THE A TEAM
Axis Africa Expedition & Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $280 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
TN
Email Hiba | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience with our guide Dennis
We did a six-day safari tour with Dennis as our guide:
Days 1 - 3 we were in Masai Mara, staying at Mara Lenchada camp.
Day 4 we went to Lake Nakuru, staying at Lanet Matfam Resort
Days 5 and 6 were spent in Amboselli national park. As there weren't enough people interested in this portion of the tour, it ended up being a private safari. We stayed in Amboselli AA lodge.
Planning and communication with Lennox by e-mail and Whatsapp were smooth and timely. We booked at the last minute, but it was reassuring that Lennox was highly responsive to our questions, requests for modification, and concerns.
We arrived in Nairobi and although we had planned to take an Uber to the tour meeting place (far more affordable), Lennox insisted that we go with his driver who would avoid the congested main airport road. He promised that we can pay the same price that we saw on Uber; however, upon arrival, the airport driver demanded far more - $25 USD - which is definitely overpriced. If you do some straight from the airport, I definitely recommend using Uber or Bolt, which are closer to $11 or $13 USD.
Now for the safari itself. Although our original safari was supposed to be in a van, Lennox informed us on the day of that he gave us a free upgrade to a Land Cruiser. Even if you don't get a free upgrade, having seen both vehicles I DEFINITELY recommend going for a Land Cruiser. The experience would be completely different as you can really go offroad and see more animals that way. We were very glad that we ended up in the 4x4.
Dennis, our guide throughout the six days was knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating, and eagle-eyed with the animal sightings. He ensured that we saw the "big 5", and also listened to our requests for specific animals that we were hoping to see. We got lucky to see some cheetahs playing with a gazelle before eating it, birds feeding on an animal, a sleeping leopard, and other cool sightings. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see a migration across the Mara River even though this is supposed to be the season for it. Dennis informed us that the migrations don't happen every day; they can occur sporadically at unknown times, and it is hard to anticipate them. We found out that there was a big migration the day after we left Maasai Mara.
On the way to Lake Nakuru, we had a quick stop at Lake Naivasha, where we did the "boat safari" to Crescent island at extra cost ($20 per person). This was totally worth it, as we got to see more hippos up close at Naivasha, along with so many birds and other wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park is beautiful. The landscape is lush and varied, and we had a long morning game drive there, which still felt far too short. We missed the rhinos in Maasai Mara, but we did see one here. If you have the time, I really recommend spending a full day in Nakuru. It's totally worth it.
Amboselli Park was also so nice. During our full day there, it was too cloudy to see Kilimanjaro. However, we got to see plenty of elephants and giraffes, along with various other wildlife. Lunch at observation hill was lovely. The following morning we set out for a sunrise game drive, which was totally worth it, as we caught a glimpse of Kilimanjaro during the brief half hour when the sky cleared up, and we got to see a family of lions feasting on a wildebeest. It was an incredible sighting, and one only possible in the early morning I would imagine.
Now some notes about the planning of the safari:
1. The "3 days in Maasai Mara" thing is misleading. The first day is spent nearly entirely on the road. There is time for a two-hour game drive in the evening, but given the vastness of the reserve, this meant that we couldn't go too far in, and didn't get a chance to see much. Likewise for the third day, where we just had two hours in the reserve in the early morning before hitting the road to Lake Nakuru. One full day in Maasai Mara was nice in that we saw a lot; however, because our accommodation was so far, we didn't have time to make it to the Mara Triangle, which is arguably THE place to be during migration season. In fact, we spent very little time by the river. I recommend that you emphasize this as a priority from the start.
2. Mara Lenchada camp was very basic. Our tent didn't have hot water at first; after we reported it to management, they fixed it and instead we got brown murky hot water. The tents were clean, food was acceptable, and there was enough time with electricity running for us to charge our devices. However, it is about 20 minutes away from Maasai Mara gate, and the road is absolutely terrible in between. Be prepared for a very, very bumpty ride
3. Lanet Matfam was an adequate resort. They did not inform us of this ahead of time, but they cut the electricity at 9pm, so ensure you charge your devices beforehand. The food wasn't too bad, and they did have hot water; however, I am not sure how safe it is. When I had the shower running, I felt electric shocks every time I tried turning the faucets. In the end I used a towel to turn them on and off. Be careful. Also, there were far more mosquitos here than in Maasai Mara.
4. AA Amboselli Lodge was very nice. It is close to Amboselli gate, the rooms are spacious, clean and very comfortable, and the food is varied and delicious. This accommodation was midrange and we thought it was excellent value for money. We had a great time here.
Overall, the safari was good value for money. Communication and service were excellent, nearly everything went as originally planned, and the guide made it all worth it. I highly recommend Axis (and definitely Dennis) if you're looking for a budget tour and want to maximize your safari experience!
CA
Email Noorah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing - once in a lifetime
I want to thank ROBIN for taking care of me and the group during the once in a lifetime safari trip from June 14-18. As a female travelling solo for the first time in Kenya, he really made me feel safe and comfortable! I love that my stuff was actually safe in the car and the accommodations especially since I was carrying my camera and telephoto lens for the first time. What I also loved was he always had water available which was great and much needed. This was my first safari so of course I'll never forget it and he is a part of that.
