One of our experienced guide and staffs
Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 1992)
- Member Of:
- American Society of Travel Agents
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $110 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Matthew | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Safaris that could use a little more organization
My partner and I recently finished the 11-Day Mara Nakuru Amboseli Serengeti Ngorongoro Nairobi Safaris.
Kennedy, was very helpful in the planning process. There were a few times where I asked specific questions that went unanswered, but in general our back and forths were good.
Our time in the parks was great. We had many rare and fascinating animal sightings and our guide was great at positioning us for optimal viewing. I wish that our guide had been a little more forthcoming with information though. He would answer questions but not volunteer too much. Additionally, on the Kenya side, we were only provided 1L of water per day. This is not enough, especially in 30+ degree weather.
The accommodations and food were good. I would advise people to bring battery packs and take advantage wifi when it is available as both electricity and Internet will often not be.
The safaris had some issues with organization and professionalism. On our very first day, we sat at the office for an hour after being picked up. We were told that it was because other members of our group were late. Then, after discussing with those travellers, we discovered they were told they were kept waiting because we were late. It is ok to run late in the morning but it is very unprofessional to blame tourists to one another. Another issue we experienced was due to a typo in the itinerary that I was provided during the booking process. The date of September 13th was forgotten, so after the 12th, the itinerary was off by a day. This was a big issue as it forced us to spend an extra day and night in Arusha at the end of the tour. This was money we did not intend to spend. It also caused concern at the Kenya-Tanzania border because the date of entry on our visas was the 15th when we were actually crossing on the 14th. Lucky for us the border guards understood. Regarding the border crossing, this was not handled well by the company. Our guide dropped us off at the border without any information on what shuttle we were taking or when it was leaving. Instead, he told us to just trust his friend that was there. This friend had no association with the tour company and was obviously inebriated. If this wasn't stressful enough, once we arrived at the bus depot in Arusha, the representative from Seven Wonders (the company running the safaris on the Tanzanian side) failed to collect us so we had to take a cab. This was not a great day. The organization was also lacking in Tanzania. We were collected on day one by what turned out to be the wrong tour so we had to switch the next day. This was not a big deal but decisions on what tourists were going where and with which guide seemed to be made on fly each day.
Despite these hiccups, the safari did leave us with many great memories and positive feelings. It is good value as a budget safaris and earned the 4 Stars I awarded it. I would choose it again if I had the opportunity.
Recommendations: 1) While planning your safaris, make sure to scrutinize the schedule; 2) Be flexible. The itinerary will not be strictly adhered to; 3) If crossing the border, make sure your guide provides you with a shuttle number; 4) Buy water when you can (particularly in Kenya); 5) Take advantage of electricity/wifi when it is available
Email Chris | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic value for money
The tour was everything and more than I expected. Kennedy answered all my pre trip questions promptly. On one morning, however, I was left not knowing what time was pick up and felt I could have had a lie in! All in all great value for money and I would go again in a heartbeat
Email Tara | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great value well organised budget safari
Me and my friend just finished a 6 day safari and everything was fantastic. Our guide Stanley was wonderful, he was a fantastic driver on tough roads, was knowledgeable and really put effort into finding all the animals for us! We will miss you Stanley! Both camps we stayed at were great and food was tasty and plentiful. 10/10 would recommend this company for everything.
IT
Email Isabella | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari in Kenya - August 2024
I just finished an incredible 5-day safari in Kenya with the company "Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris" and I wanted to leave my review because I had read them all before leaving, so I hope it can be useful to someone!
We spent the two days exploring Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, and the next three days in the Masai Mara. The places we visited were truly spectacular and worthy of documentaries. Seeing all the "Big Five" was a breathtaking experience, and the Masai Mara gave us landscapes and encounters with wildlife that we will hardly forget. So in general the lakes are beautiful, but the Masai Mara is absolutely not to be missed.
