Paul with clients at Ngorongoro Crater enjoying
Kenya Expresso Tours and Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- KATO & KCTA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $140 to $980 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Greg & Lani ~ California | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thanks, KETS, For An Incomparable Adventure
It was 5 am when we heard a gentle knock on the door of our Nairobi bungalow. It was Lucky, our safari driver/guide with KETS (Kenya Expresso Tours and Safari), and our 11-day, epic adventure was about to begin.
It was a 5-hour drive from Nairobi to Voi, the entrance to our first park: Tsavo East. At the entrance gate, Lucky lifted the pop-top and we assumed the standing position in the van, clutching our cameras, and having absolutely no idea what to expect. First impression of Tsavo: the desert-like terrain appeared too barren to support dense populations of wildlife. On the contrary, just 30-minutes later, a parade of 40-elephants trotted passed the van. Jaws dropped and eyes bugged as we entered a world of wonderment that touched us like no other life experience.
Our guide, Lucky, was a perfect fit for our style of safari-ing. A perfect gentleman and professional with an easy laugh, he handled every detail of the trip so all we had to do for 11-days was to maintain our balance in the van as the best of wild Africa unfolded beyond our pop-top. Our safety and comfort were top priorities for Lucky, as was his commitment to fill each game drive with rarefied experiences. His laser-sharp vision perfectly complemented his psychic-powers and instinct in choosing the right road at the right moment to locate wildlife. At Masai Mara, he stopped the van and said, “Watch this.” We had a ring-side seat to observe 4 male lions surround buffaloes, which resulted in a tense stand-off. Suddenly, the buffaloes charged and the lions scattered like terrified kitties. Later on the same drive, he located a pair of mating lions.
We couldn’t have been more pleased with the lodges at Tsavo East/West, Amboseli, Naivasha, Lake Nakuro, and Masai Mara. And the lodges’ buffet meals…vegetarians, prepare to eat the best, most varied meals of your life. Lucky used his charm and persuasion to get us the best rooms overlooking the waterholes. At Naivasha’s Sopa Lodge, who needs a waterhole when hippos are grazing in the garden right outside your room?
We decided go with KETS based on internet postings as well as the competitive price. But even with all the glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, there always remains the nagging possibility that high expectations may collide with disarming realities. But our expectations were met and then blown off the charts with each park we toured. Paul, the owner, knows what customers want and is eager to oblige. The money exchange was effortless. I sent a $1,000 deposit via Western Union, and paid the balance (also via Western Union) the evening before our safari began.
This may sound nuts, but 4-days after we returned home and still wobbly from travel, we tallied our British Air miles and bought 2 tickets San Francisco-Nairobi for next August. The expression “we’re hooked” applies here.
Thanks, Lucky and KETS, for countless, priceless memories.
Our Tsavo East experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxGOLZgIYx0
Our Tsavo East experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTcYTpqtu8w
A word about our stay in Nairobi: we wanted a rural place to stay away from the bustle of the big city that was also within walking distance of Dame Daphne’s elephant orphanage (we had adopted an orphan, Mbegu, and wanted to visit as often as possible.) We also wanted a place that bordered Nairobi National Park, so we could continue our safari independently on foot. Our criteria for the ideal rental did indeed exist: Nyati Hills Cottages on Masai Lodge Rd. Who knew we’d see more rhinos looking out the kitchen window than we would see on an 11-day safari? We loved the proximity to wildlife, from the hyraxes at Rolf’s Place to the baboons in our backyard. And we thoroughly enjoyed the trek to visit the elephant orphans. Nyati Hills was THE place to stay both before and after touring the national parks.
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Email ruthnlarry | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Phenomenal Safari with KETS
We became acquainted with Kenya Expresso Tours and Safaris (KETS) 1 ½ years ago when we began looking for a 1 day safari in Kenya. Originally, we were only going to spend 1 day in Kenya before flying to Rwanda to trek after the mountain gorillas.
As we researched KETS 1 day safaris, we became captivated with them. They offered a variety of 1 day safaris, their price was unbelievably great, and they had phenomenal reviews on TripAdvisor. Also, we would be the only people on their 1 day safaris with our own private driver/guide. It soon became apparent to us, that we wanted to spend more than 1 day on the traditional safari offered by KETS. We wanted to see so much more since we were flying all the way to Kenya from Chicago. We wanted to have the best possible chance to see the Big 5, and to see the Great Migration of the wildebeast, and their river crossing. So, we emailed Paul, the tour consultant of KETS, and asked his advice. Paul answered all of our emails within 24 hours, and was very helpful in helping us customize an itinerary.
Paul recommended visiting Kenya in September. This would give us the best chance of observing the Big 5 and the migration. He also recommended visiting Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara. Paul must be a phenomenal prognostigator!!! We followed his recommendations and were able to see the Big 5 and the wildebeasts crossing the Mara River during their migration.
We were awed, astounded, amazed, and just overwhelmed with the beauty and wildness of Amboseli, Masai Mara, and Lake Nakura. Our accomodations were spacious and restful, with satisfying meals, mostly served buffet style. Dishes included familiar foods as well as a few native dishes. All these appetizing dishes were offered in delicious large quantities.
