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 Laurena | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They continue to make my safari the best ever!
Another great safari handled by Amazing Memories Safaris. This was my 10th trip to Kenya and my 4th time working with them. When I purchased my ticket in April of 2020, I planned the trip for January 2021 so I could spend my birthday in Kenya. I had a bit of a concern that the trip would be a go due to the pandemic, but company owners, Anne and Joseph were there every step of the way answering any questions I had as well as adjusting lodging as needed because the flights changed.
For this trip, I chose Offbeat Mara in Mara North, Basecamp Eagle View in Naboisho Conservancy and Amboseli National Park. At each of these locations, Anne had communicated my preferences for rooms as well as my dietary needs and everything was perfect.
Initially, I had planned to be in Mara North for my birthday. But KLM shifted the days they had flights between Amsterdam and Nairobi, so I was actually in Nairobi on my birthday. I spent the day with my great driver (another Joseph), who took me to my favorite spots, Karen Hub, Kazuri, Matbronze and Utamunduni. Normally I would work in the public and adoptive parent visits at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, but since those options closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic, I booked the 3pm private visit. Joseph really enjoyed accompanying me too and he also took photos of me with the ellies which I really appreciated.
In the evening, Anne and Joseph and their son as well as my driver Joseph, had a birthday celebration in the hotel restaurant. It was a memorable birthday and a great start to my safari.
Although all was well at the lodging with lots of protocols in place for safety, traveling to and from Nairobi was a bit challenging during the pandemic. Initially, just a PCR test was needed to get into Nairobi taken within 96 hours of arrival. Anne also reminded me to make sure I had my eVisa in hand as they were no longer doing these on arrival. However, during my stay in Kenya, the airlines as well as the Netherlands I was transiting through and ultimately returning to the USA, made changes to what was needed. In order to meet testing requirements, I had to come back into Nairobi a day early from Amboseli. Anne made arrangements for someone from Lancet Labs to come to the hotel (Crowne Plaza) for testing. That was a huge relief. Then another last minute curve, where KLM was requiring a rapid test 4 hours ahead of boarding the plane out of Nairobi, well Anne jumped right to that task and spoke to the Manager of the hotel, who made arrangements with one of his drivers to take me to the nearby test facility, wait while I waited for the results and then take me to the airport. I was so nervous but Anne assured me that all would be ok. She was also checking directly with the airport driver to make sure all was going according to plans.
I could not have been looked after better by what I consider my second family. Their reassurance during a challenging travel time was amazing. There was no question left unanswered and constant follow up to make sure all was going well. Anne and I had lunch together on my last day as she was dropping off a bag that I had left with her in Nairobi and she wanted to catch up about how the trip went. As a caring Tour Operator, they want to make sure their clients are happy, had a good safari and is there anything they need to improve on. In my mind, they checked all the boxes of a great safari experience perfectly. They are truly an “Amazing Memories Safaris” company and one that I will look forward to working with on an upcoming trip.
Email Connor | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
4 days 3 nights - Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru
Booking:
Our group of four adults came across Amazing Memories on Safaribookings. After sending off a request for a quote, we got an expeditious response, which characterises our whole correspondence with Anne. Anne was always very courteous, informative, and she was able to provide the flexibility with the itinerary that we needed for our trip (due to onward travel plans). It took us very little time to settle with Amazing Memories and put down the deposit given the very reasonably priced quote for a luxury safari. We had been a little unsure about the option of a direct bank-to-bank transfer for the deposit, though this worry was very quickly allayed.
Hotels:
We were picked up promptly from Nairobi International at 6am and driven to the Masai Mara. We stayed at Mara Serena Lodge, which was a beautiful hotel offering unparalleled panoramic views of the valley. The staff were all incredibly helpful, and made us feel very welcome in our stay.
Our next stop after enjoying the Masai Mara was Lake Nakuru, where we were staying at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. The views weren't as impressive (to have been so would be extraordinary), however the grounds were beautiful and well presented. Again, the staff couldn't do enough for you.
We were only staying at these hotels for short periods of time, but the room sizes were ample and the food options were always varied and excellent, particularly at Sarova Lion Hill.
