family-pumpped-up-for a classic family safari
Doyen Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2004)
- Member Of:
- Kenya Tourism Board
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $480 to $1,200 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Trish | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great trip to Kenya
I found an affordable, high-quality safari on safaribookings.com, offered by Doyen Safaris. From the first contact, Kennedy was very responsive and helpful, and we decided to proceed with the seven days (two nights in Nairobi, two nights each at Maasai Mara and Amboseli, and one night at Lake Nakuru). We were very happy with the quality and service of the hotels provided (Sarova and Serena). Lawi, our guide, was very reliable and an excellent driver in difficult conditions. He was able to find all the animals we could dream of seeing, and had a knack of positioning us perfectly for photography. Kennedy met us at the airport on arrival, and also transported us to the airport on departure; he is a great character and seems to know everybody who's anybody in Nairobi!
Very warm and personal touch to the entire trip
Kennedy is always very prompt in responding to all our queries. His approach has been very professional. He was very flexible with the itenarary and accommodated all our requests. He was there at the airport to receive us. Zak was our guide for the next 7 days. We found him very sincere and knowledgeable. He would go out of his way to make sure that we got the perfect view and click. We were amazed by his ability to sense where the animals are hiding. It was a truly amazing trip. Would highly recommend Doyen Safaris. God bless Kennedy, Zak and their team
US
Email Dannyk | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wildlife experience to make David Attenborough jealous!
From first outreach to Doyen on the web from America to the final contact with their team in Nairobi, we had an excellent experience with Doyen. Kennedy Sangwe and Tom and other members of the staff were without exception well informed, skilled and remarkably adept at dealing with the travellers coming to them. My daughter and I never had a hitch in nearly two weeks in country - and we saw awesome wildlife, not just the big 5 but all the other birds and animals the Maasai Mara and Lake Nukuru have to offer: 35 species in all! And great insights and pleasant conversation with our driver-guide. Thank you so much for a very memorable trip!
I would not hesitate to recommend Doyen Safaris. And I'd definitely recommend seeing the Wildebeest migration across the Mara in to Kenya in August. It was like swimming on a reef full of land animals - enjoy!
Email GaryD | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good 2 way contact before the safari and a well organised comprehensive tour of the Maasai Mara
From the moment I sent my request for information Doyen Safaris (Kennedy) was very quick to reply and was able to provide answers to all my questions. As this was my first visit to Kenya and my itinerary was not confirmed I requested several variations on my initial specification and Kennedy responded quickly and thoroughly to each request. As I was booking with less than 2 weeks before the safari the quick responses were just what I wanted. Some companies made their initial contact with me over 48 hours after my initial query which was not good enough to satisfy my demands.
The cost of the package was competitive and the itinerary was very clear. The international money transfer for the deposit went smoothly and the balance was paid in US $ on the day of departure.
Kennedy met us at the hotel on the morning of the Safari and introduced us to Richard who was to be our driver for the 3 days. We were soon onboard the transport bound for the Maasai Mara. The three days were filled with unforgettable experiences and Richard was a great driver and guide. He made sure that we witnessed as much of the sights and spectacles as possible. The accommodation and food at Miti Mingi camp was as advertised on their website. The picnic under a tree in the middle of the Mara was very enjoyable.
On our return to Nairobi we met Kennedy who was keen to know if the safari had been to our satisfaction and so that he could get feedback on our trip, there were a few very minor points which he said that he would address.
Overall a great experience and the many email conversations before arriving in Kenya supported by the attention to detail by Doyen Safaris made it an unforgettable experience. I have no hesitation in recommending their services.
Email Steve and Family | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic operator and perfect organisation.
I don't normally write reviews but feel that I must after just returning from a trip to the Mara, Amboseli and Zanzibar with my family courtesy of Kennedy at Doyen Safaris. I had an idea of where I wanted to go and where I wanted to stay but with Kennedy's contacts and suggestions he came up with the perfect itinerary at a very good price compared to other operators I had contacted. He even looked after us during our brief time in Nairobi and with his driver Joseph, acted as a tour guide of his wonderful city ! Nothing was too much trouble and all the questions I had for him before the trip began were answered very promptly (even surprise flight changes!).
I must admit I had reservations about booking a whole trip through a local operator, but with Doyen I did not need to worry, and in fact it proves that it is actually better to go with someone with local knowledge.
