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
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience
I made the Masaai Mara tour for two days and it was the most incredible experience of my life. Everything was great: the car, the freedom, the animals we saw... But, the main thing that contributed to our happines was the guide, Anthony. He was all the time taking care of us, and trying to make the maximum of our stay there. Thank you very much!!!
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable Tour Operator!
My husband and I booked a 4-day safari tour with KETS a month ago, but we couldn't get our visas in time so we had to cancel our trip. Paul was very understanding and refunded our deposit within a few days. We are very grateful and will definitely contact him when we plan a visit to Kenya!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Life Changing Event
To all viewers – Do not hesitate to USE THIS COMPANY. We researched for almost 2 years before our trip. We looked at American tour companies and several operators in Africa. We chose Kenya Expresso Tours and Safaris after several months of correspondence by e-mail and a couple of phone conversations. Paul spent a lot of time answering our questions and arranged our itinerary the way we wanted. Our dream safari totaled 11 days and 10 nights - 2 in Nairobi, 2 in Masai Mara; 3 in Serengeti, and one night each at the Crater in Ngorongoro; Lake Manyara, and Amboseli. Crossing the border from Kenya to Tanzania was not a problem at all. You will need a Visa for both and we feel visiting both countries is a must if you have never been as they are both unique. Some tour operators do not operate in both which was another reason for choosing KETS. Paul was willing and able to plan our trip based on our itinerary- we told him what we wanted he gave us what we wanted, simple. Several other companies we looked into want you to choose from the list of packages they offer and have trouble customizing your trip for you to include both countries.
On our first day in Nairobi, we met Paul who told us that we were in the best hands to see the Big 5. Not only did we see the Big 5 and countless other animals, Paul and his drivers, Frances in Kenya and Joseph in Tanzania, provided for us an experience of a lifetime. We went on our safari from June 17-28th and we were able to get "shoulder season" rates. The weather was perfect and not as many tourists. The plains still had color and had not turned brown as yet. Our pricing included a Toyota 4X4, (pay the little extra) lodging and full board at the safari lodging sites, and a driver/guide for a private tour of just 2 people. Stay away from mini-vans, they have a tendency to get stuck, and the 4X4's have to pull them out. We saved a significant amount by going directly with KETS; less expensive than American based companies because you are going directly to the operator there, and we had our own vehicle, and were not in a group tour - all those people. Our accommodations were excellent. We had looked up all the lodges and there was only one night where we wanted to stay at a different place than what was initially quoted and Paul accommodated us with this request.
We will honestly say that we were skeptical and unsure about going directly to a company in Nairobi without prior experience. We contacted Trip Advisor, Better Business, US Embassy State Dept. and any other resource we could find to check on the legitimacy of this company. We had some fear - what if they don't show up; what if we don't get what we paid for - let's face it, your entire trip relies on your tour operator. Everything was EXACTLY what we asked for, paid for, and was told what we would get. KETS clearly states on their home page that they charge an additional 3% to your total if you pay your safari by credit card this is not the 3% imposed from your credit card company which you can also avoid if you travel with an international credit card you will not pay this fee. So, if you want to save 3%, give Paul a certified check or cash, we missed this item. Also be very aware of the exchange rates for currency and do not get taken by street people offering exchanges - you will be taken. Gifts and souvenirs, also do your homework, we purchased some items too soon in our trip, Francis did tell us to barter and compare but the baseline place we went to as our first place was so outrageously priced we thought prices were good after that. Every park you go to will have tribe people approach you with items, beads, jewelry carvings, blankets any of these items you will get for a very good price.
We cannot say enough about how precise and smoothly all the arrangements went. Our guides/drivers - Francis in Kenya and Joseph in Tanzania, were professional, courteous and dependable. Everywhere we went, we were escorted and guided, and they were always at our meeting point before us. We never felt unsafe or uneasy, even when the drive was long and difficult. They have to navigate between animals, people, washed out road conditions and traffic can be tedious. We tried not to distract with questions too many times , and a traveler needs to understand there is some down quiet time that is needed and we cannot fault your guide for conditions or places that we chose to go. Both drivers put our safety and comfort in the highest regard. We told them that we met as strangers and left as friends, you can enjoy your experience immensely with the hours you will spend together on a trip like this by really appreciating all you can take away from it. We can honestly say that this was a life changing event and choosing your tour operator is an essential part of the process.
The places, the people, and the things we got to see and do were magnificent - the culture and the country is beautiful. This is a must see for anyone who is fortunate enough to travel there. We learned more than we thought possible from Francis and Joseph and the camaraderie was comfortable. We were both given a personalized gift as we left which Paul had Francis pick up for us. Joseph also gave us a gift from his heart and shared his story and reasons for becoming a tour guide and his passion for his country and the wildlife in it. Both are very meaningful to us. Bottom line – our dream is to return next time without the worries that we had that turned out to be unnecessary stress on our part prior to our trip. The livelihood of these companies depends on tourism and it shows in the quality of the experience we had. Will we book again with KETS - absolutely.
To Paul, Francis, Joseph, and Purity - Asante Sana, and until we meet again. Ron and Diane Florida, USA
DK
Email Claus | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent experience - 3 days in Masai Mara
We (Father 55 + son 24) went for a 3 days safari in the very first days of April 2015.
