Our dedicated team
Simba Paka Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2000)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $110 to $230 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
NL
Email Joao and Ausrine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
6 days Kenya safari and 4 days Tanzania group joining safari
First of all we would like to thank Paul Kariuki, manager of Simpa Paka Safaris agency, for amazing organizing of our Safari. Even when things weren’t going smoothly he always had will to help and showed availability in all situations.
My partner and I decided to do our Safari in Kenia and Tanzania, and since our experience with it was practically none, we started looking on the internet and we came across with Simba Paka Safaris. I contacted, first time, Paul by email in order to find the suitable safari within our demanding (duration, locations and budget).
After a few emails we decided to take a 6 days Kenya safari and 4 days Tanzania group joining safari and in order to book it we needed to send 20% of the total amount. Here was a trick one. After trying to make an unsuccessful bank transfer between Europe and Kenyan banks, we came with the idea of sending the money by Western Union agencies (to be honest, we were a bit afraid of a fraud).
Anyways, that was the only option we had, since we lost a lot of time with failed transfers and receiving the money back, so after a bit more of searching for Simba Paka Safaris name as an organization and veracity, we crossed our fingers and sent the money through Western Union directly to Paul Kariuki (manager of the Simpa Paka Safaris agency). After 2 days we received the invoice that safari was booked. Perfect.
Paul was always really friendly, e.g. asking if we already have stay before and after safari, pick up from the airport, etc. Since we already have booked the first night in Manyatta Backpackers by ourselves (btw I don’t recommend this hostel at all, big mistake. Believe me, if you don’t have any experience in Africa staying, it’s much better to have someone known (e.g. Paul Kariuki) booking the hotels/hostels, at least on the first days, for you.), we decided to agree with Paul to pick us up form Nairobi Airport until there. It felt nice to have someone waiting for you in such different place.
So the real safari started and we joined a group of 4 people, we were 6 people in a Toyota van driven by Laurence the driver and guide. So we stayed with the same group in Masai Mara on the game drive and in a really nice camp near to the natural preserve park, followed by Lake Nakuro where we were only 3 persons, and finishing Kenya safari in Naivasha, where we were only the two of us.
Finishing the Kenya part, we headed to Tanzania. Where we joined more 2 couples to do Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, followed by Lake Manyara, where again it was only the two of us, with a 4X4.
We noticed that management of tourists in Tanzania differe from ones in Kenya. We had some personal issues with the manager in Tanzania side, but to make things clear this had nothing to do with Simba Paka Safaris. As I understood, Tanzania Safari was requested by Simba Paka but handled by a different company, related to Arusha Center Inn Tourist, which is led by rather disrespectful director in a lot of ways.
I don’t want to be so detailed with this because is part of the personal experience, being in some place completely different, you will encounter many things that you might consider problems if you are not used to, but it’s all part of the package.
All I want to say is that Simba Paka Safaris did a really great job organizing this Kenya/Tanzania Safari for us, it was really good conditions on logistics and supplies, organizing groups and places visiting. We were also able to do some special enjoyable activities, e.g. bicycling game drive, ranger game walks.
In resume, if you are looking for really nice safaris, no matter how many are you, how much budget you have and which places you want to visit, I totally recommend Simba Paka Safaris, Paul Kariuki will be there to help you with your demands and even if you don’t know where you are heading to, you will not regret it.
US
Email Jewalley Linton (Pauline) | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I felt like I was with family.
In August of last year my family and I attended a wedding in Ethiopia. We decided to be adventurous and opted for an African safari in Kenya as icing to the cake. I did my research thoroughly and sent copies of my findings to the travel group of (12) twelve. The group consensus was, go with Simba Paka Safaris. Best decision we ever made. Paul, the owner of the company and his drivers Isaac and Peter welcomed us and treated us like family. We were picked up at the airport, settled in our hotel in Nairobi, followed by frequent text messages to make sure we were alright. We were picked up the following morning for our safari tour, which was an adventure I will never forget. Our drivers Peter and Isaac gave us history lessons along the way, and showed us points of interest. After the safari concluded, we were brought back to the hotel and then accompanied us on our shopping spree to make sure we were safe. Paul was so generous and gave us all parting gifts. We all felt like we were saying goodbye to family.