We saw 4 of the big 5: elephants, lions (lots of them), buffalo, and rhino. Just didn't see the leopard but we saw a beautiful cheetah! He made sure to try to make everyone happy --- stopped for the birdwatchers, the giraffe lovers, and just the general request take the amazing Masai mara scenery in --- thank you for stopping for the sunset!
We saw so many animals - it was like seeing them and learning about them for the first time. Truly a magical experience.
Thank you Robin for your cool personality and for the great adventure. Hope to see you again!
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Why 4 stars instead of 5:
1. I hope the tour can be more accomodating to Muslims - one of the restaurants said that everything was halal except the chicken-- I would've eaten it by mistake if I hadn't asked. I was initially told that everything will be halal. A lot of hotels weren't aware of what halal was.... Not sure how this works...
2. Last hotel --- Chambai Safari in Navaisha-- had a glass window like blinds in the bathroom where anyone could see and look into the bathroom!! Please take note to not place any guests there until this is resolved as that's unacceptable. Rest of the accomodations were great!! Especially the resort with the massage -- Jennifer was amazing. The lenchada camp exceeded expectations --- clean - hot showers - decent regular food
IN
Email Juned | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Johny jackson is our tour operator, he is Very good person.
It was a great experience and I will surely recommend to others.
NL
Email Tho. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Smooth operation from begin to finish
I liked my experience with Axis Safari, the operation was smooth from begin to finish. I compared some companies for this trip and got some good information about the program when i visited the Axis office in Nairobi. I had my tour with Steve as a guide and six other people in the car. Steve was a real good driver and had a youthful energy. He knew some trivia about almost all animals we saw (and we saw a lot). He was helpful when needed and remained patient on the long gamedrive (9 hours!) on the second day. I think Steve's vibe works the best with a younger crowd. If you would like a more serene, Attenborough-like vibe you might want to ask for another guide.
The food in the camp was nutritious and the host was friendly. Yes, the entrance fee is high. But its worth the money if you want to see the place once in your life.
IN
Email Shivani | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical Experience
It was a very beautiful experience. Cynthia was responsive and reachable for communication all throughout. Our guide- Jony was great. We were able to spot the 4 of the big 5 and many others too. It was truly magical. Would love to come back and experience this one more time.
ES
Email Eva lario | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was so si good, they did everything we need
The safari was very good, well managed, and we saw all the animals, thanks to our Spanish-speaking guide David, who made a great effort and did everything possible, so he was very attentive and kind to us and made the safari more enjoyable.
IN
Email Shilpi | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Cynthia is a good planner,accomodating, prompt in respnding my queries.
We had the most wonderful experience on safari with Axis Africa.The safari helped us to witness several wonderful experience.such as lions mating.Lions, giraffe, elephants crossing our roads.We saw many animals during our 3 days trip at Masai Mara . Jambo mara safari lodge was good to stay. But the experience of staying 1 night in Lencheda delux camp was amazing.Especially the fresh food served by them.
Nakuru game drive was another exiting part.we saw white nd black rhinos, beautiful birds nd flamingos.
At Naivasa we took just the boat ride.We saw feeding of so many hipoos, innumerable special beautiful birds.The eagles diving nd picking up the fish thrown by the boatman was worth watching.
Finally,we took a walk in hell's gate.I will recommend,one should take the pain of getting down to have lifetime experience of that Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs,water-gouged gorges,stark rock towers nd a natural spa.
I will strongly recommend to choose Axis Africa for safari in Kenya to everyone.They are professional, reasonable cost nd fun to be with.During safaris communication of the driver/guide was very good nd clear.
Email Nigel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Par excellence!
This person went for four days and five days and saw the big five. Like our guide said, "What you won't see at Masai Mara you will see at Nakuru". He was right. Nakuru is a very small National Park. You can drive around it in a couple of hours, but it had a leopard sitting lazily in a tree, a family of white rhinoceros eating grass quietly and a group of giraffes moving in normal speed was like watching giants moving in slow motion. What a fantastic experience!
Fantastic safari
It was a fantantastic experience. Much more than expected. The safari was unforgettable. There were plenty of animals and we had a very good guide, Charles.
The tented camp was nice and the food very good, but they should renew the mattresses.
A very recommended experience.
They provided the best guide king Julius
If the review was about our guide only I'd give 10 stars.
Julius was absolutely superb , kind, funny, knowledgeable, and got us so respectfully close to get us those picture perfect moments we dreamt of . Julius was considerate with each different member of the group and catered for every bodies needs constantly with a smile and a sense of humour.
Axis themselves were well priced , their accommodation choices were superb we stayed at the Sopa lodges and they are nothing short of perfect ( we even got engaged in one )
My only negative is that their communication styles need to be improved , and their logistics of where guests are staying need to be considered more .
However Julius made our trip into a dream come true .
Thank you Julius .