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 Marilou | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Memories Safaris is Tour Operator Par Excellence
Although this wasn’t our family’s first safari, this trip is absolutely one for the books, with all credit going to Amazing Memories Safaris. It took 2+ years of planning because pandemic struck and our originally intended trip for 2020 did not materialize until August 2022. Despite everything being in a constant state of flux inherent in covid times, the staff of Amazing Memories remained unperturbed and pulled out all the stops through every last-minute change and cancellation.
Here’s how our story unfolded. Upon finding out that Kenya Air offers nonstop flights between NY and Nairobi, our family decided to begin and end our safari in Kenya. I started my research and planning with an email blast to countless local (Kenya-based) tour operators. I quickly narrowed down my choices, with Amazing Memories Safaris eventually emerging the winner. I was sold. Anne consistently showed herself to be a paragon of grace and patience and sincerity. Her and Wangechi’s responses to my queries were prompt and detailed. Communication with Anne remained uninterrupted, even while she was on leave (something I did not even know until much later). She was honest and forthcoming with her explanations and never gave false reassurances. I recall one day receiving an email from Anne, asking if I would like to change a certain accommodation in my itinerary to one she found to be lower-priced yet better in amenities and location! She and Wangechi took the time to understand and work so diligently on my preferences, so much so that it felt like nothing was impossible with them. All these while staying within my strict budget! And let me emphasize, too, that on top of such impeccable customer service, they also gave the lowest quote! No kidding.
Our week-long journey spanned Kenya and Tanzania, to include Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli. To provide us with a full range of experience, Anne arranged our accommodations to run from the relatively basic to the fanciest (2 tented camps and 2 lodges). We loved Every. Single. One. Each accommodation had its own unique charm and warm touches—and each was simply perfect in its own way! Another proof of how Anne read me like a book and was so in tune with my likes and inclinations.
Now on to the guides, the backbone of the safaris. We had Joseph M in Kenya, and he simply takes the cake! We can’t say enough wonderful things about him because…what’s not to love? He was extremely knowledgeable, punctual, warm, entertaining with a great sense of humor, and drove with such skill that it felt like he was one with the road. He’d always go over and beyond to keep us in awe! The amount of wildlife we saw because of Joseph was unbelievable. We even witnessed a migration of wildebeests and zebras at the Mara River and they passed right in front of us, an unforgettable sight to behold. We truly hated saying goodbye to Joseph when he finally dropped us off at the airport. Our guide in Tanzania was Santos, and he was remarkable as well. Like Joseph, he was knowledgeable and patient and flexible. Joseph had already fulfilled 4 of the Big Five. Now it was up to him to find us the elusive rhino. And sure enough, Santos delivered! We also got to marvel at a wildebeest migration right before our eyes, thanks to Santos for taking us to the right place at the right time. For both guides to get us front row seats to the greatest show on earth every time, one can’t get luckier than that!
I can go on and on and on about such a spectacular trip that Amazing Memories Safaris meticulously put together for us. We are definitely going back some day. Our recommendation to everyone: do yourselves a big favor and let the Amazing Memories team assist you with your dream safari. Guaranteed you’ll thank me for it.
PT
Email Albano | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
African tour
After an attentive internet search for a safari photographic tour in Kenya and Tanzania I decided to choose the tour proposed by Amazing Memories Safaris.
I traveled with this company last year and decided to do it again.
They know, especially Anne, that my main purpose is photography .
With two excellent guides either in Kenya or Tanzania I could take some very good keepers at Masai Mara,Amboseli,Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Memories are made of this….
EG
Email Ashraf El Khadem | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing Memories Safaris are simply great!
Our company Egyptian Express Travel communicated with Amazing Memories Safaris regarding a small group visit to Kenya.
They have provided us with several tour programs if which we have chosen a trip to include Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, as well as Masai Mara.
Their attention to detail and prompt replies to our many questions made us confident that we have chosen the right partners in Kenya.
Their driver/guides were punctual, very helpful and all our tour members were very happy.
As our trip involved luxury accommodations throughout we thank Amazing Memories Safaris for their recommendations of lodges which were truly remarkable.
We certainly look forward to sending more clients to Kenya in the near future.
Email Inigo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
One of the best trips we have ever done!
