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Email William Rhoades | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The thrill of a lifetime
Some people have the notion that if you pay more you get more, that you get what you pay for. I'm here to assure you that with Jocky Tours at the helm, you get more than you paid for, much more.
Let me give you the backstory so you can understand the true value of Jocky Tours.
When I first contacted them, Minneh did her best to give me tailored options. Most clients seeking a Masai Mara safari experience want to go on a 3 day platform: 1st day drive to Masai and have afternoon game drive, 2nd day full day in Mara and 3rd day a short game drive or visit to village and then back to Nairobi by late afternoon on the third day.
For most this fits perfectly because they will see a good deal of the Mara and have memories of a lifetime.
Yet I wasn't going to be a "usual" customer. I was there to try and specifically get images of cheetah: images of "the gang of five" ( 5 male cheetah who hunt together) and a mom who had cubs ( 2 of the original 7 were still alive and doing well).
I was staying for several days, not just 3.
So, Minneh explained that to do it on my prefered budget, I would be with a different group and different drivers after day 2.
Not to worry. That is precisely why and how I can write a review which has greater insights into how YOUR trip may go. I saw different drivers and got a feel for the entirety of Jocky's services.
That being said, I can assure you that no matter who ends up being your guide for the trip to Masai Mara, you will have the best possible experience one can have.
The trip itself is one which takes expertise. Driving the roads going to the Masai Mara, and inside the park is very tedious. It is extremely difficult at times and requires attentiveness. The drivers all did exemplary jobs in that regard.
That may not sound like such a big deal, but trust me, it is. You won't want to spend time stuck in the mud, or turned over. One day, a driver (from another company) of a land cruiser ( and thus a much more costly safari) flipped the car on its side while negotiating the muddy roads.
The drivers I had, Isaac, John, and Albert all did OUTSTANDING jobs of navigating and keeping us from being stuck in the mud.
That is only half the equation. The other half that contributes greatly to your safari is their abilities as guides. All the drivers have radios and are vigilant to listen to, and act upon, intel as it happens.
This aspect is very important.
While no one can guarantee that you will see any animal specifically, like all the Big 5, having drivers like Isaac and John will make a world of difference in your enjoyment of the days drive.
One day, for example, John managed to put us in position to see 4 out the 5 big five. He also got us up close and personal with the gang of five cheetah males. WOW! Believe me when I tell you he does his absolute best to ensure EVERYONE in the group has the best day possible. I was fortunate enough to have two seperate days with him.
Isaac was my initial driver and he too does an OUTSTANDING job. His goal is to try and make everyone in the group HAPPY. And there is no doubt that he does just that.
One day, Isaac managed to get our group right up to the mom cheetah with her two very energetic and playful cubs. He did this TWICE in one day, in the early morning and again in the evening. I was in heaven! And judging from the rest in the group, so was everybody. We had Isaac to thank dirrectly.
On another day, Rhaheem got intel on the illusive black rhino. He managed to get us in a position to spot it, before it "wandered off" out of sight. That was the only day "we" spotted the exremely hard to spot, black rhino. So kudos to Rhaheem.
The other driver I had was Albert. His skills navigating the muddy and treacherous roads are unmatched. He like all the drivers for Jockey did his level best to have you "take it all in"....and with a glimpse of a leopard, he got us 4 out of the big 5 too.
Now, as to the accomodations. I stayed in a tented campground Lenchada Tented Campground.
This is a budget accomodation. Yet it suited my needs purfectly. It was spartan in terms of amenities, however I am there for the safari drives, not a mint on my pillow or 600 thread count satin sheets.
There was always hot water available for showering and the electric is on from 530 to 930 and again from 1830 to 2200. There are AMPLE outlets in the dining hall for you to charge camera batteries and your phone.
The food there was basic homey fare. Not fancy but DELICIOUS and plentiful.
And I mean absolutely delicious!!!
Helen and her staff does an excellent job and is "Johnny on the spot" if you need any help with your room or have dietary concerns ( like you are vegetarian, etc). They also pack the picnic lunches for your day in the Masai.
However, if you need a more "high end" accomodation, not to worry, Jocky can provide you with those type accomodations too. And you will seemlessly intigrate with a tour group.
The bottom line, though, is no matter where you stay or how much you pay, it always comes down to the knowledge and skill(s) of your driver/guide. You will be assured that with the guides/drivers from Jocky you WILL have the best possible experience one can have in the Mara. Bet on it.
I can't thank Minneh enough for all the efforts she had to put into making a tailor made experience for me, at a cost so reasonable it would make your jaw drop. Nor can I amply thank the drivers, especially Isaac and John. ( although tips do help show appreciation....so dont forget to tip your guide)
Do yourself a favour and look no further. Truly, when it comes to touring in Kenya, nobody does it better than Jocky Tours, nobody!
FR
Email Lahlou Mounia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
Everything was perfect ! Especially the Guide Moses !!!!
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Email Arne Sandsbakk | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great guide, ok lodge and excellent experience of wildlife
Terrible roads into the Masai Mara NR, but stunning wildlife and acceptable roads and tracks inside.
Simon the guide and driver was very knowledgeable and and excellent driver.
The Miti Mingi Eco lodge had food and lodging that gave good value for money.
CZ
Email KO | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was really amazing. We have never experienced such an exciting trip.
We really enjoyed spending time in Kenya. The tour was arranged well as we had expected. We could see all of Big 5 in national parks, scenery was wonderful, weather was mostly nice, accommodations and food were as expected. Regarding the transportation, the driver John was very gentle, drove perfectly, without any stuck even on very muddy road.
Email Dani | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Definitely worth it!