Game drives:
You can be lucky or unlucky on a game drive. Our experience was nothing but positive. Every time we left our hotel we were almost immediately greeted by some big game, so much so we ticked off The Big Five in our first afternoon. This was helped by our hugely knowledgeable guide, Steve. His ability to spot game was amazing, and he was very patient when answering our many many questions. He was great fun to be around for the trip, and we were very sad to see him go.
When we next go on safari, we will 100% be using Amazing Memories. There was nothing to fault with the whole process. The booking experience was smooth, the whole experience felt tailored to perfection, we arrived in ample time for our onward flight to Lamu Island, having even managed to fit in a boat trip at Lake Naivasha on the way. You will not regret booking with Amazing Memories!
CN
Email WANG | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Memory! Experience just like the name of the agency!
At the beginning, I searched several local agencies on safari booking, and the itinerary and quotation given by this one are more suitable for us, so I tried to contact them.
Customer service Anne quickly and enthusiastically replied to us, and the 10-day schedule was relaxed. The accommodation was great. Two nights in Amboseli, stayed at Amboseli Kilima Camp , one night in Ol Pejeta, stayed at Sweetwaters Camp, two nights in Sambru, stayed at Simba Lodge, one night in Nakuru, stayed at Flamingo Hill Tented Camp and three nights in Masai Mara, stayed at Ashnil Mara Camp. The hotel's landscape and catering were good, especially the restaurants of Sweetwaters and Ashnil.
Anne and guide Steve also adjusted and upgraded the hotel according to the local weather and animal activities. The location of the hotel is very good. Amboseli lives at the gate of the park, and the rest in the center of the reserve.
Our guide Steve is very experienced. He has eagle eyes. We can hardly find animals with binoculars. He found them far away. He also found lions far away! And he kept on contact with other guides, and he was always on the lookout for the animals. So, even if it was not the season with the most animals, we saw the BIG 5. Steve knows the species and habits of animals very well. If you ask him, you can give a detailed introduction immediately.
Steve also helped one of our group get back the lost mobile phone, and took us to several pharmacies to find masks (the coronavirus outbreak did not occur at the time of departure, but did not come out with masks, and it broke out before returning China). He's really nice.
We have a good impression on Kenya. Just like the name of this agency, it's really our amazing memory.
一开始在safaribooking上搜了几家地接社，这家给出的行程和报价都比较适合我们，就试着跟他们联系。
客服Anne很快就热情地回复了我们，10天行程安排得有张有弛。住宿都很棒，2晚安博塞利住Kilima，1晚Ol Pejeta住Sweetwaters，2晚桑布鲁住Simba Lodge，1晚纳库鲁住Flamigo，3晚马赛马拉住Ashnil，酒店的景观和餐饮都不错，尤其是Sweetwaters和Ashnil的餐厅。
Anne和向导Steve还根据当地的天气和动物活动情况调整并升级了酒店。酒店的位置都不错，安博塞利住就在公园门口，其他都直接住在保护区中心。
向导Steve非常有经验，简直有鹰眼，我们用望远镜都很难找到的动物，他老远就发现了，还远远就发现了狮群！而且他跟其他司机的联系非常密切，随时把握着动物出现的动态。因此，即使不是在动物最多的季节，但BIG 5我们都如愿看到了。Steve对动物的种类和习性了如指掌，只要问他，都能立刻给出详细的介绍。
Steve还帮我们其中一位团友找回了丢失的手机，还带着我们跑了好几家药房找到口罩（出发的时候冠状病毒疫情还没爆发，没带口罩出来，回国前就爆发了），实在是太好人了。
我们对肯尼亚留下很好的印象。正如这个地接社的名字一样，真的是我们的Amazing Memory。
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Email Barbara and Doug | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing 17 day Safari through Kenya’s major Parks
We have been to Kenya many times and love the beautiful scenery and especially the amazing wildlife.
Our tour operator Anna from “Amazing Memories Safaris” was fantastic during the preparation phase and worked with us to plan and adjust the Safari exactly to our wishes. She also provided us with an amazing guide and driver, Daniel, who has in depth knowledge of all the animals we saw, about Kenya in general, and who was a really great guy to “be stuck with” for 17 days. Daniel went absolutely above and beyond to make this the best possible Safari for us and to accommodate every request we had. When we had a medical issue, Daniel made sure to get us to a very good hospital, stayed with us the entire time to guide us through the process and also called ahead to the next lodge to set up a follow up doctor’s appointment there.