The Safari tour was one of the best trips we have ever done! Our tour guide, Eliud, made the trip. It was because of him that we saw pretty much every animal multiple times ( e.g. Lions, Chettahs, Leopards, Hyenas.. etc) and he brought a great energy. Joseph was also very easy to deal with and made organsing the trip seamless. We did a 5 day safari to Lake Naivasha (Sawela lodge), Lake Nakuru (The Cliff) and Masai Mara (Kichwa Tembo) which worked out well for us. We went to Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha which was incredible as it was a walking tour and so you get very close to the animals and you see lots of Hippos on the boat over. Lake Nkururu is cool because of the amazing landscape and getting to see the Rhinos. However, the best part was the Masai Mara and in particular staying at Kichwa Tembo. Hands down one of the best hotels we have stayed at. Seeing the animals in the Masai was just out of this world. I couldn't recommend this trip enough!!
CA
Email Mark | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip done by Amazing memory tour operator
After spending couple of weeks searching for tour operators for African safari we chose Amazing Memories Safari based on exceptional reviews. After our first initial contact with the company we got a fast and detailed response from Anne.
She sent us a couple of options for different hotel selections and camp itinerary for a packed 12 days private safari trip.
We did some changes with hotel selection and camps and after a couple of days we received a revised itinerary from Anne, which we accepted with a 10% deposit to secure the package.
Amboseli National Park. Kibo Safari Camp -4 STAR
Olpajeta Conservancy. Sweetwaters Serena Camp – 5 Star
Samburu Game reserve. Ashnil Samburu Camp- 5 Star
Lake Nakuru National Park Flamingo Hill T. Camp-4 STAR
Masai Mara National Reserve. Mara Simba Lodge -4 Star
Mara Serena. Lodge 5 star
We were met in Nairobi airport, and introduced to our driver James, who drove to Amboseli National Park and did evening game drives with impeccable views of mount Kilimanjaro. Also, we saw many different animals including: elephants , zebras ,hippos, lion’s and their cubs and cheetahs. Kibo resort was excellent with outstanding view of mountains.
In Olpajeta Conservancy we saw many rhinos and spotted Lino’s family playing with three cubes. It was secluded with no another jeeps around so we could watch them playing for almost an hour without distraction in close proximity. Thanks to James for his ability to spot animals where nobody can find them.
The Water hole was in front of our tent and we saw rhinos during day coming to drink water from it.
In Samburu Game reserve we saw special five and we completed our big five by spotting leopards. We saw cheetahs family haunting gazelle.
Even when it was super hot in Samburu I can say it was one of my favourite parks.
After Lake Nakuru National Park Flamingo Hill T. Camp-4 STAR
We did boat trip on lake Narvasha to see hippos.
Last four days we spent in Masai Mara 2 nights in Mara Simba and 2 nights in Mara Serena.
Game drive in Mara triangle was an unbelievable experience. We saw lions haunting zebras and eating buffalo .
Serena was a high class resort with perfect accommodations.
Thanks Amazing memory team for organizing an amazing trip for us.
Our guide \ driver James was outstanding , same us Eliud who joined us for last couple of days.
I highly recommend this company as the best tour operator for Kenya African safari!
KR
Email SIj | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect safari tour thanks to Amazing Memories Safaris!
It was the most memorable, amazing tour we've ever had thanks to the Amazing Memories Safaris. I would give it over five stars if I could! I would highly recommend this tour company and our guide Francis to my friends who consider safari tour in Kenya.
For your information, we are family of three (two adults and one seven-year-old boy) and took a private 6-day-safaris tour. (Nairobi-Amboseli(2 nights)-Nakuru(1)-Masai Mara(2)-Nairobi, and dropped by Lake Naivasha)
Prior to booking, I searched and compared many companies and contacted a few of them. I wanted to choose among Kato-bonded companies with good ratings and with not too expensive price. Amazing Memories Safaris was the most prompt and transparent company with great customer ratings and most reasonable price compared to the others. They showed from the beginning difference between mid-range and luxury tour, and price difference as well- which seemed reasonable. (Some companies would not specify accommodation, and I wanted to make decision fully informed) Anne has been very helpful, easy to communicate with - even with small details prior to and upon arrival in Kenya.
