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:
- $50 to $110 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…
BE
Email Alex | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Essential safari experience for affordable price
This was the best affordable offer we could find for a budget safari tour for 3 days and it went very well. We chose to stay at another hotel located nearby to the one normally used for this tour (booked separately, and the accommodation cost of the lodge normally used in this tour was deduced from the price). We saw lots of animals (although the great migration was already over by begin October). After the tour we planned to go to lake Naivasha, not to Nairobi. Much to our surprise (we were planning to go there by ourselves from Mai-Mahiu stop), the agency arranged for us to join a separate transfer with another group, who brought us to our next point so that we did not need to think how to get there by ourselves. At no extra cost. Naivasha is located on the way to Nakuru, another safari destination, so it was convenient. All negotiations with the agency went smoothly in watsapp and email. They communicate well and reply fast. So it is easy to customize the tour to large extent, if needed. Good value for money.
DE
Email Sharmila | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime safari experience
We recently did a 7days safari starting from Nairobi covering Maasai Mara 2N- Lake Nakaru 1N- lake Naivasha/Amboseli 2N- Tsavo east 1N with drop off at Diani Mombasa. It was a lifetime experience. Our driver Mutemi was highly experienced and a nice friendly guy. He made sure we had maximum spotting and fun at the same time. We were able to see all the big 5s and a lot more. Our favorite at the end was definitely Masai Mara, it was truly exceptional but the other parks could be better in other times of the year. We went after the rainy season so Amboseli and Tsavo was quite empty. Overall would definitely recommend this company to others, they are reliable, can tailer fit your safari package as per your needs and budget and give you the best experience to take home.
US
Email Abhaya Premawardena | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We were able to have a great safari without breaking the bank
We had a great experience with this company with the 6-day Masai Mara Lake Nakuru Amboseli Safari. We chose the mid-range accommodation option and were blown away by the quality of accommodation for the price we paid. They picked us up from Nairobi and did the Masai mara the first. It was amazing. possibly the #1 option for safari and it is the only park in Kenya where they allow off-roading which allows us to be right next to the animals. The Lion population is very high in this park and we saw some amazing encounters. We also saw Baffalo elephants and ostrich and Giraffe (Masai Giraffe). There is a wide variety of animals in this park including Crocodiles and Hippos right next to Kenya Tanzania border in the Mara River. Next, we headed out to Lake Nakuru and there we saw the tree-climbing lions of Lake Nakuru large numbers of Baboons and Black Rhino also the pink flamingoes of lake Nakuru. Next, we had a boat tour of Lake Navisha on the way which was optional. We are glad we took it as we saw the Fishing eagles perform and large groups of hippos out of the water. Next, we headed to Lake Amboselli and man what a backdrop to those majestic elephants in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. This park is dominated by Amboselli Elephant s and it is hard to see any of the predators. The meeting with the Masai people was also a highlight of this tour. They used Vans instead of land cruisers for the tour and they were more than adequate.
We stayed in the following hotels - Jambo Mara (Masai Mara) Buhara Zenoni (Nakuru) and AA Lodge in Amboselli, They were all spectacular. The one negative was there was the safari lunches which were always Chicken a sandwich and a banana. It is understandable though it would have been difficult to pack anything else. The Guides/ drivers we had Derick and Edward were very good. Make sure you get a good knowledgeable guide as that is 90% of the enjoyment of the safari.
It was definitely a Bucket List item for us and most definitely the best vacation we ever had. Jambo Kenya,
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.
AR
Email Victoria | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
INCREDIBLE!!!
Honestly, the company exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we contacted Kennedy everything was simple. It was hard for us to believe that everything happened so easily, and when we arrived at the Masai Mara we realized that we had chosen well. The tents are practical and comfortable even for traveling in large groups. Our guide, Moses, was amazing, always offering explanations, help, and looking for the best places to take photos. He clearly would choose them again and highly recommend.
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.
PL
Email Maciej | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Eye-opening
We went on a 3-day safari from Nairobi to Amboseli and Tsavo, to finish off in Diani. What an unforgettable adventure it was!!! Starting with the unique nature and the absolute beauty of the wildlife, and finishing with the terrific guide Nico who’s experience, sense of humour and kindness greatly facilitated our satisfaction, and ended up as a top highlight of our trip to Kenya. Benvenido was always very responsive, facilitating and super pleasant to deal with, so thank you for that! If we ever to go back again, it must be with you and Nico! Thanks so much:)
AT
Email Susanne | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They organite well for you
The communication went very good, they organize everything for you. Although you have to be prepared for some little changes in itinery, but nothing tragedic. They try everything for you.
NL
Email Ian | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience and amazing nature. Communication could be a bit better.
We had a very satisfactory experience during our 8 day tour that included Masaai Mara, Tangarire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The safaris were amazing. Although we opted for the budget tour, we were surprised a few times with upgrates in our accomodation. Food will not be a highlight of this trip as it's not usually not very varied.
The guides drove us around the parks and they make a huge effort to show us all the animals. They would always stop if you ask for and wait for you to take pictures. However, they not always provide a lot of information about the animals all the organizational details. They mainly focus on driving and show us the animals.
In general the tour was very well organized and everything worked out, but the communication could be a bit better. Bienvenido mixes a couple of other tour operators, which was not clear to us, so a few times we didn't fully know where to go or who to follow. We also didn't have enough information of the logistics to move around and we had some last minute changes, although we understand that it's not easy to put such a trip together. We have to say though that Kennedy answered all of our emails and messages straight away and was very helpful.