He also is a great photographer and made sure to put us in excellent spots to take great pictures. In addition, and extremely important for a Safari, he was
great in spotting animals.
The car was in good shape and the lodges beautiful. Everything was handled very professionally.
We hope we will be able to go back to Kenya in 2 or 3 years, at which time we will use the same operator and definitely go with Daniel as guide.
AW
Email Maria | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exciting and Interesting Experience
We are very happy and satisfied to have chosen Amazing Memories Safari for our safari that we had long planned with many expectations and thanks to them with their good service everything was fulfilled.
Anne was our first contact from the moment we started making inquiries. He always responded very quickly to our concerns even when there was a big difference with us, being midnight or early morning in Nairobi.
We were four people with an eleven-day private safari between Kenya and Tanzania. We had a program at the time of making the contract which they complied to the letter. Despite having this program on the road one can make variations, we did some but always with the good advice of the guides and all at the convenience of us.
In Kenya we had Daniel as a guide and in Lawrence we went to Tanzania. Of them we only have good compliments, attentive, kind, friendly and the best, experts in safaris. They were always on time to start each day. They know where to find the animals that is not always easy but they with their experience were very successful and we were lucky to be many times on the site and at the right time to see moments of much action that you do not always have the fortune to witness.
With Daniel and Lawrence we learned a lot about animals, about plants, nature, about the different villages we pass through, about different cultures, about geography and many more things that they are very well informed about. We were very happy with so much interesting information.
We must also highlight how good drivers are because there are roads that are impassable but they are experts in passing any obstacle making one feel safe and we never had any setbacks.
It was a great experience with many emotions and much learning and all thanks to Amazing Memories Safari that knew how to meet all our expectations and much more.
We would only have one suggestion for Amazing Memories Safari and it is that when hiring the safari they give a little more information about the optional activities and their respective prices. Several activities such as visiting a Masai village and hiking, among others, must be paid in cash at the time of doing them. Knowing this in advance is one prepared with cash because they are really worth it and are not included in the safari.
Thank you very much to all of Amazing Memories Safari for their good service and having made our safari something unforgettable and that we only have pleasant memories and beautiful hats that they gave us with the Amazing Memories Safari logo.
CA
Email Kaitlin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip of our lives!!
Doing a safari had been #1 on my bucket list since I was a child so we decided a safari would be the perfect adventure for our honeymoon. After many, many hours of online research and contacting various different safari operators Amazing Memories came out on top. They had great packages with great prices and so many genuinely wonderful reviews, Communication with Anne was always friendly and quick, even with the 9 hour time difference from western Canada to Kenya,
Absolutely every detail of our safari went perfectly! From airport pickup to airport drop off we were taken care of. We chose a 14 day package which included a 10 day safari in Kenya with a few days of relaxation in Zanzibar at the end. Our guide Joseph was great! He was very friendly and he genuinely cared about our experience and all the animals he helped us find! I am still blown away by how many animals we were able to see! We even got to see the spotted zebra foal at Masai Mara!
Our lodges were all very nice. We especially enjoyed the Samburu Simba Lodge and Sweetwaters Serena Camp. Our hotel, The Sands in Zanzibar was also wonderful! Beautiful location, friendliest staff and very delicious food and drinks. We would 100% recommend anyone to visit Kenya and to use Amazing Memories Safaris for their trip! We hope that we will be able to come back again one day!
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Email Marilyn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing sights, accommadations, and experiences
Amazing Memories Safaris designed a two week trip including 8 parks and 2 countries. In Kenya, our guide/driver Daniel found us some incredible sights like a Cheetah walking down the road, elephants crossing the river, lioness nursing three kittens (fourth hiding in grass), a leopard marking his territory, a cheetah mom with older kittens, a lion having breakfast, a jackal catching a bird, hyenas, zebras, rhinos, hippos fighting, wildebeest fighting, giraffes necking, and so much more. In Tanzania, Icamba found us the incredible sight of a lioness trying to drag a half-eaten water buffalo from the edge of a pond while four cubs “helped” by eating/riding the water buffalo with a fifth eating on the side. We laughed so hard at the lioness’s struggle to drag the carcass and her disdain of the water, the cubs growling at each other and their precarious perch on top the buffalo, and the cubs crawling all over each other on their precarious perch. Icamba found a cheetah family and we got to see the kittens warm greeting when mom returned. The baby jackals playing while waiting for mom were adorable. With over 2500 pictures and memories, it was definitely a trip to always remember.
