The team
Karibu Safaris In Kenya
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 1986)
- Member Of:
- KATO, Tourism Regulatory Authority & Eco Toursm Kenya
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range & luxury)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $80 to $280 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Heath Holden | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great and easy going trip, relaxed and flexible to meet needs.
Th Amboseli 3 day safari was good, I think it suits those who don't want a super controlled schedule and are flexible to other options within the time frame. Food etc was reasonable, good company and I would use the guides again no problem. For photography purposes, I would recommend some small changes, mostly going out a bit earlier for sunrise game drive and Kilimanjaro views.
US
Email Jared | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Budget doesn't mean bad quality! We had an amazing time, but be prepared to sit in a car for a long
I will separate the reviews in two since Karibu is just a booking service and doesn't actually operate the tours themselves. For Karibu, Robert was always responsive to my emails, however seemed to answer my questions with minimal effort and detail so that was a bit disappointing but went with them anyways since they have good reviews. The airport pickup they provided went smoothly and the payment in the office as well.
For the tour itself, we did the 6 day Masai Mara, Nakuru and Amboseli safari and had an amazing time thanks to our driver Gibson and the other 6 people in our van. The tour itself beat my expectations due to our driver and that the overall quality was better than I expected. We were worried 6 days might be a bit too long at first, but each park was so different that it was perfect. My only warning to people is that you should be prepared to spend A TON of time in the car (10-12 hours per day i'd say). If you don't like long car rides, or uncomfortable bumpy roads for hours on end, then this tour is not for you. But your only alternative is flying between places and that gets expensive, so no budget tour is for you in that case.
Driving - Our driver Gibson was very knowledgable, funny and an excellent driver. Usually on the game drives we were one of the first vans to discover an animal before the rest flocked over. We saw the big 5 and more, Gibson made sure to give us the best experience and he clearly knew his way around each park. The van was comfortable enough and we all had a proper viewing spot with the pop up top. As reiterated before, we were surprised at how much time is spent in the car and also how terrible the roads are...so just something to keep in mind, but nothing the company did wrong here.
Accommodations - This was originally what I was most worried about doing a budget tour, but actually ended up being totally fine. The first camp in Masai Mara there was no hot water and the electricity was quite hit and miss. The hotel in Nakuru was a nice step up from the camps, and the final camp in Amboseli was actually quite nice even if basic.
Food - Also a major worry of mine before, but was a big surprise that it was actually quite decent. We are vegetarians and had a good selection of things to eat and they fed us plenty every day. Also everyone is given 1 liter of water per day which was nice, with the option to buy more.
Optional tours - We did the morning nature walk with the Masai guides in Amboseli and the boat ride in Lake Nakuru which I would definitely recommend both! I can't comment much on the Masai village tour since we didn't do it, but as far as I heard they just try to sell you all their arts and crafts aggressively which we hate those type of tourist trap things.
Overall, i'd totally recommend this tour to anyone who is looking to do an affordable safari trip...we feel like we got our money's worth and more. This tour is not for anyone expecting comfort and luxury, but if your goal is just to see some amazing animals at an affordable price then don't hesitate and do the tour!
Email Claudio | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enjoyable budget safari
The communication was punctual and booking was easy, safari was good for a budget one, the driver was kind, the tent accomodation was fine, be aware that the visit to the Masai Mara camp will result with them asking you for money. Overall happy for a budget 3 day safari.
DE
Email Nicola | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great first safari experience at a fair price (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru + Amboseli NP)
Hi there,
My journey did not start so well as I had a flight delay of 24h in Paris.
But Robert helped me to join my friend later, that was much appreciated.
Karibu Safaris run daily tours and have a flexible tour system where they put together new groups for each tour part if necessary.
The drivers were good. Especially Arony was great, had a lot of knowledge and experience and was fun to drive with.
The accommodation was basic but ok.
Thank you for the great trip, I enjoyed it very much, saw a lot of animals and of course the big 5.
I will definitely be back to Kenia for another safari!
Cheers
PH
Email Bayani Pasamba | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Masai Mara Safari
This is our first African safari experience. Overall, it was great.
Communications-wise, Robert is actively replying to messages. He also assisted us when we were looking for souvenir items while in Nairobi.
