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
CA
Email Randy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience with Ancient Wild Safaris
My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful experience with Ancient Wild Safaris. I had been talking with Michael for several months before we arrived in Kenya asking him all sorts of questions. He was very prompt at replying back to me with all the answers to my questions. The itinerary provided to us was followed through completely to detail as provided . The only change made was a request made by myself which they accommodated . We were on a 7 day safaris that took us to Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivashu and to Aboseli park. We also used Ancient Wild Safaris to provide two days after our safari on day trips around Nairobi. All of the guides we had did a great job and we want to especially want to thank our guide Joseph who spent 5 1/2 days with us and was an awesome guide. I would highly recommend using Ancient Wild Safaris
IN
Email Basu | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Holiday in Kenya.
Mike and Joseph, we would like to thank you for the wonderful trip planned and executed by you in Masai Mara-Nakuru-Amboseli. Everything went according to plan and we were really delighted at this experience. We wish to come back again and travel with you.
Email Sanjay and Sree | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari Experience
We had an amazing trip with Ancient Wild Safaris. The 6 day trip included us driving around Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. Michael was very prompt in responding to all our queries prior to our travel. Our Safari Guide, Stanley, was really nice as he put up very well with our fun loving group! We asked Stanley to show us an animal, and he did; we wanted to capture a certain photograph and he helped us do it! He always understood what we were looking for and tried his best to get what we wanted. We were always informed about our day and stops in advance and there were no surprises. On the last day, Joseph took us to the Masai Market in Nairobi and the restaurant Carnivore for the experience (which I would recommend if you have the time). It was definitely an amazing experience with Ancient Safari! Thank you guys!
IT
Email Sergio | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Didn't get what I paid for!
I have booked a three days and two nights private safari to Amboseli National Park.
On our way to Amboseli the car broke down (I understand it happens). We waited for a taxi to take us to the park and then we finally joined a couple who was on a private safari and not so happy to have other people joining their safari.
For me it was my first safari and I ended up seeing a lot of wildlife and the car wasn't even stopping or explaining anything (it wasn't my safari of course).
The next day I had my own plan but since I had no car and no guide (that I very much paid for). I joined the same couple again and I had to comply with their plan. At 8am on the second day I returned to the hotel after a morning drive and until 5pm I had nothing to do! This day I wanted to do a full day game drive but again, no car and no guide and most of all no words from Michael. He didn't try to call me even once (despite he had my kenyan number or he could have contacted the hotel). I wasted a whole day and no apologies were presented nor different activities were planned for me. Simply nothing, just abandoned.
At 5pm Joseph the guide finally arrives after fixing the car and took me on a game drive (1 hour). The drive was awful as we only had 1 hour before the park closed. So we couldn't go deep inside the park.
On our last day we had finally one proper game drive (one out of the 4 we paid for).
Again we contacted Michael and tried to get him to meet us in Nairobi. He agreed and then once in nairobi, of course he was not available.
He apologized over the phone but I wanted a partial refund. I paid a very expensive private safari with a private guide. I didn't get what I paid for at all and then he tried to talk about religion and making excuses.
They don't don't how to deal with customers and I practically paid $540 for a 3 days private safari with 4 game drives (I got one real game drive). As my first safari experience it was awful and it was disrespectful to be treated this way.
Reply from Ancient Wild Safaris
Posted on Dec 23, 2016Mr. Dorian and Sergio, Greetings and Merry X-mass from Kenya! Thanks for your feedback regarding your 3 days trip to Amboseli with us in November. It is always very good to express yourself and honest feeling about the services your had with us. To start with you booked with us 5 days with us on Tanzania side Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire on group tour + 3 days Amboseli Kibo safari camp private for 2 persons. Ok the positive side of the trip was that we did arranged your pick up from Kilimanjaro airport on 11th November to hotel Mvuli at 20:50hrs. Then you did the first 5 good days with our partner company with no confusion at all under our rules and terms.
On 17th morning we, especially Mike arranged well your transfer from Hotel to the boarder to meet Sergio and Joseph. Negative side of the trip: We did and again apologized for the breakdown of the safari vehicle few Kms from the boarder. A day before the trip we did met with Sergio at the Hotel to brief him about the safari since he had no ideal which company is taking him on safari since all arrangement was done by you. Joseph our guide arrived on time at the hotel early 17th and picked up Sergio by 7:00 am to make sure that you meet together on time at the boarder. All this happened. Until the time when the car broke down on your way to Amboseli. At least i (Mike) had no your personal contact since all communications are done through the guide to let the office know of anything. The time we were informed that the car already broke down the first thing we did was to get the quick solution on how you get to the park for better rescue.
