Beacon Safaris Team in Masai Mara
Beacon Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $120 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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Email Dan A | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience with a lot of driving
We had an unforgettable experience on safari in Kenya with Beacon Safaris. Beacon Safaris was excellent, and managed to put together a last-minute, partly customized, competitively priced 8-day itinerary for us about a week before we left for our trip. (I would strongly recommend booking much further in advance--we lucked out because it was not the high season.) Everything went smoothly, we saw an incredible amount of game, and the price was a bit lower than a few similar quotes we received. While I'm sure there are many good tour operators, I would strongly recommend Beacon Safaris.
We spent one night at Serena Mountain Lodge at Mt. Kenya NP, two nights at Samburu/Buffalo Springs, one night at Sweetwaters/Ol Pejata, one night at Lake Nakuru, and finally two nights at Masai Mara. It was a very busy itinerary with a lot of driving--sometimes for long stretches on pretty rough dirt roads. Many might prefer to visit only 3 parks and stay for longer at each one, but each park was quite different and unique and we saw animals at each park that we didn't see at other parks.
Our guide, Ken, was friendly and knowledgeable. He was very good at spotting and identifying game. My mother was very interested in birding, and so Ken went out of his way to point out unusual and interesting birds. He seemed to be well connected with other guides, as they would frequently share tips with each other. He was quite assertive about getting our vehicle into the best possible position for photos, particularly of carnivores like leopards, lions, and cheetahs when there was a swarm of other tour vehicles. He was quite patient about stopping for anything we wanted to look at and did not rush us when we were taking photos, etc.
The only real downside was the amount of driving in our very busy itinerary, including some pretty long drives on very bumpy, dusty, unpaved roads going from Ol Pejata to Lake Nakuru and from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara. The distance between the parks was somewhat further than we realized and several days began with a 4-5 hour drive to get from one park to another. If I had it to do again, and had the budget, I might consider trying to visit fewer parks for longer and/or flying rather than driving.
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Email Laura F | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic 3 Day tour of Amboseli National Park
My husband and I went with Beacon Safaris to Amboseli National Park on a 2 night/3 day tour. We stayed at Kibo Safari Camp just outside the park and Beacon accommodated our request to start in Nairobi and drop us at the Namanga border crossing so that we could go on to Tanzania.
Kevin was our guide. He was knowledgable, thoughtful and a great driver. We went on 4 games drives through the park and each one was unique. He knows the area well and has great relationships with the other guides which seems essential for a great experience.
We used a van and not a jeep to save on cost. We found the van experience to be perfect for a short safari. We spent more time standing for the view as the windows are shorter than a safari jeep, but the comfort level was comparable.
BG
Email Petar and Sophia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Above our expectations!! With BEACON and our guide EUSTUS we would go to a safari even on the moon!
With Beacon and with our guide Eustus we had unforgetable 4 days, 3 nights in Maasai Mara & Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate.
* chased and found all the big 5 in one full day!
* and much more: male lions, cheetas with babies, the whole f***g black rihno (this one only depends on luck) and many many more.
* EUSTUS our guide has 16 years experience + six sense finding wild animals! He finds them in many cases before the other guides and tells them on the radio stations to come. He appears to be one of the most experienced in the field. Judjing from the results and also from the way the others talk to him. Smiling, ambitious, passionate.
* Eustus as a driver he has no competition. Period. He turns any vehicle into a 4x4.
To start from the begining: Robert was great in the logistics to customize our trip (we had some specific inquiries) and fast in comunication, he tries to get you what you want (some other companies would avoid an answer, or say a camp of your choice is not good for you if they don't work with them). With Robert, we had the camps we wanted plus at a great price.
I made the reservation quite late (I don't recommend that, it was just because I had an injury). Robert never puts a pressure on me for the payment and confirmation. Some other companies I have contacted (the site requests you to write to at least 3) kept insisting for confirmation and booking. When you have a healt issue it's not nice. Eustus found our hidden accomodation in Kisumu the evening prior to our departure as to make sure the next morning we depart on time.
When Ilkeliani appeared unavailable for our second night there, Robert booked another maasai camp, called Maji Moto Eco camp on our way to Naivasha lake and we had an amazing encounter of Maasai culture there: dances, warrior fights, talks about their medicine and life around the fire in a stunning setting.
