Africa Remote Safaris (Kenya)
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1999)
- Member Of:
- IATA, ETT, Eco Tourism Society Kenya & East African wildlife Club
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $450 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Nancy Cox | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent
It was a great experience, all tour were we well organised. Hotels books in the mara, were excellent. I would use them again.
Great Safari Experience
Hello to all the team Africa Remote Safaris,
We did a safari from 13 to 27 July, my son and I would like to thank you that everything was perfect. Seeing all these animals from their natural habitat was magical and proves that there really is very beautiful things to see on this planet.
Kenya is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and Ken our guide was able to show different sides of the country. As for Brian, our cook,we say, it was perfect. And most importantly, no problem for us tourists compared to recent events in Kenya. Very nice holiday and hope to come back one day.
Thank you to all of you
US
Email Pushpa | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
They Cancel our trip before 24 hrs our of departur to Kenya&Did not refund our Deposit of $11300.00
No star-No Star-No Star & if I have to give them a star then it is -10 or -100 star
We would like to rate Africa Remote Safaris very high, however we cannot do that because we never made it on the tour. Initially they were very helpful during our booking process, answering questions about the hotels and the particulars of the safari.
However this is where we must rate them Poor and we must advise no one else to book with them.
Several weeks prior to the trip, we had not heard back on our general email inquiries - this was not typical as they originally were very responsive. The day before our scheduled trip, we received an email from Africa Remote Safaris warning of increased Cholera cases in Kenya, and political unrest due to upcoming Kenyan elections. They advised us to cancel the tour, which We responded immediately acknowledging that we will cancel the tour based on their suggestion, and asked how we can proceed to get a refund of the $11,300 USD we had already spent on our deposits.
We heard no word from them for over 3 weeks. No responses to email. No one answered our calls.
Finally we received one email indicating they are sorry for the delay, and that employees are just now getting back to work and getting settled. However, we received no communication after that email.
Our tour was scheduled for July 31 - Aug 11. We cancelled the tour per their advice on July 29 (the day before we were to depart for Nairobi).
It is now September 1st, and we have still received no communication, other than that one email.
As much as we would like to give a high rating, we cannot.
Anything reading this "must not book with Africa Remote Safaris"
Not reply from them, sending 1 e-mail everyday
US
Email Mary and Sandra | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Safari was an Amazing Life Changing Experience!!!!
It was my aunt’s dream to go on a safari in Africa. I researched many companies and did not want a ‘cookie cutter’ safari with a ‘guaranteed window seat’. We both are thrill seekers and wanted to be up close and personal with nature and the wildlife that lived within the national parks of East Africa.
Once I spoke with Stafford, a Safari Specialist at Africa Remote Safaris, I knew that they would be one of the top 3 safari companies that we would choose to plan our custom trip of a lifetime. Stafford was kind, patient, knowledgeable, and made recommendations that was tailored to the activities we wanted to do most. Along with Steve and Naphtali, they had plotted a trip that did not follow the rest of the safari enthusiast’s.
Before heading out to Amboseli we stopped at Sheldrick’s Wildlife Trust in Nairobi that fostered orphan elephants and released them back into the wilderness where they belong. A MUST SEE while in Nairobi. We arrived at Amboseli NP in Kenya with our guide Paul and stayed at Kibo Camp which was our first destination. It was a bit of a drive from Nairobi to Amboseli but on safari you will do a lot of driving. The sacrifice was well worth the reward. Kibo was well beyond our expectations and I would highly recommend this accommodation if you want a real ‘Glamping’ experience but not too close to the animals that are active after dark. Friendly staff, very clean, well maintained, and is right outside the entrance to Amboseli NP. Paul our guide was very knowledgeable about the environment and would identify the animals, birds, and plants that we were seeing along the way. He was so familiar with Amboseli that he actually recommended the time and places within the park to see wildlife viewing of Elephants making their daily trek to the watering hole. We saw an abundance of elephants, cape buffalo, giraffes, hippos, the list goes on and on. He even spotted Cheetahs that were about to start hunting in the late afternoon. Paul was a pro and an excellent guide.
