Director Mpairo Ole Kiyapi explaining about herbs
Namayiana Safaris and Tours
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
DE
Email Yekta | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Many good things and a big negative
-We stayed with the owner of the tour, John, in his Masai house in the Olalaimuitek village for 3 nights which was in total a cheap and different/nice experience like living one of them wihout electricity and water in nature. As we arrived there at night, we had some problems with the driver who dropped us, John was very nice and calming us. The bed was very comfortable but without a mosquito net. The food prepared at home was delicious. One day we climbed up to the hill with his brother, he was a nice person. There were lots of children in the village, we and they were very happy to meet, play with them and take photos together.
-So about the safari, we planned initially a 2 full day safari tour. Since the price John offered us was good, we decided to do it with him. He doesn''t have his own 4x4, so it is kinda getting let from another person. On the first day we had a driver which was ok. And on the second day the actual owner of the car was driver. John was practically a guide there in the car on both days. Safari itself was nice, they were trying to find animals and going near and waiting for us to take photos. But here comes the big NEGATIVE on the second day. They told us that we will go to the 'deep parts of the park to see cheetas which we couldnt see on first day. What practically happened was, we went to another gate (Sekenani) after half an hour drive, instead of the nearest one (Olalaimuitek). The owner of the car told us that he is also working and living near that gate. So he knew a way to enter the park without passing through the gate, went basically though the quarters and didn´t pay 160 dollars in total, which they took from us to pay to the enterance. When we asked about it, they told that there was a line at the gate and they would pay it when going out. When we left the park after 3 hours through the same path, we asked again about the tickets. Then they -mostly the driver- started to find some excuses and lies about it. It was so irritating that we insisted on to get the tickets. Finally when they understood that we won't give up, they decided to drop us home and told that they are going to the other gate to bring us tickets. We wanted to go together, but the driver told us that 'it is forbidden for us to stay outside at that hour'' and refused. It was 7 pm and the gates were closed. Of course they couldt get any ticket and it was anyway not possible to get it for an early hour. So they found solution in buying us a new ticket on the next day with the money which we gave them before. In that way we had a free enterance for the third day which was actually good for us. But we payed them for the third day for the car again, so they profitted anyway. It was extremely irritating to feel that they are trying to fool us so cheap (and also their own community and villages, since a part of the money goes to them when you pay normal enterance on the gate).
-Again about the stay, the only negative thing for the home stay was that, people who were preparing the food were waiting in front of us and looking at us while we were eating. They were telling us that they would eat after us but at the same time were telling that all the food on the table belongs to us. So we didnt feel comfortable to finish the food of course. Sometimes the food was big enough for mayn people but sometimes not. Tried to solve the problem with communication but it was not very succesful. But i am repeating again, the food was very delicious and another plus for it, that they prepared all without a tap and practically any kitchen, incredible! Maybe this feedback can be helpful for them to make it better.
-So for the home stay i'd give 5 stars. For that issue on safari 1 star despite the good things. In total 3 stars. I am sorry for that, since i know that John is actually a warmhearted person but I hope this will not happen to anyone again in that way.
Reply from Namayiana Safaris and Tours
Posted on Jun 7, 2018Dear Yekta,
thanks for your review. Nevertheless I'm very irritated by your writing, since we left you happy and not complaining about our services at all. If you feel uncomfortable with anything, I would expect you to talk to me first – and not to write a review like this.
On day 2 your driver was one of the rangers of the Maasai Mara. He got a call from his colleagues telling him about the leopard (not a cheetah) and since we didn't see them on day 1, we decided to give you this opportunity. It was raining most of the days and the roads were muddy. That's why we didn't went through „our“ gate, but decided to take the better road to Sekenani to get to the leopard. Of course we could queue at Sekenani Gate, but we were with a ranger who is allowed to enter the park and both of us wanted to give you the opportunity to take photos of the rare animal before it disappears.
In the next morning we immediately went to the gate to pay for your game drives. You wanted to see that we actually buy the tickets and of course we did. You were lucky: since we were with a ranger, his colleagues gave you the „leopard experience“ for free.
