CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very lucky with game drive
We booked a 4 days / 3 nights safari (Nakuru and Masai Mara) with Wildebeest Safari. I've been many times in Kenya (at least 10 times) and it was first time with my husband, my 2 girls (10 and 7 years) and I. I would say the safari was very good and we were very lucky with game drive. We saw the Big Five and plenty of other animals. We arrived in Nairobi 26th September. The Airport is Under construction therefore, it is a big mess. We were a bit confused as Ken (the person in charge of the welcome at the arrival) waited outside of the Airport. Many of operator waited Inside... Then the transfer to the Wildebeest Eco Camp for the first night (Nairobi Langata) was ok. But I would never never recommended Wildebeest Eco Camp. It could be a super place but the people working there are terrible. Nobody welcome you. They didn't find the booking etc... we had to walk to our tent (which was at the opposit of the camp) with all our luggage without help and explaination of the camp and facilities. Anyway it was just for the first night. Next day (first day of our safari) we should have meet our guide at 8h00. 8h30 nobody was there. I called Wildebeest and they told me that the guide was stock in trafficjam but he should arrive in the next 5 minutes. 10 minutes later nobody. No help from the reception of the camp Nothing. 15 minutes later the guide arrive at the reception. In fact he was behind the camp as the security guard at the entrance said that he has to wait outside.... well the driver guide finally came Inside at the reception and we left Nairobi 1 hour later. Our driver guide was Joseph. A very good driver... but didn't interact much with us. Didn't explain much. Anyway maybe a bit shy or I don't know. But he took care of us, the vehicle was comfortable and very clean during the safari. First stop in Nakuru at Nakuru Flaming Hill camp. Very nice place, very nice people. We liked this place ver much. Very good game drive also. Next day Nakuru - Masai Mara Serena lodge. What a terrible long day. We passed though the mountain (via Moa) . When we reached Narok after 4 hours we thought it would be ok yet. No way the road to the Mara is awfull. It is not a road. First time I came in Kenya 20 years ago the roads were better. Next time (if I 'll come again) it will be a flying safari. We left at 7 the morning and reach Mara Serena lodge at 4h30 the afternoon. We were tired and my girls were exausted. Wildebeest Safari should advise custumers that roads are so terrible specially when you travel with kids. Anyway this day was a long and uncumfortable day without game drive... just driving driving and driving. Thanks to Joseph who managed this very well. Next day was a full day safari in the Mara. Very good game perfect. The picnic lunch in the middle of the Mara was great. Mara Serena lodge (I've been there at least 5 times) was ok. 20 years ago was same... but staff are not so friendly. The girl at the shop was terrible. Then back to Nairobi with 3 hours drives again on this terrible road. And one more night at the Wildebeest camp. Next morning we should have a transfer at 7h00 to the Airport. Once again our driver (Ken) arrived at 7h30-7h45. He told us again that the security guard told him to stay outside of the camp with car. Ok you stay outside but come at the reception please. Our flight was at 10h00 and we were afraid to miss it. It has been a big stress. To resume the games were perfect (very lucky), the vehicle was also perfect (clean and comfortable), the guide (Joseph) drive his car perfectly but needs to interact a little more more with clients, accomodation very good at Nakuru, good at Masai Mara and poor in Nairobi. We found that Kenya changed a lot. People are not as friendly as they used to be (so disappointed with this point). Roads are poor ... but landscapes still beautiful. My family and I enjoyed the safari but not sure will come again.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Marvelous
They have trained and experienced staff who knows how to treat clients very well.there were no delays on tranfers.safety was quaranteed with the rest of the crew.the chef was so enteractive on menus
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Tsavo West National Park by Ariel Smith
Thick brush made it difficult to see wildlife, but the views of the mountains and Mt Kili at sunset were incredible!
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Safari With some minor hiccups by the Driver
First of all, I would like to thank Sylvester for offering us such a fabulous Safari.
The hotels & the plans were spot on. I am also thankful to his recommendations for the safari itinerary, and saving timing by not doing back-tracking.
Our Hotel selection was fabulous for the package that we opted for. And we felt that everything went as per the plan :)
Minor Hiccups (Driver : Pascal):
1. The driver would take unnecessary stops & waste time at Curio shops, expecting us to buy stuff, despite telling him that we didn't want to.
2. There was no WiFi offered by the driver, despite Sylvester confirming that he has the device.
3. There was only 1 pack of 20 1/2ltr bottles being shared by the two of us & the driver, and that ran out on day3 (of our 7 day safari), we had to spend a lot on buying from the hotels.
4. The driver wanted an evening off (on easter eve') on our stay at Naivasha. We were happy to skip our boat ride & allowed him to go back and spend time with the family.
Despite us being considerate, having him join us for meals all the time, offering him wine & beer after all game drives, he fooled us on the last day by making us skip the safari at Amboseli in the morning. Which we later found out made him save a full day's park fee! We kinda felt cheated.
This was discussed with Sylvester on our meeting before the flight, and he agreed to investigate.
Sylvester also mentioned that he will take action against the driver & offered us refunds for unused safari/park fees/resources - if the driver is found guilty - as they have GPS trackers and can confirm his holiday & skipping the game-drive. The investigation led to our facts being True.
But it's been 4 months+, Sylvester hasn't carried out any refunds as promised, even after regular follow-ups.
Overall -
I feel its a Great experience being in Kenya which in itself is a 5-star experience. I would have given a 5-star rating if the post-safari experience was Prompt & Professional as well.
These minor hiccups surely are something which can be avoided by paying attention to details and making sure the Drivers & Managers don't want to make these minor cost-cutting stunts.
I wanted more
I would have preferred my tour personalized. I paid, got picked up by a hired taxi, got dropped off then got picked up again. All without seeing anyone from your office and I wasn't informed of all these
For that, I expected more value for the amount paid which was higher than should have been
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Nairobi National Park by Kam
Not as many animals, very close to the city and worth the visit if you can't get out the bigger parks.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Em
Heavy rains made lake level to high to access flamingo sites but still plenty wildlife to see. Large Buffalo herds.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve by PyLb29
Combined with a cruise on the Pongola River, it was especially a relaxing moment to enjoy the scenery rather than a discovery of species. The visit of the animals in the encampments, zebras for example, remains a pleasant moment.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
In the nature
The wildlife and landscape is great and beyond my expectation. Felt like staying more there and didn't feel like coming out from there.
US
Met many Kenya people who are not honest, always try to swindle money out of visitors
1.Wildlife is great.
2.No smog control on vehicles, therefore, air pollution is serious especially in big cities.
3. Met many Kenya people (people on street, Guide/ Driver, Park security) who are not honest, always try to fool you and swindle money or taking advantage of visitors. (Some women asked me to take ONE picture for them, then asked for US$20. Tour Guide said he has no money to buy me food/water after I had paid meals/water/tour to the tour company. Security at Masai Mara asked a tip of US$ 50 for a 5 minutes walk. etc.)--I have travelled many places around the world, and I have never met so many greedy people in one place!