On safaris tour itself, it was the most amazing experience for us, thanks to our guide Francis. We could see all big five animals and much more! Also I really enjoyed hearing so many stories and much information about the animals and plants from Francis. Francis was the best guide we've ever met. He is a superb, knowledgeable, polite and kind guide. We could see that he was trying his very best to show us most animals on each site and he succeeded in it! We all thought we could see that many lions and a leopard, etc all thanks to his knowledge about animals and good decisions based on it. From the beginning to the end of the tour, he accommodated everything very well. We cannot thank him more.
On accommodation, they were actually even better than I thought and we were satisfied with them. I did not book a luxury tour, but the accommodation was beyond our expectation. Especially Lodges in Amboseli and Masai Mara were all very near the parks and had nice facilities and rooms. We were satisfied with services too.
Overall, we are much impressed and satisfied with the tour offered by Amazing Safaris Tour. There was nothing more I would wish for. Hope we would be able to go another trip to Kenya with them soon.
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Email Ritwika | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best safari company for memorable trip experience
Me and my family were celebrating milestone birthdays and wanted to do an East African safari. Amazing Memories Safaris is the one I selected among dozens of other groups based on review. And oh they did not disappoint. From the planning stage and answering my million qs, Anne was very helpful. Curating to exactly how we wanted our itinerary to be and making sure we get the best possible deal. We did the 11 days Kenya and Tanzania Safari, mid range.
Even with few minor hiccups ( not the company’s issue but the accommodation error) everything was perfect. We really enjoyed our time and both our guides in Masai Mara (Joseph N) and Tanzania (Charles) were excellent and very knowledgeable. Unfortunately we had a different guide for amboseli (another Josef) who is suppose to be a veteran guide with the company but we felt he rushed us and was definitely tired from a previous trip. I would recommend that guides get some time off in between so they are not tired and are refreshed for new clients. It was a little disappointing after having two amazing guides on the safari prior to Amboselli.
I was a little nervous about the Tanzania part due to the earlier review on the company they contract with. But our guide in Tanzania, Charles made the trip absolutely memorable. He went above and beyond for us to have a trip of a lifetime. He was the most professional guide. I even suggested to Anne some tips that Charles offered us on the safari which she said she will incorporate on the Kenya side safaris.
From the planning, to execution everything was perfect. All the accommodations and food were amazing and exceeded my expectations. But Serengeti bush camp was our favorite. The hospitality of all the staff at the camps is what made this a really amazing experience.
The games drives were so much fun and we saw all the big 5, migration and so many animals. My only suggestion is that we did all the day game drives every day and it was a bit tiring. Even thought the itinerary suggest to choose between am/pm drives or full drive the guides did explained why a full day is best for viewing. But I still believe the clients should be given a choice or the itinerary can be more transparent and we are told that before we embark on the journey so we are prepared.
The communications from the staff at Amazing was very thorough and swift. On the last day Anne took time for all my suggestions. Very respectful and friendly staff. They also organized birthday celebrations for us at the camps which made our trip really special.
Thank you Amazing Safaris
Email Charlotte | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Memories to last a lifetime
The perfect name for this company, goodness did it deliver!
We chose the 7 day safari, setting off from Nairobi then on to Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Nukuru and the Masai Mara. Pickup from the airport was a breeze and we knew we were going to be looked after.
From finding Amazing Memories on a safari comparison site, they responded to our enquiries very quickly and thoroughly. The quote was very competitive and Anne was brilliant at fitting the itinerary around our flights and additional activities we requested.
Stop 1 - Amboseli National Park. We stayed at the Kibo Safari Camp. The accomodation and food were outstanding and the staff were all utterly lovely. The road to this camp was incredibly dusty and bumpy but the camp made up for it! Amboseli National Park was brilliant for our game drives, we saw so much! Outstanding sunsets too.