A special praise goes to our driver, who demonstrated extraordinary skill in driving even on bumpy and dangerous roads. He was friendly, kind and always available, happily accommodating our requests to stay longer to observe certain animals. His punctuality and professionalism made the trip even more enjoyable.
However, it is right to highlight some aspects that could be improved. Low-cost safari organizations, and I mean all companies in general from what I perceived, are very disorganized. We often changed groups and found ourselves having to wait for the time to collect participants from different hotels, which caused delays and an increase in the time spent in the car. Also, on the first day we had to use a private car due to the lack of available seats in the compartments, after waiting two hours at the meeting point, creating a bit of confusion at the beginning... Finally, of lesser importance, it should be considered that in group safaris it is possible to come across different types of people and the group dynamics can influence the general atmosphere.
Despite these small inconveniences, I would do the safari again tomorrow without hesitation. It was a unique and fascinating experience, which I highly recommend to anyone who wants to live an unforgettable adventure in Kenya.
(automatic translation from Italian)
US
Email Rodney and Wendy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
He was knowledgeable, accommodating, punctual and engaging and he navigated the safari well.
Our experience was fantastic! Communications flowed perfectly from USA to Kenya and back. We chose Bienvenido for the itinerary and the affordability. We have no regrets whatsoever! Our tour operator navigated the safari with skill and precision. His patience allowed us to come home with the most amazing pictures. I would love to do business with Bienvenido again!
IT
Email Massimo | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Nice experience
I went on a safari in the Masai Mara with Bienvenido in the first week of August 2024. It was a great experience with other people inside a minibus adapted for the route in the savannah. I definitely recommend this Kenyan agency
BH
Email Jody | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kennedy was extremely responsive, helping and advising on transfers and taxis.
We chose an 11 day Kenya and Tanzania tour and are a family of three. Kenya accommodation was permanent tents and budget hotels and Tanzania was camping in tents and some budget lodges. For us, this was perfect, but there are options to avoid camping in tents. The food was always good and lots of healthy options. Lunches in the National Parks was a particular highlight - particularly Tangarine National Park and the monkeys that stole our banana!
As for our guides and the safaris, we were blown away! James in Kenya was extremely knowledgeable and a reassuring presence, navigating tricky roads and late nights into campsites. We trusted him and enjoyed his company.
In Tanzania, we had different guides on different days. This was a good thing, as we had the insight of different people. We did have an issue one day, and this was very promptly resolved by Kennedy.
We absolutely loved this tour - it was an absolute highlight to experience the wildlife in such close proximity and have the advantage of such knowledgeable guides. We cannot recommend this tour enough and feel we also travelled within our budget. We have family memories that will stay with us forever.
QA
Email Nadine | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic organization, caring Guide and amazing customer service
I definitely recommend this company. We did a 5 day shared Safari, Masai Mara/Nakuru/Naivasha. They worked out the best option for us, and the price was really good compared to other companies. Everything was well organized and worked smoothly. Kennedy was always quick to answer all of our questions before hand and Richard, our guide was absolutely amazing. I will always have fond memories of this trip.
PK
Email Kevin | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They were easy to deal with, communicated well and delivered on their promises.
I travelled with Bienvenido Kenya tours with my wife and 15 year old grandson. First, they were easy to deal with and communicated well. Kennedy was excellent. They made things very clear, Kim met us at the airport and was helpful. The drivers were safe, not like everyone else on the road! The tour guide, Maxwell was excellent, he communicated clearly, nothing was a bother to him and he was able to get us to great locations. We had a fantastic time. We ran into a terrible traffic jam on the way back to Nairobi but they got us to another vehicle and delivered us to our hotel. Plus, we saw 4 of the big five and had a wonderful experience. Thanks.
HK
Email Jessie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enjoyable trip!
Simon and Jackson are excellent drivers! They are patient and very professional! We always have the best spots among all jeeps. We enjoyed the trip a lot and it is an eye opening experiences. Thanks!