AMS Directors and Tour Guides
Amazing Memories Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- ASTA, KATO, AMREF & Eco Tourism
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $130 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Linda | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Memories Safari was an incredible company to work with to plan our trip to Kenya.
I began planning a trip to Kenya in June 2022 after considering several African countries to visit. Probably my primary reason for choosing Kenya was based on numerous postings by other travelers and their assessment that Kenya has one of the best tourist infrastructures on the continent. As this was our first trip to Africa that was very important to us.
After making the decision to visit Kenya, I did my due diligence in choosing a tour operator to help make our travel arrangements (two of us). Based on several postings I chose the company, Amazing Memories Safaris. I emailed the company with my desired itinerary. Probably within 24 hours (maybe it was 48) I received an email response from Anne. She answered all of my questions and a few days later sent information about costs and other information (hotel suggestions, other options). After a few weeks an agreement was reached regarding a day-to-day itinerary for the entire trip.
I knew I wanted to include a safari but did not want it to be the majority of the trip. I ended up with the following itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive to Nairobi (late at night)
Day 2: Nairobi-David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center, lunch in Nairobi
Day 3: Leave to Lake Nakuru
Day 4 & 5: Maasai Mara
Day 6: Back to Nairobi
Day 7: Train to Mombasa
Day 8 & 9: Mombasa
Day 10, 11, 12: Lamu
Day 13: Back to Nairobi
Day 14: Last minute shopping & lunch in Nairobi
Day 15: Fly back home
Our trip was such an incredible experience and I know Amazing Memories Safari Company made it even more special. First, Anne was great at keeping in touch. Sometimes I just needed to confirm a detail with her and at other times there were some minor changes (flights, hotels, etc.). For example, approximately one or two weeks out Anne contacted me about changing hotels for the Maasai Mara portion of the trip based on feedback from other travelers. I trusted her judgement and the change turned out to be wonderful. Second, Anne was very clear about what I needed to do and what she could arrange. As I wanted to travel to Mombasa and Lamu, she was able to secure train tickets for us, but I was to make the arrangements for internal flights (Mombasa to Lamu and Lamu back to Nairobi). There were no surprises and almost everything went super smooth. Finally, I would add Anne partnered us with some great drivers. On day 1 of our trip around Nairobi we were driven by Joseph. Joseph was so kind, very personable and was able to help us find a new electric converter as our old converter did not work. I asked Joseph if he would be the person to take us out on the 4-day safari, but he explained he is the Nairobi guy – there is a different driver for safaris known as the bush guy. I was a little disappointed as we had connected with Joseph and he was so knowledgeable about Nairobi but my concerns were unfounded. We met Francis the next day. We would be spending the next 4 days with Francis. Francis is the guy you want to take you on a safari. He shares so much knowledge about the animals and he literally knows everyone. After a day or so I could see why Francis is so popular with other drivers, park rangers and others on the route. He (like Joseph) is such a likeable person and made the safari drives so memorable. Our very last day in Nairobi our driver’s name was Eshphan. Eshphan made sure we did everything we needed to do on our last day. Most of our day was acquiring last minute gifts and having our last meal in Nairobi. If he did not where to purchase an item he connected with his contacts and took us to the appropriate venue. He also did some incredible driving on the way to the airport. Traffic is chaotic in Nairobi and I was getting nervous as there was a point when we were in gridlock. We made it to the airport in fine time and I appreciated his driving skills.
Arriving in Mombasa and subsequently traveling to Lamu we made our own arrangements for tours, but Anne made the hotel reservations. I could have made the reservations on my own but Anne was able to get the rooms at a slight discount, which helped the budget.
Overall, I would give Amazing Memories Safari an exceeds expectations rating. All of the individuals who we worked with Joseph, Francis, Eshphan and our main contact Anne were outstanding. We will never forget our trip and hope to return in our future. If you are considering a trip to Kenya I would urge you to use this company – they are the best!
BE
Email Rudy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Memories Safaris made our trip unforgetable and worth every minute, every dollar!
Already at 1st contact with Amazing Memories Safaris (AMS) - for our group of six (all 65+) - It felt good...The so many positive reviews on Tripadvisor could not lie.
And Anne and team are indeed always willing to work out a tailor-made program, regardless of the many questions and changes that preceded it… It turned out to be a 14 days safari: Kenya (Masai Mara 3n. + 2n Amboseli) & Tanzania (Serengeti 3n, Ngorongoro/Lake Manyara 2n, Kutoka 1n)-.
Transport to and from the airport, and with overnight stays in Nairobi, on arrival, but also before the return flight. (! Royal Tulip Canaan****)
1st part of the trip with driver/guide James and it was immediately noticeable that he was going to teach us a lot. His knowledge and experience with 'wildlife' added value and it was especially striking that he did not make atypical rounds in Masai Mara NP to look for game. We often felt like being alone in the vast game park… The close encounters with lions, cheta's, leopard, to name a few, they remain etched on the retina...