Next we crossed over from Kenya to Tanzania and meet our guide Hamza. There were little bumps along the way with immigration and customs, but Hamza was determined to get us to Ngorongoro Crater and to Serena Lodge before the park gates closed at 6 pm. I mentioned that I wanted to do some Tanzanite shopping and Hamza knew the perfect place to stop. The Cultural Heritage in Arusha is a jewelry store that offered the high quality of stones I was looking for. I found the perfect tanzinite pendant that was Tiffany & Co. quality. It had a deep saturation of Blue/Purple and I was very pleased with my purchase. Our first night in Serena we were fortunate to see a bull elephant grazing on vegetation as we were walking back to our room after dinner. He was browsing along the tree line snapping limbs like they were twigs. We watched in awe for about an hour and felt very safe even though the elephant was only about 10 feet away. Hamza was one of the best guides on our tour when he insisted that he could smell the wild life and I believe he does have a sixth sense. While in the Ngorongoro there was again an abundance of wildlife, but nothing could prepare us for what Hamza lead us to that day. We actually witnessed a pride of 5 juvenile male lions, stalk, hunt, and take down a cape buffalo. Something that not too many guides get to experience let alone the visitors that spend much less time in this area of the world. We captured the event on video which was the center of discussion back at the lodge as well as throughout the rest of our safari. The expression on the faces of those who watch showed a multitude of emotion, even from the Massi that watched the video were captivated. Serena is another lovely place, clean, comfortable, and had a very joyful and helpful staff. Each night for dinner they offered an authentic African dish for and entertainment of Maasi dancing and Africa Stilt dancing. Another perfect selection by Africa Remote Safaris.
On our way to the Serengeti Hamza stopped off at a Maasi village and their greeting of song and dance brought tears to my eyes. In Serengeti NP we stayed at Mbugani Camps which was a newer migration camp and I was please to spend more time with Hamza as the guides and guests shared breakfast and dinner together. It was nice to recall the excitement and activities of the day over dinner and then plan the next game drive at breakfast. Mbugani was another good pick as the wildlife was free to roam throughout the camp and you need to follow camp policy by having an escort after dark. The staff (Mary, Constantini, Samuel, etc.) were absolutely wonderful, hospitable, and warm. We especially loved the lunch under the Acacia Tree…. Truly elegant…. not to mention my first taste of Konyagi…. TUM! By this time I knew that Hamza did in fact have a sense for wildlife and the Serengeti bush. We saw so many lions one day that we lost count after 25, including a pride of two large females with 8 small cubs and 2 older cubs. The next day we caught a glimpse of the pride and the cubs feeding on a wildebeest that was harvested just hours before we arrived at the site. What happened next I will never forget, a group of cubs walked casually over to the stream and began drinking. They lined up shoulder to shoulder as they drank and was literally 10 feet from our vehicle. National Geographic’s… eat your heart out! During dinner I showed Hamza a photo from Amboseli where we were surrounded on all sides by a herd of cattle as we were exiting the park. He replied that cattle are domestic and the migration is wild, but he would do his best to put us in the middle of the wandering herds. The next morning Hamza put us right in the middle of the migration…. Wildebeest and zebra by the thousands! They were all around us heading in the same general direction as far as the eye could see. My aunt and I were sad to leave the Serengeti and will never be the same for the experience that we shared. We both thank Hamza for divulging his knowledge, making us feel safe, being courteous, and making this segment of our trip a memory that will last a lifetime.
One plane… two plane… and we land in Zanzibar where Suleiman met us at the airport and whisked us to Pongwe Beach Resort. If you are going on safari in East Africa you must go to Zanzibar or your trip will be incomplete. Again, impeccable accommodations that far exceeded our expectations. Not our first choice, but we were not disappointed. I slept like a baby (Lala Fofoo) in this serene and inviting resort. Suleiman was a very humble man that was extremely knowledgeable and proud of his homeland and was eager to show us the areas of interest. We fished with locals in a dhow and was captivated by the tour at Big Body with Tatata Spice Farm. As we passed by Suleiman’s village he asked if we would like to meet his family and we accepted. He gave us a quick tour of the village and introduced us to his wife, watoto nieces and nephews, and Baba Mdogo his Uncle, as well as his mom who we chatted with for a while before we were off to our next destination. It was an unforgettable experience and we are very grateful for his hospitality. One note... stear clear of Zanzibar Watersports in Nungwi... not worth the money we spent there. Masudi was our guide in Stone Town and I have only one suggestion… just visit stone town…. don’t stay there. Don’t get me wrong…. Stone Town is a MUST SEE location. Masudi showed us all there was to see in Stone Town, the market and historical sites, Prison Island and land tortuous…. some of them almost 200 years old. I thank him for his smile, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the ancient town and its history.