Our driver for the safari, Khalifa, is very great. He is on time and during the game drive, he would always find a way and search for animals so that we get to have the best experience and find good angle for picture-taking. He is also very helpful since during our safari, there was an accident and he helped those in need. So far, we were able to see 4 out of the big 5 animals (we weren't able to see the rhino). We recommend to request for Khalifa if you would do the safari.
The only thing that maybe needs some improvement would be the assignment and coordination with Enchoro Camp. Because we were surprised that we would be sharing a room with other people we have just met. We were just 2 and the only available room is for 4 persons. Luckily, the ones we are to share with transferred to a different camp so it didn't become awkward during our stay. So far, the staff and the locals in the camp are very kind and helpful.
NL
Email Flora | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice orginized safari with a enthousiastic guide!
in general good communications. Accomodation and food is basic and good. Safari was worth the trip with this enthousiastic guide who provided valuable additional information about the wildlife. all was up to expectation.
Email Jim | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very Good Budget Tour
Karibu Safaris was very prompt in responding by email to any questions that we had beforehand.
Our driver/guide, Arony, was excellent. He was friendly, experienced, and very knowledgeable about the game and where to find them. When one of the tourists on our trip became ill on the last night, he took the initiative to find a good doctor and see that he received proper treatment.
In most ways, the safari was as advertised. There were four minor ways that differed: 1) At Masai Mara, we did not stay at the Mara Springs Tent Camp, but instead stayed at Miti Mingi Eco Camp, which is probably equivalent. The camp was close to the park entrance, and we had warm water for showers, and a private bathroom with flush toilet, shower, and sink. It was not luxurious, but fits a budget tour. 2) We did not go for a game drive on our last morning at Masai Mara, but instead visited a nearby Masai village. This was interesting, but does involve some extra costs ($15 pp entrance, money for souvenirs). 3) On our way from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru, we stopped at Lake Naivasha and went for a boat ride ($20 pp). There we saw a number of birds and got very close to some hippos. We could also see some game on an island, but were not close. 4) One small complaint - we were provided with some water at Masai Mara, but needed to buy our own for the trips to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru.
Even though it was not high season, we saw a large variety of animals. At Masai Mara, we saw many wildebeast, impalas, gazelles, buffalo, elephants, zebras, warthogs, baboons, and hippos. We also saw giraffes, waterbucks, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, a few crocodiles, and a rare leopard. We also got to see a pride of 7 lions hunt a family of warthogs and bring down a young warthog. I was surprised at how close we could come to many of the animals. At Lake Nakuru, we saw many impalas, buffalo, baboons, gazelle, and some elands. We also 7 white rhinos, including one with a baby. We saw one giraffe (which was different than those at Masai Mara), a python, and a large number of flamingos and pelicans. There are apparently not as many flamingos as there used to be, since the lake flooded about 3 years ago with heavy rainfall, and the saltiness of the lake was decreased.
I recommend bringing a camera with a telephoto lens, or good zoom capabilities. I had a video camera with 80x zoom, and was able to get much better pictures than others in the group who only had their cell phones. Though for many of the animals (including lions and cheetahs) we were able to get right next to them.
IN
Email Valentine Mendanha | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Could be Better if.....
We booked our Safari through Karibu Safari here is my frank opinion of the overall tour...
1) Vehicle.... I am 6ft 2 in tall, and the only place I could fit in was the center seat in the last row. We were told we would be a total of 6 people, and we were happy. Anything more, the vehicle is very cramped with no place to keep our backpacks/napsacks. But then, on the first day, we were only 2 of us to Naivasha, the next day, we had to wait for 2 hours 30 minutes for 4 more to Join in, the 3rd and 4th day we were 8, and on the last day 8 till someplace midway for Lunch, and from there to Nairobi 1 hour we were 3.... so for the most important part that is the massai, and on very bad roads, we were cramped with 8 of us + driver + an assistant.... it was absolutely uncomfortable
2)The Driver - Raymond... doesnt talk much, but an Excellent Driver, even though he was driving at great speed and sometimes on very bad roads, there was literally NO roads for almost 100kms and inside the masai reserve too, we felt very safe with him. Good Guy !
3) The Airport Pick up was on time, friendly driver, waited with a placard, easy to Indentify, and I hope the driver for our drop would be on time too.
4) Our Tour - We did a walking tour on the 5th Feb, good guide, and absolutely worth it for USD 10 per person.
