and we always felt cared for very well. Our tour guide Rwehumbiza was great, he made sure we saw all the animals we wanted to see and knew the parks very well. He is a great driver and speaks German very well.
All the lodges and camps were very nice and many were exceptional. We particularly loved the tented lodges in Tarangire and Serengeti.
Overall, the value for money is very good, the organisation is thorough uncomplicated, and the staff is very reliable.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing, organized and just plain awesome
We really loved everything from dealing with the tour operator, to answering my questions really fast, and actually enjoying the safari we really loved it all. So well organized, and our guide and camp also amazing. I was nervous to book over the internet but I took a chance and it was well worth it!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Pilanesberg safari was amazing!
We had a wonderful experience at our Pilanesberg safari. Our driver, Sunny, was funny, friendly, and super knowledgeable. Once we arrived, our tour guide, T, was also fantastic. He explained all about the animals we were watching on the way, especially their behaviors and curious facts. During the safari, we saw plenty of impalas, many zebras and giraffes, hippos (including a baby hippo), several elephants and their offspring, rhinos (like six in total, including some offspring), and leopards! We saw a male leopard who crossed in front of our car. Later on, T, spotted the tracks of another leopard with the offspring and we found them! It was a mom with two youngsters. They all crossed in front of our car. In another moment, we also saw an elephant who walked in front of us. T was fantastic at spotting the animals and making sure that we all had a chance to take pictures and see them. We were very lucky, but it was also thanks to T that we were able to have such an unforgettable experience.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They are the most personable and reliable experts I’ve ever worked with in all my African travels!
I have travelled to Southern Africa from the US 20+ times. As an experienced traveler I can say Venture to Africa is by far the best travel company I’ve ever had the pleasure to use. Mandy has helped me with numerous trips and not once has there been an issue with logistics. To travel in Africa as often as I have.. that’s a miracle! Crossing borders, transport to lodges, bush planes arriving to your camp, food preferences, game activities are all a part of the logistical nightmare that Venture to Africa handles. They are responsive and reliable throughout the whole process. I had a medical emergency one year and Mandy provided great assistance and encouragement through it all. They are local and that is key to understanding when and where to go. They have been to many of the lodges and camps and that is a huge benefit. The seasons, weather, and ecosystems change throughout the year so you want someone who understands these things! Whomever you choose to book through, please choose an agency that is in Africa! Venture to Africa is gifted in working within a budget and designing just the right trip for you. My trips have been spectacular. I wish I could show you all my photos and tell you my stories as I have been blessed to see so much of Botswana and Southern Africa. Venture to Africa is wonderful and worthy of your trust.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best out of the lot♥️
Kenya was always on our bucket list, but never thought we could it make it happen this soon. One random day when our friends came and put forth this plan, I had a bright smile on my face. Coincidences like these are a match made in heaven. The safari experience with Ramja safaris was beyond my expectations. Mr. Peter was our guide for safari and I must tell that he is a thorough professional and gave his 100% every single time. He is a very good listener and was open to all our requests, this really made our trip easy going and in the end it was totally worth the money. I’ll recommend Ramja safaris to anyone travelling to Kenya
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly Recommended!
We had a fantastic experience since the beginning. Our driver, Nick, was very knowledgeable and friendly. He shared very interesting information about the history of Johannesburg and South Africa. He also knew a lot about the Kruger Park and other areas close by. We stayed at the Umbhasa lodge, which had great accommodations, great food, and very friendly/helpful personnel. At the park, our tour guide, Givens, was also knowledgeable and shared plenty of information about the animals in the park and their behaviors. We saw impalas, baboons, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, warthogs, buffalos, elephants, hyenas, among other animals. We also saw lions and rhinos from a distance. Givens tried hard to find opportunities to see the lions and/or rhinos closer, but we didn't have luck. At any rate, the experience was unbelievable!
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Exceptional Safari Experienced In Tanzania
Our 4-day safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro was great! Faraja helped to organize the program and accommodated all our requests. The process of booking was smooth and it was easy to communicate with Faraja. Our guide JOHN was an excellent guide and a really nice guy. He is very knowledgeable of the area’s geography, flora, fauna and even history. He made us feel very comfortable and went extra mile to find all the big five and beyond during our trip. We saw an amazing number and diversity of animals and JOHN was able to provide interesting information about them. We had a mid-range accommodation package and we especially enjoyed the Kon Tik Serengeti Camp central inside Serengeti, even though the location is quite remote. It was a nice experience to sleep inside the national park close to the wildlife - we even saw seven lions next to our camp in the morning. The Rhino Lodge is on the rim of Ngorongoro wall, at quite high altitude and thus the weather was rainy. All in all, it was a great, enjoyable, once in a lifetime experience that we will always remember.