Due to the expertise planning of Kenya Expresso Tours and Safaris, we experienced the unparalleled wilderness of this fascinating country and had the privilege of being escorted by Philip, a very able driver and knowledgeable guide. My husband and I were the only visitors in the roomy Toyota Land Cruiser, and we found Philip to be a reliable driver and a bold, intelligent guide who often surprised us with unexpected sightings. He found the big 5 for us to observe and photograph during the first 26 hours of our visit, including both the black and white rhinos! Philip would position the vehicle as close as possible to the animals so that we had the best possible views and locations for our photos. He took us to an excellent vantage point overlooking the Mara River to watch the wildebeasts cross. After one hour of waiting unsuccessfully for the wildebeasts to cross, we left to explore other areas. Shortly, we came across a pride of lions, and stopped to observe and photograph them. After several minutes, the male started to court one of the females, and then started to mate with her right in front of us!! While watching the lions mate, Philip heard on his radio that the wildebeasts started to cross the river. So, he told us to buckle-up, turned the Land Cruiser around, and put the pedal to the metal. He got us to the river safely in time to watch the wildebeasts!!! All of our wishes for our Kenya safari had come to fruition. Unbelievable!!! We could not have wished for a better experience than the one we had with KETS, Paul, and Philip.
Paul was assisted us when the airlines lost our luggage, and he was instrumental in tracking down our bags when we had no luck in finding them.
So, book a wonderful never-to-be-forgotten journey with Kenya Express Tours and Safaris. You will find that for the money spent, this trip will be a significant value. Paul and Philip will be waiting for you.
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Email Peter | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!!
We had a great experience with this operator, they were very professional, knowledge, and we got to see a lot with them during our trip. The place where we stayed was very welcoming and comfortable. The food that was served was also great. If one day we returned to Africa we would definitely use there services once again.
Excellent planning and realization of all tour targets
The handling of online inquiries from the beginning to receiving us in Kenya airport all going on with clarity, precision and efficiency. The guide and driver demonstrated with excellent professionalism and taking good care of us in all aspects.
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35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The incredible Masai Mara!
Duncan was a great driver and very informative about the Masai Mara and Kenya overall. Paul was very helpful also with getting me in country. A once in a lifetime experience. Saw the "Big 5" the first afternoon. I would highly recommend booking with KETS. Also Sarova Game Camp was a wonderful place to stay with very accommodating and helpful staff and facilities.
Email Dr Arun Patel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Best tour operator in Kenya
Our tour experience was much more than what we expected. Paul is excellent planner and flexible. He placed our comfort ahead of his profit. All booked resorts were high quality and rated ones. The driver Francis is a fine driver on Kenyan roads and in game parks. His experience and knowledge helped us see all that the parks had to offer, much more than BIG 5. We would certainly like to return and travel with KET. Highly recommend to any one coming to Kenya.
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Email emanuela&daniele from italy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
simply the best! thanks georg and paul
Paul replied to our mails immediately,and gave us a lot of advices in order to complete the planification of our tour.
The payment was done partially by bank and the rest directly to the driver Georg. He is kind, professional trustful,tireless and careful .We land at 3.am and he pick us up soon. The accomodations were amazing, over my expectation. The safaris( we did masai mara, naguru, kilimangiaro)were beautiful, Georg during the driving , informed us regarding enviroment and culture in Kenia,he is competent and permit us to photograph various species of animals.We followed the program, but Georg was always available to satisfy our requests.nevertheless the long distance in order to arrive in the different places, georg seemed tireless, and we felt always safe. At the end of the safari, we spent 4 additional days along the sea... but immediately we contacted again Paul to organize for us also some excursions there, georg was our driver and we met a sailer that spend with us the day in wasini marine park. The kenia expresso tour has a good local network, so your holiday is in good safe hands and doesn t lose the autenticity of the place .
I strongly recommend this serious organization.
IT
35-50 years of age
very professional
Unfortunately we were not able to go to Kenya, but we want to thank Paul for his dedication and professionalism.
Deposit payment quickly returned.
Thank you
Excellent service and amazing safaris -- took great care of me!
I went on a safari with KET on my own (had a long weekend free in Nairobi in between work travel), and I was a bit nervous about being in a new place on my own. KET took great care of me, and I felt safe and in great hands all the time. The service was door to door (they picked me up and dropped me off at my hotel in town) and the safari itself (at Masai Mara park) was amazing. I stayed at the Mara Sarova Lodge, which was absolutely stunning. We saw so much wildlife, and the driver was knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. I would definitely recommend KET and plan to use them again!
RO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
very well organised tour , good services , professional guide and driver
The safari was perfect, our guide Jackson had a very sharp sense of spoting the wild-life so we had the chace to see almost of the wildlife we expected. Comunication was ok , service also ... though people living in Kenya should change a bit their perspective as they are only focus on "money " to help them promote their comunities.. and so because of this all the tourist are filling harrasted by theor presssue and attitude.
My personal advice for the tour companies that are working with the touristis that they all shall try to talk with the comunities ( Masai villagers , tribes we visit during safaries ) so that they change a bit their behaviour : they are way far from tradition and their main purpose is to swindle the tourist without practically offering anything in exchange.. they only think they are entitled to help for free... we promoted and sustain their comunties just by coming to Kenya and paying the visist to their villages... feethat do not include anything... just entry to booma... anything more they exect payment for it . First I think that they should do somthing to improove their life-style conditions, easy things that will not affect their traditional leaving in any way or change their spirit ( for start clean their spaces. We visited Wasini protected coral island.. and everywhere you could find pets, bottles, canns between mangrooves and corrals... not a nice sight and the community did not understand what " protection " means .. they are ony interested in the entry fees and not too much in protecting the nature ). Everybody knows what to expect when travel to Africa, but enviroment and wild life need to be protected , not explored so much.. in Masai Mara is a real chaos, every car is travelling free from roads, totall mess and stress for the poor animals ..and this year was poor in tourists - about 30% then ussual ...I do not want to imagine how it was in " good days "... in Lake Nakuru and Amboseli thinks are much better organised and car follow only the roads route , so animals are not so stress). MAGNIFICIENT AFRICA - a wonderfull land full of wild-life and tradition , one in a ife time adventure.