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Email Steven Levenson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing seeing so many animals up close - did not expect such long drive times to different reserves
Used Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris - chose a modified 10 day safari rather than the 12 day mid-priced, also upgraded to Luxury accommodations, and they were very accommodating - I did not recall an airport pickup - so I paid for transportation from another company - both were there even at 11:00pm. Used our tour company - Zachery - he told us he was with us for our 10 Day Safari. Dropped us off at hotel and told to be ready at 7:00 sharp - he would be there and ready, please be on time. I had to email our tour company at 7:25, because no one was there - about 5 minutes later another driver/guide was there, AL - I explained that Zachery was our guide - he made calls and said he was.
Started to Tsavo East - a little into the drive, stopped for about 90 minutes in a very dirty gas station where we believe he was trying to get money into his account, said needed a car charger for his cell. Another stop about an 1 1\2 later for what we were told as a potty stop - went used and wanted to leave - found Al eating and had to wait. Couple hours later stopped at a restaurant for lunch, we refused, well below our standards and supposed to eat at our 1st lodge, per itinerary. Got to 1st lodge after 8 hours - problems with reservations - had lunch and then were told we were being refused, tour company had not paid - went on a game drive on way to new lodge - really nice, lots of animals - got to lodge, standards well below that of the original one in our itinerary. No hot water, food very basic - lodge very rustic, but very clean and we could view many animals, up close. I did receive an email from tour company that Zachery was on way - was sent replying to my email at 7:30am - I do not understand how we ended up with Al.
Day 2 - Itinerary - not followed - did 2 game drives and did see lots of animals - missed Via Aruba Dam on itinerary.
Day 3 again Itinerary not followed - very long day 7am start - went to Mzima Springs, saw Hippos and Crocodiles, then to Rhino Sanctuary, struck out seeing either Rhinos or Leopards - got to lodge 6:30pm in Tsavo West. One of 2 guests at this very rustic lodge, did not get the expected Luxury upgrade - no hot water again- food very basic.
Day 4 early start to Amboseli - lunch at very nice Sopa Lodge, checked in - rested before afternoon game drive, lots of animals. There was a personal stop for our guide to get money - about 45 minutes while we sat in van with up to 30 kids surrounding our van begging for money - we were extremely uncomfortable and told him
Day 5 morning game drive - really nice. Lunch at lodge then a visit, without guide- extra cost, to a Maasai Tribal Village - very enjoyable.
Day 6 very early morning start on way to Lake Naivasha - another very long drive for late lunch at the Sopa Lodge - an extremely nice resort/lodge - many animals walking around. Afternoon game drive at Hell Gate - not many animals, but did see the Geo Thermo Power Plant.
Our favorite accommodations - many animals wandering around grounds - Hippos wandering around at night - really cool - food was fantastic.
Day 7 - a day at "Crescent Island Sanctuary" - supposed to be an included, guided tour - charged $60 for tour - Al was our guide, but there was no tour - just walked for about an hour seeing animals and birds. Did not see or do anything per our itinerary - again supposed to be included, but charged $60.
Day 8 - very early start to Maasai Mara - another very long drive - late lunch at Azure Mara Haven - a Tented Camp, then a late afternoon game drive - lots of animals. Dinner, family style, no choices - food OK at best - had a nice tribal show during dinner.
Day 9 - Very early start - 5:30 for a Hot Air Balloon ride then outside breakfast - highly recommend - really nice and fun. After a morning game drive with the balloon operator - our guide did not show up at meeting place - so he took us to try and see Leopards - no luck - but did see lots of animals. After many attempts to contact Al - he was going to take us back to hotel but Al finally contacted him for a meeting place - continued drive with Al to border of Kenya and Tanzania - had box lunch and continued game drive - lots of Lions this day.
Day 10 - After breakfast - anther extremely long drive back to Nairobi - I paid for box lunches for all because would not eat at the restaurant Al chose - finally in Nairobi, dinner at 6 at a very nice restaurant - Al instructed waitress to give me bill - no problem - then to Airport.
There were many personal stops for our guide. Many of the roads taken were very questionable. The seat-belts were not working in van.
Al was very knowledgeable about the animals and birds - really enjoyed listening to him. Also, he ate every meal with us - the only guide to do so.
We are still very puzzled by the confusion regarding guides and the non payment of the original lodge. The original lodge was very nice and we ended up at a far inferior lodge - not the Luxury upgrade that we paid for.
All in all we really enjoyed our tour.
