Shanjoy Tours Team
Shanjoy Tours and Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $250 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
IN
Email TB | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Shanjoy delivered a superbly memorable family trip, exceeded expectation and value in every way
We just had one of the most memorable safari trip to Africa covering Kenya and Tanzania over 11 days with my family, from end Aug till mid Sept.
My Mom just turned 70 recently, she always wanted to visit during great migration in Africa. And I wondered whether I could make that happen this year, a family trip with my Mom & Dad, along with my Wife and I. And do it without breaking my bank.
It was kind of overwhelming initially, when there are so many tour companies and national parks to visit. Then reached out to Shanjoy tours amongst and few more. I was impressed by the effort put in by Patrick the owner, on detailed itinerary which clarified a lot for me given my first time planning a safari. Patrick was very open to customizing whenever I enquired, was very prompt on his responses, and gave good suggestions/recommendations on places to stay, to make it easy/comfortable for my parents, this gave me peace of mind given both my parents are in their 70s.
All the recommended places turned out excellent during the trip. Through out the trip punctuality, professionalism and along with coordination between Tanzanian Partner Mama Safari’s, could not be faulted. Everything just happened smoothly like a well oiled machine.
Patrick received us in the airport along with our guide Patrick (both happen to share the same names) and gave us a complete briefing, we liked and appreciated this gesture a lot. We were little disappointed to know that migration was unexpectedly short this year which nobody could have predicted, however what we saw in the coming days, just made us not regret at all.
Kenya part of the trip
- Nothing prepared us enough for Kenya, the abundant wild life everywhere, the ability to get very close sighting, and frequent big cat action. It just felt surreal.
- Patrick our guide just made it so much better, very knowledgeable, good sense of humor and temperament, kept all our family engaged. He ensured that all my Mom’s wishes were taken care of. My family just loved him throughout the trip, and I must say it won’t have been as enjoyable without him. He was the best part of the trip, and all of us kind of miss him. (My Mom has even followed up with me checking if I have mentioned him well in the review, it has never happened before :-)). Also we appreciated his professionalism in his job, he respected nature and wildlife, in Masai Mara sometime seeing aggressive guides getting too close to the animals can be quite a put off. He turned out to be adept with repairs as well, we ran into engine issue in Amboseli with our safari vehicle, and he was able to resolve the problem quickly and got us safely back to our lodge in time.
- We started the trip with lake Nakuru staying in Nakuru lodge, beautiful location specially during sunset and sunrise. We got to see some of the big cats and rhinos up close on the very first day.
- Masai Mara is truly a safari paradise, the open fields and low grass makes it an ideal location for sighting big cat action in addition to all the other wildlife. We got to see multiple cheetah encounters along with hunts, lion prides with cubs and leopard sighting up close. Our stay in Pride Inn mara lodge was equally memorable, Patrick (owner) ensured that we got cottage rooms, which was luxurious and very comfortable for my parents. The service, food, location was all remarkable. All the staff ensured my family were comfortable and taken care of, and enquired often. Masai Mara and Pride Inn lodge remains the highlight of our trip.
- Amboseli is very different landscape to the other parks in Kenya, it means dusty place in local language, and you kind of get it once you are there. It’s a place to see large elephants and it doesn’t disappoint. It kind of has its own ecosystem. We were lucky on our second day weather cleared up and we could see Mt Kilimanjaro in all its glory. The diminished snowcap reminds us all of the climate change we are causing. Our stay was both in camp in Tulia and lodge in Kibo, both places were very good. My family liked Kibo for the wide buffet options. Just to mention the road from border to Amboseli is quite bad, and gives you the max African massage experience.
- The only feedback that we have given Patrick (owner) is to upgrade the vehicles, the very bad road conditions makes it necessary. Which he mentioned he will be changing to new soon.
Tanzania part of the trip
- We did not see much wildebeest in Mara, however while on the way to Sarengeti post crossing the border, we came across thousands of them grazing. They were on their way back. My Mom was super happy to see the migration on its way back.