At the point where the clients are in problems at the middle of the bush the first thing is to look for any safest way, that is why Joseph was to rely with the very few companies that used the same route which is not always busy to give rescue only that were going to the other directions. It is very true you had booked the private tour and once we realized that were only about 4 hours time before the park close we had to look for the small car from Namanga boarder to transfer you to Michenani gate and then we relied with already a company that we had the contract with to come and get you from the game to proceed to Kibo safari camp.
The few companies at Amboseli park we only requested the car that had the 2 persons only so that you have space too for game drives. We did this because there was no enough time to send another car from Nairobi to the place of breakdown since things would be tough and not recommendable to drive during the night. Always for those whom have visited Amboseli knows that always bad network connection that is why Joseph communication to you was easy as Mike could do due to close network from Namanga to Amboseli.
We used the same car to offer you morning game drive which was done on time and very necessary and by 9:00 am you were taken back to the Lodge where you were given the Masai people to give you a walk and have lunch then to wait for third game drive from 4:00pm but Joseph picked you 1 hour late this was as per the final agreed itinerary. You already mentioned that you did booked the full day game drive the second day, Kindly see the request you made on August 18th at 11:31 pm
"Dorian Statom <
Aug 18
to Ancient
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your patience in answering all my questions. Just for clarity, let me state below what I would like for the game drives/Amboseli private safari.
Day 1 - pick up from border, drive thru Amboseli to Kibo Camp (we can view some game along the way), arrive at Kibo Safari Camp for lunch and to relax, late afternoon (4pm) game drive, overnight at Kibo Camp.
Day 2 - early morning game drive, lunch at Kibo Camp, visit Masai in early afternoon, late afternoon (4pm) game drive, overnight at Kibo Camp.
Day 3 - morning game drive, drive to Nairobi
Let me know if this works."
As per the above yes we failed the first day to car breakdown and this was due to "FORCE MAJOUR"
The second day we did as per the above only 1 hour late between 4-5 pm.
The Third day was excellent.
To make sure that you recovered the few hours wasted, we did requested Joseph to make he talks to you after the second day game drive and arrange to have longer game drive on third 3 so that you have time recovered and see all you needed where you were to leave the park after lunch, Only that you told him you want to be at Nairobi by around 2:00pm, We already talked to Sergio before the tour that his flight was late night and no need of getting earlier at Airport to stay longer before the flight so was to stay even more the third day where all this turned opposite. It is then on the way to Nairobi you mentioned to Joseph that would like to meet Mike then once was called of course it was on Sartuday 19th was out of Nairobi so i told Joseph to let you know that i am not within but will try to get Nairobi and come to Hotel.
I could not manage to arrive on time though before drop off i asked you through Joseph Phone to get in touch on Whatsapp since is easy and faster communication. Later after we arranged with Paul whom picked Sergio on time back to Airport and then Dorian on the following day back to Airport.
We really apologized very much for this, as same car Joseph has used for the many trips he has done and most of our clients have been happy, this was just something Un expected occurrences which we hope will not happen again to you.
Anytime there is problem we ask all our clients to communicate, with both positive aspect and Negative as well. We take all our clients with much dignity, so We would like to wish you a happy and merry Christmas and prosperous new year 2017. Best From Ancient Wild Safaris.
RU
Email Anastasia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing emotions
I agreed all details about my trip with Mike, which have been recommended me by my friend. It included 4 days safari in Ngorongoro (Wildlife lodge, 1 night) and Serengeti (Serena camp and lodges, 2 nights). We started our adventure in Kili aeroport without luggage :) Agency did their best to take luggage day after from aeroport and take care about it till our return to Arusha. It is absolutely "must" to have some clothes in hand luggage)))
Safari was organised excellent, guid was outstanding, his name was Kosmos and we liked him! We saw Big 5, of course, and very close to the car)
Then we came back to Arusha, spent 1 night in very simple Grace Hotel and next day began our climbing to Meru Mountain (height is 4600m). It is not easy but absolutely worth to! Third day we had flight to Zanzibar at 5 pm, it was really a risk. However our guid Ali agreed for us a car from first camp, without the car it would had not been possible to catch the flight.
For climbing we rent sleeping bags and walking sticks. Paid 120$ for 2pax, the quality is not good, honestly.
I want to say great "thank you" to Mike, who made our dreams true. Moreover I couldn't imagine so incredible hospitality, quality, speed of reaction and care about us. It was really amazing and unforgetable!
