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Email Sean W Ryan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This was a fascinating experience, both in terms of nature and in culture!
The trip to Masai Mara was incredible, filled with amazing animals and wondrous scenery, especially at sunrise. The guide was conscientious about keeping us in the vehicle for our safety, but there were times when he would go off the trails, which did raise some objections among our group. I took the five day tour, but I would recommend a three-day safari instead. The only real bad part of it was the camp, and really only when we tried to sleep--the mosquito nets were ineffective, and on the second night, the power was out (I use a CPAP when I sleep, so this was a real problem for me), and as a result, I did not sleep well until the third night when we got to stay in a hotel.
I and other members of our group found the meeting in the Masai tribe very interesting but a bit problematic: When we were offered a chance to visit their village, we were charged a fee, which they told us was to support the village. We accepted this, but then we were confronted with peddlers in the village and railroaded into making a donation to the school we visited. This can strike a western tourist as dishonest, and it may help avoid awkward confrontations if these things are also mentioned upfront instead of sprung on us at different stages of the visit.
DE
Email Guido Thiering | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
the real africa in one country
Kenya is an optimal destination for a safari experience. Lots of different local providers really trying to deliver a unique experience. Great national parks, beautiful landscapes, beautiful animal sightings and friendly and helpful people can be found there. Highly recommended holiday destination, also to broaden your horizons.
IN
Email Venkat Ramani | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
MUST VISIT KENYA & MASAI MARA IN PARTICULAR, AT LEAST ONCE IN LIFETIME
Africa is Mystic and a Photographer's paradise. Masai Mara in Kenya was on top of my Bucket list. I have already visited it twice and the latest was 02nd - 08th March 2023. I can assure you it is not the last time for me. It all depends on a good driver cum Guide with good knowledge of the place. I was fortunate both times. It is important to be respectful of the locals and their culture. Nature lovers will love every inch of Kenya. The weather is cool in the mornings and can be sweltering by 11 am. Drink lots of water but never leave your Safari Truck in the wild to mark your territories. Carrying light winter clothing is advised. There should not be any worry about safety in any Safari camps/lodges. The guides and the staff take full responsibility for you and your personal belongings. Even in Campsites in the wild, you may hear howls and roars at night, but, the camps have Masai warriors around to keep you safe. All lodges have charging points for your Mobile and camera batteries. However, battery packs & extra carrying batteries is a no-brainer. My Tour operator was Dennsland TrekkTours and the Driver cum guide was Mr.Anthony who did a great job with his expertise and influence in every game park.
OM
Email Deepesh Panicker | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect destination for your first safari
On our 2 weeks trip in Kenya, one thing that was constant was the genuine warmth and kindness of the Kenyan people. I would go again to Kenya only for interacting with them. Second, the country is blessed with so much natural beauty and we were lucky to experience the savannah, lakes as well as the coastal landscapes. On top of these 2 points, Masai Mara being a smaller park than Serengeti has higher concentration of animals and on my first safari, I was lucky to spot the Big 4 - Lions, Cheetahs, Leopard, Cape Buffalo & African Bush Elephant. In Nakuru park, we were lucky to spot both the White and Black Rhino. Naivasha lake boat ride was a beautiful experience and a sight to behold and must recommended. I would avoid the Hell's Gate national park though. The coastal towns of Mombasa, Malindi and Watamu have some of the nicest beachscapes I have seen and the vibe is really cool for beach lovers and for chillout after the dusty safaris. I hence, would recommend for any first time safari goers to opt for Kenya due to easy accessibility and lesser travel within the country to be able to see more in a lesser amount of time.
PT
Email Miguel António Soares de Oliveira Maia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful experience.
I have the opportunity to see the big five animals in Kenya.
I love the Amboseli view of Kilimanjaro, it looks like lion king movie scenario.
The ballon safari in Masai Mara was a amazing experience.
DK
Email Mette | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic place for safari
Great safari, and fantastic beaches. Easy to get around the country on your own. People in general are very heplful.
DK
Email SLUSE Group | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
5 day budget safari
We booked a private tour as a group of 7 students for five days with the following itinerary:
Day 1: Nairobi -> Masai Mara Stay at Goshen Camp
+ Great Rift Valley overlook
+ Best accommodation, though rustic
Day 2: Full day game drive Masai Mara
+ 10/10 game drive
+ Picnic lunch at Mara river (expect to tip park ranger who gives tour)
Day 3: Lake Nakuru stay at Metfam resort
+ Fanciest accommodation with pool
- Masai Mara Village is a tourist trap where you pay admittance. Not our idea of a safari experience
+Completed our big 5
Day 4: Lake Naivasha
+ Boat ride to see hippos is very exciting, but negotiate the rate.
- Crescent Island is a total rip off. No animals to be seen on the island. Had to fight for a refund.
- Both the boat ride and walk on the island are operated by two separate tour companies NOT Hyrax tours. Be warned! Hyrax will not hold any responsibility for these third-party operators.
Day 5: Hell's Gate stay at Taphe Guest Resort
+ Excellent biking experience, though don't expect to see more than Zebras, Gazelles and Wildebeests.
- Gorge hike will cost you an additional fee (starting at 3000 KSH) tours are guided by local crooks who try to scam tourists by saying the gorge is closed unless you pay entrance. There is even a stop at their local market on your hike.
+ That being said, the hike is exceptional and impossible to complete without a guide.
- Worst accommodation, half built hotel and food was questionable.
Our guide Ben was an outstanding driver and always working to make sure we saw all of the animals we wanted to see up close. He had over 19 years of experience. He was a pro driver on the backroads and we always felt safe with him watching our belongings. Most of all Ben was charismatic and loved to have fun and interact with the group! Although, don't expect to have in depth conversation or extra info about the animals or Kenya.
The food on the trip was average by Kenyan standards and always a buffet style. Accommodations were definitely budget, but you get what you pay for. In all we got to see the same exact animals and have a more unique and adventurous experience, we wouldn't change a thing!
Many thanks to Emmah for helping organize the tour and aiding us with our visa paperwork. Hyrax safari was very communicative and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to a friend or budget conscious traveler.
KW
Email Jagat Joshi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing wildlife and people very hospitable and humble…!!!
Kenya is a great place to visit if you are interested in wildlife and other activities related to nature..!!
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Email Nancy Connett | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had a magical time in Kenya: warm, friendly people; beautiful land; animals--unbelievable!!
We had a wonderful time in Kenya in February, 2023. We felt safe, we were very comfortable in our beautiful lodgings, the scenery and weather could not have been better. We did a 4 day safari with Motto Tours. Our guide was a friendly, knowledgeable Masai man who went over and above to give us a great time. We saw all the Big 5!! Plus many, many other animals. We visited Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara National Preserve. We stayed in 'tented' camps that were so comfortable, wonderful food and friendly staff. We were able to visit a Masai village one day for an incredible cultural experience. On our last afternoon/evening in Nairobi (before flying home at 11:00 pm), we visited the Giraffe Center to feed giraffes and learn about efforts on behalf of the endangered Rothschild Giraffes of Kenya. We had a fun and delicious final dinner at the Carnivore Cafe!! Thank you Motto Tours and thank you Kenya!
CH
Email Antonio Resti | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
AMAZING
You gotta go there, if you can. It has been a really good experience!