- What surprised me about Tanzania is how landscape changes within half a days drive, each area has its own ecosystem. Within Sarengeti there is section with denser bushes & shrubs, then there is a section with endless open grassland, then in Ngorongoro is different ecosystem and similarly lake Manyara is completely different with dense tropical like forest. Quite amazing. However due to the density of vegetation, big cat sighting is not as frequent as Kenyan side, and unlike Masai mara it is not flat land where vehicles can go off-track hence the sightings are from a distance.
- Mustafa was our guide in Tanzania, which we were also very happy with. He was very knowledgeable as well and of calm temperament. He always gave us a good explanation on each of the parks and what to expect. Must mention that in the first day of game drives in Serengeti we were not able to have as many interesting sightings in spite of him covering a lot of distance, he ensured the next day we got superb sighting of leopard with a kill on the tree and the biggest male lion duo we came across the entire trip. And thanks to him we got to see black rhino in Ngorongoro, which is kind of difficult in a short visit. We just got to spend less time with Mustafa compared to Patrick.
- In Serengeti we stayed in Osinon camps which was comfortable and right within the park, though my family found the food options limited for asians, however we all found the staff to be super friendly and always helpful. Our stay in Manyara was in Jungle pearl, in traditional style houses, and my parents loved it, also the food was superb and the chef really took care of my family. Lake Manyara is different in terms of density of trees, its an easy half day game drive, with more birds and primate population, it was a welcome break from the long and bumpy game drives, and gave a required back-rest day to my parents.
- Also must mention that the quality of vehicles provided was really very good during this part of the trip, understood that Mama Savanna and Patrick(owner) tried to ensure that my parents were comfortable, given more distance to be covered on road along with dry/dusty climate. This made the journey really comfortable for my family and we appreciate both for this.
As we look back, we cant help admire the natural beauty of both these countries, their landscapes and wildlife, and how they have been able to conserve them. And above all the people, cant say enough, their humility and sincerity just won us over. They have many things to be really proud of.
For me and my family, we do look forward to a visit again, and it has to include guide Patrick + Masai Mara + Pride Inn.
This trip exceeded all our expectations. And as guide Patrick always said ‘when Mama happy, then everyone happy’, he couldn’t be more right :-). Thank you to both Patrick the owner, Shanjoy team and Mama Savanna teams for making this a reality.
MY
Email PSKua | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
He is really eligible and fantastic for Kenya operator
Shanjoy is really reliable tour, we are really enjoy ourselves during the tour especially at Kenya. But very surprised to have 3 tyres punctured during our tour at Tanzania...
CA
Email Derrick | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience guides that are determined to fulfill your safari adventure
Patrick and his team are super attentive and professional to details. You want an experience guide that knows how to handle any situations because you are in nature with wild animals.
Patrick helped planned our family tour that tailored to our family’s interests and needs. We saw all the big 5 animals. Experienced a lion hunt during a night game drive that we will never forget. Saw cheetahs and lion cubs up close.
We stayed at 6 different hotels, each with its own experience and ambiance that made it special.
We ran into an unexpected Masai protest but the guides handled the situation and got us to our next destination safely. We experienced flat tires but given the terrain that is not a surprise. Our guides were able to fix the issue quickly and got things back on track.
I highly recommend Shanjoy to anyone and will rebook with them again in the future.
CA
Email Natalie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing company with personal touch
Shanjoy’s owner Patrick planned our multi generational safari for 16 people aged 9 to 77 from start to finish! We saw Amboseli, Ngorongoro crater, Serengeti, Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. Patrick diligently worked to make sure we had lodges that fit our family which required 8 rooms one of which was a triple room. Our lodges were beautiful and luxurious with sounds of nature all around like hippos, birds and hyena calls. We saw some amazing things like a pride of lions eating fresh buffalo and two families with cub lions! We also saw giraffes, rhinos, baby elephants, baby topi, numerous birds etc! Our transfers were sometimes long with the bumpy and dusty park roads, but they were well worth it and we always had a comfortable bed and lodge at the end of the day with great meals! Our drivers/guides were always positive and knowledgeable. We appreciated Samuel telling us everything from information about animals, to the history of tribes in Kenya and current politics. How education has changed and the economical climate is changing too. The evolution of game parks and transportation/roads!
