CN
Email Jason | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent 6 day safari
All was fantastic. The driver /guide (primarily a driver) was great. Accommodation ranged from fair (permanent tents) to very good for hotel nights. "Head office" were sometimes slow to provide information, booked documents, and there were a few items that people were not sent all all - which the driver was able to sort out after phoning head office several times. I suppose the clue is in the name, "Budget safaris", I WOULD book this trip again!
CA
Email Megan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
Our family of 5 recently did the 6 day safari with Becon safari. The
communication and booking through Robert was excellent and prompt. We were
picked up in Nairobi, went to Ambosili, Massi Mara and Lake Nakuru. The
accommodation and meals were very good.
Our guide was an excellent driver, polite, friendly enough, found and
showed the big 5, and many other wild animals, which in itself was
fantastic! He also spoke to the front desk at one of the lodges and
promptly got us a room when ours wasn't ready at check in, which was very
much appreciated after a long day of travel.
Beacon Safari was easy to book, took care of all the details, and a good company to go through if thinking of going to Kenya.
IN
Email Val | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Could have been better if Not for the condition of the roads and the Cramped Safari Vehicle
We took a 5 day safari visiting a night each in Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru and 2 nights in Masai Mara. We booked through Karibu
Safaris and I must say we were very happy corresponding with Robert, and he was so prompt in Replying. We were over all happy with
the safari but for the following:
- Our plan was changed with the excuse that someone missed their flights. Am sure this was not true. It was Ok for us but then I had an ailing mom back in India and left the day to day hotel contacts and programmes back home incase of emmergency. Thank god nothing happpened.
-The Vehicle with just the two of us was pretty comfortable on the 1st day, but then the next day we were 6, and the 3rd day there were two more and the small vehicle was cramped to capacity. If you are above 6 foot tall you would find it very difficult to sit in the vehicle with more than 6 people.
- At Masai Mara, without prior notice, we were changed from the Mara Springs Camp to Lenchada Resort. It was very basic, but comfortable, thank heavens, food was also good. Here again we were told the hotel is full, but am sure it wasnt.
-We were not very happy with the Hotel in Naivasha - The Taphe Guest House, we changed two rooms, TV didnt work, no sockets to charge, the bathroom was shabby and nothing worked properly, no free water, food was average.
-Would have preferred a better hotel in Lake Nakura - The City Max hotel was OK, but the room was stuffy with no fan. We opened the windows but was invaded by mosquitos. We went early Feb but I honestly feel this hotel should have a fan in the room.
- Worst of all, for almost 100 kms into Masai Mara, the roads were non existent, the dust, the bumpy ride is something I would never forget. Looks like the chinese are poking their nose in Kenya and instead of doing the road up in bits and pieces, scraped up all the Tar once and for all. It was a hectic and terrible ride in and out of Masai Mara.
-The Masai Village is a rip off, and the people there are greedy. Dont go there unless you want to waste your dollars.
And finally an advice to Single women, beware of your over friendly driver. In our case, the driver dropped us at our Nairobi Hotel and went all the way back to Lake Naivasha to tempt a Single Dutch lady traveller into going with him to a bar for a drink and then soliciting some fun. He was disappointed his offer was turned down and kept asking her if she hasnt cheated with her husband. This was shocking to us as the fellow seemed such a quiet chap and never opened his mouth ! He told the dutch lady, all single ladys like fun, but then,he shouldnt presume !
On the whole I found the Karibu safari reliable, safe.... and would recommend. They offered me complimentary airport-Hotel in Nairobi- airport transfers and I paid a nominal deposit by paypal and the balance on arrival which worked out fine. I did a 5 hour walking tour of Nairobi City for USD 10 per person and enjoyed it. I stayed at the Best Wester Meridian in Nairobi for USD 70 a DBL incl of breakfast and taxes and would strongly recommend. Lovely rooms, superb and safe location, lovely breakfast and walking distance to Malls and supermarkets. Nice very cheap places to eat next to the hotel.
