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Email Alan Mirviss | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya and our 3-day mini-safari lived up to my hopes of what Africa and the game preserves should be
So VERY pleased with our tour service - Skywide Tours. My wife got approval to present at a conference in Nairobi on Tuesday. I emailed Skywide asking for a 3-day package to Masai Mara and David responded within 12 hours. After looking at our travel arrangements, I emailed back on Wednesday night asking to move it forward by 1 day - to Sunday. Again, David responded in short turnaround to confirm this was manageable. We met David at our hotel at 7 AM Sunday, along with our guide, Wachanga. During the next 3 days my wife and I were continuously impressed with Wachanga's engaging personality, his vast knowledge of large animals, birds, plants and geology of the Rift Valley, which he imparted while we BOUNCED along along the dirt roads which snake throughout the Masai Mara National Park. We found out that after being a school teacher for many years, he now is one of the longest-running guides in Kenya. As a result, in addition to his commitment to ensuring we saw as much wildlife as possible, his ease in the mechanics of a multi-day safari - as well as being on a first-name basis with many of the other guides and wardens in the preserve - made the whole experience extremely smooth. We stayed in OL Moran tented camp, where we were pleased to discover that our tent had a shower/toilet attached. The food was simple, but filling. Overall just what we expected for safari accommodations.
As we were coming back into Nairobi we decided to engage Wachanga for the day on Saturday, 4 days from then, to go through the Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick elephant orphanage and the giraffe center. Again, David and Wachanga were quite accommodating. We finished with a tour of the Kazuri Bead Factory, which employs several hundred single women producing incredibly beautify necklaces and bracelets. We had wanted to try an authentic yama choma meat meal, so we had a late lunch at a restaurant Wachanga arranged.
During the day on Saturday we realized that our flight out the next day wasn't until 11:30 PM, so we asked if Wachanga could take us to see Hell's Gate National Park. Again, this was arranged without difficulty at literally a moment's notice. Hell's Gate offers multiple activities for a 1-day excursion, including the only park where you can leave the vehicle; a close-up view of the escarpments of the Valley wall; a walk up a narrow gorge with 'escape routes' up the side walls in case of a flash flood; and a close-up look at the geothermal plants that provide 10%+ of Kenya's electricity. On our way back we stopped at Lake Naivasha and took a 1-hour ride to see water fowl and hippos.
As you can tell from this long review, we are enchanted with Kenya, and enthusiastic about Wachanga and David from Skywide Tours - their flexibility and local knowledge made this the perfect week trip! We encourage you to use Skywide, request Wachanga, and tell them that Alan and Diane sent you!
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Email Gilbert Geney | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Landscapes of dreams, welcoming population, it was wonderful...
I had dreamed of browsing the immensities of the bush to discover the wildlife in its natural environment.
I was able to realize it with a very experienced guide. All the people we met were welcoming and friendly.
The accommodation of very good level and the delicious food.
Everything to make this trip unforgettable.
Only downside, the cost of this trip ... a little expensive...
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Email Gottfried | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Much more than expected: more wildlife, more adventure, more friendlyness!
I expected to see wildlife from a distance but I was wrong! It was much more than expected or even dreamed of. We were a Little before Peak Season and and had therefore easy access and free spaces in hotels and restaurants. Streets and pathways are in a bad condition but our driver tried everything to make the journey as comfortable as possible.
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Email Cansu Cengiz | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best experience ever, a must-have!
We had an amazing experience with Beacon Safaris! Communication was super, all of our questions were answered with patience and kindness. We were picked up from the hotel by Ken, who we imagine the best driver and guide in the world. We were in Masai Mara for two days and in Lake Nakuru for one and half day. We saw the big five and pretty much every other animal. I think that we will never forget this adventure. Last day we ended up our trip with a visit to Giraffe Center, which was unforgettable.
The weather often was sunny and a little bit rainy, but it was totally ok. The 2 hotels- Sopa Lodge and Savora- were super and the foods were delicious.
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Email Douglas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you can manage it, this should be on your "list" of experiences to have in a lifetime!
The wildlife part of the trip was incredible; can't say enough superlatives to describe it. The extra day to Lake Nakuru was a lot of extra driving, but worth it for the rhinoceros. (A 300mm lens on the camera was nice, but the wildlife is so close that you don't always need it!)
This was a budget trip; just to be clear what you would get for your money if you booked something more expensive, it has no impact on your wildlife experience; our guide was incredible; it just means that the accommodation and food are budget, and the vehicle is maybe less comfortable and has more people (and wasn't 4WD, though that didn't impact our experience, even in the rainy season).
My one complaint was that the balance was due in USD on arrival, and they insisted I pay more than the balance because I'd brought the money in 20-dollar bills. I ultimately paid an extra $10 because I didn't feel like arguing; originally they'd wanted $30 more until I suggested I'd go online and wire them the balance, and then they promptly decided that $10 more would be enough. I'd give them 4 stars for that, but the guide was worth 6 stars, so that averages out to 5...
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Email Katinka de Vilder | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience
We went on a safari with bison safari’s and it was an amazing experience, All our expectations were fulfilled and even better! I fully recommend it!
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Email Nalin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous Safari Experience
We just finished a Safari to Lake Nukuru and Masai Mara and I think it was one of our best experiences as a holiday. Right from planning to the end we were guided by Serene East Africa Safaris. I must admit the planning and advise was flawless. The guide, transport, boarding and lodging were really good. The weather was awesome through out our travel. Yes we were disappointed for not being able to see the famous migration but had been advised in advance that due to abundant rains migration was likely to commence only in July. But we were happy to see abundant wildlife and our guide Peter was simply superb and patient with our queries.
A little disappointed with Nairobi due to its notorious traffic but Giraffe Center was awesome.
Overall I would say that a visit to Kenya for Safari experience is highly recommended .
amazing experience and service
Very good service and experience, managed to see loads of animals
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Email GK | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Its amongst the most beautiful experience
We were in Kenya towards end of May. Thankfully the rain gods did not play spoilsport. It was a beautiful trip with lots of wildlife (though the grass was tall and hence animal sighting is not as easy). We went to Masai Mara and Naivasha. Both were beautiful places. The drive to Masai Mara was a bit of an issue due to under construction road.
Overall, loved the trip and will definitely try to be back.
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Email Natalie Duncan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Once in a life time experience
Kenya is an absolutely beautiful country and we had an unforgettable experience thanks to our guide! Our guide Benson went above and beyond to make our trip amazing from start to finish and was so knowledgeable about Kenya’s wildlife. We have travelled around the world and our trip to Kenya is one of the highlights of our travels.
