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
AE
Email Shruthi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mara-Naivasha-Nakuru- Amboseli 6 day trip in August 2018
We came across Axis Africa through Safaribookings.com while browsing through different tour operators and went with them based on the quality of interactions we had with Lennox. This was our first trip to Africa and wildlife viewing was the main purpose and view them we did and how!
Lennox was able to tend to all our queries before the trip and organised our pick up/drop off without any hassles and coordinated with us wherever needed. He was prompt in all his interactions.
We had asked for Kikitu or Issac as our guides since they both had great reviews from visitors who wrote here. Lennox mentioned that he will try to arrange for them or even otherwise, assign us a good one as they are all experienced. Although we didn't get our requested guides, we were very happy with James, the gentleman who was assigned to our group of 8.
We had James as our driver and guide for all the 6 days. He was cheerful, professional, knowledgeable, polite, patient and gracious. We had a great time with him and were so fortunate to have sighted all the Big 5 on Day 2 of our Safari in Masai Mara. He informed us about the species, their gestation period, the number of young ones born with each gestation, hunting skills, any distinctive identification for that particular mammal etc.
Our guide gets a 5-star rating for his demeanour and efforts.
All our accommodations were catered to according to what was described in the itinerary. Lenchada camp was a rustic and comfortable stay. We had asked for a vegetarian diet for our entire trip and we always had vegetarian options to meet our requirements. Although I would suggest that they mark all the vegetarian dishes with an identifying label so there is no miscommunication.
The crescent Island boat ride via Naivasha gave us an opportunity to view some beautiful birds. The guide who took us out on boating was not very forthcoming with information about the birds and we had to keep asking him questions for him to engage with us or be audible. He could have generated far more interest from us for the birding in the time frame available but perhaps his approach was too laid back for our needs/expectation.
The accommodation in Nakuru was a fairly decent one as well. We were only there for 1 night and the next day saw some beautiful white rhinos, flamingoes, bison and birds at the Nakuru national park.
Our trip to Amboseli was quite long due to narrow roads which are shared with heavy-duty vehicles and the traffic is unpredictable. We could not do the safari on the evening of reaching Amboseli as we reached quite late. So it was the Nakuru NP morning safari and the rest of the day was occupied with travel.
We were supposed to stay at Kimana budget camp as per our itinerary in Amboseli. Although we had checked their website to look at their facilities, we saw their TripAdvisor reviews only when we were en route to Amboseli. We were quite trepid about the reviews and spoke to Lennox and mentioned that we would like him to consider a decent budget accommodation in case this one turns out to be unappealing. We were happy to go with budget camps as long as they are hygienic/clean and have functioning basic utilities. The reviews we read sort of told us that this may be difficult to find at Kimana.
We reached the accommodation and the only room available had a broken toilet seat and a flush that was hard to use, shower which was leaking water which could be heard throughout the room and the room was quite rundown. We had to express our dissatisfaction that there was no due diligence done with regards to accommodation in Amboseli and we were informed by Lennox that the other options at the last minute would cost us extra as Kimana camp will not refund (the amount quoted for a room is ridiculous considering how rundown the place is) Axis Safaris even if we don't stay and even when they can't fix any of the obvious issues with the accommodation. We ended up pitching half of the amount for our new accommodation in AA lodges just so we could get a good nights rest and not let Axis/Lennox bear all the losses even though technically they should have done their diligence on the upkeep of Kimana or found a way to mitigate their losses based on the business relationship they share with the Hotels/camps.
This was the only hiccup we faced during our whole trip. We were able to sort it out but they would have earned a 5-star rating if not for this incident.
I would suggest that Axis personally visit each of the hotels/camps/rooms and see what is on offer and then properly communicate the same with their guests. The onus is not on the guest to get information about the type/upkeep of the accommodation. Websites always showcase glossy pictures but on-ground realities might vary to a great extent and tour operators should take cognisance of that. That is what we rely on the tour operator for in a foreign country. The guests won't know exactly which hotel they will be visiting as they mention the name of a particular hotel and mention 'or similar properties' in the itinerary in most cases.
I, however, do appreciate that Lennox sorted out an accommodation in the end and the fag end of the trip went smoothly in the company of huge elephant groups and a gorgeous sunrise at Amboseli. Mount Kilimanjaro refused to appear during our stay there but hey, I know we will be visiting Kenya and Africa again and am sure Axis would find a way to put together another fabulous trip for us.
Email R-M | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent for the most part.
Generally, a really positive and fulfilling experience. Our driver was incredibly informative and knowledgable, and managed to get us sightings of all members of four of the 'big five' in the Masai Mara plus the fifth at Lake Nakuru, as well as so much more. Some of the stuff we saw went beyond my wildest expectations. The accommodation and food was also great (excellent vegetarian options all the way - thank you so much!). Only downside was that our driver was perhaps *too* good at his job - he was the only one during the journeys to and from the destinations, as well as during the safaris themselves, who *didn't* seem to get stuck in the mud. He expertly navigated his way through all sorts of predicaments, but as a result he'd often be called in to assist others, which ended up cutting in to our safari drives. We spent about half an hour of our first evening's hour-long drive assisting others. On our return to Nairobi, we were left at a roadside restaurant for another hour while he had to go on another rescue mission - meaning that we didn't get back to the city until close to 7pm (when our eta was around 3pm). We also sacrificed our morning safari on our third day at the Masai Mara on the understanding that we'd have a longer full-day drive on our second day, but we ended up being the last to leave and the first to return to camp (and we'd ended up conducting another lengthy rescue mission that day as well). Like I say, this wasn't hugely problematic, as when we *were* driving he managed to seek out and find the most amazing experiences for us, and he was incredibly intelligent and insightful to talk to. But he was perhaps too nice for his own good, and would've preferred more time with the animals and a more punctual return to Nairobi. Were it not for those minor gripes, this would definitely have been a 5* experience. I'd nevertheless happily recommend Axis (and our driver) to anybody, and would sign up for another tour with them without hesitation.
