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
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Email Stephen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari at a Great Price!
We only had a short week in Kenya, so we wanted to make the most of our time! Thankfully I found Karibu recommended on another website, so I looked into their safaris. We ended up choosing their 6 day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli private safari instead of the shared/group safari since we would have our own van and accommodations. And let me tell you - this was the BEST decision! We could stretch out in our van, put our bags on the seats, ask for washroom breaks whenever, ask to stop for photos, etc.
Our driver was Edward/Cobra and he was great! When we were in Masai Mara, he used his radio and seemed to know everyone. This helped a lot because they told him where to go to find which animal and/or if there was something interesting going on in a certain area. We got some truly memorable and rare photos because of this! We also felt safe with him at all times which is great when you're in a foreign country and don't feel 100% safe on your own. If you travel a lot, you know what I'm talking about! Edward was also great with communication and planning. He always told us the schedule for the next day, and he even helped us maximize our time in Masai Mara when we got stuck in traffic the first day. If there's one suggestion that I have, it's this: We really enjoyed the facts/information about the city, parks, animals, etc, but please tell us more! You're a smart guy and a true Kenyan, so share your knowledge!
Regarding the accommodations: They're not glamorous or luxurious, but you're paying for a BUDGET SAFARI! You're getting a great deal at a great price! It's more like upgraded camping, so here are the must haves: bug spray, flashlight, book to read, game to play (deck of cards maybe), and snacks. The power also went out at all 3 of our hotels/camps at some point, so remember this - if the power is on, charge your phone, charge your camera, and take a hot shower NOW. Don't wait until later, because the power could be off for any amount of time. Could be 5 minutes or 5 hours.
The food: rice, lentils, beef, chicken, lamb, fish, potatoes, fruit, spinach, and chapati (tortilla/bread). That's what's for lunch and dinner everyday. Not great, not horrible, but it does get a little boring after a few days. Breakfast is typically eggs, toast, pancakes/crepes, and sausage. Usually pretty good!
Remember that since this is a budget safari, you won't be flying at all. Only driving and for hours at a time. Our drive from Nairobi Airport to Masai Mara was about 10 hours, so we were very thankful that we had the whole van to ourselves! The van isn't brand new and it isn't a Land Cruiser, but during our trip we saw several vans AND Land Cruisers stuck in the mud/water. I think your driver is more important than your vehicle! Thanks Edward!
We would definitely use Karibu next time we're in Kenya! Very professional and affordable!
FR
Email HH | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Karibu
My driver edwin is a best very good driver and very nice man thanks for all
Email Justin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding, definitely book with Karibu! Can even cater to vegans!
My girlfriend and myself went on two tours organised by Karibu Safaris.
The first was a 3-day 2-night tour to Maasai Mara for safari. Our guide Gibson was exceptional, knowledgeable about the national park and very organised. We were picked up and dropped off on time and our experience exceeded expectations not to mention the great wildlife we got to see.
Next we did a 4-day/3-night hike up Mount Kenya. My girlfriend and myself were the only ones in the group and we were accompanied by a team of four including two porters, a chef and a guide. We had two guides as they changed due to another traveller on a different day having some issues which they appeared to handle professionally and efficiently. Both our guides Jimmy and Sam were tremendous and really were vital in us getting to the summit safely. Neither of us are experienced hikers, and my girlfriend was experiencing high altitude for the first time but both guides were patient, calm and really helped us out.
Also worth noting that we are both vegan and when we asked them at the start of each trip (both Maasai Mara and Mount Kenya) to not serve us meat/fish/dairy/eggs/honey etc they had no issues at all and the food we received was amazing. Stevie was the chef on the hike and did a great job making a variety of vegan food for us.
We are so grateful to have gone with Karibu Safaris and would recommend any others to do the same.
Professional, kind and knowledgeable about the animals. Super
Thank you very much for the outstanding service and safari experience. A wonderful time was had and has prompted me to place another trip to Kenya and experience another Safari. The professional service which Eric provided was super. His ability to navigate the roadways and provide opportunity to see the wild animals. And with a pleasant smile on his face. A true professional and a fine man. Will be returning for another safari adventure!
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Email Ted T. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience for the price
Karibou Safaris provided a great experience overall, especially considering the price - $630 US for a six day trip including Masai Mara (excellent), Lake Nakuru (much better than expected), and Amboseli (very good). Emails were very responsive and answered all questions. Service was overall very good. Our driver Peter did an excellent job explaining the plan for the day and ensuring we got the most out of our safari. We were fortunate to see so many animals, including the “big 5”. Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru I consider “must see” parks. Amboseli is also interesting primarily to see lots of elephants with Kilimanjaro in the back ground, though there are other animals to see there too. Our vehicle was a 2WD Toyota van with pop up roof. Adequate but needed towing twice in the worst muddy spots. 4WD would be better. Lots of driving but there are good things to see even on pure travel days like the optional Masai village and Lake Naivasha. Lunches on the road were good from roadside restaurants. Food and accommodations were slightly better in Masai Mara (Manyatta camp) than Amboseli (Kimana cottages). City max hotel is fine in Nakuru. Sack lunches on safari were fine. We did not always get bottled water provided as indicated, but we did purchase some. Overall the trip exceeded our expectations and I would recommend this trip for those on a budget.
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Email Lincoln | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible adventure
I came to Kenya to celebrate my birthday and for this tour company via the internet. It was nothing short of amazing. Our guide, Castro, ensured that everything went better than I could have imagined. I don't think I could've asked for anything better.
Such an amazing experience!
The communication with the team before the safari was very good, they helped us with all our questions and were always very helpful.
When the actual experience started, we had the best luck when having James as our driver. He took us to all the dreamy places, always helped us when needed and assured that we were having the best experience. James is such a kind, patient, and smiley person that made us feel great all the time.
QA
Email Damaris | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Experience ever
A very well organized tour. They picked us and dropped us at the hotel.
Communication was so well and they got me a cake organized to surprise my friend for the birthday.
The accommodation was neat, clean and cosy too.
NG
Email David | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
The safari tour was awesome and I enjoyed my time. My tour guide Castrol helped alot with getting settling down.
MX
Email Laura | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was super good, very illustrative, fun, complete and the tour guide was super nice.
The tour was super nice, complete and illustrative...
unfortunately the roads were really damaged die to the rains, however our guide did an amazing job, he was super cool, very calm (waited patiently for us every time we wanted to buy handcrafts), super supportive when were in troubles, respectful and kind.
I certainly recommend James!
We also have nice time interacting with the Massai community. We learnt about their traditions and their way of life.