Baboon Budget Safaris Team
Baboon Budget Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Member Of:
- KATO, KTB & Ministry Of Tourism
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $700 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Elizabeth | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great value for money budget group joining safari & fantastic experience
I did the 10day combined Kenya & Tanzania group joining budget safari, as a solo female traveller, in Sept/Oct. The price I was quoted initially was the best of a number of different companies and it proved to be very good value.
Airport pickup and transfers were included in the cost. When I arrived at Nairobi airport, the plane went to a different terminal than expected, getting through the airport took over 2 hours and my phone wouldn't connect at the time to let Baboon know what was happening, but my collection driver Martin was still there waiting for me - my first positive!
The safari was effectively a 6day Kenya with one guide and group, followed by a 3-4day Tanzania safari with a different guide, group and all the logistics arranged via a different company (7 Wonders), so that we transferred from Namanga border to Arusha, Tanzania, via a public shuttle bus.
I was very lucky with all the animals I saw and the different encounters, which made my safari experience very special.
My guide in Kenya, Titus, worked very hard driving us everywhere between locations and in the parks, finding all the Big 5 animals and answering all the groups questions with excellent knowledge.
The only negative on the Kenyan part of the safari was a jeep breakdown on the penultimate day and we lost a few hours. I understand these things happen, but better communication about what was happening and what we could expect would have been appreciated while we sat in a hotel waiting to be picked up.
On the Tanzanian part of the safari, the only negative was that at the border we were told the name of the hotel we needed to get taken to in Arusha, but on arrival they weren't expecting us and the hotel staff worked very hard to find out we'd been booked into a different hotel and got us there. Again, better communication would have helped.
The budget safari in Tanzania, included a cook being with our group to prepare all our meals, as we stayed at basic campsites - to hear animals at night was amazing. Dixon was our chef and I can't speak highly enough of him. The food he made was gorgeous and plentiful. He was very caring, sensitive and considerate to take care of all our drink, food and camping needs.
The driver/guide in Tanzania was Innocent and he worked hard to find all the Big 5 animals and more for us, including experiencing a lion kill. His vehicle skills were excellent, both in mechanics to ensure the car was in top condition while we were in the middle of nowhere, and his careful, expert driving. He also made sure I got to the airport in time, even though some roads were shut for the Tanzanian President to travel along!
Overall, the cost was 5/5, service was 5/5, communication was 4/5, reliability was 4.5/5 and my overall safari experience was wonderful, some of the budget accommodation was better than I expected, the food offered was also better than expected, especially in Tanzania. A 10day safari is a little tiring, as the distances covered are massive and every day is an early start, but the rewards of the animals and experiences made me completely forget about any tiredness.
For me, if I could rate a 4.5/5 I would, but it was definitely better than 4/5 and it's one of my best travel experiences ever, out of many.
Reply from Baboon Budget Safaris
Posted on Dec 13, 2024Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for sharing your detailed and thoughtful feedback about your recent 10-day Kenya and Tanzania safari. I'm thrilled to hear that overall, it was one of your best travel experiences ever!
I’m glad our services, from the airport pickup to the safari guides like Titus and Innocent, exceeded your expectations in many areas. It’s heartwarming to know that Martin waited patiently at the airport, Dixon provided exceptional meals, and the wildlife encounters made your trip unforgettable.
I appreciate you pointing out the areas where communication could have been better, such as during the jeep breakdown in Kenya and the hotel miscommunication at the Tanzanian border. Your insights are invaluable, and I will ensure these are addressed to enhance the experience for future travelers.
Thank you again for your kind words and constructive feedback. Should you plan another adventure in the future, we’d be delighted to assist in making it even more seamless and memorable.
Wishing you many more incredible travel experiences!
DE
Email Halong | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
No good management
There is two things to distinguish: the safari experience in the national parks (i.e. what you see there) and the how the safaris are carried out.
I could say this is rip off, but I don't say this. We had very bad experience, especially with the owner George. When we had unbelievably bad accomodations booked by him and wanted to complain, he refused to talk to us and told his driver to stop communication with us immediately. He told him, that we could come back to Arusha and end the tour right away on our own cost! The accommodations were so bad, that we had to look for alternatives.
Even though, the driver was excellent, the car war beyond bad. Several accidents were poorly fixed, welded everywhere. The tyres were all worn out totally, almost slick! The two spare tyres were flat and unusable, the so called tools for changing tyres were unusable as well. George left the driver all alone without helping.
Over all, this manager is acting against his clients and is not willing to cooperate. So if you want to get bad value for good money, here you are right. For us: not at all worth the money spent.
Reply from Baboon Budget Safaris
Posted on Nov 29, 2024Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I’m truly sorry to hear about the challenges you faced during your safari and the dissatisfaction with the accommodations, vehicle, and communication. Your concerns are completely valid, and I deeply regret that your trip did not meet expectations.
Our manager on Tanzania George you raised concerns about his behavior which we apologized for and action was taken against him,as for the accomodations we had shared links and details of the accomodations early on as per your request.For the vehicle we apologize for the mechanical problems ,which were completely unforeseen but we did our best to handle them and delivered your safari to its end.Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve and ensuring our future clients receive the quality service they deserve.Once again, I apologize for the inconvenience caused
Email Sonea | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very caring and informative
Anthony was such an amazing guide and driver who took great care of us! He was so informative about the culture and the animals and ensured we managed to see the big 5. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a tour to book with Baboon Safaris!
