Email Lew | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience with a sour end
The experience on the whole was incredible. We were met at the airport by a driver (as arranged) and taken swiftly to our tour operator’s (Seth) office. We paid Seth for what we agreed (there maybe more ‘tax’ costs on the day though so bring extra dollars as we did not have enough with ‘extra increments’). After that we were then taken to the hotel as arranged by Seth prior to our visit because our tour started early the next day. I would recommend staying elsewhere as this hotel is very basic with its amenities and food. My partner and I did not believe it was worth the $100 cost for two nights. It is based in the CBD of Kenya so leaving the hotel to explore the city was eerily at times - my partners necklace was actually snatched from around her neck even though it was hidden (luckily it was not expensive).
The following morning we were picked up by another driver to meet the rest of the tour group. We met our driver Stanley who was fantastic and cannot recommend him enough. He took us to see every animal listed on the website and his knowledge of the areas he took us too was very good. He answered every question we asked and helped us if we were stuck with anything. He looked after us as a group and made sure we were all completely satisfied with our journey.
Accommodation at the campsites were as expected (because of the price you pay for the whole package). Food at all places are buffet but selection is not fantastic. The campsite next to the Maasai Mara was a great experience though.
Overall, the experience was great and it will hold brilliant memories for us forever. However, the trip we had went a bit sour towards the end as we had extras in our package which we paid for on arrival but were then changed. After much deliberation, we finally had what was agreed but this did take a lot of time when discussed with the tour operator. There were many messages back and forth which were needless. There had also been another instance on the tour where our driver had taken us to an excursion but our tour operator did not tell the driver my partner and I had paid already for it as part of our package. This could have become very tricky for one of us and someone could could have been out of pocket. This should have been discussed and organised prior to us. I do not feel the situation was necessary or my issue to fix but I was the one to fix this problem. It would have been extremely difficult if I did not have a SIM card (also recommended by the tour operator not to get beforehand).
I would recommend this experience to everyone as it was once in a lifetime opportunity. However, I have learnt a few lessons from this:
1) Make sure you get what you pay and you keep on top of what is offered so you are not swindled out of any money.
2) Be fluid and have a positive attitude as plans can change daily - detailed plans changed completely but we do what was listed.
3) Bring a high powered power bank and a SIM card at the airport as some places of stay do not have internet or working electricity all day.
PL
Email Małgorzata Korban | under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very unique place
I spent nearly 2 weeks in Kenya and was very happy about the holiday there. Even if it was cold season I had 30 Celsius degrees temperature and liked the nature and animals a lot (There were no snakes and many insects as some of you might think though).
NO
Email Petter Børkeeiet | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Magnificant people and nature
Wildlife - especially in Masai Mara - is extraordenary compared to any other park I have visited.
Hell's gate and Longonot are hidden gems
US
Email Rosemary Taylor | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
The wildlife was absolutely fantastic, the diversity & numbers of animals & birds was astounding! Still trying to assimilate it all! We saw hundreds of elephants, zebras, Wildebeest, so many giraffes, birds etc. our guide Peter was so knowlegable, helpful, in every way! I just can't say enough! The accommodations were great, as was the food & all the staff in the resorts where very welcoming & personable, especially in Kibo.
It was very special for me, because I was traveling with my 2 grandchildren, ages 11 & 12 & all the places & activities where so well organized, all was smooth sailing! We will remember this trip forever! We loved going to the Masai village & interacting with the Masai, & watching them make fire & dancing with them.
The weather was great. Some of the highlights include seeing 10 lions @ once, just outside of our last compound, there were 3 males (with manes), & 4 females with 3 cubs. They were lying around, & the Cubs were covorting around the females, who were licking the Cubs. We watched them for quite a while, & they were right @ the side of the road. We also enjoyed the elephant orphanage, & adopted a baby. The giraffe sanctuary was really awesome too, to feed these gentle, beautiful creatures & view them so close was very cool! We had a great time inWatamu &"our accomation,right on the ocean was marvelous. We did some great stuff there too, took a tour of a snake farm & held big snakes (not my favorite, but the children loved it). We went on a tour of Mombasa, the spice market & Fort Jesus was well worth seeing. Also the ruins @ Gedes were spectacular, & there we had monkeys jump on our shoulders & fed them bananas!
IN
Email Sandip Kumar Ghosh | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good coverage with very good campsite with good food
Nairobi traffic can be controlled only by making some over bridges.Approach road to Masai mara can be made with a little more effort from government.Jungle roads are ok.
Email Omot C | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful
We were able to see the big 5 game drive was great. Especially our driver John. He was able to get us whereever there was a somthing to see.
We saw about 4-5 Lions and 3 leopards. We even spotted a hippo just waking in the bush.
Accommodation, food and weather were all great during our 5days tour.
Nothing to complain about. We had a Wonderful time.
DE
Email Juergen Fichtenau | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A must see once in your life
This was my second time to Kenya, after a 23 year break, and the wildlife experience was terrific and amazing as experienced already in 1996. The Masai Mara is a life time experience, I cannot imagine a better place for such an experience. The flamingos though have moved away from Lake Nakuru, most to be found at Lake Bogoria now, another life time experience. My first trip to Kenya did not include the beaches, this time we spent a week at Diani beach south of Mombasa, another amazing experience........such a long stretch of white sandy beach along the Indian Ocean (it must be around 80 km) is amazing. Downside in Kenya are safety issues (one is advised not walk around after dark), lots of traffic jams in Nairobi and Mombasa, lots of bad roads in dire repair and the precautions for diseases like Yellow Fever, Malaria and such. Bottom line however is, that Kenya truly is a wonderful and unique destination.
AE
Email Sarah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical Kenya
Beautiful wildlife and landscapes in Masai Mara. We got to see the Big five animals. Beautiful ake nakuru and Naivasha. The kenyan hospitality very good , the roads are in ad condition most of the way to Masai Mara from Nairobi, only few km are paved. Accommodation in the lodge near the Masai Mara park was very good. Very memorable experience.
ES
Email Judit Pardo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kenya: must-see country for wildlife lovers
The wildlife in Kenya is second to none. Especially recommended the parks of Samburu and of course Masai Mara.
Just a small disappointment: very few flamingos in Lake Nakuru. The sunsets are beautiful, as in many places in Africa.
Maximum punctuation for our guide Eric, Beacon Safaris, not only for his ability to take us to the best points to see wildlife, but also for his experience, ability to solve problems and his respect and consideration for animal life.
DK
Email Else Jean Jensen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great safari country
Fantastic. But more restrictions should be applied for the benefit of the animals.