But one question comes up: If you feel being scammed on day 2, why did you enlengthen your stay for another two more nights and another game drive? You felt scammed the whole time in Kenya, but I can assure you: the services arranged and done by me, were no scam at all.
Everyone who ever travelled with us, knows about our passion for wildlife and our love for our community. This is where I live, everyone knows me, so I can assure you: I would never risk my very good reputation for 80 USD (and more neither). In fact, people staying in my home always contribute to our school fund and I employ local Maasai guides to go on the walks. This is truly supporting the community and as a Maasai I'm part of it! That you are questioning my social responsibility and integrity is a big insult and not true.
Regards,
John
DE
Email Timo Hänseler | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the best experiences of my life
I'm thrilled. John is a great guide! The experiences were incredible! In Masai National Park we could see everything. Of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, zebras etc. The specials from John like the walking safari and the overnight stay in Masai village were simply indescribable! Thank you John for the great experience!
HR
Email Anica | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Deeply explained positive/negative experience
We found Namayiana Safaris by google. I thought it is a nice place to stay since it was a home stay with the Masai people, for 15 usd per person per night (hardly you will find anything cheaper there and so close to the park).
There are some good things (food, seeing all the animals, experiencing life in Masai village, having land cruiser) and some less good (trying not to buy us tickets, organized bad transport for the way back, entering in our room while we were not there, idea that the tourist is the bag full of money).
In each section i will write both sides in details. My boyfriend Yekta already left a review (should be 2nd review under mine... I will also respond to Mr. John who found himself offenfed after reading the review of my bf).
We paid daily 120 usd for the land cruiser (car, driver, gas included). We rented if for 3 days (was supposed to be 2, i will explain under why 3).
If you will have extra questions, ask me on my Instagram @thismorningiwokeupin. I was in about 60 countries, made many tours, so i can tell i am experienced traveler.
Let's start from the beginning:
Arriving there - we were coming from Narok to John's village. John offered us to use matatu for 1000 KES, but we didn't know what time it goes and we missed it. It was very hard to find another transport to the village, we had a lot of problems (because of the rain and going with the car which was not 4x4). However, John was always available by phone. I recommended you to organize the transport before coming (John can help you).
Accommodation - Masai house, one room for you, one room for John and chefs... It was nice to stay there, meet the kids, talk with adults, "play" with animals... Walls in the house are thin, so whenever someone is speaking you can hear. There is no electricity (we had to charge phones in the car. Keep this on mind if you are carrying camera!) or mosquito net over the bed. Shower and the toilets were outside, in the nature. They can make buckets full of the warm water for you.
Lock your room (bring your own locker?) - we noticed that some food is missing in our room, i also found the package of my chocolate out of the house on the floor... John told probably kids entered and took it...
I suggest you to bring some extra food with you before coming to the village. Shops are limited with choice, there are some restaurants inside of Masai Mara NP. Kids will be happy too to eat some cookies :).
One thing what should be mentioned before coming - if it is raining, it is extremely muddy, slippery and not everyone would be able or want to walk there. (For me it was not a problem, maybe only for my snickers :D)
Food - breakfast was one boiled or fried egg per person, butter and toast bread. Sometimes with extra beans and pancakes. Lunch was the same as breakfast (egg, toast bread, butter). For the dinner we would get a lot of rice with vegetables, some meat, fruits, chapati... Normally they would ask if we have some dinner wish. In total dinner was delicious. I was feeling a bit uncomfortable that 1 or 2 of them would stand next to us and stared at us while eating (they would tell they ate before, but as they were staring we would offer them to eat, they would tell they will eat after us - it confused us - we were not sure if all the food is really only for us (as they told at the start... or they are waiting to eat and if we eat everything they would have nothing?? ).
Restaurant lunch - one day John told we will go to eat barbeque in the restaurant instead of home. We told ok, barbeque sounded good :). When we arrived in the restaurant, they told they don't serve a barbecue... 2 of our chefs ate with us - when the bill came, they didn't offer to pay their part, it was expected that we pay (again not a big money, but it is polite to offer to pay your own part or tell thank you after someone else pays for you).
