65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A great Safari marred by a VERY poor quality vehicles - no satisfaction in getting replacements
Uhuru Travel regarding the vehicles provided for our recent safari with that company.
The vehicles advertised by Uhuru Travel were not provided and very inferior old vehicles were used despite our requests for replacements. We expected a vehicle similar to that in the pictures sent to us in an email but were transported in the sub-standard vehicles.
Apart from the age of the vehicle (manufactured in 1999, hence 20 years old), it had many unsafe features, namely:-
1. We were unable to open the one passenger door from inside the cabin - see pic 4 - jammed up against the seat and difficult to use
2. The seatbelts were difficult to attach and impossible to tighten
3. There was no left-hand rearview mirror - see pic 9
4. The seals were in a poor state
5. The bull-bar was dragging and had to be tied up - see pic 10
6. The seats were extremely uncomfortable - the backs were leaning uncomfortably too far whilst the seats all sloped making for a VERY uncomfortable ride
7. There was only one panic handle with considering the uneven and very bumpy roads further exacerbated the uncomfortable ride
8. The driver had to push up and down his window which was unsafe
9. Limited visibility through the windows
Finally, we paid extra for an upgrade of a vehicle which was not forthcoming.
We were given several promises to replace the vehicle with a better version followed by a number of excuses as to why we had to wait another day for one to be sent. No replacement vehicle was provided. Quote from a director "You don't need a Ferrari for a Safari".
We feel that this company has not been honest with us and has made what should have been a holiday to remember with pleasure and amazement to one of disappointment. We also feel that they have let you (Safari Booking Company) down. We can hardly recommend you or them as reliable sources for safaris in the future.
You may have noted our comments regarding our safari experience on TripAdvisor. I hope the above confirms our poor rating as being far from unfair.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was an unforgettable adventure with very experienced tour guides who made made us enjoy our trip
The communication was good, all our questions were answered to our satisfaction and the customer care was on point.
It was lovely seeing all those beautiful animals especially the Gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which gave us an experience to remember and the beautiful Flamingos at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Try Tristar Africa Skimmer Safaris for your next trip and you will not regret.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
GREAT EXPERIENCE WITH ORONGAI
Our Safari with Orongai in Kenya was a wonderful experience.
We planned it and organized it in less than 10 days together with Martha, who was always very quick in answering our emails.
We picked the “7 days Safari” in Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru and Masai Mara; then we made a little modification on the accommodation for the last 2 nights, because we wanted to spend them in a tented camp (with an extra cost); this changing in the program caused a little problem at first: Ann did not quite understand well what we wanted and there was a problem with payment balance; Ann was not reachable and We could not get any answer, so We started our trip from Italy wondering if everything would have gone well; everything was fixed when we arrived in Nairobi with Martha (she waited for us at the hotel even if it was late in the night), who gave us back the money that we paid for our 2 nights in the tented camp, which Ann did not managed to organize.
The Safari tour is organized perfectly and in the most smart way, letting you discover the marvel of Masai Mara at the end of the trip, so that also the other National Reserves (which are wonderful itself) can be fully appreciated.
All the accommodations are very nice, clean and in proper order, giving you the sense of the African atmosphere.
(Maybe the first lodge in Amboseli was on a lower level compared to all the others, but still fair)
Last but not least, our guide: Kevin.
He has been the greatest guide!! Always on time, always ready to explain us something, whether it was about animals, nature or African culture.
Great animal spotter and a very nice guy.
We really enjoyed our experience with Orongai Africa Safari and we would recommend it to whoever wanted to make a Safari tour in Kenya.
Asante Sana Orongai!!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience..
The best thing with Esther was that she was the first one to respond to my queries on Safaribookings. All the responses were prompt & clear and she made sure that everything is taken care of. It was a complete package (unlike quoted by few others)- right from pickup to drop off at Nairobi airport. The selection of lodges were also good. Her quick responses were indeed the game changer.. all requests were taken care of promptly which was great since we were travelling with kids (including 2 yr old).
The driver/guide was Tom - another fantastic guy.. knowledgeable and friendly.
I highly recommend trying Estleon at least once. This was one of an amazing and memorable tour we had.. thanks to Esther & Co.
HU
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
When the dream come true...
I don't know how to thank you for these wonderful days in Kenya! There are no words for this. Unforgettable, perfect, professional... We will forever be grateful to Beacon Safaris for this safari. We saw the big five. Incredible, amazing, eternal memories! Thank you Robert for making our dream come true! We recommend Beacon Safaris to everyone!
Asante Sana! :)
Henriett & Tamas
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mufasa Tours and Travels on a budget
Five Belgian friends roadtripping through Kenya with Mufasa Tours and Travels: it was simply amazing! They offered us an affordable trip with excellent guiding and flexible service. Thank you Boniface and Joseph!
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari in Masai Mara and Amboseli
We had a very nice time travelling with Mufasa Tours and Travels! They assured us a safe travel from and to the airport and all around Kenya. Both safari's were amazing experiences and our wonderful guide Boniface made them even better. I would recommend Mufasa Tours and Travels if you want to do great budget safari's in Kenya!
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime holiday
We had an amazing first trip to Africa when we went to Cape Town, the Garden Route and the wine country in July 2019.
We asked Go Self-Drive to plan a 3-week itinerary and they suggested our route, booked hotels and car rental, and provided lists of things to see and do at each stop. Our dealings with Elmor and Sadi were friendly, prompt and professional at all times.
The trip exceeded our expectations. The route was exactly what we were looking for, and the hotels were perfectly located and excellent value for money. We are already planning our next trip to Africa and we will definitely be back in touch with the Go Self-Drive team. Highly recommended.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An outstanding travel to open the gate of Africa
After comparing several agents，I chose Classic Journeys for the delightful itinerary timely and economical price.The accommodation arranged is almost satisfying. Our guide is Charly,a Samburu people with excellent driving technique and abundant knowledge of safari, which let me witness the hunting of lions in Amboseli and the new life of lions in Masai Mara,we got optimum shooting angle fortunely by his exquisite driving technique so that I can take documentaries-rivalled photos,but only a moment lasting in order to give other people chance to enjoy the rare scenes by the gentleman's manner of Charly. He also introduced us Samburu people after we visited Masai village，with his concern for compatriots，it is really an unusual experience to let me have acquaintance of the two big peoples of Kenya.
The only deficiency is in Sopa Lodge,there was network wrong with their card-reading,which let me wastage unnecessary money to pay again for the same goods,it is really absurd to let me assumed the liabilities of the fault making by Sopa Lodge’s bank.Although Classic Journeys had help me to negotiate about it,I still do not get responds till now,the Sopa's service is not sopa at all.
Overall，it is a satisfying trip to feed our sight on Africa,letting me fall in love with Africa.Classic Journeys is the best choice of travelling in Africa,and Charly is the best in best！
HK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Amazing Journey
It's a tough trip. You need to stay in the jeep for serval hours every day for searching the wild animals. The driver-guide will try to find out the animals. It's worth for us to do this.