IT
Email Giustiano | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience
We spent 16 days in Africa, travelling in Kenya and Tanzania.
As first, unforgettable experience, we've done everything we could think of: safaris with the Big 5 spotted, climbing the very top peak of Africa and, in the end, a relaxing conclusion on the coast.
Ancient Wild Safari, thanks to their responsibles and guides, has been a tremendous companion in this adveturous journey, providing all the necessary support to enjoy every single moment spent in these fantastic territories where it all originated.
KZ
Email Vladimir | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very credible operator capable to organize great safaris for a family with kids
Our family of five (including three kids of 11, 8 and 5 years old) has just returned on Feb 8th from an 8 days safaris to Kenya and Tanzania. We decided to go with Ancient Wild Safaris based on positive feedbacks left on this website by previous travellers and we are happy we chose this company.
Mike was always prompt to reply to emails and very operative in helping us adjust our program to our needs in best manner. The whole trip was arranged very smoothly and accommodations were picked wisely to make sure we had a great varied experience not only in wild life but in staying in different lodges, including deep-dive into savannah's life at the camping site in the heart of Serengeti.
During the trip everything was up to expectations and beyond. Very safe travel given our pre-trip hesitations of taking little son and daughter with us. Tons of wonderful experiences and positive emotions. Our guide Joseph was above all compliments; he always went an extra mile to make every day memorable. Given the dry season and, hence, smaller quantity of animals (compared to rainy season) Joseph went to every possible corner to explore and find animals otherwise hiding in the bush. So we managed to see all animals (well, except rhino which is hard to see in any season).
Afterwards our kids are happy. So we are. This operator proved to be reliable and, given their small size, quite flexibly and quick in organizing customized program.
And we would recommend Anciant Wild Safaris to any friend now and will definitely go with Mike and Joseph next time. Thank you guys!
Very Nice
Well organized and amazing safari! It was very nice!
US
Email TJ | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari
10 out of 5 stars. Literally.
As a ridiculously seasoned traveler, and someone who had already been to Kenya, I'm still mesmerized about how I could still be thrilled by a trip that I have already done years ago. (although nothing years ago was as good as this trip--not even close).
I wish I had done my first trip with Ancient Wild Safaris. My heart is so happy that I brought my 10-year-old daughter and my husband on this trip.
As a pediatrician in New York City who talks to hundreds of families every few months,
I have told everyone in New York City about this trip because so many people defer to me for travel because of my experience --and I must say that I am still so indebted to this group because of the seamless experience, comfort and most importantly, first class service that AWS has given us.
I heard about this group from another seasoned traveler and now I understand how Important a personal connection is. Take this review seriously. I can't recommend them more whole-heartedly than I am now.
Our guide was named Joseph and my daughter still wants to send him pictures and letters to his children. I feel like he is part of our family now.
Josphat, the lead travel plan administrator who set up our trip, made everything so easy that I felt like I had nothing to do other than show up at the airport in Nairobi. But before we showed up at the airport, he made sure that he attended to every detail from immunizations to passports and travel details that you would never even think of. He answered all of our questions and made any anxieties before the trip become something as simple as going down the street to your friends house. He treated us like family.
We were met at the airport, and then we didn't have to think about anything. It was perfectly planned and if we wanted to make a change, it would've been done but their ideas were so much better than ours. We saw that clearly. We are all idiots in comparison to their experience. Don't rely on Google, rely on their wonderful experience. Human experience is much more important than the Internet as seasoned travelers understand.
I am a planner and it is the first time in my life I actually relinquished my duties because I felt like someone had me beautifully in their hands the entire time. That is something I have never felt comfortable with and I felt like I had finally found the perfect travel group ever.
Our guide Joseph, was never at a loss of information, history--he was never stumped by any question we had and we are history freaks. When we had Wi-Fi at our base camp, we tried to stump him with other questions and he always beat us. It became a funny joke and he gave more information to us than anything.
Our accommodations were top notch and unbelievably accommodating and Masai Mara tribal visit made our trip.
AWS recommended the Masai Mara balloon ride and we were initially resistant at first because it was a little bit expensive and to this day it is the BEST part of our entire trip. We are jaded New Yorkers and we still can't believe it was the best thing we did. Do it!!!
So basically, I packed my bags, showed up, had amazing trip and then went back to New York City feeling completely fulfilled and amazed by our trip. You can do all the research you want but it will never compare to the amazing intellect this group can offer you.
Thank you ancient wild safaris.