My experience was awesome. I saw the 4 of 5 "Big Five". I didn't see the Leopard, but we saw the cheetah so either way it was wonderful. The landscape is beautiful, unforgettable. Weather was nice, during the day with the temperatures around 25 and during the night around 15.
The picnic could be improved. The sandwich wasn't very tasty. All the meals eaten in route were delicious, simple but tasty.
Our driver / guide Jeoffrey (I do apologise if the spelling is wrong) was the best driver ever. Always taking us to the best spots. He is nice and funny!
BY
Email Halina Fedarava | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
beautiful nature, excellent organization.
The safari was very eventful and varied. We supplemented Masai Mara’s visit with lakes Naivasha and Nakura and did not regret it. The travel agency took into account all our wishes. The guide Kikitu knew the national parks, wildlife, animals and all inhabitants of the Masai village, supported the good mood of the group and overcame all difficulties (rain and bad roads) . Respect and gratitude for him and his team (Nelson and others).
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Email Keith Kurtz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya1
I saw 4 of the Big 5 here in Kenya, the tour guides were very well versed on the wildlife there. The Lodges were excellent.
Email Andrew Ahn | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mixed bag.
I already passed this onto our tour rep at mufasa tours.
The trip was mostly good.
Read on:
I note there's no star rating above for accommodation?
The driver (Joe) was great. No complaints there, he did a fantastic job, very happy with him.
AA Lodge Amboseli was not good. Badly run. So many things wrong with the place, mostly at the restaurant such as
- starting one meal an hr late with no excuse or apology given
-bones in the pork stir fry
- running out of food (specifically bacon and pancakes) 20 minutes before the end of breakfast service
-napkins always damp
- sometimes we had napkins, sometimes not. I saw one table with 7 places have one napkin in the table
- cutlery laid out randomly, I once had 2 knives 3 spoons and one fork.
-swimming pool not nice at all
- WiFi available only at cheetah bar, and very slow
-in our packed lunch there was a sandwich with one Slice of cucumber.
-no butter anywhere, only blue band
-OK selection of food but no chapatis or kachumbari
-waiters were often slow to ask us for drinks and to clear our table
-the layout of the restaurant meant it was difficult to get from our table to the food stations, as we had to squeeze through tables
-poor level of English spoken
On the plus side, the room was big and the bed comfortable.
I would recommend new management or remove them from your package tours.
In one game drive we stopped at serena lodge to use the bathroom and have a coffee. And the difference between the 2 places is simply _ridiculous_ .
Amboseli Park itself was great. Very enjoyable.
In Tsavo east the hotel we stayed in (name? ) is a bit old but the service and staff were MUCH better, and the restaurant was much better run.
Despite being older, and needing some refurbishment, this place was simply better in every way. And we managed to see a leopard.
The manager (Dennis) and all the staff were attentive and spoke good English.
Only recommendation for this place, other than refurbishment, is to use insecticide more liberally, as the insects are numerous. Not a problem for me but my partner hates insects. Also, new mosquito nets.
BG
Email Tsvety Tsoneva | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya - a fullfiled Dream!
It was an amazing experience perfectly organized by Pride of Africa Adventures (the organizer) and Big Time Safaris (the provider).
I travelled with a friend of mine and booked the trip in November to start on 4th January.
The transfers to and back the airport are included in the package.
The hotels are decent and nice having in mind we have booked a budget to mid-budget safari. The camps in Masai Mara and Amboseli - they are nothing more to wish for in the middle of nowhere. Warm to hot water - everywhere - enough to wash your hair and electricity in the tents not only for charging digital devices but also for a hairdryer.
The food - I missed the real sugar and chocolate hahaha. However, the food is pretty OK. There is always something to choose from the buffet. There is always meat (beef and chicken), rice and beans, mandazi - my favourite, their kind of bread, as well regular bread, salads - cabbage+carrots, potatoes. There are always fruits - pineapple, watermelon and mango. The milk is the most delicious natural eco, bio milk in the world - always served on breakfast for instant coffee and cocoa. There is always on breakfast mango juice too.
Never forget to bring for 1 week at least 2 repellents - you will definitely need them.
The program itself was pretty interesting at least for people for 1st time on an African Safari. We saw absolutely every animal in the Lion King :D except for the cheetahs.
There are long drives between the parks itself but they are pretty bearable and you never miss a game drive in the morning or in the evening.
2 litres of water per person every day.
I should mention and our Guide-driver-ranger - KEN - we were soooo lucky to have him. He did his really best to find all the animals for us, to keep us save, to make us happy with fulfilling every wish. He answered absolutely every question and we learned a lot of things from him. He was very patient and never complained that he is tired because of the long and difficult driving and never cut off from our time of visiting the parks. We woke up early to see the real wildlife and he really took care for our safety even when stuck in the mud, which was a great fun for us. For him maybe it was exactly the opposite from fun but we enjoyed it :) It was him who managed to keep all of the described program so as never miss a thing!
Remember - ask all your questions in advance and read the answers carefully. As well you should always have in mind that you receive the service you paid for : if it is a budget it IS budget, as well mid-budget etc.
And one more thing - remember that it is nature out there - and if you do not see any kind of animal you wished, it is just because you were not lucky. My next time - I really hope I will see the cheetahs. :)
Email Santiago Morillo | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing travel with wildlife in everywhere
All safari was very excited, we could see a lot of different animals with nice landscapes and weather. We used the services of Lenchada Safaris and was really good, very punctual in the schedules, good transports and food als and finally comfortable places for rest.
I recommend the safari in this country and Lenchada Safaris for an excellent experience with a very reasonable cost.
