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
PT
Email Luciano | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fair value
We did a "5 Days Masai Mara Lenchada Camp-Lake Naivasha Sopa lodge-Amboseli Kibo Luxury camp" tour. As other reviews mentioned, Lenchada Camp (on Masai Mara) was (to be generous) basic. Sopa Lodge on Naivasha was great and Kibo camp was a clear (for the better) contrast to Lenchada. Lodging wise, it was good to see different realities / offers, on what could be completely different budgets.
Overall was an excellent experience, for a (very) fair price. Can also say that our driver (John) drove us very safely, managed to find all the animals and managed to satisfy our special (unscheduled) requests. Unlike some other comments, our van was clearly 4x4, and can't find fault on the offroad driving.
Communication was good, never had to wait too much for an answer from Lennox. Pesapal (for payment of the deposit) looks like a cheap copy of paypal but seems legit.
They do mix & match people on the tours, so we had a van with 7 people on the Masai Mara part (I believe from different companies), but was only our group on the remainder of the trip.
We also did a tour on Nairobi, with Daniel. He even offered a few extra stops, but due to jet lag we opted to go straight to the hotel.
Email Kandice | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was ok, but overpriced and kind of sketchy
The van was comfortable enough but very old and without AC, so be prepared for that. Our driver was nice, the places we stopped for food were not clean. (Bring toiler paper and hand sanitizer with you) All the restaurants are buffet style and left in serving wear that was sitting out for much longer then I feel is safe.
We were meant to go into the Masai Mara for 2 days, but the driver talked us into only going for one "extra long" day, which was only an hour longer then the day was originally meant to be. He also told us we could go into the Serengeti and instead took us to the border and told us that was it. In the end we paid for two days when we only had about 12 hours, allowing them to pocket the extra cash that would have been spent on the next days entry fee.
The place we camped was ok, not like it was pictured but it was acceptable and the people who worked there were nice. There was an overwhelming pressure from Axis to pay up front and in cash. One day included a picnic lunch, which was precooked chicken that wasn't kept in a cooler, but in cardboard box and ended up giving me food poisoning. I would recommend brining your own snacks.
After the trip we were informed that they are being looked into for questionable practices.
I wouldn't book with them again, especially since there are rumors surrounding the legitimacy of their practices.
Reply from Axis Africa Expedition & Safaris
Posted on Mar 26, 2019Hi Kandice
We are very disappointed for this negative feedback that you have chosen to share , there is no way that one can go to Serengeti national park in Tanzania the same day he is doing Masai Mara, the program indicated very well that during the full day you will be inside Masai Mara park and visit the Masai Mara river which is close to the border separating Masai Mara and Serengeti, no where we mentioned that you will cross to enter Serengeti on this day, this is a language misunderstanding that you did not understand even after explaining to you physically.
About the food, we highly apologize, we have since made the camp partner aware of this case and they have promised to change there packaging of picnic lunch.
About overcharging, that's also not so, you were doing a safari that is longer compared to the rest in your group and that would only mean a slightly higher price for you.
We would like to clarify that we are not illegitimate company as you have mentioned, we have an office which you came to and are licensed by the government, this was a case of misunderstanding on the wording of the itinerary, which if you engaged us we have amicably resolved.
We however believe that the customer /client has to be always right and therefore highly apologize for everything that went negative.
IN
Email Shilpy | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our guide and driver Joshua was very experienced. We saw all big five:)
The tour was better than I expected. Lennox assisted very well during bookings. Joshua (guide) was quite experienced. Hats off to his driving skills. The only thing that you guys can work on is to have better belts in the safari van. Perfect for women solo travellers:)
US
Email Natasha | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!
We had a great experience, from sorting things out with Lennox - regarding costs, transportation, schedule, services included – to the actual tour. I joined the three-day safari, and everything was great: pick up and drop out on time, food, and the accommodation at Lechanda camp was really clean and comfortable. Our drive, Joshua, was really knowledgeable and patiently answered all of our questions. We managed to see the big five and much more in just one day! I totally recommend!
