Professional driver guides
Kichaka Tours and Travel
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- Kenya Association of Tour Operators, Ecotourism Kenya & The Blue Company
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
10 Day Kenya Safari for Two
Prior to booking our safari with Kichaka, we contacted several other agencies through SafariBookings.com. We found Kichaka to be the most cost effective, as well as the most responsive. Stephen Odongo at Kichaka was a great communicator - he quickly and thoroughly answered our questions and tailored our safari to satisfy all of our requests. Stephen was wonderful to work with and removed any worries we had concerning our trip. He even personally met us at the beginning and at the end of our safari to make sure we had a wonderful time - thanks Stephen!
Our 10 day safari (from Jan 18-27, 2019) included Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Navaisha, and Amboseli. We especially enjoyed the camps at Samburu, Ol Pejeta, and Masai Mara because we could watch wildlife from our tents and/or the lounge. Our least favorite destination was Lake Navaisha, but it was a necessary stop on our itinerary to split up a long drive. If we could do the safari over again, we'd probably choose to go to less camps but stay longer at each camp to reduce travel time in the van. That being said, each destination was unique and it would be hard to choose which one to eliminate. If you have the financial capability, it would be worth checking into flying between destinations to optimize your time.
Our safari driver was Sam. Sam was friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to accommodate our requests. He ensured we saw the Big 5, and safely drove us as close to the animals as possible. We drove at least 80 hours with Sam during our safari, and quickly learned the importance of having a professional driver to navigate the challenging roads inside and outside of the parks. The driving was tiring, and we'd recommend taking frequent breaks and regularly checking on your safari driver to make sure they're feeling wide awake. On a safari, the days are long, exhausting, exciting, and unforgettable! It's important to feel safe, so don't be afraid to talk with your driver if you notice they're fatigued!
Overall, planning and executing our trip through Kichaka was a wonderful experience. We'd highly recommend using Kichaka to book your safari! Kenya is an amazing place to visit, and it is mind-blowing to see God's creatures in their natural habitats!!! Kwaheri :-)
CH
Email Khado | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Safari experience
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Stephen and his team from Kichaka once again for a wonderful Safari experience which exceeded our expectations.
This was my second Safari in Kenya, my last Safari with another local company was a disaster, the other company just left us to our fates at the beginning of the journey in the Masai Mara. After this traumatising Safari I still wanted to give it another try. I wanted to have good memories of Kenya and a Safari. So I started to search for a reliable local company once again, I like to book through local companies because I want that the money I spent to go fully to the locals. We were very suspicious because of my last safari experience but Kichaka was patient, professional and trustworthy.
We booked with them a 15 days Safari and beach holiday. Our driver guide Joseph had eagle eyes and was always punctual and drove safely, we appreciated his quiet demeaneor. We were very lucky on this safari and got to see all the big five and many more animals, we saw four leopards and eight rhinos etc.
The parks we visited were:
Lake Nakuru (Sopa Lodge)
Masai Mara (Keekorok)
Lake Naivasha (Sopa Lodge)
Amboseli ( Kibo Safari Camp)
Tsavo West and East (Voi Wildlife Lodge)
Each park had its own character. The accommodation that Kichaka selected for us was exceptional. Each Camp/Lodge had something different to offer: the view, the animals in the garden, a hippo pool behind the lodge, waterhole in front of the lodge.
The next time I am in Kenya I will 100% use the services of Kichaka again. Asante sana for a wonderful safari.
MX
Email José Pablo Buenfil Reyes | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievable, suprising, wonderfull, stuning, schocking, marvelous, awesome and fascinating vacation
JAMBO!
Stephen of Kichaka arranged an amazing and fascinating 16 days vacation for us that turned out to be perfect in every single way. Special thanks for our driver/guide Sam was a great host, he was fantastic, very helpful and a great company, he treated us like family. Sam's van was amazing, it was very comfortable. We have made an unforgettable experience thanks to the perfect organization of Kichaka. We saw all the animals, Sam do an awesome work looking for all kind of unforgetable moments, he's very skilled, and knew where to see the best animals and he had an excellent knowledge of parks and animals, as well as being nice and always willing to satisfy every wish (even outside the program). We did not miss anything. Great hospitality and comfort, as well as great food. All our needs and expectations have been met.
We can only recommend Kichaka and he's great boss Stephen for organization, cordiality and seriousness. We will certainly return to Kenya with them. We are looking forward to travelling with you again! Perfect plan execution Kichaka. Thanks love Kenya.