Places we stayed in:
+ Ilkeliani Camp - "ilkeliani" means young maasai warrior, the camp is run by maasai and is right across the river facing Maasai Mara. Scary and great! (Please note, it makes contribution to the local maasai culture)
+ Maji Moto Eco Camp - go there, really! For all those interested in the Maasai culture, you might have an encounter you will never forget. Plus a great view and a sunset you won't forget. It's almost half way from Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha. (Please note, it makes contribution to the local maasai culture.)
+ Kongoni Naivasha Lodge - by the lake Naivasha - it's fancy architecture, a bit worn out, with a pool, but after the above mentioned, it was least favourite for us. Plus you share a living room.
1st day we made one evening game drave in Maasai Mara with a stormy rain and many happy and playful anymals + 11 lions after the rain. Don't get scared by the rains, stay in the field :) 2nd day - a full day game drive in Maasai Mara with all the big 5, really fun time! In Naivasha lake region we have skipped the lake tour, because we've seen already many hippos in Mara and we used the last 4th day to go to Hell's Gate. It's probably the only reserve they allow you to actually WALK between animals like zebras, Thompson, Bufalo, juraffe, because there are no predetors. So, we walked 1,5 hours to the Gates (one can also rent a bike, but walking is more fun!) and Eustus waited for us in the van on the road only where there were buffalos arround - for our safety. Than it's a one our walk on the bottom of the Gorge with a maasai guide. We had Daniel there, who is also an actor!
Overal: for 4 day and 3 nights we felt blessed to encouter more wild life we than we expected. Days we won't forget. We are looking for our next trip with the same company and guide. Thank you, guys!
EE
Email Anu | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
5-star safari
Big thank to Beacon Safaris, Antony and Robert! We were very happy to travel with You. It was real great experience.
Antony was excelent guide. Next time I would definitely choose him again.
We visited Samburu, Nakuru and Masai Mara parks.
It was long drive but we saw lot of animals and local life.
We were four ladyes and Antony took good care of us.
Thank again and recommended to everyone.
We had a fantastic holiday experience
I must admit this company gets good review for a reason. At first i was a little nervous having them as my choice but i tell you i enjoyed everything.
Email Les Daubney | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rescued our holiday and gave us the experiences we always dreamed of.
This company gets good reviews for a reason, although small they are very very good
Robert and his team came to the rescue when we were badly let down by another operator. I was a little nervous about rebooking our trip following our very bad experience but I need not have worried everything went really really smoothly and everything fully met our expectations. Robert went above and beyond when our luggage was delayed in Frankfurt by 24 hours. We went onto Samburu whilst Robert arranged to collect our luggage and reunite us with it at Nakuru a couple of days into the trip.He also arranged our transfer from Wilson to Jomo Kenyatta when we flew back into Nairobi after spending a few days on the coast after our safari. We would have been happy to get a taxi but the transfer was a kind and generous offer.
Eric our driver and guide was excellent throughout. We saw all of the animals we hoped to see with superb views and photos of everything. We also identified almost 200 species of birds!. Eric was extremely patient with us every time we asked to stop to look at and identify a bird although I suspect he did run up a big phone bill!. In the parks Eric always knew where to take us and in the Mara particularly was in his element when the cry went out on the CB that a cat had been sighted. Like a good hunter he thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of the chase!
Just a word of advice based on our experience. You are often advised to travel with US dollars. As residents of the UK we lose some money when we change from GBP into dollars. In Kenya many people will take dollars but always convert to Kenyan Shillings. The exchange rate varied from 85 - 100 Shillings to the dollar. You will likely lose out again when you pay in dollars. If we were visiting again we would just take Kenyan Shillings.
Robert arranged a 12 day safari visiting Samburu, Nakuru, the Masai Mara, Naivasha, and Amboseli. He also arranged and booked 5 days of R&R at Diani beach at the end of the trip. The animals, the birds, the accommodation, the food and the company were all excellent throughout. based on our experience we would recommend that you give Beacon Safaris the chance to make your dream come true
RS
Email Aleksandra Grubin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Elephants Safari
Beacon Safari is the best! Robert very helpful and full of patience, Eustus my guide went above and beyond duty to help me see elephants, elephants, elephants and enjoy my 50th birthday. Unforgettable trip to Amboseli, Tsavo West and Tsavo East! Excellent for solo travelers.
