IL
Email Jennifer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had high expecations and they were exceeded!
Going on safari has been my dream vacation since childhood, and my husband and I chose to visit Kenya because it's supposedly one of the best places to see giraffes, our favorite animal. I did a lot of research on my own trying to decide which parks to visit and then got in touch with a few different safari operators for quotes and recommendations.
From the very beginning of our correspondence, Edith at Kenya Safari Arcade was incredibly helpful, responsive and patient. I pestered her with tons of questions and even changed my mind about our itinerary several times, but she was always polite and happy to help.
Given how wonderful Edith had been (we emailed for several months before the trip), I was confident when we finally landed in Nairobi -- but you still never know what exactly to expect to visiting a new place for the first time. I should never have had a doubt -- a driver was waiting for us at the airport just as Edith had promised.
Following a day in Nairobi, we were picked up for our safari by our guide David, who we'd spend the next week exploring Kenya with. David was not only a great driver (on the roads in Kenya this is very important!) but incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and just enjoyable to be with. Over the course of 9 days we visited Amboseli (2 nights), Tsavo West (1 night) and Maasai Mara (3 nights). All three parks, as well as our accommodations within the parks, were incredible. I especially recommend the Sarova Salt Lick Lodge at Tsavo West (we would've stayed more than 1 night if we knew how amazing it was!) and Kichwa Tembo at Maasai Mara.
Personally, I would not try to see more parks than this in a week. Many of the itineraries I saw visited a different park every day, but you could undoubtedly be in one place for a month and see different animals every day. And even visiting just 3 parks, we still spent a huge amount of time driving.
We had high expectations for Kenya and our safari, and thanks in large part to Edith, David and Kenya Safari Arcade, our expectations were absolutely exceeded. You watch National Geographic and think you know what to expect, but nothing can prepare you to see these animals up so close in their natural habitats. I am now recommending that any of my friends or family who are remotely interested in safari find a way to make it happen. It's not a cheap or necessarily an easy trip, but it's absolutely worth it and truly the trip of a lifetime.
Thanks again to Kenya Safari Arcade, and we are waiting for David to tell us when he's coming to visit Israel!
LB
Email Garo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful experience, everybody should have this in their bucket list
Kenya Walking Safaris was the tour operator. In general, the tour turned to be better than I expected. Abundant and diverse wildlife. Our guide, Anthony was excellent. Weather was colder and wetter than expected and we were not really prepared for it. We were told that mosquitos could be nuisance, but we never encountered mosquitos. The distances from one park to the other were so long and tiring. Accommodation was acceptably good.
ES
Email Rim Hamza | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memorable safari Masai Mara and Nakuru
I went on a 4 days safari to Masai Mara and Nakuru. We were able to see 4 of the big five (we didn't see the leopard) and many other animals, the scenic view was amazing.
US
Email Krista Schnelle | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A lifetime of memories made within a few hours
Africa Vacation Safaris provided the best possible safari. It was more than I ever hoped for, catered for me and my wishes, from my park choices to the itinerary, to the lodges, to the wildlife. We saw the Big Five and the Samburu Five in a few short days. I can't wait to go back.
CN
Email L.H. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A wonderful experience
The safari was amazing and our guide Martin was the best! He made sure that we saw the Big 5 and much more. Plus he was knowledgeable and patiently answered all our questions about the animals and even gave us some insight into the local culture of the native inhabitants. Kenya is a trip of a lifetime and the Masai Mara is a must see!
Wonderful, beautiful, and amazing place
First, the wildlife was amazing, beautiful, and cute. The food tasted better than I thought, and the scenery was, of course, too good. The accommodation also had a few worms, but the staff was friendly and comfortable. The air in the blue sky was clear, so it was good to travel and it was a healing feeling. The guide on the safari was positive, friendly and in a word perfect. I will definitely go back to Kenya.
KR
Email Sangkwon Lee | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
how would I say?
It was great experience in my whole life!!
I didn't image, I do been to Safari and see wildlife animals.
Please don't be hasitate, if you are.
Just go and for it!! Safari is waiting for you!!
IE
Email Patrick C | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Overpriced Destination
Safari was great. Guide was knowledgeable. Balloon was a rip off. Way overpriced at a ridiculous 400 USD/per person for an hour flight. Then poor quality photos were an optional extra 40 USD. Kenya would be great if they didn't automatically screw you and charge you double/triple on everything just because you're white or a westerner. Also there is a sense of entitlement among those providing services, like they deserve to screw tourists, or that you must tip as they feel owed!!
QA
Email MEG | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
Kenya is a place you must visit. Either with family, friends or couples. Is it safe, people is friendly and the scenery unique. It was my first time and I hope not the last!
CH
Email CM Travels | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Kenya | Magic
Amazing country, people and wildlife. We will be making this an annual trip for sure.