All the best from Mexico, guys,
Your friends, María Jose and José Pablo.
IT
Email Miriam | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful professional tour service! :-)
I engaged this Tour Operator to organize my holiday trip to Kenya with my partner. The Operator was highly responsive on email, pleasant and above all, recommended excellent high-quality boutique accommodations which were not offered by any of the other tour operators with which I liaised. The representative with whom I had been liaising (Victor) also turned up on the morning of our departure to see us off, which was a nice touch. The Guide provided (Edwin) was wonderful and we had a lot of fun over the course of our 5 days together! We were sad to leve Kenya but will definitely use this operator again for future trips!
US
Email Lee | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Safari Experience
Our family of four (kids 5 & 8) just completed a 6D/5N safari through Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. I coordinated with Caren, who was extremely helpful and professional. From the moment we landed in Nairobi and met Caren at the airport, everything went smoothly and exactly as planned. We were also very fortunate to work with our guide, Charles, who was beyond fantastic. Charles was kind, friendly, very knowledgeable and a joy to be with through some very long days in the car. Charles went out of his way to make our experience special and was also great with the kids. While a lot of guides follow the pack, Charles understands the park and its animals, leading us one time to an incredible male lion sighting without nary a car in sight. We'll remember this trip for a long time and appreciate everything Kichaka did to make it happen. Highly recommend.
BE
Email Serge | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Splendid safari-trip
Went on holiday with this excellent local tour operator. Stephen and his team organised a complete trip throughout Kenia. Visited several national parks (Samburu, Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo. Ended our tour at the sea near Diani Beach. Everything was 200%. Enjoyed it alot. Professional and correct service!. Driver 'Martin' was great!
Don't hesitate and just book your trip with Kichaka !
PT
Email Tiago | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Worderful Safari with Kichaka Tours
We had an excellent time in the Safari with Kichaka Tours. Stephen was extremely available since our first conversations about the possibility to do a Safari and everything went smoothly and according to plan. Our driver Charles was also excellent! Thank you Charles for all your support and good mood! Charles showed experience and we managed to see all the animals we were hoping to see making it a wonderful safari for us and our kids. Only a minor aspect related with some confusion about the need to do Covid tests to travel out of Kenya, but to be honest we can't hold Kichaka responsible since we ourselves found it very hard to understand the needed requirements for Covid test given the inconsistent information that was available. We definitelly recommend Kichaka and Charles for an excellent Safari in Kenya.
Email Dani | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
This is the best safari company I have ever used!
Kichaka Tours & Travel made our safari experience unforgettable. These people have servants hearts and this makes the company so special! They are not just for business but the client comes first. They know how to treat the customers and go out of their way to provide all that you need.
Masai Mara was an amazing experience, starting from the very first to the very last last day. The guide took such a great care of us and the owner of the company Stephen, was checking to see if we need something. They don't do "just the package deal", because they want to make sure after you leave the park, you had the most amazing safari experience. They will do everything possible to make sure that you're enjoying the safari and have a great time with friends and family.
If you are looking for a safari, this is the company that I highly recommend. I have been using them for 4 years and every time they come with something new and unique.
Thank you Kichaka Tours & Travel and the team!
HU
Email Dr. Herke Csongor | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
High-quality service at an affordable price
The office was very kind and helpful. We had to change the time, the number of people, the hotel where we were picked up several times, but they always answered everything very kindly and helpfully. They arrived at the hotel on time, they were attentive to our requests throughout the tour, the driver even took a detour on the way back. The safari tour fully met our expectations. I wish everyone similar experiences!
NL
Email Jasper | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great instructor with an interesting passion for birds, took us to all kinds of great places
Booking with Kichaka Tours was very quick and convenient. Wilson messaged me very quick after I put up some requests on their website. After that he was very quick to respond to my messages which ensured smooth communication. The day started early morning 6 am where instructor Frederick picked us up directly from our appartment. A short drive towards the National Park, with along the way a short conversation about the largest slum in Kenia called Kibera, and the game drive began. Instructor Frederick was very quick to show us where different animals were, he really put in the effort for us. Next to showing us lots of animals he showed us a great deal of the park as well, for instance by going somewhat off-road. Of course still plenty of animals were seen. It was even often that we were the first ones to see the animals.
All-in-all I would say we got value for our money with Kichaka Tours and Travel