Great operator. Highly recommended. Please contact me if you have any questions.
JP
Email Ippei | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful time with Doyen Safaris
This was the first time visit to Kenya, and I had a great time with Doyen Safaris.
I joined 6days budget safari which includes visiting Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Amboseli NP.
Before the safari, Kennedy always replys my inquiry quickly and politely.He gives us peace of mind.
Also our driver was great. He always cares about us a lot.
During the safari, I could see many animals, male and female lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos,
wildbeasts, giraffes, rhinos, flamingos...
Although I couldn't see leopards, I really enjoyed it.
I recommend Doyen Safaris and I'd love to join it again!!
BH
Email Chris | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
First class communication, organization and service from 1st email of inquiry to arriving home
Having never been on a safari or to Kenya before I came across Doyan Safaris by chance over the internet. It was a last minute decision to do this trip. I found Edwards communication to be extremely efficient and he helped to tailor a safari experience based on the requirements of my trip with ease and at a great price. Edward was also very easy to work with in terms of payments and arrangements. Personally met us at the airport and gave us a lift to the hotel in Nairobi, and then again the following morning before starting the 3 day Masai Mari safari. The road trip on day one took approximately 6 hours to the camp which was located about 1KM outside of the National Park. Evening safari, full day on day 2 and early morning day 3 was enough for us personally but it was a fantastic experience. The tented accommodation was fine and as expected, don't expect luxury, but for two nights then no complaints even if the food wasn't that great.....take some snacks!. Lots of interesting people to talk to in the evenings all doing the same thing. Food wasn't great but . The safari guide who drove us for the whole three days was excellent, friendly, helpful, experienced and committed to making the safari the best it could possibly be for all of us. After the drive back to Nairobi we flew to Mombasa and had two nights and days at the Diani Sea Resort which was very good and all inclusive. Edward organised all of the internal flights, taxi pick ups and transfers and everything ran smooth, Edward was also very attentive in calling regularly to ensure everything was going well with the trip. If we were doing the same trip again then we would probably have looked to fly from Masai Mara to Diani Beach to save the time traveling. I would strongly recommend Doyen Safaris to anyone, I believe Edward could and would tailor a trip to your exact requirements, ours was last minute budget and he delivered admirably.
CN
Email Amon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a good experience, but some options are not in the package and we were not been informed.
Just put all options on the list to show to customs, let them know at the begining
Ye shall know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16)
When I booked my trip to Kenya it was for my spiritual journey.
Genesis, Exodus, Jerusalem, Shalom.Fear him.. words of the bible ...etc???? written everywhere.
I still remember their joy of life, laughter.Masai Mara wilderness, how beautiful Yahuah's creation.
How Holy is Mt Kenya.
I live in Israel , yes Israel of today is a partly land of Yahuah.
Yahuah, whose fire is in Zion, and His furnace in YAHrusalam.’—Ysha'yah(Isaiah)31. 9.
But where is Zion?
And he knew that the Garden of Eden is the holy of holies, and the dwelling of Yahuah, and Mount Sinai the centre of the desert, and Mount Zion -the centre of the navel of the earth: these three were created as holy places facing each other.( Jubilees 8:19)
My first day was to see Mt Kenya, I was with a guide that came from the tribe of Kikuyu who mentioned that mountain is of God but today people turn their back . When I arrive at the equator point which is halfway between the North Pole and the South Pole at ‘0’ degrees latitude.
I had a divine appointment. People talking that their ancestors were praying in front of the mountain and it started raining , a place where they did sacrifices offerings, and at 3300m we get to the Old Moses Camp ??. They told me that people come from Israel and says that mount Kenya is where Mashah (Moses) received the commandments.????
What was Yahuah telling me? for sure that mountain is Holy. We prayed together. The clouds covered all the mountain. One of them asked me, why? I told them that your people as turn their back from Yahuah and it is time to go back home. One of them said. Why do people kill when it is written...do not kill. Wow! How beautiful those people, are.
Thank-you
PH
Email Ethel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
safe and leisurely tour
we felt comfortable and safe throughout the entire trip. be ready for accommodations that do not necessarily have all the comforts of city hotels, but meet the basic needs of a traveller (clean tents/rooms, adequate water, limited or 24-hour electricity). despite some very minor inconveniences, Kennedy and Maxwell made sure we are well taken care of and safe. we enjoyed the trip. Kenya is beautiful!