During booking Paul was very responsive on mail - and upon arrival in Nairobi he and our driver (Steven) were at our hotel exactly as planned.
The rest of our safari was just as well organised and we had the luck to be the only two persons in the Toyota Landcruiser - a luxury!
Steven was a very good guide and driver - really gave us a perfect safari w. 3 of the "big five", cheetah (!) etc. - and got us very close so we could take great photos.
The camp was superb - kind staff and luxurious "tents".
All and all: A perfect first-time safari experience - and I'll gladly recommend ketsafaris.
CA
Email Prakash Rastogi | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Masai Mara Adventure
Frankly we were not sure if anyone will turn out to receive us on Nairobi Airport. However, we were warmly greeted by Mr. Francis of KETS at arrival, who stayed with us till he dropped us back to the airport after completion of our tour. KETS put us in Sarova Stanley, a Five star Hotel, for two nights in Nairobi. Mr. Francis was promptly at the hotel next day for a City tour including elephant orphange and Giraffe center. He went out of the way to find us a very nice Indian restaurant "HANDI".
Safari Adventure started on next day with stop at Ridge valley view point. When we landed at Sarova mari camp, it was a five star camp, where we forgot all about the rough roads that we had to travel to reach it. Same day Francis took us in the reserve and we were able to see couple of lions, Giraffes and wilder beast in their natural habitat.
Real fun was yet to come when next day, Francis made extra effort to take us to various river crossings, till we see the real migration of Wilder beasts across the Masai river. All kudos to his efforts, which made us boast of viewing the migration for which we had come all the way from Canada. We were able to see all the big five, except Rhino.
This visit and arrangement done by KETS will remain sketched in our memory as one of our best tours. We thank KETS and Mr. Francis for their effort.
HK
Email Aviroop Mukherjee | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simply the best
Really outstanding safari...saw all the big 5 in 1 day...the guide was very well aware of the mara, took extra precaution while driving and did not cut any corners.
Will use them again the next time I am back in Kenya.
FI
Email Paola | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
We did 3 nights 4 days Safari with KETS and our driver was Francis.
Everything was so easy and straightforward since the beginning. Paul answered our questions very fast and was willing to make some accommodation changes to the itinerary.
Francis was an amazing guide and we saw so many animals. You could see that he was much appreciated within the other drivers as well.
He always made sure that we were feeling safe.
Can't recommend KETS and Francis enough!
US
Email Stacy | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and safari experience with KET
We had such an amazing experience with KET. From day 1, communications with Paul was smooth, easy. He was quick to respond to my 101 questions, and was very thorough. Our driver/guide was Daniel and he was incredible! He worked so hard to track down the animals for us. He was so kind and friendly, and really made the trip even more enjoyable than it already was. We stayed at Mara Sarova and it was absolutely perfect-- well located, great nightly entertainment, beautiful accommodations, super safe and the most delicious food I've ever had (I still dream about it). The safari will go down as one of the greatest experiences of my life and I'm really happy with the service that we received from KET. Highly recommended
US
Email Greg & Lani | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
15 Day Kenya-Tanzania Safari
We completed a 15-day Kenya-Tanzania Safari in August, 2015.
After witnessing the Great Migration in Masai Mara on Day 2 of the safari, it was easy to think it couldn’t possibly get any better. But it did…repeatedly.
This was our second safari with KETS, so we had the highest expectations and weren’t disappointed. In Tanzania, we followed the northern circuit: Serenageti (Western Corridor and Seronera), Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara. We returned to Kenya via Amboseli, then spent the final 5-days in Tsavo East, at Bigi camp on the Galana River. For elephant lovers who enjoy being in the middle of remote wilderness, Bigi Camp is for you.
A few highlights: spent 2-nights at Sarova Mara. The buffet alone would make this a destination, but add Masai Mara and brace yourself for stellar experiences. In the Serengeti, we stayed at Mbalageti Lodge. The sweeping views across the plains of Serengeti are unbeatable. A lion spent the night under our cabin, and its low rumblings kept waking us up…but we didn’t complain! At the Bigi Camp, we loved observing tuskers wandering around the tents. As vegetarians, we were pleased to see that most of the buffets at the lodges we stayed were free of animal products.
Video 1 captures the Great Migration and Tanzania:
https://youtu.be/20XmqGOcZwE
Video 2 includes Bigi Camp and the elephants of the Galana River:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulmiDTHZvTk
ME
Email KateP | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari experience with KETS
We have just returned from our trip to Kenya, which was made unforgettable by excellent service provided by KETS. Special thanks to Paul, who has provided us with an excellent selection of accommodation and made booking process fast and easy and to our driver/guide Daniel, who spent a week with us on the road. Daniel is a very knowledgeable guide, careful driver and very polite and hard working person. We can highly recommend him. We saw the big 5 within just two days! We have returned back home full of positive emotions and once in a life time experiences.
We can highly recommend KETS to anyone who is planning to go for safari tour in Kenya for their professionalism and client's attitude. So our next trip to Kenya will be definitely with KETS!