Guide Ken with one of our 4x4 Land Cruisers
Spirit of Kenya
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $300 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
CH
Email Sandra | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very helpful and patient in organizing, great execution with kind and knowledgeable tour guides
We had an amazing experience with Spirit of Kenya. As we wanted to combine hiking Mt Kenya and doing Safari, Vanessa was very helpful at organizing the whole trip. We first did the hike to Peak Lenana (Sirimon up, Chogoria down) with a very good team around Wilson who were very kind and caring. We got picked up in Chogoria and directly went on a Safari at Lake Nakuru. The next days we continued the trip to Masai Mara and Amboseli. As we flew from Masai Mara to Amboseli we had 2 tour-guides. Michael and Erastas were both very kind and knowledgeable, always checkin in with us about our needs. Thank you very much!
Email Katbamna Family | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reassuring, Professional and Elite
Pre-Booking:
Upon our initial enquiry, we were greeted via email by Vanessa (personal journey designer at Spirit of Kenya), who proved to be extremely helpful, patient, informative, kind and reassuring throughout every step. Communication was fast and efficient without feeling rushed or pressured. As this was a significant deal of money being handed over to a person or a company of whom we had never heard of before, trust was paramount and this was immediately gained through the official proceedings. By the end of the booking stage, we were incredibly satisfied and excited about the itinerary.
Safari:
A once in a lifetime experience in the sense that this was the first time we had embarked on such an adventure. Our driver and expert guide Steve aka Stevo, was polite, warm and welcoming from the very moment he'd picked us up from our apartment in Nairobi. From Amboseli to Lake Nakuru and finally Maasai Mara, Steve provided what can only be described as a top-tier experience. His ability to stay composed, friendly and energised were easy for him because as we had discovered, this is the kind of human being he was and is. We got to know each other on a personal level and treated the other like family (having dinner together, too). We mentioned on a number of occasions to Steve how fortunate we were to have him as our guide/driver on this 5-day (almost non-stop) trip across Kenya. The long drives in between felt at times like bonus additions as we could still see other parts of Kenya, of which Steve was just as knowledgeable about. It was the best of both worlds.
As for the safari itself, luck was truly on our side. I believe we saw, photographed and videoed most of the animals (expect the rare leopard). Highlights included the abundance of buffalos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, antelopes as well as the wide rhinos, lions, ostriches, cheetah and her cubs (Steve's favourite), warthogs, baboons, flamingos and an array of other birds like the waders, peafowls, eagles, starlings, barbets etc. Words can't describe the visual splendour of it all. It was a scenic meditation where we'd stop, watch and admire these beautiful beings in their natural state, even if it included the humbling ecosystem food chain of live hunts.
Steve had no problem stopping for us throughout the reserve and even encouraged it. He, too, found himself documenting moments on his phone adding to the fact that as many times as he had embarked on safaris, neither one was ever the same. There was always a different experience each time.
In terms of the lodges, all three were above expectation. Food was phenomenal including the staff and the head chefs. Each of whom, were so accommodating due to our dietary needs, fixing up off-menu dishes in no time at all. They really helped to hold our transitory periods between the game drives together with their kind hearts and humour.
Conclusion:
A professionally-handled and client-friendly experience, which we may in the future look to experience again. Thank you to Spirit of Kenya and all of the staff at each one of the lodges, where we stayed at. It was great to be in the country where many of our family were born and the safari was an immeasurable addition to our trip back in the birthland.
CA
Email Ejlief | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Top Notch Company
Spirit of Kenya Safari was virtually flawless.
Six of us started planning a 13 day safari with Andre 10 months before our sept, 2023 departure date. Andre dealt with every detail promptly and professionally.
Everything was on time and as advertised. Not one single issue in 13 days!
Is was the trip of a lifetime for all six of us. Our guides Ken, Gabriel and Wilford were all very experienced and knowledgeable. All had great people skills.
This is a top notch company I would recommend to anyone.
A dream come true for us. Not one single negative comment. As perfect as you can get!
Email Glen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A magic and unforgettable experience
Due to the extensive experience of the safari guides and years of organising African safaris, spirit of Kenya ensured our safari was an unforgettable experience. Jorge, our tour organiser was so patient and helpful when answering my 101 questions. His knowledge of suitable game parks and the best accomodation options to suit our needs, made a big difference to our enjoyment of the safari. Also our tour guide James. I can't say enough about him. Due to his years of experience, knowledge of Masai culture and professional attitude and driving skills, he made a world of difference to our experience. Many other safari tourists didn't see half of what we saw, or experienced because of less experienced guides. We met other spirit of Kenya guides also and they all seem good but I'd highly recommend you ask for James if possible, when organising your trip.
CA
Email EP | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime. No regret
I can say no complaints. All are under our expectation.
Guides, accommodations, meals, vehicles, game drives, hot air balloon all are good.
Thank you for all your arrangements to let our trips going smoothly.
We are no regrets.
SOK organized all our activities in Kenya & transfer ours to Tanzania guide. The transition was smooth & we needn't care. They provide 5 stars services but budget cost.
Thanks our Kenya guide Nafatali & Tanzania’s guide Hillary.
