Experience the Wildlife remains at Mara Masai
Ancient Wild Safaris
- Located In:
-
India
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2000)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $480 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
IN
Email Ashwin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful holiday experience.
The precommunication and suggestion offered by ( Mike) was just great. He polite and patient as possible. We opted for budget safari trip and that what exactly we got. We did 3day Masai mara, 2day nakru $ navisha, 3 amboseli trip, eveything was arranged for including the daily bottle of water rations to airport pick up and drop off. We stuck to our plans. No extras. We had smooth and wonderful trip.
Masa mara is was definetly worth it.
Advise
Have clear itenanry
Communicate every single of your needs
Add no extras (implusive decision) from your itenary
Have smooth and wonderful trip
KR
Email PARK | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not recommendable
It occurs to me quite clear that this travel agency has very little inflence to the guide, who normally works as a freelancer. Don't fully believe agency's word, once payment is being made and hit the road, only person you could argue or meet is a guide whose working relationship with agency is quite limited.
We've got confirmations of many things from this agency before we made a reservation, only few were true. Every day, guide were showed-up late, travelers were being instructed to take different vans every day or every trip, usually up to 7~9 people on one van which made people quite cramped.
Drinking water were provided, as promised, but at first day for 3~4 days, therefore every trip and acommodation we heaved heavy weight luggages along with given bottle of waters.
At Masaimara, accommodation were overbooked and moved to another camp which provide no water and no electricity inside the tented camp. Notwithstanding, no one felt sorry about it although some of the traveller contended heavily.
Guide was less likely acting as a guide but more like a boss or merely driver. Almost zero explanation was given regarding the schedule.
Unnecessary detour or idle time happened due to the fact that groups all had different itenery.
Kenya itself was amazingly nice place but my trip was degraded by all abovementioned facts.
It might be impoved if you select private tour.
Reply from Ancient Wild Safaris
Posted on Sep 20, 2016Mr. Park, Hey from Nairobi Kenya. Hope the rest Maverick are fine. We have gone through your feedback about the experience you had in Kenya during your 6 days trip. We accept the mistake for the trip and apologize for this. Actually from the point of view you had booked the tour 3 persons. It is confirmed that you had 1 driver guide Joseph whom you used for the rest 6 days and there was no change of vehicle you did, The season was very busy and talking on behalf of other tourists from different agencies is giving us a lot of downfall. This because People sell various packages and upon agreement has to a bid with it. Please confirm that you had Joseph as your guide and the car you used was 4* 4 safari van. If you check at the review posted on 8th Sep 2016 by Mr. Lukas, you can write to them since they did safari with same driver guide/ same vehicle.
We are sure 100% that those other travelers whom have used our services/our agency will prove to you right that our guide Joseph is not a Free lance guide sorry for this. It is because you met with lot of travelers whom you shared the experience together and their agencies could not meet clients satisfaction. You had the special request even before coming that you prefer to have one guide for the last 6 days trip which was fulfilled. You were about 7-9 in the car at Masai Mara which actually has daily departures and the rest part Nakuru and Amboseli were 4 persons only. This is something still to be mentioned since group tours do have a lot of challenges. Once you have confirmed the tour at times you get the last minute cancellation and nothing to do rather than making sure that the few clients you have must go on safari as agreed.
You did mentioned to us on the way to Amboseli about the few things on the same trip but for the sure reconfirm to us that your itinerary went smooth as agreed starting on 10th Sep Saturday at 9:00 am and ended on Thursday 15th direct at airport by 2:00pm for your early evening flight same guide Joseph.
If there was not enough information regarding the Flora and Fauna from your guide we shall look on that, very sorry to hear this. At sometimes when the expectations are too high kindly any time let us know about it for us to work extra hard to meet your need. We shall always value you all as our esteemed clients. Our main objective is to meet our people as clients and leave each other as friends for tomorrow business. Thanks for everything you remain great to us.
Kind Ancient Wild Team.
BN
Email David | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most physically-demanding experience!!!
This is by far the most exhausting activity that I've ever done! After all those hours of hiking up and down, battling altitude sickness and the cold temperatures, I was awarded one of the most magnificent view that I am proud to have experienced, on the peak of Mount Kenya.
I couldn't done this without the services of Ancient Wild Safaris, who set me up with local hiker guides, Wilson and Joseph, as well as a porter. All 3 were excellent in helping me reach my goal, with their extensive knowledge of the mountains, brilliant cooking skills and constant pep talks.