Toilet visits? In case of emergency, a suitable bush/place is sought… There are also 'washrooms' at places, known by drivers and where they give time to stretch the legs…Sometimes there is possibility to have the lunch package there too.
Masai Mara Simba Lodge was our dream location; on the Mara River.
Most of our trip was through Tanzania. Orher jeep, new driver (Santos). This substitution took place in the neutral zone between the two countries.
Serengeti was going to be the highlight of our Safari!
Serengeti NP has enchanted us, because of the atmosphere, its wide plains, its abundance of animals, the experience in itself.
Here you will be silent with intense happiness! And when a scenario emerges in which hundreds of thousands of animals gather to migrate, it is difficult to realize how unique it is to be able to experience this. Seeing the phenomenon of migration, in a documentary so many years ago, was the reason to come here… And there you are…
Impressive how Wildebeests,zebras, gazelles…move through the area in large numbers, looking for grass and water. Santos had promised us from the very beginning that we would experience 'it'!
He was also able to fascinate us: with his knowledge and trained eye, partly due to years of experience. And did he take care of us!
Considering our age, he suggested to adjust the program, especially departures. Always being extremely concerned.
Here too, everything was done for the well-being of the customer and we could absolutely appreciate this.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is impressive; and felt home for 3 nights. (One has to ask assistance for movements in the dark…)
Ngorongoro Conservancy, with its unique crater, is in itself a special experience and being able to view wildlife there is a dream …
The view from Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is breathtaking…
Lake Manyara Serena
Lodge and the small but oh so surprising Kutoka Lodge - near Arusha - offered us a few days of rest and relaxation before getting back to Kenya…
Changing jeep & driver/guide.
Peter had the thankless task of still being able to impress us, after what we had already experienced.
But Amboseli is unique because of the fact that you will find the largest herds of elephants in the world, in relation to the size of the park.
We could admire large groups with little ones by sunset! And to our surprise there were still flamencos. No doubt this was a nice conclusion to an unforgettable safari trip.
Thanks Anne, Amazing Memories Safaris , guides & all people who had part in giving us a trip of a lifetime!!!
DE
Email Philip | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Memories Safaris :-)
Our first visit to Kenya was truely amazing!
We had the perfect trip organizied for us - from the very first contact up until our departure back to Germany. Many thanks to Nairobi.
Our favourite destinations for game drives were Samburu and Amboseli followed by Maasai Mara, Ol Pejeta and Tsavo.
Sweetwaters Serena Camp and Kibo Safari Camp were outstanding accommodations.
Specail thanks to our awesome driver guide who would do everything to make our trip an extraordinary experience that will stay in our memories forever.
There is so much to learn from him and it was a pleasure to spend so much time with him. He is an excellent driver and is also resprectful with the nature and stays on the trails unlinke some other driver guides that will leave the trails to bring the tourists extremely close to the animals.
The driver guides are very well connected. So you will definitevly see all the animals!
AE
Email Giulio | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
First trip to Kenya
We just returned from a 9-day Safari, but our hearts are still in Kenya. Our guide Tom from Amazing Safari was excellent and he made our trip truly memorable. The itinerary was also very well planned given that it was our first trip to Kenya and we wanted to see a lot.
Next time we will focus on a couple locations max and take it easier.
AE
Email Kate | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Amazing Safari
have recently arrived home from five days in Kenya with Amazing Memories Safari and they really did live up to their name and provide amazing memories.
From the very start Anne was lovely and helpful in organising an itinerary for us and making sure it fit all of our needs.
Joseph, our guide, was so passionate about his job and clearly loved searching for all the animals in the national parks and telling us stories and interesting facts about their lives and their nature. He was attentive to all our needs and went out of his way to make sure we saw as much wildlife and culture as possible. He really made the trip for us!
Before embarking on this trip we had heard a lot of horror stories about the food and accomodation from people who booked with other tour companies but all our experiences exceeded our expectations. The first place we stayed was Enkorok Mara Camp. The staff here were so friendly and helpful and I've never seen more substantial packed lunches from a hotel, definitely a great choice! We also stayed in Flamingo Hill Camp which was so beautiful!
This was a really brilliant trip and I would recommend it to anyone!
US
Email Thomas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great 10-day safari with AMS in Kenya & Tanzania!
