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
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.
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
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!
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!!!
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Weekend Safari
At the very last monet we decided to go for a weekend Safari in Kenya. We contacted Paul and he and his team arranged everything as we desired. Our driver was excellent and took very good care of us and the accommodation was amazing.
During our short safari we were really spoint and were lucky to see almost everything we wanted. Highligh as seeing a chetah meeting a fresh prey.
I highly recommend!
Thanks for everything!
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful experience
This is the 2nd safari we have done with KETS in 2013 we did a 16 day Safari & in 2015 we did a 8 day Safari & we hope to us them again. Great accommodation at all lodgers Wonderful guides with great knowledge about the animals we were looking for. We booked our safari from Australia & each time we would email KETS with any questions Paul would reply with in 24 hours We would recommend KETS to all safari travellers .
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best way to go safari
Flexible and great, the whole way from ordering to servicing us after we came home. We even had a sick day during the safari, but KET made arrangements so we could swap hotels and that without costs. Our driver (Lucky) Tony was great, took some drives the others didn't so we got to see the big 5 and many more. We went for private tour and Land Rover, I'd say that's vital for the flexibility and comfort. During our couple of weeks stay around Kenya this was definitely the highlight.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent tour company which provided us a unbelievable safari in Kenya and Tanzania
Four of us did a safari with KET in late February. It was a great trip. Initially I contacted 4 Kenya based safari companies. All 4 had positive reviews on Trip Advisor. All 4 quickly responded with a recommended itinerary. I choose KET as they were the only company whose response fully covered the items I had in my request. Specifically the ability to include game reserves in both Kenya and Tanzania. The catch here is that a country specific guide is required and tour company had to hand us off between guides and Land Cruisers. The lead time on getting the safari arranged and booked was less than 2 months from our departure date. There were a few times that we had a lag on getting responses on emails, but as long as I sent emails from KET web site (as opposed to directly to their email address) I always received a prompt response.
We visited Masia Mara, Serengeti, Ngoro Ngoro, and Amboseli. All the game reserves were great. Similar, but also unique it their own way. Lodging at Ashnil Mara Camp, Mbalegeti Lodge, and Ol Tukai Lodge was outstanding. All were nicer that we expected. Great rooms, excellent food, and incredible service. We also stayed at Ganako Lodge near Ngoro Ngoro. Although we were the only guests we still experienced excellent service.
Both guides, Francis in Kenya and Ozzie in Tanzania were excellent. They both were extremely knowledgeable and did everything they could to make our trip enjoyable. They know you are there to see as many animals as possible and they delivered from their constant communications with other guides.
One final note – given we were on Safari in late February we were not there for the great migration at Masia Mara, but more importantly we missed the crowds. The lodges were about 30% full which was great. We consistently were on our own during game drives and only occasionally came across other Land Cruisers. We were always able to spend as much time as we wanted everywhere we went. A case in point, is in the Serengeti was watched a leopard in a tree for at least 15 minutes. We were told that doing high season, we would have been surrounded by Land Cruisers and been limited to only a few minutes. Additionally, we were able to see the start of the great migration in the Serengeti. Just amazing, but without the crowds.
I highly recommend Paul and Kenya Expresso Tours And Safaris. Honestly the trip, the service, the cost, the entire experience could not have been better.
BH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Fabulous safari
Hi
I would like to personaly thank the mr the awesome tour gide who took me en my family to lake nakuru national park, for their world class attendance to my mother en the rest of my family members we had lots of fun en captured alot of pictures through out the whole safari.
Those moments mended my family broken bonds thank you guys en keep up the good work till we meet again .
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Three Day Maasai Mara Tour with Daniel
our safari accommondation with KETS was perfect and we like to recommend this tour operator. Paul replied all my mails immediately and was very helpful and patient with all our wishes and requests. Banktransfer and rest balance payment on site worked without problems. Daniel our Driver guide is very experienced, friendly and helpful and always exact in time. We enjoyed the game drives him very much. Our camp was Ashnil Mara and we where very very amazed about this camp. In the night we heared the soud of the hippos and a lot of other animals, dinner, lunch and accommondation where perfect. Only the way from Nairobi to the Mara Gate is unpleasant, it takes 5-6 hours and there is very much traffic and a very long rough road. Next time we will do a fly in safari with tour operator KETS.