5) Our Hotels on the Karibu tour....
Taphe Guest House - Naivasha - Wish, hope and Pray Karibu safaris would choose another property. In the middle of no where, no tv, no sockets working, tiny rooms, changed rooms twice, the second room was big, but nothing in there worked, no tv, no socket, the bathroom was large ( room 204), but if you sit on the potty, the thing shook, the bathtub hand shover leaked, the main shower only pelted out boiling hot water. The sink - if the geyser was on gave only hot water, no cold water came out, asked for a bucket and mug but got a bucket and a large plastic Jar, funny they never used mugs... Food was set and very average, you had no options to choose, no mugs in room, only one chair, and No free water, you have to pay for everything including water. Please, find another property, this one badly sucks !
The Lenchada Resort - Masai Mara - We were told we would be given the Mara Springs Elephant Camp, but instead got the Lenchada. It was Ok. The best part was the Toilet - spacious, good shower and hot water from 6.30pm - 10pm and from 5.30 am- 7 am. Food too was limited but good. The bed however was very very low, and the matress curved in. Uncomfortable but we were so tired, we managed. The room could do with a small side table and two glasses, but there was nothing. Everything had to be on the floor. Only thing in the room was the bed and mosquito net. Not even a chair and table to sit outside. Went to the restaurant and got a couple of chairs which we placed outside our tent to sit. We cant be sleeping on the bed all the time. The Lenchada would do if it had a wooden table to place our luggage, a small side table with a pair of glasses to drink our water or have a drink in, and outside a couple of chairs. Otherwise, its OK for a budget property.
The City Max Hotel - Lake Nakuru..... Well, we were given the 3rd floor rooms... dont know why. Someone took our luggage up, but we had to bring it down ourselves... 3 floors down ! Room had a twin bed and a single bed.... It was stuffy, no fan. We had to open the windows to get in some air but along with it came the mosquitos and spoiled our sleep. If we put down the mosquito nets the place would be suffocating. The TV worked, the internet worked, The Bathroom had a hand shower with NO force at all and the water just trickled. The tap however worked fine but with no bucket and mug to collect water, we had to wait a long time for the water to do its job.... Overall, a fan in the room, a bucket and mug in the bathroom and some more pressure in the handshower would have made the place worthwhile... Food was set, but tasty, just your plate of food, no water, no dessert, no fruits. Breakfast was much better..... But Put a fan in the rooms please....
About My hotel in Nairobi - I booked the Best Western Meridian Plus hotel and cannot be happier. Lovely room, great rain shower, fabulous breakfast, in the heart of the center surrounded by shopping, supermarkets and even a wine shop behind the hotel which is truly a blessing. The food in the Hotel is very very expensive but lots of cheap shopping and eating options around. You will never regret stay here !
and finally.....
About Robert..... I have never heard of Karibu Safaris..... it was Roberts prompt replies that made Karibu earn its trust. Well done Robert. If it wasnt for Robert's prompt replies to over 2 dozen or more mails of mine, I would NEVER have chosen Karibu Safaris. Thank you Robert and keep up the good work !
Will I recommend Karibu Safaris? Ofcourse I would, but Please change the Hotel in Lake Naivasha !
NL
Email Nelleke Priem | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good value for money on this budget safari
Like I said, good value for money for a budget safari. The game drives were well executed, saw a lot of game and the driver did his best to show us The Big 5 in Masai Mara NP and the other parks. Accommodation was basic but very fine, same with the food. Vehicle is a bit tight to sit in but was good enough and worked miracles for showing us the wildlife through the rooftop and for not dying on us on the very very rocky and rough roads of Masai M.
Few tips: on the Masai Mara trip we could use more bathroom breaks (or bush toilet breaks). You can't expect people to hold their bladders from 6.30am-2pm. Also, if anything changes from the initial itinerary we got before we left, such as change of accommodation, please inform us. People will complain when not informed. Communication from the driver could be a little better, like for instance about distances, how long before lunch/washrooms/back at camp etc. Also a little more information on the wildlife would be nice.
All in all, I had the best of experiences and absolutely loved every minute of this African experience. Will recommend Karibu Safaris to friends and tell them the trip was absolutely fantastic! Thanks for everything!
Email Abdirahman | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I like to enjoy may life
They always communicated very well and helps more to get experience life and even it's can change your life