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Email Ray | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding customer service, superior guide
When you deal with Beacon, you have the rare opportunity to deal directly with the owner--Robert. He was prompt, patient and deliberate in all our conversations. He went the extra mile with being flexible to accommodate our schedules and put together a perfect safari experience in three national parks making each safari incrementally better. Our hotel accommodations were exceptional and the food was so good.
Our guide, Antony, was superior in his skills, demeanor and knowledge. I told Antony he has the eyes of an eagle, the heart of a lion and the memory of an elephant. Not only did we see all of the big five, but we were often the first on the scene. We saw two lion kills within minutes of their occurrences. We were a few yards from 5 cheetahs and a leopard. We were so close to animals and he was do good about putting up in perfect positions to secure outstanding photographs. The other guides were constantly asking for his assistance. His skills are so exceptional he can find animals others were driving by. He tried so hard to please us and make our experience a once in the lifetime event. It was. The depth of his knowledge is so vast. He will give you facts with stories that only a seasoned professional who loves his job can give. When he doesn't know the answer, he will admit it and promise to get back to you with the correct answer. If you want the best safari--go with Beacon. If you want one the top guides in Kenya--ask for Antony. Our family will love and cherish the fun and excitement for the rest of our lives.
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Email Caitlyn | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful safari experience with Antony!
My family and I went on a 6 day safari through Beacon, and we only have great things to say about the experience! Beacon was helpful and flexible with us during the booking process, and our guide, Antony was excellent. I went on safari with another company recently, and the guide did not even begin to compare to Antony. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly patient. I highly recommend Beacon and suggest you request Antony as your guide!
CH
Email Roman | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
2-days Amboseli safari
We have chosen a 2-days Amboseli tour with Beacon safaris. A communication with Robert was easy going and without any push from his side. We have all agreements arranged and half of the price paid a couple of months in advance. It is better to arrange in advance, because the price might be lower. At the end we were very much satisfied with the service provided. Moreover, the price was moderate. We were picked up at our hotel at 7 a.m. and in 4.5 hours we arrived to the Kibo safari camp. It was an interesting ride from Nairobi to Amboseli, because Patrick has a lot to say about Kenya and people living on the territory of this country. I must say that the facilities at the camp were much better compared to those that we have had in Tanzanian Ngorongoro and Serengeti. It would be better to call Kibo lodge. The lodge has many well equipped huge tents, which should be better called huts. A big bed, mosquito net, electricity, hot shower, towels, sockets, chairs, armchair and table in front of the hut were provided in the lodge. In addition, the camp has a bar, restaurant, souvenir shop (overpriced). All buffet meals were included in the tour price, except alcohol. A glass of wine or beer is 400 shillings, a cocktail is 500-650 shillings. We were even allowed to put our own wine in the bar fridge and got glasses later on together with chilled wine absolutely for free.
We had our first game drive between 16 and 18:30 on the first day and the second game was between 7 and 11 next day. Patrick (our driver and guide) was ready to stay longer but we wanted to get back to Nairobi before 4 p.m. On the way back we also visited a Maasai village for an additional 10$ p.p. It was pretty nice experience! We were greeted with a song and traditional dance, followed by village visit, during which we had a chance to see their clay huts inside, how they make a fire using a stick made of hard wood and a piece of soft wood, village market and some explanation about traditional medicine.
In 7 hours spent on the territory of the Amboseli National Park we managed to spot avocets, egrets, Goliath heron, flamingo, pelicans, impala, Grant's and Thomson's gazelle, hippos, mad fish, big zebra and wildebeest herds, Maasai giraffes, many elephants, lions, ostrich, waterbuck, buffalo, fish-eating eagle, reedbuck, Egyptian gees, sacred egret, spoonbill stork, hyenas. It turned out that there are 2 types of zebra (one has thinner stripes), 2 types wildebeest (one of them is blueish in color), 2 types of baboons (olive and another one) and 3 giraffe types!
Beacon safari is strongly recommended! Great service!
