Beacon Safaris Team in Masai Mara
Beacon Safaris
- Located 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)
Reviews
FI
Email Gregory | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An experience of a lifetime
My wife and I booked the 7-Day Taste of Kenya tour with Beacon Safaris and the experience was wonderful. Truly. We flew into Nairobi and met Daniel, our guide and driver for the week. He is a knowledgeable and very professional guide -- friendly, informative, easy to be with for extended periods, accommodating to specific needs, and highly experienced. He knew the parks we visited like the back of his hand and was masterful in positioning us time after time at just the right spot to capture great photos. The tour package included visits at Amboseli, Naivashu, Nakuru, and Mara. There are somewhat lengthy drives between locations in some instances, e.g. from Nairobi to Amboseli was about 5 hours and from Amboseli to Naivashu about 6. But that is largely due to the road system in Kenya which doesn't have many connecting routes without returning to Nairobi and can be narrow and in some places rough because the counties have a lot to do with the road conditions, we were told, and different counties have more or less capital to maintain them. But the travel was interesting and not a burden in any sense. There is nothing much to see or visit along the way. And we skipped Nairobi entirely because it doesn't have much to offer international tourists. But the national parks are world treasures and really worthwhile to visit. Don't rush it. It takes time and the time is well spent.
On our tour we saw so many and such an amazing assortment of animals and birds. Amboseli has an astonishing number of elephants at all stages of the lifecycle, from enormous bulls to charming calfs. We saw hippos, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and much more, as well as a variety of beautiful birds. At the lakes we visited we saw even more birds, enormous flocks of pelicans and flamingos, cranes, herons, maribou, sandpipers, gulls of various types, and much more. Masai Mara is a very large territory and was amazing. We saw hyena feeding on a zebra, several lion prides with some huge males, hippos in the Mara as well as crocs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, topi, eland, and much more. We saw playful Vervet monkeys, troops of baboons, and even a rare Columbus monkey. The experience is transformative, really -- one gets a sense of what the world was like, and could be like again, if humans stop screwing it up.
One one exception, we were booked for stays in Sopa Lodges. The best was the lodge at Lake Naivashu. There your accommodations are in the middle of a park-like area with animals roaming the grounds (nothing dangerous). The view was wonderful at Lake Nakuru because we had a balcony overlooking the lake. At the lodge in Amboseli we could see Mount Kilimanjaro! The staff are friendly and helpful everywhere, providing warm hospitality and service. Our luggage was always taken for us and we had no problems of any kind. The downside is poor WiFi at the lodge near Amboseli and limited hot water there. I took one cold shower. There are too few electrical outlets in some rooms, which makes charging technology something of a timing challenge if you need to charge multiple phones, computers, cameras, etc.
The one exception was the stay at Masai Mara. The Sopa Lodge was part of the package proposal we accepted and paid for, but it was apparently fully booked and we were instead booked into the Pride Inn. It was fine but not in the same category. Whereas Sopa is 4-star level, in some cases perhaps even 5-star, Pride Inn would be 3-star in my opinion. I felt a little let down by this only because we paid for better and got less. But in fairness, Pride Inn has unique charms as well and there was a 'family feeling' to the place that we liked a lot. No WiFi in the rooms, however, and a weak signal overall even in the main lodge area.
The food is okay. Nothing exceptional anywhere, except for the fruits. We have only had pineapple this good when visiting Hawaii. Kenyan cuisine has evident influences from Indian cookery, which we like. Lots of stews and vegetable dishes, as well. We always found several things we liked at each meal, but it's all served buffet style which can be hit or miss. I should add that the fried fish was the best dish just about every time. The cooks really know how to make good fried fish dishes. I recommend avoiding boiled eggs, however. I had one at the Amboseli lodge that was off and consequently suffered for a couple of days with stomach issues. We realized the source of the illness when we saw a cook at a different lodge checking the eggs they fry or scramble before cooking them by breaking them into a bowl first. We saw that cook toss four eggs out of a dozen as bad. No one can check a boiled egg, so skip that to be on the safe side. And only drink bottled water, including for brushing teeth.
But the focal reason for visiting Kenya is to experience a safari adventure and in that regard Beacon Safaris was a great fit for us. We are an older couple and have some issues that were taken into consideration and accommodated kindly. Daniel was excellent, as noted earlier. I tipped him extra at the end because he was so good, kind and helpful. It felt like saying goodbye to a friend when we left. Robert took care of the booking and payment issues and everything went smoothly, with good communications as well.
Be aware that the roads inside the parks are unpaved very rugged dirt roads, and very dusty in the dry season. We chose the 4WD option instead of a van and were glad of it. They use Land Cruisers that are built like tanks. The tops can be raised so you stand inside the vehicle to view from a good vantage point and in safety. I found I could rest the zoom lens on the side of the top when standing and did not need a tripod. But the ride can be bone-shaking and there are plenty of places where the driver must navigate carefully. When I returned home I needed to take my camera and lenses to a service center for deep cleaning. It was that dusty. But the photographing was a joy and I look forward to processing the 1,336 digital photos I returned with!
On the whole, our experience was excellent. I was only disappointed with the last accommodation, which is not to say I was disappointed by the Pride Inn but rather that we thought we agreed to and paid for was not delivered in that case. But this is small potatoes and even feels a little mean to say. The food isn't excellent, but we are foodies so our expectations are higher and our reviews more critical than for many people who aren't. The meals were fine and we enjoyed the dining experience in every location.
We would recommend Beacon Safaris to anyone planning a visit to Kenya to tour the national parks.
