Reviews
Email Justin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The very best of the Kenyan tourism industry!
We organised through Charles at Afrikenya for 2 days of guiding in Lake Nakuru National Park. Before the trip I found Charles really nice to deal with and I was much more confident about this part of our trip than the Masai Mara safari we would be doing after it (booked with a different company).
Our guide, James (also goes by Jimmy) was really nice and friendly when we first met him and things only got better from there. James was determined to give us the best experience of Nakuru and found everything we wanted to see including Black and White Rhino, Lions and other rare sightings like striped hyena. He was respectful of the animals, he was interesting and engaging with some great stories and facts about the animals and most importantly he was a great person to spend a couple of days in a car with.
All of that would be enough for me to leave a 5star review, but our experience didn't end there. On the night of the first day of our safari we had it confirmed that our Masai Mara trip (with a different company) would not be going ahead - the company had most likely gone bankrupt and had taken our money and would not be giving us a safari. This was our honeymoon and a trip of a lifetime and I (the groom) had booked it and felt terrible.
The next morning as we told James what had happened he was straight on the phone to organise a different trip for us, so that we could still go. He then changed the original plan and arranged for him to stay on another night so that he could take us back to Nairobi. He took us straight to the company he had helped us to get on a tour with, we were able to pay for the safari with them and then he came with us to the Nairobi Central Police Station to report the incident with the other company.
I would be happy to never set foot in that police station again. Reporting a crime was like an interrogation and the police officer in charge clearly did not like the idea of helping mizumbas (white people - his words not ours). Without James' help and charm I'm confident we would never have come out of that station with a crime report (giving us some hope of claiming the money back). Honeymoon saved!
We experienced the worst of the Kenyan tourism industry but in James and Charles I can happily say we also experienced the absolute best!
NL
Email Kiane | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mount Kenya (point Lenana) climbing
I had an amazing trekking to the Lenana peak of mount Kenya! I had already been in Kenya for a few weeks so I met Jimmy twice before starting the trekking. It was great that we could meet beforehand so that I could prepare myself. As I had not planned to climb mount Kenya before leaving home, I had not even brought my hiking boots. Jimmy was very helpful in making sure I got all the necessary equipment and even lent me some hiking boots. I did the hike with Fred as my guide and Anthony as the cook. They were both very nice and took great care of me, thanks to them I made it to the top! It was amazing. Hopefully I will come back to do the technical climb next time with Jimmy!
Email Casey | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Budget Trip with a bang!
We loved our safari package through Kenya which involved an airport transfer both ways and 2 days of safari in the Masai Mara park drives. We got very spoiled with the array of animals on offer, and by far had the most animals present of all the safaris that we did.
The budget part of the trip was present at the tented camp that you stay at as the showers are cold and have very little pressure. Also there is only 3-4 hours of power at the lodge every day which usually means you end up having to shower, dress or go to bed in the pitch black darkness.
Our safari drivers were great and very knowledgeable and always willing to answer our questions which was all the more fun!
CN
Email Ji | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience in Mt. Kenya and Masai Mara
I went to Mt. Kenya and Masai Mara with Jimmy and it was unforgettable memory for me. He was a kindly guide and knew almost everything about the nature, like the mountain, wildlife and plant etc.. He was a nice guy and helped me know a lot about this land.
CA
Email Vincent | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome Kilimanjaro Climb
We climbed kilmandjaro with James and his brother Frederick as the cook. Both of them were very helpful and friendly. We made it to the top with their help. I would surely recommand James as a Mountain Guide. Thanks again fot the great trek we had.
Email Wes | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great food and a great guide.
We climbed Mt.Kenya with a very diverse group, with varying levels of fitness and experience and it seemed at some point point some of us might not make it but James, who led the group, was exceptional at managing the group and somehow managed to get everyone to the top.
Most memorable though was the unbelievably good food that our cook on the climb somehow managed to whip-up with such limited resources. Only the thought of the food waiting at the next base kept some us going :)
I have called James again to schedule another trip this year and I am looking forward to an equally enjoyable experience.
Email Roy Ndilo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Enthralling, fun, helpful and professional guide. Destination (Lenana, Mt Kenya)
Mt Kenya was high on the to do list for friends and I. After a research on the Web, I came across Africkenia Safaris, went to their offices in Nairobi and soon-after a refreshing conversation I had with James (kiongozi) where he gave a breakdown on what to expect. The Mt Kenya Hike was fun and educative as the team of guides had lots of knowledge about the area and other stories (ask why Mt Kenya is referred to as Mt Zion by some). We made it to the summit, safe and sound. Thanks guys. My plan is to head back, now using the Chogoria route. I would recommend Africkenia anyone trying to get their safari or hike.