If you are looking for an honest, trustworthy, and efficient company for your safari experience, Simba Paka Safaris is the way to go. You will be in safe hands, and you will have enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime.
Thank you Paul, Issaac, and Peter. You are the absolute best.
US
Email Diana and Joel Parisy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Owner Paul Mwangi did everything possible to make our stay in Nairobi pre and post Safari enjoyable
We used Simba Paka to drive us in and around Nairobi, to and from airports, to dinner in Karen, to elephant and giraffe sanctiaries and to markets for shopping. Communication was rapid and reliable, and and pick-up times were respected.
FR
Email Paul | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of my best trip, they did all they can to make this trip unforgettable
There is no lie, everything they said was true, i saw a lot of animals, the accommodation was very nice (mid-range) and so authentic. I strongly recommend to use simba paka safaris
ES
Email Juan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing! I completely recommend it
3 days in the Masai Mara paying a really good price.
I saw every animal apart from rhino and leopard.
It was amazing
FR
Email Claire | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari in masaï mara
This safari organized by Paul and his team was amazing. We had three days in masai mara accompanied by an excellent driver. We had a really good price to stay 2 nights in the park with different options of accommodations. The food was good the trip safe and everything really well explained. We can be confident in booking with Simba paka!
BG
Email Dobromir Petrov | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Lifetime Memory
Me and my wife had a wonderful time during our 5 days / 4 nights safari in Masai Mara and lake Nakuru!
Everything started from our communication with Paul through emails and then in his office. He was very flexible and prepared for us different offers from which we can choose depending on our desires and budget. We got the offer that fits us and Paul looked as he will do his best so that we are happy after the safari. So we chose Simba Paka.
Our guide Rahim seemed a knowledgeable and positive guy from the beginning. The first impressions proved even more during the coming days. He definitely knows so much about the animals, the nature, the region and the local people with their history and traditions. He is well connected with the other guides so whenever there’s something interesting around, he hears about it. Rahim has the enthusiasm and the will to put the needed efforts so he can get the best of the situation for his customers. I really liked our long talks, not just about the safari itself but also sharing about each other's lives and stories.
In addition to their attitude, I should mention that we also felt very nice in the Land Cruiser, which is definitely an amazing machine.
I would strongly recommend Simba Paka to friends when I hear someone plans a safari in Kenya!
RS
Email Valentina Skoko | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip ever - 3 day Masai Mara Safari
10 out of 10 experience. What made it even better were the people, food, accomodations and of course our awesome tour guide that went out of his way! The price is the best as well! I recommend Simba Paka Safari!
Email Jasmine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible experience, would recommend to anyone
Everything from start to finish was incredible, Paul’s booking communication was excellent, super helpful and catered to our needs. Joshua our guide was really friendly and his knowledge enabled us to have the best possible experience.
The accomodation (Jambo Mara) exceeded our exceptions with amazing accomodation, friendly staff, delicious food with lots of options and a huge pool.
We’d recommend choosing to safari with Paul and his team to anyone - thank you!
IN
Email BHAGWAN SINGH | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
Mr.Paul is such a friendly , gentlemen cooperative and just a lovely person, We did a 7 day Kenya safari and we not only saw the big 5. Following advice from Paul from Simba paka Safaris we went to the following national parks; Nakuru, Masai mara, Amboseli, and lake Naivasha.
For sure this was the best choice for us as a family. We had a great time with Francis our guide he was so friendly and knowledgeable about wildlife and routes in the park. We would definitely recommend it! We always felt well taken care of by Simba paka Safaris team