IE
Email CD | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect from start to finish
From the moment we emailed our interest to Vanessa to the moment we landed back home, our entire experience was wonderful! Vanessa was quick and so helpful in organising everything for us and answering any questions we had. Once we landed in Kenya, she had every transfer/collection, hotel, guide etc organised to perfection, we had no issues and could just relax our entire trip, knowing we were being taken care of.
The Safari was incredible, once in a life time views, our guide taught us so much and was friendly and helpful.
Everywhere we stayed, we were greeted warmly, the places were all comfortable and spotlessly clean, the food was incredible.
We loved Kenya and everyone we met along the way, 10/10 recommend to anyone considering it.
EG
Email María Dolores Rodríguez | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fun safari!!!
Our entire experience was wonderful, thanks to Filipa who was so helpful organizing everything for us, answering any questions we had, and flexible to adapt to several changes that happened throughout the planning process. Once we landed in Kenya, Anthony, great guide, had everything planned, transfer/collection, hotel, to perfection. We had no issues and could just relax our entire trip.
The Safari was incredible, once in a life time views, Anthony taught us so much and was friendly, helpful and fun. He has such a good humor and he was always finding the best spots to watch the animals. He would not left any stone unturned until we found the animals he wanted us to see.
Everywhere we stayed, we were greeted warmly, the places were all comfortable and spotlessly clean, the food was incredible.
We loved Kenya and everyone we met along the way, 10/10 recommend to anyone considering it.
AE
Email Alfonso | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super Safari, Great Team Supporting you
This past October we went on our first safari and what a great choice was Spirit of Kenya. From the planning with the great support of Vanessa, the ground team when we landed was courteous and quick to get us on our journey and the guide Derick was the best making us feel secure and entertain.
Choice of hotels and stops was on point, we did a 5d/4n and was good enough for us.
If you want a safe choice, go with spirit of Kenya… more info on the trip you can find it at boricuaslivingabroad blog
US
Email Marla | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Safari - Great Company - Highly Recommended!
Bottom line: Excellent overall experience – would highly recommend Spirit of Kenya to my friends and family – in fact, I already have done so for friends thinking to visiting!
Have recently returned from our week-long safari, I have nothing but the highest praises for the entire Spirit of Kenya experience. Working with Vanessa to plan our trip was a comfortable and confidence inducing effort. I had been to Kenya 31 years earlier and was excited to take family members back to experience the grandeur of Kenya for themselves. Based on my prior experience, I had specific things I wanted to accomplish. Vanessa helped structure the trip so it was efficient and covered the areas I was most interested in visiting, and book accommodations that were in line with our budget, style and expectations. She was knowledgeable and responded to all my inquiries and changes very promptly and with great customer service.
Based on my prior visit, many (31) years ago, I knew the importance of working with a reputable tour company, especially one that had “in field” support from the head office and other vehicles in the parks. After doing my research, Spirit of Kenya seemed to fit criteria. It is easy to write a 5-star review for a trip where everything goes like clockwork, but earning a 5-star review when there is a hiccup is the highest of complements. DISCLAIMER: Please note that safari roads are dirt, rock and gravel and vehicles (and people) take a beating, so the following is not intended to be a reflection negatively on vehicle maintenance – hey, this is safari and things can go wrong! During our first game drive, our vehicle wouldn’t start after stopping for pictures of some of our early animal sightings. Our driver, Peter, (and other safari drivers) worked diligently to get it running, but it became clear that a mechanic would be needed. Two other Spirit of Kenya drivers had stopped to help and they quickly shuffled passengers to allow my family to continue our game drive with another driver, Dennis, until our vehicle could be fixed. By lunchtime, a mechanic had fixed the problem, Peter was there to pick us up and we continued on with him without missing a beat. We can only imagine that our experience might have been a disaster – if we were the only vehicle from a tour company in the park that day. But due to the prevalence of Spirit of Kenya and their code “We leave no one behind” there was a team on hand to make it all right. Bonus, we got to know TWO great safari guides and enjoyed meeting up joint for de-briefs other evenings at subsequent resorts.
Peter was a very knowledgeable guide and found us EVERYTHING we wanted to see on our game list. He was flexible to fit in special requests we had and was resourceful to help accommodate some off the beaten path requests, like a custom fishing trip, stop at a Maasai school, a second trip to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi to let us feed the giraffes (again), and a special dinner in Nairobi on our return.
Many, many thanks to Vanessa, Peter and Dennis!
Email Michael R | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Personalised safari with excellent team
My partner and I went on the "7-Day Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli Safari from Nairobi" and it was absolutely excellent. It was our first time to Kenya and we did not know what it would be like but we were fully prepared by our personal journey designer, Filipa. They gave us a wide choice of accommodation we could choose from at each game reserve and helped organise our collection to and from the airport which was very needed! The journey estimates between each reserve were all correct and they were quick to reply to our messages when we had queries.
On the tour, we had our own van to ourselves with our guide Thomas who was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and Kenya as a whole so when we were travelling between reserves, we got a full overview of what we were seeing and the history of Kenya.
Our highlights were Lake Nakuru to see the wild rhinos up close and Amboseli was incredible to see Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrop to over a thousand elephants in the swamp. The Maasai Mara was incredible to see so many big cats as well as loads of other exciting wildlife. The whole trip we were very well looked after by those at the accommodation we stayed at and the food was delicious everywhere we went (curry is the most common dish)!