TR
Email Esat | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience with Richard
We went to 3 days safari in Masai Mara, 1 day Lake Nakuru and 1 day Lake Naivasha with perfect price. Thanks to Lennox for that. It is realy cheapest one. There is one thing which is We were not happy that count of the people in the safari car. 8 people were too much.
The most important thing is driver for safari. And we had best driver because Richard did his best. His eyes like an eagle. He found almost all animals you can see except Leopard in Safari. He is so kind and helpful as well. He try to help about all your problem during the trip.
SA
Email Zaheer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!!!
They delivered what they promised, it was an amazing trip for us, my boys 7 & 11 years old loved every bit of it. Lennox who I was coordinating with from the beginning was great and I never felt left out he provided us the best Gide and driver Leonard who tried his very best on all occasions to get what we requested for I would give him a 5 start and would recommend their services!
Email James A | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Truly amazing experience from start to finish
My wife and I (both late 20s) went on a 6 day (5 night) safari in July 2018. This included 3 days in the Masai Mara (and boat ride on Lake Naivasha), a day in Lake Nakuru, and 2 days in Amboseli. We had the most amazing time, a truly unique experience and memories which will last forever. And all for the best price we could find anywhere! Detailed review below for those interested.
As the other reviews mention, you cannot control the animals and so the driver is the most important thing for a good Safari. Our driver/guide was Isaac and he was incredible. Brilliant driving, a great eye for spotting animals and great knowledge of every animal in Kenya! Best of all though was that he picked up on what we wanted from our safari - avoid the other vans where possible and see the full range of animals including the birds and herd animals (i.e. Not just the big 5).
The accommodation was very good considering the price and the location. Electricity, hot showers, and good food (they even had the World Cup on the tv in the restaurant). There was wifi in the lake Nakuru hotel, though not in the tented camps in Masai Mara or Amboseli.
In advance of our trip we were in email contact with Lennox. He was always very quick to respond to every email and every question.
The transport is a Toyota Hilux van. It can seat 8, although we had between 5 and 7 on our trip so there were spare seats. The other people in our van were good fun and we got to know them well.
We visited a Maasai village in the Masai Mara. This was a unique and fascinating experience. This is "free" although tip is expected - perfectly reasonable after they have shared their culture and invited you into their homes. This can be paid as cash or by purchasing the souvenirs they sell. As some others have mentioned, there is also the chance to visit a Maasai village in Amboseli. This is not free and they do not tell you this in advance. It is $20 (2000 shillings) per person (which is a lot of money, especially since we had already visited a village). Fortunately we picked up on the price before we got there and so declined the invite.
There are a couple of other times when small tips are appropriate including the boat ride in Lake Naivasha and the river walk along the Mara river.
We would recommend this safari tour to anyone and everyone. Bring a camera and binoculars and prepare to be blown away!
GR
Email George | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memorable safari ... excellent experience!
From the first time i contacted Axis, they immediately replied me and answered all my questions. Pick up from hotel was on time and i had 3 fantastic days in Masai Mara. Richard (driver) was super and tried to do the best for us, even if it seemed too risky! We saw almost all animals there and we got a lot of information about Masai Mara. Thanks for the experience!!!
GR
Email Ioanna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So happy with my first safari!
My 3day Masai Mara safari was amazing! Both Lennox who did all the arrangements for me and Robert who was the safari driver are doing an amazing job! The safari exceeded my expectations. Only one suggestion for improvement would be to make a cheaper arrangement with the locals regarding the visit to Masai Mara village (not it is 20$ per person).
BE
Email tessa wielant | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
very good organisation
Axis africa safaris is a very good organisation with fear prices. Lennox was the first who answered my request! We had driver Richard and he was the best driver ever. Axis africa safaris provided a good service and accommodation.
Masai mara national park was the most beautiful park! Lake Nakuru is not worth the money, because of climate change, there are not many flamigo's and you can't get close to them. Also the park is not so great in comparison with masai mara. But is you really want to see a rhino, go to nakuru. Also Hell's gate is a little bit overrated, but I recommend that you take the bike, than you have the experience to bike trough some zebra's and buffalo's.