One of our experienced guide and staffs
Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 1992)
- Member Of:
- American Society of Travel Agents
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $80 to $260 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
ES
Email Spain | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
DON’T BOOK WITH THEM
Purity was the operator that I was talking to by email. At the beginning she was answering quickly to my questions so I decided to book and pay the amount she told me. Once I paid I had to wait since 31st May to 29th June to have my confirmation. I had to send several emails (without answer) and that was feeling like a scam. After that, I had to write her a few days before to make sure everything was fine and that was when she told me the planning had changed “because the government increased the price of the entrance fee”, so we had 1 day of 5 without visit to any park. Even that happened and I was informed two days before arrival, the price stayed the same. When we arrived there hopefully we met the best driver ever, Ken, who was working for another company and took care of us with all his love. The last day he informed us that we were going to change into another car to arrive at Namanga border where we were supposed to take a bus that would bring us to our hotel in Arusha (final destination). We met that second driver at Amboseli’a date. He came driving his van very fast and shouting at us and at Ken. We couldn’t understand anything but finally he left us there without explanation and left driving unsafe. That was a nightmare for us, that were about to lose our shuttle bus and were scared. We had to change into a third van and arrived at Namanga border where we met Abbas, the man that was going to “help” us within there. He asked us the name of the hotel in Arusha and said Arusha wasn’t safe so they will going to bring us our hotel. Finally we took the bus but our destination changed again without explanation as he left us somewhere in Arusha. We had to take a taxi after being in the middle of 20-30 men trying to force us to go with them on their “taxis”, in a very unsafe area. When I reached Purity on WhatsApp she seemed surprised and worried but when I asked for the amount of the taxi she turned the same: no answer, no help, so I had to talk to my lawyer to start a process against the company. Sometimes you go for the cheapest and that turns into the most expensive experience. Think twice before booking…
Email John | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They reduced program without warning
After we paid them, they told us they would not do the game drive in the morning of the last day, because 2 months ago the government increased the price of the park entrances. It feels like a scam.
DE
Email Dusan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Don’t go please with them! SCAMMERS !
Please skip this agency!! SCAMMERS !
My worst experience. I booked 5 days Masai Mara with Amboseli, and when i arrive in Nairobi they pick me up then said that they don’t have that tour now ( day before they said that they have).. and they didn’t care about that mistake, I didn't even get an apology, so I was forced to agree to go to something I didn't book , different 5 days trip. When we finish that conversation i sat in the car to start that tour, on the way to safari, after 1 hour i got weird messages and calls on my kenyan number from local numbers and messages like “f*ck yourself, stupid” they called me next two days when i was on my safari trip, and i block them, and just people from this agency know my number! Because i bought my sim card on airport on same date, when i arrived in Kenya! I felt unsafe as a tourist, because you don’t know who to ask because the same Agency organize that to me! When we finish that tour after 5 days they were supposed to drive me back to my hotel/airport for free. When we arrive back to Nairobi the girl who told me that “i have included transport, because if i book 5,6,7 days safari i have included transport” and now when we arrived she told me “no its not included (with laughing)” i have screenshots of our chat if someone don’t believe me. So i was very angry and i went alone back to my hotel with some street taxi because i saw that this agency is playing with tourist. Also for example “Naivasha” its just transport to the place, you have to pay 35-50$ for boat tour or walking, without paying that you cannot enter. Aware that they made a big mistake at the beginning (because i paid expensive ticket to kenya and i didnt see Amboseli what i wanted) and instead of correcting it, in the end they turn out to be even bigger scammers until the end , and I didn’t get a single apology for all of that. I really like Kenya and it was my dream place to visit but this is very sad, if you want to enjoy in beautiful Kenya skip them and find a serious agency who respect their guests.
(Driver James was very nice and kind and i recommend him) but agency is horrible, they don’t deserve more tourists. I have a proof for all of that what i wrote. I booked with this “Bienvenido tours” and when i text the number from email they said “Purity” is name of agency, so they are maybe connected. Be careful.
Reply from Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris
Posted on Mar 29, 2023Hi Dusan,
Thank you so much for your safari feedback and thanks again for choosing to travel with us.
We are very sorry to hear this from you and its very unfortunate. Our mission is always to offer a memorable safari to all our customers regardless of their budget. As we normally don't offer 5 days group safari covering Masai mara and Amboseli only (unless on a special request in which the safari will be customized to private) For 5 days group joining safari it covers Masai Mara Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha and this was the available option which we gave you, but you said your budget was too low or be offered the safari as complimentary which was not possible to us.
For the messages remember, you didn't share your local number with our team we only had your international telephone number, but you received the messages in your local number, kindly share the numbers which were sending you the messages for the further action.
We look forward to host you in future.