For that, thank you Ancient Wild Safaris!!!
US
Email Mary | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our trip was exactly like we hoped it be!
We had a great experience with Ancient Wild Safaris, and Mike made sure everything was taken care of. There were a couple of small issues with transportation, and Mike was right there to take care of it. Our flight was delayed, and Mike gave us a driver to spend the day in Nairobi prior to our flight. I would recommend this company, and would certainly use them again! Our drivers were great, with special thanks to Justice and Paul, who were great guides.
DE
Email Marvin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrific safari in Kenya and Tanzania - couldn't have been better
This summer I went on safari for 10 days with Ancient Wild Safaris and it turned out to be a great choice. We had very reliable and frequent contact already before the trip and they provided great assistance during our entire time in Africa.
Ancient Wild organized a pick-up service at the airport and after 1 day in Nairobi we started the safari with 8 people overall. Our tour guide Joseph was outstanding, knowing Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru like the back of his hand. He provided us with great insights to the nature and wildlife of Kenya and enhanced the overall experience.
After the transfer to Tanzania, we joined a partner company of Ancient Wild, which took us on an amazing safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Tarangire.
Overall, the trip was outstanding, the accommodation was above expectations at all stops and the safari vans were in great shape.
I highly recommend this company: Mike, Joseph & Co. will take you on an unforgettable journey!
SE
Email Lukas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing 11-day safari in both Kenya in Tanzania
This summer me and two friends went down from Sweden to explore beautiful East Africa. As we had in total around 20 days and we wanted to spend a couple of days in Zanzibar, we decided to go for a long 11-day safari to get the most out of Kenya and Tanzania. As a summary, the trip was fantastic, great guide & driver, very safe travels, nice accommodation and good food, couldn't have expected anything more!
We found Ancient Wild Safari through safaribookings.com actually and picked it based on the high number of good reviews and a fair price. The first contact was with Mike who was very helpful from the beginning. He also assisted us with planning a little customized trip because we wanted to have one day less in total and stay in Arusha at the end of our safari so that we were able to make it down to Zanzibar from there.
Paying the deposit was smooth and we got a receipt, so throughout the whole process before we started the trip, we always had all information we needed. Mike even answered a lot of other questions that we had about visa, vaccinations and travel in general.
Once arriving at the airport in Nairobi we got picked up by Paul, one of their drivers, who had waited for us several hours in the middle of the night because my luggage had gone missing. But it was clear that the luggage wasnt gonna come that night so we decided to go back the next day to get it at the airport. While in Nairobi we went to the office of Ancient Wild Safari and met Mike and another of his employees. Everybody was really friendly and we got a lot of tips for Nairobi as well. At night, Paul drove me to the airport again so that I could pick up my missing luggage.
The next morning, the actual safari started and we got picked up by our guide and driver, Joseph. A super cool guy who was fun to hang out with from the first minute. We picked up some other passengers and left for the Masai Mara. In total we had 5 days safari in Kenya and 5 in Tanzania. We saw a lot of beautiful places and animals and Joseph was a guide with 12 years experience so he really contributed a lot with all of his knowledge, not only about the local wildlife and nature, but also about the country and culture in general.
Joseph was our guide for Kenya and after five days we went back to Nairobi to take the bus to Arusha where we met our guide for Tanzania. Just like in Kenya, everything was really great and we saw a lot of cool stuff, had great national park experiences and in Tanzania we even had our own chef with us.
Well, I can't write much more, it was just a great experience and please contact me if you want to know any more information or tips, happy to help out!
I can highly recommend Ancient Wild Safaris, we got so much help from them, it was superb service.
Thanks!
IT
Email Marina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great trip with Josef and the gang!
We booked 11 days budget safari and the whole experience was just amazing. Great accommodation, great food and experienced guide. Highly recommended.
Everything has to be paid in cash at departure but there is a Barclays bank with security right in front of the office . Mike and Kennedy, who manage the company from Nairobi, walked us there to help us sort everything out. They are honest and caring people, who helped us way more than they were supposed to (for example, they organised dinner for us outside of the tour and gave us tips before and after our trip). If you want to ask more specific questions feel free to contact me at emgei90[at]yahoo[dot]it !
US
Email Michael Pare | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The 'Big 5' and More!