IE
Email Peter | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A professional safari tour operator with a decent office and spartan accommodation
Despite the four star rating of the Baboon Budget holidays, their freelance guide Titos deserves the full five.
He understands fundamental rules of customer care.
He is punctual, delivers the programme as it was outlined to a client.
He posseses a good local knowledge regarding the visited places, nature and beyond.
His English is of good standard and handles the vehicle professionally. This is something you will appreciate on the roads in Kenya.
Having a professional background in outdoor activity instructing and management I would happily employ Titos myself.
As for the overall performance of the company itself.
We had booked a six day private safari tour which has brought us to Massai Mara, Naivasha lake, Nakuru NP and Amboseli National Park.
This was a great selection of Kenyan experience and the company delivered it as presented in their quotation.
The communication prior to the tour was perfect and Dennis was in touch along the tour as well.
I have taken one star off from the best rating due to few events and suggestions.
There was a confusion at the initial briefing in their office about the type of the product booked. We were promised a private tour, however the representative seemed to have us scheduled on a group tour.
The last thing you want after tiresome journey is haggling about the basics, having children besides you.
This was rectified immediately by the owner.
Another thing which dashed our experience was my delayed luggage. I asked BBS to look after the delivery of the luggage considering it a courtesy since the delivery would be happening along the regular routes of the operator. This is based on own my experience from my former employer's customer service operating similar tours around Ireland.
I was hit by a hefty charge of about €50 at the end of our tour. I could have had the luggage delivered free of charge by the airlines instead.
One more rant about the accomodation in Nakuru hotel. The receptionist has allocated a room with a double bed and single bed to a family of four. The hotel manager fixed this for us after a complaint. The bathroom cleanliness in this place could improve.
Miti Mingi camp tents were quite tight, however I believe this could have been dealt with if we complained to the camp manager.
Then again a customer should be provided with a sufficient standard without the need of pointing out flaws and anticipating client's needs in the first place.
The Nyati safari camp was at a high level of service provided with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.
We had a great adventure with BBS.
I would recommend and use them again.
IN
Email Sahaj | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our 5 days in Kenya // Excellent tour but can be improved
Our experience with Baboon Budget Safari was great, but it surely can be improved. We have booked 5 days tour with them. The owner Dennis and his team were very nice to us. Their response time was also quick and helped us with every doubt. On the last day too, Dennis arranged a vehicle for us to cover some other locations in Nairobi at an extra cost.
The driver was on time to pick us up at the airport. Our only bad experience was that the driver was not able to understand our English. He knew little English, and communicating with him was a problem. This continued for all five days. He even missed our lunch location but then Dennis arranged our lunch at a different location. But still, we lost time in the same.
But the driver was a very good-hearted person. He went the extra mile and even did offroading so that we could see all the animals. The effort was visible in him. He even asked other drivers about the spot of animals and then drove us there. He was with us at all times, and lastly drove us to the airport on time.
In short, I can recommend the Babbon safari to any traveler.
Babbon Safari- You guys can help improve the driver's English and provide him with internet access. He did not have Internet, hence he can't use Google Maps either.
CA
Email Peter | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, hospitable and kind - five stars in kindness
The team at Baboon arranged a wonderful safari for my wife and I's honeymoon. Carefully accommodating the time we had available. Compared to some Safaris at many multiples of the cost, perhaps the vehicles weren't quite as new, but we all came to marvel at the same natural beauty. We saw every animal we might anticipate to and more, accommodations were comfortable, the food outstanding. (Occasionally the internet was patchy, but this is not Baboon's fault, sharing more to make other travellers aware).
The Baboon team itself however really excelled in hospitality. They set up a WhatsApp group for us, and were always a message away if we had questions. Don't hesitate to book with Baboon! Thank you Jemimah especially.
HU
Email Emese | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything was professional.
After the reservation, the communication worked perfectly. All my questions were answered immediately. We were satisfied with the service in terms of value for money.The accommodations and food were fine.
Our guide, Anthony, was very kind and professional. He always solved any problems during the tour. He tried to make us enjoy the safari and see as many animals as possible.
US
Email Natalie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable and at the best price.
We had such a great experience on our 7 day safari led by Jason from Baboon Budget Safaris. Jason prepared us well for what to expect each day, and he often checked to see if we needed anything. He was an excellent driver and made sure we were able to see everything each park had to offer, including getting up close to the animals. I felt very safe at all times and would highly recommend a safari with Jason and Baboon Budget Safaris!
US
Email Greta | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The company was reliable and very easy to communicate with! I would highly recommend.
We had an amazing trip! Dennis the organizer, did an amazing job of communicating with us. However, our driver Jason is who really made the trip special. Jason made us feel safe and catered the trip to fit our needs and wants. We really became a family in the van, with lots of laughs. I would highly recommend this company, and the drive Jason! It was a once in a life time experience! He was hands down the best driver in the park!
US
Email Emily | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour operator was professional, attentive, respectful and knowledgeable.
Jason was hands down the best safari guide in the park. Words can’t describe how special he made our safari experience. We are forever grateful for his expertise, adaptability and kindness. #Big5Forever
