TW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall, it was a good safari experience!
We had a 7-day journey in Kenya, including 6 days on a safari tour.
First, let me share why we'd chosen Bluerange Connect Limited as our safari tour operator. After we had been victims of Mr. Otieno's fraud (Kenya Walking Survivors Safari company), we were looking for a reliable tour operator. It was our priority. At that time, Bluerange Connect Limited had a private tour we could afford since we decided to have a private tour vs a group tour. Plus, they could make adjustments to our itinerary and the price negotiations went smoothly and fairly. Secondly, Willis (the founder, I guess) responses were clear and in a professional way. Thirdly, it's easy to check the company's background. They combine safari tours with logistics which gives you the idea that the company has another source of revenue. If reliability and safety is your priority, IMO I think they're a very good choice.
Our first 3 days had lots of fulfillment in terms of sightseeing and game drives and it was full-day itinerary (until the dinner time: 5-6 pm). The rest of safari days were just ‘half days’; everything was over around 2 pm. Most of the times, we just stayed in our hotel. I suggest everyone who’s traveling to Kenya to confirm the details about every single day of their itinerary including the time when their drivers are off. That way at least you’ll know that you’d have to spend your whole afternoon in a camp, hotel or somewhere in a nearby town (which is better to do accompanied by a hotel employee.)
On the very first days, I’d noticed some contradictions between what the itinerary price included and for what we actually had to pay. For example, on the first day, we had a city tour and the itinerary price included all three meals; breakfast, lunch, and dinner but we paid for those ourselves. Also, according to our itinerary, on the second day, the visit to Masai Mara village was included in the overall price of the tour and I took a screenshot of that fact in order to inform the office about that. We got a phone call with apologies about the confusion but we had to pay for the visit ourselves. I suggest anyone who’s going to have a safari tour confirm this kind of payments with tour operators beforehand. And for tour operators, they should put more effort to avoid this kind of contradictions as it doesn't give an impression of professionalism.
On our fourth day, we’d suddenly learned from our driver-guide that they were changing him and the vehicle. He said that the company scheduled the vehicle inspection for tomorrow so he had to go back to Nairobi. We found that weird because that meant that the company didn’t know he was on the safari with us? And so we asked this question and he couldn’t explain anything as he was a freelance driver-guide. We were quite upset because
not only the guide was changed but also the hatch top van was gone which meant we could not do proper drive games. The office neither informed us in person; nor they brought any apologies. So I’d suggest safari travelers to avoid this kind of situation by making sure that the company you’re traveling with.
As our new driver-guide arrived we asked him if he had water for us. He said he didn’t have any water for us as the office didn’t wire money yet but they were going to do so. When we asked when (because we were thirsty and the water in the hotel was sold like 4 times more expensive) we were told to go to our room and wait for it. As we thought the water would arrive in several hours or so we decided not to walk to the town to buy some in a supermarket. We were waiting and waiting until dinner when we saw our driver-guide who told us that he didn’t buy water because the office didn’t wire him money yet. So we had to buy our water from the hotel as it was already late to walk to the town. This is one more perfect example of bad organizing and service.
On a positive note, overall, it was an unforgettable experience as a safari traveler. I hope my review is useful somehow. Thanks for reading it. Cheers!
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most amazing trip with Spirit of Kenya
We remember with great pleasure our visit to your wonderful country, with its treasures in the form of wildlife and kindness of its people.
We spent an unforgettable week with a perfect organization of Spirit of Kenya, from the pick up at the airport, the chosen accommodations, the unique natural parks and the wise advice of Samu (driver) and Brian (guide).
It was also very important for us to have quickly (less than 2hours) answers by André to all our questions, in order to know which would be the details of our trip.
We would like to visit you again soon.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trip of a lifetime!!
Our 8 day safari with our fantastic guide, Thomas exceeded our expectations.
This is my fourth trip to Africa. I have visited eight different countries in central Africa and Tanzania is now my favourite country. Thomas, our guide was so knowledgeable and his ability to drive and spot animals was uncanny. We travelled around 2000 klms during our 8 days and each day we were not disappointed with being up close to lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, etc. Thomas made our trip for us. Such a pleasant, easy going person to be around. Guides are such an important part of a business because you spend 8 to 10 hours a day with them.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was an absolutely great safari
I was traveling alone, but they found a small group for me to join. It was very nice and the driver was great and above all very flexible and helpful. We could almost see everything in the park! The selected lodges were very good! I would recommend them anytime.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience and a Must
Everything was great through out my tour and exceeded expectations. I recommend Aritsamaye Safaris to others as they will make your stay in southern Africa an unforgettable one.