Stop 2 - Lake Naivasha, then Nakuru. The drive here was long, but seeing the Rift Valley was incredible! We really enjoyed the Hippo Boat Ride on the lake - our guide was lovely and we had some great chats with him. Was wonderful to see fish eagles up close! We did feel like there was the expectation that we would also take part in the walking safari here and it was a little awkward when we declined but I don't think it should be assumed that tourists are going to be in a position to spend lots of money in addition to what they've already paid for as part of their tour. We arrived in Nakuru for an evening game drive which produced some great wildlife sightings and sunsets. Unfortunately we were taken to the wrong accomodation and were part way through unpacking when there was a knock at the door and we were told that we needed to leave. It was already 7:30pm and dark and we were slightly worried about what this meant for us. Our guide was extremely apologetic and I could tell he was also slightly nervous at the prospect of venturing back into the park after hours. This unexpected night safari however produced some fantastic wildlife encounters - we saw hippos and lions at very close range! We finally arrived at Flamingo Hill Camp just in time to catch the end of dinner, and enjoyed a lovely meal. The owner of the camp is fab and we had a great chat with him. Accomodation was lovely although we didn't spend much time here. Nakuru park is very different to Amboseli, it's very green and lush and we saw lots of wildlife here.
Stop 3 - Masai Mara. Another long drive but again worth it! Some amazing wildlife sightings here and we loved the game drives! We stayed at Mara Simba Lodge and again the accomodation, food and staff were fantastic. We loved eating our meals overlooking the river and the enormous crocodiles who live there! We wanted to do the sunrise balloon over the Masai Mara and all I would say, is that if you have the funds to do this, then definitely make this part of your trip. It was beyond stunning and we saw hyenas hunting baby topi from the balloon. It is incredibly special to be floating above the wildlife, and the champagne breakfast afterwards was perfect. The memories will live with us forever. We got on so well with our guide for this part of the day, his enthusiasm was infectious and we forgot how tired we all were from the 4am start! The game drives in the Masai Mara were our favourite, there was so much to see, including the wildebeast heading for the Serengeti and we loved our riverside walk to see the hippos and crocodiles too.
Due to our flight times, we spent our final night in the Crowne Plaza Hotel by Nairobi Airport. Anne arranged this for us and we were very grateful!
Peter was our guide and he was very knowledgable and looked after us so very well. We loved getting to know him and he always greeted us with a smile and made sure we saw everything! We did feel like he could have perhaps stepped in when we were being harrassed by sellers along the way, but we respect that it is a way of life in Kenya, it just takes a lot of getting used to and did make us feel uncomfortable. Peter is a great driver too, I'm not sure I could have done those distances every day and still been smiling at the end of it after all the bumpy roads! Peter - thank you so much for everything :)
Things to consider for your trip:
- Take a scarf or something to cover your nose and mouth on the non-tarmac roads, the dust is something else!
- Take more money than you think you need. Tipping is official and we thought we'd budgeted enough but ran out more quickly than expected due to the need to tip for things we didn't actually ask for. ATMs are hard to come by and I don't think we would have felt comfortable using them in any case.
- You will be mobbed when you stop by vendors trying to sell things to you. Although we fully respect that this is a way of life here, it can make you feel very uncomfortable
- If you opt for the safari minivan, be prepared for when the roads get bumpy. It is quite the experience. Our guide referred to it as an African Massage and we can safely say we've had enough of them to last us a lifetime!
- When you are driving between parks, you will stop at carefully chosen Curios Shops. The toilets are always right at the back of these shops and there is the expectation that you will buy something from each shop, so take this into account when budgeting.
- Be prepared for cold mornings/evenings and hot days! Pack something for all eventualities.
Overall this was quite simply one of the most incredible holidays we have ever been on, and the memories will stay with us forever. Thank you to everyone that made this trip so special.
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Email Eugene | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Birthday Celebration
I decided to celebrate my Birthday in Africa with my family. After reading various safari company reviews, I found Amazing Memories Safaris, I am so happy that I selected them. They made my Birthday Celebration extra special. Anne and Joseph answered all my questions and concerns before I finalizedmy trip. Anne kept in touch throughout our 9days safari, making sure everything is going well.
The Guide/Driver "Eliud" made our trip extra special. He is very friendly, Responsible Christian Person. He has good Knowledge of various parks. We enjoyed his company and never felt uncomfortable. We got to see multiple times big 5 and more. I am so thankful for choosing this company and I would highly recommend them to all. Truely, we made Amazing Memories.
CI
Email Jaekwnag Lee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Feel the wild animals in Africa.
There was no major difficulty in preparing for my first trip to Africa with sufficient advance guidance from this travel agency.
The safari was very informative with Peter's ample explanation.
The hotel restaurant was well served without any problems for Koreans to eat.