Patrick also had great attention to detail making sure the lodges celebrated one of my nephew’s 11th birthday and our wedding anniversary another night.
Patrick also welcomed us to his home and introduced us to his family on our last night of the safari before we went to an out of this world meal close to Nairobi airport where we got to try exotic meats.
Shanjoy is a great choice if you want a safari operator that has great attention to detail and a personal touch!
CA
Email Mauro and Dianne Lobo Pires | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Safari Adventure by Patrick from Shanjoy Tours and Safaris. One of a kind experience.
From the time we were picked up at Nairobi airport to the time we were dropped off back 10 days later, and all the game drives in between in Kenya & Tanzania, every aspect of the safari was amazing. Thanks to Patrick who gave us the opportunity to witness the best of wildlife in their natural habitat. We saw elephants, lions, rhinos and buffalos at close range and also a glimpse of the elusive leopard eating it's kill in a tree. We also saw cheetahs and herds of wilder beast and zebras among numerous other animal species. Patrick's knowledge of the wildlife and his commitment to respect the right of way for the animals and ensure that we, visitors keep our distance, was evident during our entire safari. Our accommodations and meals were also beyond expectations. Thank you again Patrick for an amazing safari adventure.
MY
Email MichaelTeh | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Shanjoy is synonymous with reliability and professional services, knowledgeable and friendly guide
It was quite easy to communicate with Shanjoy to create a suitable itinerary for our Kenya and Tanzania safari. Shanjoy was most approachable and flexible, and made suggestions that were very relevant to enhancing our safari experience.
Our highly professional driver/guide in Kenya, Patrick Roonan, had great communication skills and apparently very knowledgeable of the fauna and flora in the parks.
Patrick Roonan seems to have the knack of finding and locating the animals; we managed to see four of the Big Five within the first safari day itself! His patience and consistently right decisions has enabled us to be the first to arrive at some spots where we can have a close and undisturbed time with the animals.
Thanks to Patrick Ngire, Beth Kamatu and the Shanjoy team, everything went smoothly and safely.
Shanjoy is highly recommended for a memorable and hassle free safari.
US
Email Heather Hatchell | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Shanjoy was very easy to work with and the tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
Communication was easy and responses were quick. They were very accommodating with our itinerary requests. Everything went smoothly (outside of a missing suitcase upon arrival, which they were very helpful in helping us retrieve from the airport). The value for the money was outstanding compared to other quotes received. One piece of feedback is that we were not made aware that we would switch guides between Kenya and Tanzania, which would have been nice to know beforehand. Overall, 5 stars, highly recommend!
NL
Email Jeroen Weemaes | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great company that does everything tonmake the customer happy
We had a great experience, from the communication before the safari, the advise what to do and not to do, to the safari itself.
We had great knowledgeable drivers, they were nice and had very good communication skills while also staying professional. The camps and lodges selected were great overall, some better then the others of course. I would book again with Shanjoy if I go on another safari.
US
Email Yan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dedicated reliable professional services
We contacted Shanjoy tours and safari by email to have a private tour itinerary for a very reasonable price. They replied our questions in detail promptly every time. Patrick picked us up at Nairobi airport in person. We had Steve as our driver/guider at Nakuru, Maasai Mara for 4 amazing days, then picked up at board by its partner, Mama Savanna, in Tanzania. We had Isaya as our driver/guider at Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, Tarangire for 5 perfect days. Then we were back into Kenya to tour Amboseli. At last we were transferred to Nairobi for dinner then airport. Every accommodation is wonderful. What an unforgettable lifetime experience! Thank you so much!
NL
Email Rita | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Best
Value for money, well organized, I highly recommend. I really enjoyed the lodges and camps I stayed in, the food and the people.
