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
Email Toni, Paul, Wendy, Luciano and Mateo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A dreamlike experience - still can't believe how good it was!!!
The five day safari to Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Masai village was magical and a lot of the time I thought I must be dreaming. Being in the Serengeti was like being in Jurassic Park with big animals like giraffes and elephants walking alongside us at a leisurely pace as we drove along. Some animals even shared the campsite with us, in particular, a group of giraffes and a cheeky lot of mongooses in the first campsite and a buffalo which went seeking food during the night in the second campsite. We did one night in Lake Manyara Tented Lodge and three nights in public campsites. This was a good combination I think.
Our guide and driver, Baraka, and the cook, Samuel, were marvellous, managing to always be cheery and informative and look after us even in driving rain. On Day 4 Baraka had to put up all the tents while getting completely soaked and Chef managed a three course meal under the most trying of circumstances the same night. At one point the front open hatch in the car roof blew off on the way back and poor Baraka had to stop and deal with that too. The fact that Baraka was Masai was a great asset for the trip too as he was able to stop and chat to passing Masai cattle herders and tell us a lot about them. His knowledge of animals and birds was extensive and he knew how to find animals in the most unlikely terrain especially lions and hippos. He went out of his way to find a good shop to find cheap shukas for us as well.
The safari was also great because we were able to see people and not just animals. It was incredible to see lone Masai herders in their colourful shukas wandering through the first part of the Serengeti. The trip to the Masai village, although set up for tourists, was still very informative and Baraka number 2 (the village chief) gave us a very good historical backdrop to Kenya and the Masai , in particular.
Jackson and Simon also did a great job in getting us to the Tanzanian/Kenyan border, across the border and then on to Tsavo East and the Sheldrick Elephant Trust with a mini safari in between. The road on the Kenyan side was very difficult to drive and Simon managed it expertly, even stopping to change a tyre halfway there.
Overall, a great trip... once in a lifetime ...neither my husband, our two teenage boys, my sister or I will ever forget this experience. Thank you very much It Started in Africa and thank you too Joao, Silvia and team for organising it so well. I was first convinced to go with It Started in Africa because Joao’s responses to emails were lightning fast and he accommodated our every need as soon as the question was asked. The whole price of the trip was also considerably more affordable than other companies we researched. We would definitely book with them again.
US
Email Caito & Devin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Can't Say Enough Great Things!!!
Words cannot describe the amazing adventure we had on our 7-day safari! Everything from the immediate response to my first email inquiry to the sad farewell we had to bid our incredible guide, and the months of customized planning and friendly conversation in between, went far beyond our every expectation. The entire staff is top notch! We dreamed for years of a private safari for two but never imagined it could become a reality. We chose the camping to better fit within our budget and couldn't imagine doing it any other way. It was a fantastic experience and worth every dollar. Our guide Emma made each and every day extra special and we enjoyed his personality immensely! We were also blown away by the quality of food. Pascali kept good care of us and my vegetarian needs. I think I must have gained 5kg with all of that great cooking! Look no further than It Started in Africa! They take the time to listen to your needs and offer suggestions you may never think to consider or ask about. Every question is answered and nothing goes undone. You can simply relax and enjoy the trip of a lifetime knowing they have every detail covered. Once it starts in Africa, you will not want it to end. Guaranteed to be nothing short of the most wonderful experience all around, and one you will never forget. We can't thank them enough!
UA
Email Oleg | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Just excellent
I would like to say Thank You to It Started Africa for absolutely incredible NY safari they made for us. They do their job with excellence. They always ready to help you with any additional request you may have aside from safari itself. Totally recommended for everyone.
Wonderful Safari, Perfect Service! It Started in Africa is THE company to choose
We are extremely happy with our safari and would definitely recommend It Started in Africa! From the trip organization till the very end of the safari, everything has gone very smoothly.
The safari itself has been an incredible and fabulous experience. Our guide Charles definitely contributed to make this trip unforgettable thanks to his professionalism, friendliness and great commitment to show the best of this beautiful nature and wildlife. We were able (and lucky) to see all Big Fives, a Cheetah hunt..etc. So big thanks again to Charles and to It Started in Africa!!
CH
Email Philippe | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ten extraordinary days with the big five
We are very happy with this safari and the organization was perfect. Tom, our guide did his job to our satisfaction. A journey of 10 extraordinary days without any mechanical problem or other. We can only recommend It Started in Africa, reference agency!
IE
Email Carolyn O Malley | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience!
As a small group of three, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip & we all agree that it one of the most memorable experiences we've ever had. I have highly recommended 'It Started in Africa' to all of my friends & will continue you to do so. From start to finish, the service provided was excellent, with prompt & efficient email replies to advice & guidance in relation to tour packages. Hendre Francisco lived up to his job title as Happiness Manager & did all in his power to make me happy.
The only negative aspects of the trip were the obvious tourist trap stop offs & unfortunately the Masai Village visit. We felt as though we were being rail roaded into buying over priced souvenirs & paying more than needed for the extras. We did not enjoy the Masai Village we visited as we were told to pay $30 entry & were then pressured to buy overpriced souvenirs before leaving. Considering the cost of the trip in general, we found the extra costs to be unexpected.
On the other hand, we were extremely impressed by the accommodation provided during our trip. We stayed at wonderful lodges & campsites throughout our trip. We were also very happy with Martin, our tour guide. He was very friendly, helpful & accommodating. He happily answered all of our questions & sharwd his knowledge & experience. We were lucky enough to see The Big 5 at the Mara & also experienced the migration of the wildebeest, which was truly amazing. We would like to give a special mention to the Punda Millias lodge where we were upgraded on the final night of our trip ;) We had a wonderful stay there to finish off the fantastic Kenyan experience.
I will continue to recommend It Started in Africa to everyone I know & hopefully they will get to experience a Kenyan safari like we did.
TR
Email Tolga | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Vacation. Reliable Tour operator.
All was very well arranged. It was a great vacation.
TR
Email Brian Durmaz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I loved everything
We finished our safari trip last tuesday. The trip was fantastic and the staff made it even more amazing. Philip, our exclelent driver and guide was informative, cheerful and very courteous with us. The cook was amazing the food was fantastic and both of them did an extra effort to make sure we hade a fantastic time.
Overall, everything was brilliant with prety much no complains to make.
IT
Email Marco Bertolotti | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great safari package from Italy to Tanzania
It Started in africa customized us a tour which included the international flights from Rome. Everything was organized perfectly, all transfers were smooth and the safari was fantastic. Great people and excellent guide in a fantastic country
AE
Email Jordi S | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip!
I found the agency online and they got back to me in only few hours with all the information. Very profesional since the begining.
The trip was nicely organized, our driver was amazing, great route and loges - the only loge that was okish was in Arusha, but after telling the agency, they found a better one for us.
Highly recomended!