US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
OUTSTANDING SERVICE! I was not the easiest client, I’m sure, that Daniel-Transtrek Safaris has dealt
The three things a safari company is providing are:
• Confidence in the services being provided…Daniel was amazing
• Transportation…both the vehicle and the Transtrek drivers were excellent…Peter was our main driver but we also enjoyed Simon and Ronnie
• Lodging…each location had its unique personality and all of the people running the camps were gracious and accommodating.
So, if you want to hear more, read on. The difficult client, ME.
• DANIEL: Prior to using SafariBooking.com I had arrangements with another company which didn’t work out due to our bank refusing to transfer money. A sketchy website, never having actually talked to the contact person, and not using a Secure Payment method I cancelled that trip and started shopping again. Daniel and one other company provided prompt responses to my request while a third company took a week or so and multiple requests to reply. The quality of Transtrek’s proposal was far better and so I booked with Daniel’s assistance. The next request I made was to ask for assistance with lodging in Nairobi prior to our safari departure. Again, Daniel made arrangements which were outside the actual safari contract. Payment was made, all is good. Then I decide to ask if I can cancel the additional reservation. Daniel complied and refunded the money. Here is what I am impressed with, Daniel was ethical. Another person might just have said “no” changes can be made, might have charged a processing fee, might have… Next, upon arrival, at 10:30 p.m. I ask Peter, my driver if he might be available for the next two days for local touring in Nairobi. He assured me that it could be done and he would contact Daniel. I could have and should have made this request prior to arrival but I was afraid to commit due to weather forecasts. Anyway, Daniel came through on extremely short notice and provided me with Simon one day and Ronnie the next day. Both drivers were prompt with our pickup and dedicated themselves for the entire day. Lastly, just as our safari began the Talek River flooded and destroyed the bridge we needed to use to get to our final camp. Two of my companions had been in country for a month and were familiar with the area and were quite concerned about our arrangements at Julia’s Camp and the possible need for something else. Both Daniel and Peter assured me that all would be good and my group had no need to worry. The reality in any disaster is that the situation changes daily and patience is a virtue. I was a bit short on patience in the moment. All worked out very well under Daniel’s guidance and my entire Transtrek Safari was great.
• PETER: What a jewel for the company. Peter spent a week with four U.S. women! Bless his heart. Peter has the art of figuring out group dynamics and when and how to become part of the group or not. By the end of our trip he joined in our banter becoming a welcome member of the party. In doing this our appreciation for Peter as a professional driver grew. He explained some of his decisions in regard to safety on our game drives, comparing the parks visited and the number of other drivers around as factors which went into his choices. For example, in the Meru NP Daniel brought a ranger to help. In the Mara he indicated that all drivers (and there are many) support each other assisting when one gets stuck or in communicating the sightings of animals.
The transportation vehicle used by Transtrek is the Toyota Land Cruiser modified for safaris, an excellent choice. We saw Toyota vans which seemed cramped and huge vehicles with open sides. We actually rode in one of these open sided trucks which I loved until we pulled up next to a roadside lioness. As she starred at me I realized that she is much faster and far more agile then the current driver (not a TT driver though I doubt that Peter could react faster than that lion) and that there was nothing between us. I highly recommend the Toyota Land Cruiser.
• We participated in Glamping and my only regret is that we didn’t have a few more days to chill and enjoy each camp a bit more. Our one night stay at the Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort allowed for a bit of luxury and a visit to Elsamere. I highly recommend travelers become aware of “Born Free” and the work that has been done to honor the amazing animals we are allowed to see on game drives.
That’s it! I highly recommend Transtrek Safaris and would not hesitate to use their services again.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience for the price
Karibou Safaris provided a great experience overall, especially considering the price - $630 US for a six day trip including Masai Mara (excellent), Lake Nakuru (much better than expected), and Amboseli (very good). Emails were very responsive and answered all questions. Service was overall very good. Our driver Peter did an excellent job explaining the plan for the day and ensuring we got the most out of our safari. We were fortunate to see so many animals, including the “big 5”. Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru I consider “must see” parks. Amboseli is also interesting primarily to see lots of elephants with Kilimanjaro in the back ground, though there are other animals to see there too. Our vehicle was a 2WD Toyota van with pop up roof. Adequate but needed towing twice in the worst muddy spots. 4WD would be better. Lots of driving but there are good things to see even on pure travel days like the optional Masai village and Lake Naivasha. Lunches on the road were good from roadside restaurants. Food and accommodations were slightly better in Masai Mara (Manyatta camp) than Amboseli (Kimana cottages). City max hotel is fine in Nakuru. Sack lunches on safari were fine. We did not always get bottled water provided as indicated, but we did purchase some. Overall the trip exceeded our expectations and I would recommend this trip for those on a budget.
NZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best tour company ever!
This is our second time using Lights in Africa and we are again very impressed with the service. The administration side is easy to book and has great communication. The vehicles are safe and sturdy with no breakdowns. The two drivers we've had have both been very informative, funny and have taken great care of us. I would definitely recommend this company and we will use them again.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
wonderful safari firm
we appreciate the service you offer us during the time we came to Kenya. we can say that your services were above our imagination. Vincent was good planner and could offer us a package that was friendly and enjoyable.The van was in good condition and the driver was having good driving skill and was knowledgeable of the park. We will love to do another safari with you.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Two day safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro: Amazing!
We did a two day Safari to Tarangire Nationalpark and Ngorongoro crater and had an amazing time! Absolutely lovely and carrying Team. Very individual and flexible plannings with Alpha, well trained driver with a big knowledge and best food ever. We definitely recommend wild ways adventure!!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely awesome and should be on everyone's bucket list
I cannot fault Leopard Tours. The drivers are extremely knowledgeable and kept us informed, answering our questions and explaining wherever necessary. The service they gave us was attentive and caring seeing that we were seniors. The whole experience was beyond my expectations and as I stated before it should be on everyone's bucket list. It was a truly magical and awesome safari. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime special.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trust the Professionals!
We have always preferred to be independent travellers in the 20 years of our retirement.
But when I began to second guess myself on a safari leg of a trip to Africa I turned to Chris and he put us back on track.
He prepared a customized 10 day trip tp Victoria Falls, then Samburu and Maasi Mara in
Kenya.
Everything went without a hitch; the flights, transfers, accommodations and guided drives.
Everything was taken care of, including hotel & lodge check in.
Yet there was ample flexibility built in for us to remain in control.
His choice of accommodations and camps for us was superb. We were spoiled, and loved it!
It paid off to turn to a professional for guidance, in many ways such as knowing which visas to apply for or where the rainy season might affect game viewing.
Safaris are an expensive proposition. We have just finished ours knowing that it was money well spent on a once in a lifetime event to be treasured.
SA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Faatina
Everything about it was great! Oscar winning vibes and Raymond who gave us an ultimate experience thank you! Amazing, safe game drives. I can't wait to do it again with the same company!
Thank you!
CZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Real beauty of Nature
First of all would like to thank to the Bujo Tours team for organizing our amazing 2 days trip to Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
All details have been solved through email communication with very quick responces and also reasonable suggestions as me and my husband were travelling with our 2 small kids and two elderly couples.
We were lucky to get a very good and sympathetic guide Luis - thank you and sending many greetings from all of our family! Luis was a very good choice for us as having children himslef, he handled well all situations. Also he is a very good driver, we felt very safe with him.
First night accomodation in Rich hotel Arusha was nice and comfy, accomodation for our second night in Migombani Camp was very nice, can recommend to everyone, shame we had so short time to enjoy the facilities. Very nice breakfast btw!!
We only had to handle some mistake in booking as we were ordering 3 units, but there was only 1 tent and 1 lodge ready for us (and the camp was fully booked) :-(
The first lunch box from Arusha from some local canteen was just ok (fried and greasy), second one from Migombani was a bit better. Anyway we don´t mind that as we were there for experience, not food :-)
Well both Tarangire and Ngorongoro were amazing trips, have seen so many animals (although not all we could have), beautiful nature, sunshine and also some rain. Animals walking just by our car, have had time enough to enjoy the miracle of being so close. Just love it! And imagine the thrill and emotions of our kids :-)
SA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mind Blowing!
Everything from this booking was great, from the food, accommodation and transportation.
Stephen the guy who dealt with my excursions him & his team were amazing!
Took great care of my needs, honest and reliable.
I cannot complain about anything as being in nature was luxury for me being in the wilderness and heart of mother Africa. I was honored to be apart of this journey. My expectations were low at first but as soon as I arrived in Kenya & started my safari with Raymond I just couldn't believe the things and experiences I went through. Literally had the best time of my life! Saw all the top 5's except for the black Rhino, we also saw lions plenty of them and feeding on their kill, a vulture nesting with her child and a leopard, how remarkable.
Raymond he went beyond the extra mile for us making sure we saw all the animals up close and personal we even got stuck in the mud a few times but that was fun the adrenaline of it all was impeccable. I cannot express how grateful I am and I want to let everyone know that it was a beautiful experience. The weather was amazing surprisingly after the safari it was raining quite a lot so I was blessed.
Thank you God bless the team and Kenya.
I can't wait to visit Kenya again :)