Email Ron | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Money makers only profit oriented
These guys are just money makers. Did the one night safari trip and it was ridiculous. Arrived way too late at the park so we had only 2h game drive. Slept in a tent which doesn’t even has a light switch. You had to screw the bulb to switch on/off the light. Then morning game drive was also just 2h saying the driver needs to be on the road back to Nairobi by 9am. Maybe for unexperienced Tourists fun but I have lived in EA for more than 4 years and did many safari before. This was mos def the worst of all. They just make a lot of profit saving every shilling they can regarding service. Food was cheap local food (rice, beans, posho, goats meat) and all other services also ridiculous. The game drive was also only very semi professional. Anyway if you want local African experience, go for it but the price is definitely way to high for what you get.
GH
Email Leila | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Poor management, lack of flexibility but great guide
Before confirming our tour with Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris, I made sure to ask explicitly if the place we were going to stay at was the one I had mentioned, even sending a link for reference. To our surprise, the camp they confirmed via email had nothing to do with the one I had asked about. They offered us another camp for a much higher price. We suggested splitting the additional costs, but they refused.
I don't think they intended to scam us, but their lack of flexibility and taking responsibility for their mistake left a bad taste. However, the two employees we dealt with remained polite, but it was not their call to make things right. I blame the director/CEO who didn't want to discuss the matter at all or take any final accountability despite recognizing their mistake.
On a positive note, Nico, our guide, was fantastic. He knew a lot, was happy to answer questions, and was just a really nice person to spend time with during those two days.
DE
Email Eunice | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our tour was poorly organized,never again
We booked a 4days tour with Purity to Mara and Nakuru,before the payments communication was fast and good.Afterwards on day 3 when we ended up in Naivasha and had to pack for 4hrs with no clear information from our tour guide who also seemed stressed the whole tour and couldn’t answer our questions and had to confirm everytime from the management.We contacted Purity for clarification and promised to call us back which she never did and her phone was off for the rest of the day.The guide had to ask us where we were to sleep in Nakuru since he couldn’t get any information.In short a whole day wasted just driving.Day 4 was a mess but we didn’t expect anything better,all we wanted is to get back to Nairobi,we left at 6:30am went for the game drive till11am thereafter the other guests were to be dropped somewhere to join other groups as we proceed to Nairobi,the dropoff point was not clear and had to stop again in Naivasha for almost 2hrs though lunch was offered after we complained to the guide .We reached Nairobi after 5pm very tired.Book at your own risk,never again.
US
Email Juanita | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Poor service
I booked an 8 day Kenya/Tanzania safari for my 2 children and I. Purity was amazing to work with prior to leaving my home country. She was very responsive and even went to the embassy on my behalf when I was having problems with my visa. However, once on the safari things started to go wrong. We were picked up from Nairobi and took the long drive to Masai Mara, we did an evening game drive that first day and was brought to our tent camp for the night. Camp was very basic, only had working electricity in the main cafeteria area, so had only a few hours to charge devices. The 2nd day was a full day game drive and visit to Masai village which was wonderful. Day 3 (which was my birthday) is where the itinerary changed. We were supposed to visit Lake Nakuru for a safari boat tour, but that was canceled, there were no other plans for the day besides to drive back to Nairobi and go to a hotel, the next day the plans were to drive from Nairobi to Tanzania and check into hotel upon arrival. That was 2 days back to back filled with just driving. That was not fair to my kids or myself as that was not in the itenerary and I did not pay for 2 days of driving. I emailed purity as I was unsure of what to do and she apologized for the inconvenience. I decided to cancel and book with a different company as I really did not want to spend the entire next day driving. I asked to be dropped off at the airport and took a flight to Tanzania and was picked up from another tour company and had an exceptional experience. Essentially I paid more for the 3 days I was with this company than the 5 days with the second one. The food provided was very subpar, for lunch having boxed sandwiches with cucumber and tomato. Our tour guide was nice however not very helpful with telling us about the things we were seeing. It was a very frustrating experience to say the least, but I am glad it ended on a more positive note with a different company. Please do your research prior to booking. Research the lodges, the amount of driving that will be done and if possible request a specific tour guide. I was hoping for a very positive learning experience for my kids and that was not the case. I also requested a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara and was told that would be available at an extra cost and was not available to us while there.