We (my wife, 17-year old daughter, and I) loved the 10-day safari we booked with AMS! Communications with Anne and Wangechi were always prompt, courteous, informative, and helpful, and they helped us put together a great itinerary to match our travel dates and budget. Overall, the itinerary was spot on.....1 night at JKIA (upon arrival), 3 nights in Masai Mara, 2 nights in Serengeti, 1 night at Ngorongoro Crater, and 2 nights at Amboseli. Our guides (David in Kenya, Ikimba in Tanzania, and James upon return to Kenya) were great, and made sure we were always safe, well informed, and taken care of. When we planned our safari, we took a small gamble by booking during the "long rainy season", however, everything worked out in the end. We had thunderstorms around 4:00 pm for the first 3-4 days, but by that time in the afternoon we already had great game drives to see every conceivable animal! Also, advantages of traveling during the "long rainy season" is greatly reduced number of visitors to the parks and no dust! The most vehicles we saw in one place observing an animal or animals were 6-7 vehicles (some individuals who previously visited in July/August told us it's not unusual to have 20 or more vehicles in the same place observing an animal during that time of year). Overall, our trip was a fantastic and memorable experience we live never forget! We would absolutely book with AMS again for any future safari, and very strongly recommend AMS to anyone looking for a friendly, highly competent, and professional safari tour operator who will take good care of you. Well done, AMS!
Email Claire | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience with amazing memories
My friend and I booked an experience with Amazing Memories and it was perfect from the first email we sent to the moment we said goodbye to our guide at the airport. When we reached out to Amazing Memories, Anne was very quick to respond and provide us the information that we need. We were given three different options and the ability to make changes wherever we wanted - it was totally flexible and essentially could be tailored to suit whatever we wanted to do. We flew into Nairobi and stayed the night before starting our Safari adventure the next day. We were picked up from our hotel and introduced to our guide (Joseph) who was absolutely outstanding for the entire trip. We went to three different national parks and everything was very well organised and we felt incredibly safe. Joseph was the best guide we could have wanted - he made every effort to ensure we had the best experience possible! We would definitely book again and we would definitely request Joseph :)
CH
Email Ingrid | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, flexible,
Anne organized a private 10 days Safari in Kenya for us. She considered and realized all our special requests and we had more than one. We had a great time and saw a lot of animals. The hotels recommended by Anne were all very good. It was a great vacation, unforgettable! Anne thank you so much for the great experience and memories.
Email JP Bundle | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They really are Amazing !
I rarely write reviews however I'll make an exception for Amazing Memroies Safaris as they really were outstanding. When searching for a travel company to go with, there was a very wide range in prices. AMS were on the more reasonable end of the price range. Anne was extremely patient with us as we chopped and changed itinerary and offered excellent suggestions to tailor our holiday. If I am honest, we were not completely sure what we would get for our money once we arrrived however we need not worry. The locations, accomodation, food, drivers were all excellent. We were completely taken care of from the moment we landed and met in Nairobi. David our tour guide was excellent and took us to all the places were the Big 5 hung out. We stayed at Mbweha Camp in Lake Nakuru which was stuning, Ashnil Mara Camp which was great. Anne arranged flights & drivers to Mombassa where we stayed at Sarova Whitesands. It's all the little extras that made the difference from arranging sundowner, driver pick ups / drop offs and a driver to take us around Nairobi on the last day. Would definitely recomend them to anyone considering a safari.
Who could ask for anything more? An AMAZING MEMORIES (8 day) SAFARI!
GO! You will never regret it. WE SAW EVERYTHING including a leopard mommy suckling her cubs. The accomodations were 4 star (by choice-If I wanted a 5 star hotel, I would have stayed in NYC) and EXCELLENT. Alot of hot water all of the time, toilets cleaner than at home... Food that never stopped. WE started in Nairobi Kenya, went through the Amboseli Natl Park, Masai Mara, Lake Naivishu, Serengeti Natl Park, The NgoroNgoro crater, and everything else in between. We saw all of the BIG 5 and the Ugly 5 (Hyena, wildebeest, warthog, vulture, and the maribou stork), and every other animal that you never thought you'd see in the wild. We went into a MAASAI Village, and found out that they do their "business" in the bush; anywhere they want! People everywhere were so genuine, generous, and gentle. AND, we ended the trip in a resort on the isle of ZANZIBAR. Anne from Amazing Memories Safaris book our stay for 2 nights/3days. But, my husband couldn't get enough-we stayed for 11 days! Masala (chai) tea on a stunning rooftop restaurant full of beautiful views in every direction, after haggling in the markets in Stonetown. A Spice Plantation, The Rock Restaurant, Swimming with the dolphins, scubadiving with gorgeous tropical reef fish, and as if that wasn't enough, we went to "prison island (it was never used as a prison) where we saw a GIANT 200yr old TORTOISE! Monkey forests, gorgeous beaches, mangrove forests. UNFORGETTABLE. I have nothing negative to add. It was all AMAZING!