There is so much more to mention that I could write a book…. And I just might.
I would like to thank Stafford, Steve, Napthalie, Paul, Hamza, Suleiman, and Masudi for making our fabulous safari more than just a vacation. All of you were responsible in some way…. changing our eyes and the way we see, our minds and the way we think, and touching us and bringing out emotions we never knew before. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you and hope that we can return someday, and that others have an opportunity to experience what Africa Remote Safaris made a reality for my aunt and I.
Asante Sana,
Mary and Sandra
Email Robert | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The game drive was superb, but the food and lodging was poor.
Some of the food on this trip was inedible -- namely the goat stew at one of the restaurants we stopped along the way. Otherwise the food was average, but hey, I was here for the safari! Speaking of which, the safari was great. Maasai Mara is beautiful, and our driver James was safe, smart, and friendly. We saw all the highlights, and came back each night happy. The tents were okay, but the water came out brown from our shower. The food at the accomodation was average, and tea was available all day, which we liked.
PL
Email Anna & Daniel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
3 days in Maasai Mara great experience!
We had a pleasure to book 3day Maasai Mara safari in May 2016 departing from Nairobi. The service was excellent,our guide -Onesmas knew very well where to go to see the most animals, as well as was able to explain a lot of their habits. He also provided us with a tailor made visit to Maasai village where we are able to learn about this fascinating tribe. We would definitely book again !recommend
DK
Email Filip | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
do it!
After a lot of research we choose to go with this company - and we did not regret it!
We were picked up at the hostel by Naphtally, who really made us feel welcome. He really took care of us;)
You get exactly what you payed for at this company. We went at the camping/budget tour with a great driver (Charles) and had an awesome tour. Accommodation and food was really nice compared to the price.
We can only give our best recommendation!
US
Email Joseph W. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellence Service for African Tours
I would like to make a special thanks to Hamza Nyelo our guide. He was beyond our expectations. I recommend Africa Remote Safaris with a balloon ride over the Serengeti as a bonuys. Thank you to everyone involved in my Safari trip. I felt safe and well cared for and will recommend ARS to all my friends and family.
US
Email Carole Weber | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing African Safari
Our Kenyan Safari was perfection from the day Paul picked from the airport to the end. It was very assuring and a great feeling to know that there was someone at the airport waiting for us, driving us to the hotels, checking us into the Safari lodges and hotels and didn’t just drop us off, discussed each day’s itinerary and pick up timings and even calling us in our room to verify times. Our driver Paul was always on time, when he said 0920hrs rest assured he was there exactly at the time. He was very knowledgeable and spoke excellent English. Paul has been a guide for 20 years and mastery of spotting wildlife was incredible. We asked all kind of questions and he was able to answer, he even taught us some Swahili words. The tented camps and lodges were outstanding, including Ol Moran camp in Maasai Mara, and Flamingo hill.
If I have overlooked anyone or any detail- You were all outstanding , Including Steve who put this together bending over backwards to make every detail perfect. You have made the perfect Vacation even more perfect. Thank you all so Much..
Carole Weber.
SA
Email Kevin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A visit to Kenya with Africa remote safaris an excellent trip it was
Kenya Safari was wonderful
We came between late December and had an amazing trip !!
A sensational discovery, Kenya and its wildlife.
For Photography enthusiasts , this is the place ... , hoping to recapture the magic of the wildebeest migration in two years time, the big five and others.
Africa Remote Safaris,thank you for the quality of its services and soon !!