It was an amazing experience
Our guide was amazing, felt welcomed and safe. Be sure to bring bug spray and portable battery. Make sure to have some cash to buy beautiful jewelry from the massai community markets
MX
Email Andre Breton | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Westernized Africa
You can't beat the wildlife and scenery of a safari, that's for sure and it's worth every buck. However, it did feel heavily commercialized and not very authentic in terms of the people and the vibe. It's the first safari I ever take and my views could be exclusive to Kenya, Amboseli NP or the company I chose (which was very good by the way), but to me it felt artificial in a Disney-like manner. Please don't get me wrong: I stayed perhaps in the best hotels I've ever stayed and got some of the best customer service; the guide and all the staff were always trying to please us and make us happy. Maybe this was the problem ... it felt like Cancun, Miami or anything else but Africa, a standardized and westernized vision and feel of tourism. If what you are looking for is to get to know Africa's epic wildlife with international comfort then a safari is your best choice, but if you want to discover a new culture, then make a change of plans or balance your trip with something else. We also went to Ethiopia and while the comfort standard was light years away from Kenya, the social-cultural component of that part of the trip was much more genuine and memorable. In terms of wildlife, orangutan trekking in Borneo or walking among gellada baboons in Ethiopia feel much more authentic, although not as impressive as what a safari reserve can offer. I think it's a matter of what your profile is and the expectations you have. Again, my only safari experience is in one reserve in Kenya and things could be very different in other places, I don't know but I doubt it. Personally I would take a safari again (tampering my expectations) if I was traveling to Africa on a longer trip. I would never plan a trip exclusively for a safari.
RU
Email Olga Sychugova | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful wildlife!
Our Safari tour was great. Everything was on time, the cars, the accommodation were great for it's value. The drivers were very friendly and did their best to show us all the beautiful things in Masai Mara.
Masai Mara itself was an experience completely out of this world. It is beautiful, and we enjoyed every moment of it. I would definitely recommend.
JP
Email Makotonald | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wild kingdom exist!
Mostly our experiences are extraordinary and good in Kenya. Our game drive which was provided by Ewamanns Safaris should included drop off to our hotel, but we ended up to pay the fee to a driver. According to the driver and associates, Ewamanns Safaris
had not clear the payment to them, and I told them that I have nothing to do with their issue since I had pay the total due in advance. Well, it was totally upsetting.
FR
Email Kristiana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical Migration and overall good experience in Kenya
We did some safaris (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Hell's Gate by bike) and some hiking (Mount Longonot). They were all very magical. We saw the great migration (1 month early!) and did a self drive in Amboseli (totally worth it!). The only thing that we regret was the absence of communication with the locals. Every time we talked with somebody at the end it was all about money. We could not even walk alone on Diani Beach. The beach boys were over us trying to sell us all sorts of things.
Also we did not enjoy the Masai Village visit (next to Lenchada Tourist Camp in Masai Mara). It was such a tourist trap! They were all about money and money and trying all the time to sell you different things and on a very high prices. Avoid it if you can, really.
Email David | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful country, amazing wildlife, but shocking infrastructure
We really enjoyed the parks and wildlife, but getting there proved a challenge - the roads are appalling, especially the road into the Masai Mara - I would have thought such a busy park would be better served. The number of trucks on the roads is crazy, they should all be on the new railway, not clogging up traffic. If Kenya can fix this it will go a long way into making it an outstanding destination.
US
Email Steven Levenson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing seeing so many animals up close - did not expect such long drive times to different reserves
Used Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris - chose a modified 10 day safari rather than the 12 day mid-priced, also upgraded to Luxury accommodations, and they were very accommodating - I did not recall an airport pickup - so I paid for transportation from another company - both were there even at 11:00pm. Used our tour company - Zachery - he told us he was with us for our 10 Day Safari. Dropped us off at hotel and told to be ready at 7:00 sharp - he would be there and ready, please be on time. I had to email our tour company at 7:25, because no one was there - about 5 minutes later another driver/guide was there, AL - I explained that Zachery was our guide - he made calls and said he was.