Email Riaan Swart | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Kenya Safari Kings
I requested quotations from 5 tour operators and got their standard packages back. We wanted a customised, private tour and Robert, the owner, was very accommodating. Emails were going back and forth, with our requests and then his recommendations following. I was, at one stage apologising to him, because I felt very demanding. Robert came up with the goods and very soon I did not bother to discuss tour options with other operators, as I felt he was very honest in his replies and we soon struck a deal. At the end of the day, his quote was the best value for money.
Our guide, Peter, became a friend, from picking us up at the airport, to dropping us off 9 days later. He was punctual, knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. Kenya's roads and traffic was much worse, compared to what we are used to, but he negotiated all situations like a pro.
If ever I can afford to go to Kenya again, I will not hesitate to (only) contact Robert, from Beacon Safaris and insist that we want Peter to be our guide again!
Email Adam Elliott | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience!
We booked the 4 day Masai Mara Safari as our first trip to Africa. From the start Robert was responsive and helpful in our emails.
Our guide was Sam who was amazing. He answered all our questions about the animals and the park and made sure we always got a good spot for viewing the animals and made our experience unforgettable.
The Enkorok Camp we stayed in was great as well!
BE
Email Jens | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellently organized tour with excellent guide
I took a 9 day/8 night safari with Beacon Safaris. Robert (owner of the company) was pleasant to communicate with. He was flexible to adjust the itinerary to our wishes and gave the sharpest price (out of 5 contacted companies) for the tour where we could ourselves choose the level of accommodation and/or could request specific ones.
On the tour itself, lovely John was our knowledgeable guide. He was very pleasant and easy going and made our safari memorable.
Would definitely recommend Beacon Safaris!
CN
Email David Zeng | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beacon safaris is now become my all time favourite
Actually during year 2019 i want to come kenya with them, however because of some personal case i haven't make it happen
At this year of 2023, i finally made my trip
to kenya with beacon safaris and they not disappointed us! What a wonderful service they have done!
At first, Robert give us many suggestions based on my need, he have done his job in a really professional manner. After his professional and nice advise we have customized our 8days 7nights trip with almost all included in amboseli, naivasha, nakuru and masai mara
During the first day of trip, my wife and i decide to have a break in nairobi after a long flight.
Robert and Victor has made us a airport
transfer, also they have spent their time to let us buy safaricom sim card in the city in order to avoid long queue in airport. It is a really nice and easy way to get sim card in the city.
After one night stay in nairobi our 8days trip start with Peter and his van.
Peter is really a professional and a super nice man, always with smile on his face. driving safely and super on time during our whole trip.
We always have a good communication! And the safari itself become my splendid memory at all time. Peter always keep his mind on the radio to hear where the interesting animal is, and he is also good at to find animals by himself.
We have easily found all big five many times.
Overall it is really a super nice trip with beacon safaris and i will definitely choose them again in kenya!
Wish you the best
David Zeng from Changsha, China
DE
Email Ela | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect experience!
We had an amazing experience with our great guide Leonard. He was very knowledgeable, experienced and friendly. The organization was great, the lodges where we stayed were very comfortable, food was just amazing. The nature and landscape in Kenya are just breathtaking and seeing all those animals in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience. Thank you very much Leonard!!
DE
Email Sebastian | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome time!
We (Couple from Germany, 3 day-Amboseli, 2 nights Kibo Lodge) had an awesome time. We chosed beacon safari, because of the professional respond to our request. Robert arranged everything perfectly and answered always in time. But the person who made our safari special was Peter. He was funny, patient, knew all the good spots and was always anxious to give us the time off our life. With perfect and save driving skills. Thank you some much Peter, you made our trip special!
Email Albert | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional and efficient
Everything was well arranged, Robert booked for us best hotel and Ken was our guide and he was up to the game..he made the sure that we saw all the big five and the safari was just amazing...
Thanks to ken and beacon safari. I definitely assert that is the best tour company
Unforgettable experience!
Our experience was amazing and unforgettable, Robert organized everything for us we only trust in him and in the program he sent us. Once we got to Nairobi David was our assigned guide and he was wonderful, so kind and so knowledgeable he took our experience to the next level.
We decided to get to Mara by car,since we wanted to see the country and it was the best decision! the hotels, the food, the staff and the safari itself were unbelievable, a unique experience. We will never forget these beautiful days. Go with beacon safari no doubts and ask for David as your guide your will not regret it!
US
Email Adi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unprofessional
We planned a 5 day safari with Beacon via Robert. What should have been a memorable and enjoyable experience turned out to be full of stress thanks to their mismanagement. Avoid if you want a company that works with you to make your trip enjoyable!
Beacon/ Robert promised and received payment for a customized 5 day safari. Our driver was Anthony and it was apparent early on that Robert did not discuss the itinerary with Anthony. Anthony would frequently refuse to follow the itinerary saying it was impractical/ unfeasible. When we tried to contact Robert to mediate, he would be unavailable. Ultimately, we were made to skip game drives or pay extra to go on game drives that were already included in the original invoice. We were told to pay extra because Robert wasn't aware of change in park fees. At the end of the trip, we were dropped off not at our hotel but in the middle of Nairobi. Again thanks to miscommunication between Robert and Anthony. The only reason this isn't a 1 star review is that Robert agreed to split the cost of the additional safari drives even though he had already received payment for it.
I wish this review was about Kenya's beautiful parks and the game drives we went on with Anthony. But our lasting impression of the trip was uncertainty and stress. Robert and Anthony at Beacon, while not dishonest, were disorganized, unprofessional and uncaring about giving you an enjoyable safari experience.