CZ
Email Denisa | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Nice experience
We had 3-day safari in Masai Mara with Axis. The communication with Lennox was very fast. Our guide was excellent. He knew a lot of information about animals and he was very skilled driver. The accommodation and food in the camp was very good and we were nicely surprised. There was the only thing that was not as promised. Before I booked our trip, I had asked whether all people in a car would have a window seat and Lennox promised it. And guess what? My husband didn´t have his own window. He sat in the middle and could use only a roof window. Moreover, there was not enough space for three people standing in one row and looking out from the roof window, so my husband and me had to rotate.
NL
Email Nien | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari with lots of wildlife, expected more information about the animals
We had a great safari adventure seeing lots of animals like cheetahs, lions, elefants, giraffes, buffalos and wildebeest. Sadly not the big 5, but that doesn't change our enthusiasm about the safari and the impressive animals! We stayed at Lenchada camp, which is very good. Clean tents with your own bathroom. Staff is friendly and the cook is great! Axis Africa's service is very good with an early morning pick up from our place in Nairobi and a drop-off at lake Naivasha for a little fee. Contact with Axis is great, they reacted very fast each time and informed about our wellbeing during the trip. The only point of criticism was our driver. His driving skills on the rough road were good, but he was not very willing to give some more information or interesting facts about the animals we saw. He was also very kind to help another car stuck in the mud but let us waiting for 45 minutes after a long drive that day, and a tractor to pull out the other car already arrived.
SE
Email Hanna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great time in an amazing environment
The memory of my three day safari in Masai Mara will stay with me forever. It was an amazing experience to come so close to so many beautiful wild animals. We saw the big five, and so many more animals. Our guide was nice, the group was nice and we stayed at a nice camp close to Masai Mara, sleeping in comfortable beds in tents. The only thing I am a bit hesitant about, is that I think we got too close to the animals. It was absolutely not only us, but almost every other van from other companies (mostly Bonfire), that drove very close to the animals, and we were about 15-20 vans in the same spot sometimes. I later, when I got back, read that you're not supposed to be more than five vans and you're not supposed to get close than 25 metres from the animals.
I wish more companies would respect that. (as I said before, it semis almost no one doesn't). And of course I was really happy to see so many animals so close, but when for example four cheetahs surrounding a zebra were followed, and in their turn surrounded by 20 vans - it didn't feel as if it were on the animals' conditions.
But overall it was amazing to see so many animals, and our guide really did his best to find lots of them.
US
Email Mala | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well operated, safe, cheap and fruitful safari
Axis was very well organised, communicative and straightforward in their responses. They accommodated my friend and I on the exact dates we wanted to go even though we booked only a few days in advance. Our guide Joshua was knowledgeable, professional and clear. The long trek out to Maasai Mara was definitely worth the time, as we saw all of the big 5 within 6 hours of game driving. I rate the safari experience overall as a 4 instead of a 5 because my friend and I were stuck in the back of the van the entire drive + game drives, which was extremely bumpy and often uncomfortable. The housing facilities were also quite run down. Word of caution to anyone going - do not visit the Maasai Mara village. It's not worth the money and there are much better ways to visit a local African community if one so desires. Overall, a good value for the money, though I'll probably go for a nicer setup if I return.
CH
Email Stella | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Short after-wedding holiday
We didn't want to spend a huge amount of money in a luxury honey moon but we really wanted to go for a safari during our holidays so we decided to book, one week before our departure, with Axis Africa.
We had a very good time, met nice people travelling with us, had the chance to see all the animals we were hoping to see and the possibility to choose wheter we preferred to do some activities or others.
In general, we learnt that even if there are many tour operators, those that are in the same range of price offer the same facilities and actually you may find yourself changing the tour guide here and there according to the organisation between different operators.
We really appreciated the special treatment reserved to us as just married (private room, gift bottle of wine...!).
If you don't know with which company to book, Axis Safari offers a good service for the price you pay.
US
Email Tim | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Traveling Complete
The traveling company did a great job of meeting out many request. We were able to take a five day tour in Kenya beginning with a two day tour of Nairobi. We spent time traveling the historical and cultural spaces around the city including the Ministry Heritage building, Giraffe park, Crocodile and Ostrich Park, City market area and American Embassy Memorial park. Then we traveled a grueling sick hours to Marsai Mara Game Reserve and stayed at the Mara Sopa Lodge. Great place though it was journey to get there. Place is really off the beaten path. Roads turned to dirt roads then turned to driving through woods. I am happy our driver/guide knew where we were going. We got there safely and back without any problems. At the Lodge we were treated to breakfast Lunch and Diner included in our stay package. Food and services were great. Daily we went into the Game Reserve to search for animals and we found them all. Cheetahs and Lions, Warthogs, Hyena, Giraffes, Elephants and others were all in arms length view at times. It was amazing. Leaving the lodge we opted to change our plans instead of an early morning safari we took an early trip away from the lodge to get back to the city in search of souvenirs. The drivers were accommodating we enjoyed the afternoon at the market.
AE
Email George | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The customer service for axis is really good. The guys reply back quite instantly answering all quer
As a tour operator they are nice. However you would need to specify your requirements accordingly for them to arrange the same .
Reply from Axis Africa Expedition & Safaris
Posted on Sep 20, 2016Thank you George. And yes if one specify's his/her dream about the safari we at axis are ever ready to make the dream come true with classic tailor made tours.