Started to Tsavo East - a little into the drive, stopped for about 90 minutes in a very dirty gas station where we believe he was trying to get money into his account, said needed a car charger for his cell. Another stop about an 1 1\2 later for what we were told as a potty stop - went used and wanted to leave - found Al eating and had to wait. Couple hours later stopped at a restaurant for lunch, we refused, well below our standards and supposed to eat at our 1st lodge, per itinerary. Got to 1st lodge after 8 hours - problems with reservations - had lunch and then were told we were being refused, tour company had not paid - went on a game drive on way to new lodge - really nice, lots of animals - got to lodge, standards well below that of the original one in our itinerary. No hot water, food very basic - lodge very rustic, but very clean and we could view many animals, up close. I did receive an email from tour company that Zachery was on way - was sent replying to my email at 7:30am - I do not understand how we ended up with Al.
Day 2 - Itinerary - not followed - did 2 game drives and did see lots of animals - missed Via Aruba Dam on itinerary.
Day 3 again Itinerary not followed - very long day 7am start - went to Mzima Springs, saw Hippos and Crocodiles, then to Rhino Sanctuary, struck out seeing either Rhinos or Leopards - got to lodge 6:30pm in Tsavo West. One of 2 guests at this very rustic lodge, did not get the expected Luxury upgrade - no hot water again- food very basic.
Day 4 early start to Amboseli - lunch at very nice Sopa Lodge, checked in - rested before afternoon game drive, lots of animals. There was a personal stop for our guide to get money - about 45 minutes while we sat in van with up to 30 kids surrounding our van begging for money - we were extremely uncomfortable and told him
Day 5 morning game drive - really nice. Lunch at lodge then a visit, without guide- extra cost, to a Maasai Tribal Village - very enjoyable.
Day 6 very early morning start on way to Lake Naivasha - another very long drive for late lunch at the Sopa Lodge - an extremely nice resort/lodge - many animals walking around. Afternoon game drive at Hell Gate - not many animals, but did see the Geo Thermo Power Plant.
Our favorite accommodations - many animals wandering around grounds - Hippos wandering around at night - really cool - food was fantastic.
Day 7 - a day at "Crescent Island Sanctuary" - supposed to be an included, guided tour - charged $60 for tour - Al was our guide, but there was no tour - just walked for about an hour seeing animals and birds. Did not see or do anything per our itinerary - again supposed to be included, but charged $60.
Day 8 - very early start to Maasai Mara - another very long drive - late lunch at Azure Mara Haven - a Tented Camp, then a late afternoon game drive - lots of animals. Dinner, family style, no choices - food OK at best - had a nice tribal show during dinner.
Day 9 - Very early start - 5:30 for a Hot Air Balloon ride then outside breakfast - highly recommend - really nice and fun. After a morning game drive with the balloon operator - our guide did not show up at meeting place - so he took us to try and see Leopards - no luck - but did see lots of animals. After many attempts to contact Al - he was going to take us back to hotel but Al finally contacted him for a meeting place - continued drive with Al to border of Kenya and Tanzania - had box lunch and continued game drive - lots of Lions this day.
Day 10 - After breakfast - anther extremely long drive back to Nairobi - I paid for box lunches for all because would not eat at the restaurant Al chose - finally in Nairobi, dinner at 6 at a very nice restaurant - Al instructed waitress to give me bill - no problem - then to Airport.
There were many personal stops for our guide. Many of the roads taken were very questionable. The seat-belts were not working in van.
Al was very knowledgeable about the animals and birds - really enjoyed listening to him. Also, he ate every meal with us - the only guide to do so.
We are still very puzzled by the confusion regarding guides and the non payment of the original lodge. The original lodge was very nice and we ended up at a far inferior lodge - not the Luxury upgrade that we paid for.
All in all we really enjoyed our tour.
