Classic Journeys Africa
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $280 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Christopher Higley | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent 8 Day Kenyan Safari Adventure
Once we had escaped the chaotic immigration and customs hall, we were greeted by Charles and Chris from Classic Journeys upon exiting the arrivals terminal at Nairobi airport with a warm and friendly manner. We were immediately put at ease after a long trip with complimentary water, a reiteration of the plan about what was going to happen from the upcoming safari and we were also given a couple of safari hats.
We had booked onto an 8 day safari starting at Amboselli, famous for elephants and Kilimanjaro, moving onto Lake Naivasha renown for its rich water birds and hippo inhabitants and then finishing at Masai Mara.
Due to the landing time of the plane, we were taken to a local hotel where we could rest for the night and start the journey the next morning. The hotel was empty and was only open to accommodate us due to the time of the year which was quite surreal but also quite endearing. The food was ok and there was a pool and gym.
The next day after breakfast, Charles picked us up and our safari began. Be prepared for a lot of traffic and dusty / bumpy conditions at times as well as lots of hassling to buy souvenirs at the toilet / rest stops and outside the park entrances. It took about 4 hours to get to Amboselli but went by quite quickly as you are captivated by the surroundings and watching daily life unfold throughout the towns you pass. Also, you get to witness wildlife on the way to the reserve such as zebras, giraffes and other animals.
When we arrived at Amboselli, there were elephants majestically walking around and plenty of other wildlife all under the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. We were lucky to see the snow capped peak on the second day but the mountain top is generally obscured by thick cloud cover given its altitude. The lodge we stayed at was quite simply amazing. A very good quality accommodation with excellent views of the surrounding fields full of animals from your room or dining areas. Choosing from al a carte or buffet depending on the number of guests staying, the food was of good standard. Generally at all accommodation, food is provided but you have to pay for your own drinks.
After lunch, we began our first game drive where we spent a couple of hours viewing lions, hippos, flamingos, elephants, wildebeest, ostriches and other animals until sun set where we returned to the camp and had dinner. The next day, we went for an early morning game drive watching two male elephants fighting and locking tusks and nocturnal animals returning to their dens such as hyenas and then we given the opportunity to visit a Masia camp.
It was $25 USD cash, each to enter where we given a welcome dance and 'blessing' and then shown around their mud hut village and told how they live, manage their animals, make fires, etc. You have to be prepared here where you then proceed to a lot of hassling where they're trying to sell bracelets and figures and really are quite relentless in their approach. Once you get past this part of the tour you are then taken to a school where they show you a classroom full of kids and are then asked again to donate money to support their school. All done in front of all the kids and puts you really on the spot. This part of the trip was a bit disappointing given that we weren't given any notice that we would be hounded for cash given we'd already paid the entrance fee but the experience to see the camp was interesting and definitely worth doing but just be prepared to be hounded for money.
After a couple of days at Amboselli, we drove back through Nairobi and headed to Lake Naivasha which took about 6 hours. We were taken for a boat ride around the lake and saw many birds and lots of hippos bouncing up and down in the water. We got extremely close to them and it was great to get so close, a little too close at times it seemed. After about an hour on the boat, we were then taken for a walk through a property bustling with wild but harmless animals such as zebras, giraffes, gazelle, water bucks and a few others and it was very nice to walk with these animals in such close proximity. The lodge we stayed at again surprised us as it was so elegantly decorated and nestled in an enchanting waterside area with a big field full of wild animals. At night time, you had to be escorted to/from dinner given that hippos could be walking close to the rooms.
The last area of the safari, was Masai Mara and this was the highlight of the trip. We saw everything on the hitlist, including cheetahs, lions, leopards, rhino, elephants and warthogs. We were lucky enough to see two lions mating as well as a pride of lions feasting on a wildebeest and we managed to see two leopards together which is a rarity given they are solitary beings. The park itself was so vast and the views were amazing. We could've spent days driving around here and not touch the surface. There were plenty of interesting and different parts of the Masai Mara to see and we even went to the old border of Tanzania which is where the Masai turns into the Serengeti. The lodge we stayed at rested on the banks of a river where there are a family of hippos that dwell there. The staff were very friendly and the room we slept in was actually a permanent tent structure with all the trappings of a posh hotel. For the cold nights, a hot water bottle was waiting for you after dinner to keep you warm. A very nice touch.
After the safari we headed back to the same hotel we stayed on the first night and we then went to The Carnivore for all you can eat grilled meats. Not too good for vegetarians but I really enjoyed it. The next day, our flight was at 11pm and we were entertained the whole day with going to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, a giraffe sanctuary, a bead factory employing local vulnerable women and we went to Nairobi National Park and got shown around that orphanage by a very friendly ranger. All in all, it was very good of Chris and Charles to allow us to go to these places and pass some time as the wait at the airport would've been quite hard.