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
AA Safaries & Tours saved my safari in Kenya
This is actually the 2nd time I used AA Safaries &Tours and write the review.
This time I wanted to visit Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Naivasha in Kenya.
Unfortunately, from the beginning I contacted another company in Kenya - Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris, which appeared to be fraud. I paid them in July and on August 8th, I got a message that they cannot provide service and they stopped answer emails. There are now many reviews from cheated customes about KWSS on their page in Safaribookings. They stoled from many people. And I already bought airtickets and visum for the 6 of September. I was desperate, I lost money and was going to loose even more. So, just 3 weeks before departure I desperately contacted Sydah from AA Safaris & Tours. In February 2019 she arranged for me an exciting trip in Uganda. So I wrote directly to her and asked, if she can help me with safari in Kenya. And she did! In spite of shortage of time, high season and my request to try to do it as cheap as possible but still rather comfortable.
With the help of their partners in Kenya (Francis from Kenia Mara), they managed to book me on new safari, trying to keep price lower as I already lost much money. I was joining groups of other companies and it was different cars and drivers almost every day but it worked! It was amazing! They were taking so good care of me. I do not know, how they managed to coordinate which tourist go to which car, but they did it! :) They controlled the situation all the time. All drivers were excellent, special thanks to Martin, Daniel and Robert (they all belong to different companies).
I had a great time in Kenya! Safari in Masai Mara was absolutely incredible! It was really a whole day safari, we drived in about 7:00 in the morning and returned to the hotel around 6 pm. We saw all possible big animals just at a few meters distans, even closer sometimes. I made hundreds of great photos. Accomodation (Menyatta Camp just few minutes drive from Masai Mara entrance ) was rather modest but absolutely okey for its price class. At all places was clean, there were mosquito nets, staff was friendly. My last day in Nairobi also was filled with activities: I had a city tour, visit to Karen Blixen house and Giraffe Centrum.
Both Sydah and Francis answered at all my mails and sms almost immediately, even if I wrote early in the morning or late in the evening. I am grateful to AA Safaries & Tours Ltd and to Kenia Mara for the excellent safari which they organized for me practically in the last minute. They are responsible professionals!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful vacation of a lifetime.
Hearing about a Safari and going on one are completely different. This was a dream come true. Our guide was so friendly, knowledgeable and kind. I hope to do it again. To view animals in their habitat within arms reach is unbelievable. I would encourage anyone to do a safari, before it's too late.
AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect 5 day Safari in Tansania
Everything was super! The communication with Mack in advance via mail was excellent and fast. First we were a little bit worried about the advance payment but everything went perfectly fine! We were picked up by our really nice guide Laurien at 5 o clock in the morning from the airport. In the evening Mack visited us and explained everything about the upcoming the safari. On the next morning Laurien picked us up again and we started our safari. With the help of our excellent guide we could spotted all big five! He knows so many things about the flora and fauna and could answer all our questions. And despite that he is a very safe driver and always made jokes and looked after us. We had a little car brake but Laurien brought us to a Lodge to wait there until everything was fixed - not really a wonder if we think about the bad African roads :-). It was one of our best holidays ever and we really could recommend Kiliholidays and Laurien! Thank you so much! We are already missing the wonderful Serengeti.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya-Tanzania safari with Trip Advisor Africa Safaris
Folks,
When I had to book a short 8-9 day Kenya-Tanzania safari to suit in my available holidays, was checking a lot through various channels in internet. Finally came across this one post in Safari Bookings made by one operator by name TripAdvisor Africa Safaris, which was tailor made and definitely suiting my tentative itinerary. So decided to approach them with a query.
Then onwards everything was fast forward. Mr Seth Vincent from the Safari agency was of quick in his responses, and why not we we were ready to have a close wildlife experience in quick time.
The hotel n Nairobi was too good. The one in Nakuru was good, the ones in Maasai was fine. And then we ended up in tented accommodation which was of the first kind of experience we had. Even though we were notified about it, we were less prepared for it and it's deficiencies.
Anyhow, the trip ended up really well. Very much above our expectations with the guides Mr. Wikilife in Kenya and Mr. PrayGod in Tanzania was so helpful and spot on in their job. Their eye sight and attention is commendable without compromising any matter of safety. The chef masavi was clinical in his meal preparation throughout the stay in serengeti and ngorongoro tents. It was like woow, and we were like how did he do so with limited space in common kitchen and lesser time and items.
Herewith let me conclude this review,
Definitely these guys are recommended.
Regards
Tivin Thomas
+91-9901252761
India
20-35 years of age
Scenery, weather, accommodations,food, transportation, your guide other highlights and so on
Scenery, weather, accommodations, food,transportation, your guide other highlights and so on?