Email David | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful country, amazing wildlife, but shocking infrastructure
We really enjoyed the parks and wildlife, but getting there proved a challenge - the roads are appalling, especially the road into the Masai Mara - I would have thought such a busy park would be better served. The number of trucks on the roads is crazy, they should all be on the new railway, not clogging up traffic. If Kenya can fix this it will go a long way into making it an outstanding destination.
HU
Email Benedek Kovács | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Better than expected
Wildlife: Low season but big amount and diverse wildlife. We just missed a wildebeest herd river crossing. And we didn't see leopard. But everything was outstanding.
Weather: Pleasure weather little bit chilly early morning.
Accommodations / Food: Extraordinary
Transport: It was ok. Long travel time, bumpy roads and big traffic especially near the capital but not bad.
Guide: Extraordinary partner, educated, informative, funny, reliable, flexible.
I took my eleven year old granddaughter to see animals in the wild.
I used Alliance Destinations to plan our safari and it was fabulous. Elizabeth responded to my inquiry within minutes of sending it and from there we planned the 8 day safari by the end of the day. She never failed to respond to me within the day when I would ask questions or want to adjust the schedule. We had a very knowledgeable guide/driver who found all the animals we were looking for.....of course, the big five and more. The resorts where we stayed were always wonderful and clean.
My next trip to Kenya would always be with Alliance Destinations as they followed through with all our requests and I'd always ask for Antony as a guide.
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Email Dhruvank Vaidya | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memorable Kenya trip with Wildtouch Africa
We found Jacob of Wildtouch through Safari Bookings. From the time we first connected, Jacob has been most responsive and forthcoming. It was his speed of response, openesss to adjust to our schedule and requirements and overall transparency, that made us decide to do our safari with him. He also booked really spectacular hotels for us, which enhanced our travel experience manifold.
Kenya wildlife is spectacular. The trip organised for us made sure we went to the best of parks and were able to see all the animals up close. Our guide, Ben, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
The kids loved the food and the hotels that were booked and all of us enjoyed the trip immensely.
I think the trip would not have been half as enjoyable if it were not for Jacob and his entire team at Wildtouch. For that, thanks a lot. I have not stopped referring him to all my friends ever since we came back. Hope to do another safari with Jacob and Wildtouch soon.
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Email Philip Hodgson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic
We enjoyed a one week safari in Kenya arranged by Amazing Memories Safaris. We thoroughly recommend this company and our guide, David. We visited 4 parks, saw many animals, felt safe and enjoyed the lodges and meals. Amazing Memories were very helpful in planning our trip and responding quickly to our questions. We are very grateful to David for his experience and keen eyes.
CN
Email Linda | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful birding trip guided by Josephe from Nature's Wonderland Safari
I went Kenya for a birding trip last week,21-day trip. We are a group in 7-person. Not only more than 490 bird species, but also more than 40 species of mammals, amphebious and reptiles did I watched. Good views of Kenya mountains and lakes, plateau and forests. Especialy Cheetah's hunting,Lion's family style,Leopard family gave me deep impressions. I do remember the Rondo Retreat in Kakamega, it's a very nice place for birding and staying, the fish pond is a very lovely place for thinking and dazing.I do remember the kindly waiter in the restaurant of Rondo Retreat, his service is very special and considerate.
Thanks our guides and drivers in Kenya, Anthony and David are good drivers,they gave us safe and exciting safari experience. Especialy thanks should give to Joseph, he was our birding guide,gave us professional guide and thoughtful care in the trip. I learned much more knowlege about birding identify methods from Joseph.Joseph is very familiar with the birds situation in Kenya,especially familiar with the birds sounds.
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Email Yvonne Joosten | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Absolutely fantastic
Best trip ever, we loved it all. The arrangements were perfect as was the food and accomodation.
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Email Rebecca Donovan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Absolutely fabulous
Kenya is unbeaten when it comes to a scenery. We got to see the migration in the Maasai mara and it was wonderful.
Our guide was a true gentleman, and all the parks were beautiful, there was more people around animals than I am use to as I am from Botswana but the scenery made up for it .
I would recommend Best Memories safaris to anyone.
CA
Email Elisabeth Bélanger | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great safari experience!
We had a great safari with Kenya Walking Survivors. We had the 4 days/3 nights Masai Mara + Naivasha. All the activities of the schedule were done. Our guide John was really goog with animal spotting. We saw A LOT of differents animals and John always make sure that we were happy. Transportation was on time. I would recommand!