DE
Email Thomas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Changed the program. I had to stay 1 day in a not booked hotel without any program. Never again
During the Safari my program was changed by Bienvenido Tours. I had wait 1 day and night for another group from a different tour company to continue the trip. I lost 1 1/2 days with waiting in the accomodation and waiting for the other Minivan. I even had to pay the hotel that I booked after the Safari and couldnt use because of the delay. Bienvenido Tours didnt accept a money refund. I'd not book with this company again. The Mara, Nakuru and Amboseli are wonderful places to see. The accomodations in the parks are very basic, but that I knew before
US
Email Nicolette | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bumpy start but great execution
The trip started as planned. I received help straightening out my flight and required documents for 30 dollars a person. The transfer ride was on time but cost 15 dollars coming from a few minutes outside of Nairobi (a rip off). When we arrived at the bus, it was filled completely and somewhat squished but as expected. Before leaving, the tour group notified me that I had an unpaid balance and when going to pay my 75 dollar balance (flight help for two people and a transfer fee), I was told that I owed an additional 50 dollars because they forgot to add a surcharge on the credit card I originally paid with. Arguing over this delayed the start of the trip by about an hour and left everyone frustrated. After leaving, everything was smooth again. The guide was friendly, made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. We stopped for self serve lunch at restaurants and were provided food but not drinks. When arriving at the park everyone’s passports were collected and taken out of sight for over ten minutes for check in. That was alarming, but worked out. Our tented cabin was double layered and did surprisingly very well keeping out bugs and rain. The room had a full sized bed and a twin bed, both canopy styled with netting to also keep out bugs. We had a bathroom with a flushing toilet, but the shower nozzle didn’t work. Also coming during a rainy season meant black outs and inconsistent WiFi access. Our things seemed to be left untouched when leaving for the safari run. The guide was enthusiastic and dedicated to finding all the interesting scenes. He made sure to get as close as possible and made sure we had the best angle to see everything and get good pictures. He gave brief synopses on the animals and answered all our questions. He was a fantastic driver and knew his way around the park and how to get through the muddy patches without getting stuck. I would definitely go again but I would pack tons of my own snacks and liquids, and I would pay for everything in cash and refuse any additional services.
CA
Email Megan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Chaotic and not according to plan
Would absolutely not recommend doing a shared tour with this company or its sister companies.
Whatever company you book with (there’s a large number of them under the same umbrella), it doesn’t seem to matter, they all send you off with drivers where you’ll be flip flopped to different groups and drivers every day based on where they can fit you. Everyone in the groups were given different itineraries that were never followed. Usually you picture joining a shared tour where you and the other few passengers all get on the bus doing the same itinerary, for the most part. But no. I felt bad for the drivers having to juggle so many ppl with different plans and most ppl were frustrated as they didn’t get to do the itinerary they were given, and the drivers have to deal with all the frustrations when it’s not them who planned everything so poorly. And it got annoying being moved constantly to different vehicles and groups, sometimes twice a day, or waiting so long in roadside stop places to meet with other vehicles to switch passengers.
Your itinerary will change from what they tell you, and when you inquire about it they just say too bad you’re on a shared tour, no flexibility. Also they just seem to put random things in the itinerary that they must know are untrue. Like a few times writing “you will arrive at your next hotel in time for lunch”, yet the drive is double that time and lunch is on the road and we don’t arrive till evening. Unless the driver takes much longer routes than needed due to dropping different passengers off places etc. either way, receiving accurate info in the itinerary should be made a priority. Itinerary said arriving in Nakuru hotel in time for lunch then evening game drive. We didn’t even make it in time for game drive, and arrived at hotel at 7:30pm. No possible way with the route we took would we have made it in time for lunch at hotel. We left Masai around 8am. It also says this about amboseli but we didn’t leave till late morning and arrived at 7pm. And it said game drive in amboseli in afternoon yet we got no drive. Just drop to hotel. When I asked they said we’d make up for it by doing drive on last morning, since we paid $60 park fee, yet the “drive” was just racing from gate to gate lasting an hour and barely stopping for animals we briefly saw in our speedy exit.
They pack the vans to the max, despite website saying max 7 pax. It’s so cramped and sweaty, there’s not enough room for everyone to see out at the same time to see the animal sightings. So some will sit while others sweaty armpits are pushing into your face. One will sit in front with driver so not even having the option of standing to see out the pop up roof. The only way I’d do a shared tour again would be if the company guaranteed max 6 passengers.
The 12 hour days in the van are not ideal. Most lodges and everywhere I went in SA was sunrise, and sundowner drives. Leaving you some nice time at the lodge to rest and enjoy lunch. Even if your itinerary says different (like mine did), you will be doing 12 hour drive and not returning to lodge mid day. Mid day is so hot so it’s sweaty in that van with 8 ppl and the animals are often not out in the open when it’s that hot mid day.
There were a small amount of ppl I talked to on the trips that were happy with the way they organized. Well maybe not happy but they just were chill and didn’t mind. So if you’re very easy going and don’t really care about sticking to the itinerary provided, and don’t mind the constant change ups, and aren’t picky about personal space in the van and better viewings, then it would be fine for you! I know some backpackers and travellers who aren’t fussy and it would work out great for. I’m just not one of those people, as were many ppl on the trips. In one of the instances where we had to leave our vehicle to join another group as ours had to drive half the group elsewhere, we got into a Jeep. That was a much more comfortable vehicle, so I’d definitely recommend spending the extra to go in one of those.