I was very impressed with my experience from start to Finish. Mike communicated very well through the planning process and our driver and guide, Joseph took over from there. Joseph was amazing. His knowledge of the Masai Mara is very good and he managed to get us to see the big five on the first day! We were on a five day trip and Joseph gave us different options along the way and let us dictate the flow of the safari. This was the first of four safaris on this trip and they certainly set the tone. Two thumbs up!!
ES
Email Natalie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Terrible organitation. Nobody knows your itinerary. No information, poor atention and bad manners.
I have never write my opinion about a travel, but they have ruined my trip, and I want to advice other travelers about this company.Don´t choose this company, look for a better one.
First at all, highlight the horrible organitation that they have. At the begining, before start the trip, Mike answer all the mails very quickly and without problems, although he didn´t send us the final itinerary with the overnight places until 3 days before. When we arrive there, start the problems. In each part of the trip (2-3 days) you have different groups and diferent drivers. They divide people in several vans and we were from different companies in each one. They are only drivers and don´t know nothing about your trip and intinerary. Don´t give you information about nothing. They let us at a crossroad where the itineraries are separated, and nobody knows who have to pick up us and the hotel that we had for this night. It happens again two times more, and when we arrive by bus from Tanzania noboby was waiting for us, we have to call the agency because they forgot it, and wait near an hour, and Nairobi is not a safe place for the tourist.
They also change the most part of our acomodation, they weren´t the lodges and campings that they said. And you are paying an expensive trip and they change by more economical acomodation. One of the camping was a place of free camping, without a ranger or security, so you can understand all the money that they get of the trip.
But the worst was the attention and manners of all guides. They are nothing friendly and I had never experience such a violent situation, when they ask for tips. They think tourist are a cash machine, they ask for tips for all the staff, including people you have never seen, and saying it wasn´t enough, and I assure you that with income per capita that has the country, they have enough with that tip to live 5 months.
We discuss with them and didn´t assume they mistakes. We come back very ungry and disappointed with the trip and all the staff.
Reply from Ancient Wild Safaris
Posted on Aug 31, 2016Natalia, Greetings from Africa.
Thanks very much for your feedback after the 9 days trip with us in Kenya and Tanzania. I have gone through all what happen during the tour from August 12th to 20th. We are sorry for this. It is our second time again to get the negative feedback from our customers. This While i would say the following. You were in good communication with Mike about the trip. When you were in Uganda first you request for the final itinerary we agreed earlier this was on Friday 5th August at 3:26pm, then on Saturday 6th we did send you the same itinerary And that was the final word on the mail. This means that you had not printed this copy out when leaving for Uganda.
I Mike met you at the departure point just few minute before leaving and said hey, again you were met by Mike himself at the shuttle on Monday 15th time for Lunch and you mentioned all fine.
We keep asking all our customers to communicate just incase something somewhere is not going well. This because we need people with us to help in giving you good service. Kindly confirm to us the all the Hotels you stayed during your tour, There must be something happen since for the first Kenya side 4 days and 3 nights you stayed the exact accommodation as per the itinerary please proof this with your copy of itinerary. Infact not about the money first as we have proof too of clients we have offered safaris first when the transaction has the problem.
Paulo was one of your guides too during the tour to Lake Naivasha, and he even had another couple for the on the review ref: 53 Mary collins from USA a day after you left for Tanzania, the same couple were taking the same package for the 9 days only that you were one day a head of them. They stayed at the same same accommodation you stayed since the package was one. So the review mention that were given one of the best drivers to take them around ( PAUL) whom you had during your services. Therefore not all the guides were bad tips always comes out of your good heart and willing, If the guide on Tanzania side did forced you for the tip, please sorry. It is m=not must though good for all our customers to notes that on Tanzania side tip is highly expected.
Lack of communication caused all this so it is always , always good to talk and ask for the management just in case you meet with someone whom does not understand you. For sure when it comes to challenges we do avail and communicate. We understand the value of loosing that one customer. At least good to recognize that one person whom help us make changes and replace any department with a reliable personnel. Next time we promise you of better attention and care to you. Thanks for everything. Regards Ancient wild team.
US
Email Mary | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome experience! Mike and his crew were wonderful, and go out of their way!
I felt Mike was on top of communication, and we knew what to expect before we even arrived. I would recommend this company to anyone traveling to Africa. We even had a flight delay out of Nairobi, and Mike got us one of his drivers to take us around to different sites.