Such wonderful memories like picnicking in Maasai Mara under an acacia tree, bird watching on Lake Naivasha, a balloon ride over Maasai Mara, a hike to see the hippos along the Mara River, the Rhino Encounter at Ol Pejeta, the numerous prides of lions, the week old baby elephant whose mom had to pick him up when he fell, the cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, the large herds of wildebeest and zebras, and just the hillsides covered with mixed herds of wildebeest, gazelles, ostriches, zebras, elephants, and other animals.
Of course, the tents/cabins at all the hotels were superb. We were amazed and pleased with our tent at Samburu the first day, yet the tents/cabins kept getting more impressive. We especially loved Ol Pejeta and the Ngorogoro Crater accommodations, just WOW!
The scenery, the people, and the animals made the trip so special. Because of Amazing Memories Safaris attention to details, I was able to concentrate on our African adventure and not worry about driving, accommodations, or anything else. Thank you Anne in the office for your hours of work getting all the details planned, finding the best accommodations, drivers/guides, helping us choose the best itinerary for us, and for you advice/help.
NG
Email Ruchira Sawant | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was very Excellent experience and will cherish those moments
My wife and me choose Amazing safaris after reading all reviews and really it was best choice with Anne helping us with package and best places to stay in Masai Mara.. we loved the hotel in Masai Mara, nice and comfortable.. Our guide James was excellent. worth to mention he had very sharp eyes and your spot animals from far off distances.. Overall it was a very memorable trip for my family and my kids really enjoyed.. Already recommended my friends..
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Email Taylor | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic 13 Day Safari Through Kenya & Tanzania
Amazing Memories Safaris coordinated a 13 day safari through Kenya and Tanzania for my wife and I. We had a wonderful trip full of many great memories and amazing experiences.
Anne was extremely helpful from our very first inquiry through our return home. She planned our dream safari and made sure it exceeded our expectations. We are very thankful to our guide through Kenya, Musa. His experience really showed throughout the trip as he knew exactly how to put us in the best positions to experience incredible wildlife. For example, Musa would position the vehicle to even view wildlife with the best lighting. The little things made a big difference. Charles was our guide in Tanzania and his passion for his job was evident. He loved sharing his knowledge of the animals with us, and we very much enjoyed our conversations with him. Both guides were top notch!
We felt completely safe with Amazing Memories Safaris. The guides were excellent drivers, and we felt they really cared about us during our time. My wife and I would definitely recommend this company, and we are very glad that we traveled with them!
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Email RAlam | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Nakuru, Naivash, Masaai Mara, Nairobi
We loved our 1st Kenya/Africa safari trip! It was an experience of a lifetime. We would highly recommend Amazing Memories Safari to our friends/family & anyone else traveling to Kenya.
We loved our 1st Kenya/Africa safari trip! It was an experience of a lifetime. We would highly recommend Amazing Memories Safari to our friends/family & anyone else traveling to Kenya.
Anne Waithira was very professional & thorough. All the communication was very prompt and detailed. And the itinerary was very well laid out. Selection of lodges was great! It was wonderful to have the stay split into various places as we got to experience a wide variety! Staff was always very friendly & courteous.
Joseph Thuo, our Safari guide, was very nice, patient, funny, timely & knowledgeable. He made extra efforts to accommodate our likes & dislikes & went the extra mile! We loved that he loves the wildlife so much even after seeing it on a daily basis!
We saw many different animals on the safari thanks to him.
The wildebeest migration, breathtaking balloon ride, Giraffe feeding, wildlife at its best [esp. Lions, cheetahs], visiting Maasai village, staying in the stupendous lodges and gorgeous/expansive views along the way were some of our top favorites!
Note: Beware that the drives are long, dusty and bumpy. Washrooms enroute are not clean. Nothing can be changed on this front but good to be aware of it.