In terms of the guide, Charles is a very knowledgeable and experienced person who could answer every single question we asked and gave us a lot of information on all things about animals, local culture, politics, social situations, geography of Kenya and many other aspects of life and it was good to talk and learn from a true local and someone proud of their country and the wildlife it has to offer.
I was impressed with how smoothly the whole trip went, every hotel had a fresh towel and juice to welcome us at the checkin as soon as we arrived and we were always treated with courtesy and respect at every place we stayed. There is always someone to help with bags or room matters but then of course if you have the help then you know a tip is expected.
Going in May, we took a risk with it being raining season as well as being low season but it thoroughly paid off as there wasn't as many tourists and the weather was pretty good for the whole trip. We had excellent vantage points of watching the animals and Charles really tried to ensure we would see everything we wanted.
I would say that the whole experience surpassed our expectations and was very pleased with how it went with Classic Journeys and would definitely recommend them to anyone thinking of going on a safari. And I would also say that everyone should do a safari like this at least once in their life as it truly is a special experience.
Email Benjamin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Wonderful Safari
Our safari was a wonderful experience! We expected it would be an excellent holiday - but it was even better!
Over the course of one week we went to the Tanzania National Parks of Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Each one was unique, both the setting and wildlife. Our safari guide spoke very good English and had an incredible knowledge of the animals and surrounding areas. He was also extremely friendly and excellent company for our trip.
The organisation of the safari was very impressive. We didn't have to worry about anything. We were picked up from the airport on the first day, and dropped there on the last day. In between we were driven to the different parks and our lodge accommodation each evening. These lodges were in beautiful settings, luxurious, serving great food and complete with friendly staff (but then everyone we met in Tanzania was so friendly!).
I would thoroughly recommend a safari holiday, particularly one in Tanzania with Classic Journeys Africa!
US
Email Diana | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing..
Excellent... amazing guide... knowledgeable... stunningly beautiful..
NO
Email Birgitte | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari - lots of animals and highly professional guide
An amazing journey with the very best guide. No words can explain how blessed we feel to have this experience in Samburu National Reserve together with our guide Geff from Classic Journeys Africa. Highly professional with so much knowledge about Kenya, Samburu and all the animals. We had so many amazing experiences and met so many animals, wild and free - we are so very grateful
MX
Email Nestor Martinez | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best experience in Kenya
The service provided by Charles and the experience provided by Robert, our guide, were amazing. The tour was excellent, we had the chance to discover and to be in touch with the nature as we never had before. The location was great too, the tour that Charles put together for us was amazing, all the details and the specials requests that I required were fulfilled at it's best. We are very grateful for this experience and hope to get the chance to visit once again.
Email Christina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly professional (communication, quick responses, etc.) and can tailor tours to personal needs
- Tour was fantastic (Kenya / Tanzania) and exceeded our expectations (great guides willing to go the extra mile, etc.)
- Extremely professional in all communications, i.e. always received a quick response and they are genuinely interested in feedback
- While our first trip was a packaged tour, we are already having initial discussions with Classic Journeys Africa to tailor an itinerary for our next trip
LV
Email Roberts | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience and service quality
Me and my wife are extremely happy that we have chosen Classic Journeys for our 4 day Masai Mara safari. Our guide, Sammy, was very experienced, friendly, knowledgeable and just fun to be around. Sammy is very professional, he made a great effort so we can see as much animals during those days as it was possible. We have stayed in Loyk Mara Camp, very private, well equipped, peaceful accommodation with beautiful view and extremely friendly and helpful staff. This trip exceeded all our expectations, thanks a lot for all your effort!
RU
Email Veronika | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience in Kenya
We had a lovely 4-day safari trip at Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. Dickson, our guide, was super friendly, extremely helpful and did whatever he could for us to have a trio of our lifetime - from spotting the leopard to having picnic lunch in the bush. Accommodation was great, especially Loyk Mara Camp - where else can you have zebras view at lunch or hear lions roar at night! Everything was very well organized - highly recommend it!
BN
Email Todd McPherson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A well-organised experience that was as described and exceeded expectations. Excellent communication
We had prompt and clear communications with Classic Journeys. They were excellent in this respect.
The eight-day safari was excellent and met all our expectations. The vehicle and guide were great.
We saw more animals than expected and overall had an amazing experience.
Email Peet and Leani | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!!!
Our expectations with this company were exceeded in every aspect. Prompt, clear communication throughout the entire process and trip. All accommodation was of exceptional standards - each unique in it's own way. Besides being very well informed and having lots of knowledge on his country and it's wide variety of wildlife, our guide, Charles, was always punctual and friendly. He made an effort to make our trip even more memorable and was the perfect person to guide us on this Kenyan journey. Kenya is breathtakingly beautiful and it's people very friendly, we felt welcome and safe all the way.