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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
Fantastic budget 6 day Safari
The six day safari was just fantastic. The accommodation ranged from "fair" (permanent tents) to "very good" for a few hotel nights.
Wildlife, scenery was perfect! Transportation was also of an acceptable/good standard - driver/guide also very helpful and informative (but primarily a driver). Highlights was seeing all the "big 5' in one day!! The "central booking" office had to be constantly chased up for some of the information - but when called "budget safaris" you get what you expect I suppose. All in all, i would do the trip again!!
US
Email Jack Para | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a very good experience.
Safari was good, but make sure you book the right camp. They have confirmed for me Lanchada camp which is the one I have asked when booking, but some guy called Sam booked the camp in Goshen camp to pocket more money which is very very bad. I had to spend one night at Goshen then moved to Lanchada for the second night. Driver/guide Lawrence is very good. Please don’t go to Goshen camp where the food or tents are very bad. I had food poisoning because of expired bread and cheese.