Safari - Be sure that they buy for you the entrance tickets!
We were able to choose between 2 options - to have land crusiser in the morning (aprx 6 till 9am) and late afternoon (aprx 3 or 4pm till 6pm) OR for the full game drive (8am-4pm). In total, we saw big 5 and many other animals.
1st day - We went to the river and short walk with the scout. We got stuck with land crusier in the mud near the elephant with the babies - it was a bit scary (it can happen to anyone:). I was surprised that they don't have any protection with themselves (like smth to make animal sleep if it attacks), but i don't know what are the rules about it so maybe it is normal not to have.
2nd day - we again gave160 usd for the tickets to enter the National Park. We noticed that John and, the owner of the land cruiser, Steven didn't buy the tickets so in the evening we asked if we can get our tickets. They told it was crowded on the entrance (how crowded it can be in the low season?), they decided to avoid that entrance and go directly in (and they told that workers on the gate know vehicle registration plate, they will charge them later for the tickets, that if they don't pay they can have serious problems). John mentioned in the answer to Yekta that they went fast inside to see the leopard --> on that day we entered twice in the NP. We saw leopard around 16:30 (we entered in the NP at 15 h!). Cheetahs were seen next day. First time we entered was around 05:50 and i didn't notice many cars around. Also, one thing they told was that we were allowed to enter in the NP earlier than normal. If so, how it could be crowded? Notice the contradiction?!
John is telling they bought the tickets next morning - no, they went to buy it after we insisted on them to go for it the same evening (they were telling before how the ticket will be for that day, but as expected he came back with brand new tickets for the next day. It was obvious he got nervous about the whole situation).
3rd day - since we got one extra day tickets for free we decided to stay and use it. That is the answer on John's question why we stayed 2 extra nights. We had to pay again 120 usd for the car. In the afternoon John invited 2 more Masai people to go with us, but he didn't ask us before if it is ok. He asked when we were already inside the car and we had no option, but tell yes. Honestly, i would like that we were alone with him + eventually one extra person sitting next to him, not having someone sitting back with us - then it is not anymore a private tour.
Leaving tips - Sometimes they would repeat multiple times to "take a good care of chefs/whoever". I think tips are optional and we should leave according to our satisfaction with the service. It is ok to mention once at the start to leave tips at the end if we liked certain service, but to repeat it multiple times is pressuring. Once, we asked 2 of them how much we should leave for the leader from the another village (they took us to see it + dance, in total it took inside max. 30 min.) - they told us some tourists leave few thousand KES (means 50 USD or so). We left less than that and the leader of the village didn't seem very happy about it (and all of them were staring to see how much we left, he counted money in front of us). Before leaving Kenya, we talked with some Kenyans in Nairobi and we asked is it normal to leave tips and how much - they told it is not normal, but we can... They told us 500 KES is already a lot for tips, but we didn't have the same impression from the village. People there have to understand that not all of the tourists are bag full of money, it is already expensive to pay for the tour itself. I suggest you to bring envelopes and give tips inside of it.
Going back to Narok - John organized '"matatu". That "matatu" was actually normal car for 5 people (not a van neither 4x4 wheels). Inside there were 10 PEOPLE (including John and his brother)!!! 3 sitting in front, 4 behind and 3 in the baggage. 3 of 4 doors were not possible to open from inside of the car, window on my door was also not able to be opened... You could hardly breath and ride itself was very dangerous. Car broke down after the certain point and we switched to the new car. They asked us to pay 1000 KES (~10 usd) per person for supposed to be 2 hours ride in such conditions. We believe that they overcharged us, because we are tourists. No one can convince me that all the people in the car paid 1000 KES each, it would mean about 90 usd total. Even when we were coming from Narok to the village, regular taxi for 5 people charged normally 600 KES per person.
Mr. John - despite some troubles up, i believe he si intelligent and friendly person. I wish him a good work with the company and i hope he will not get poisoned by the idea that everybody are "tourists with lot of money" and he will work with people as "travelers" who want to see, feel and enjoy the local culture.
Reply from Namayiana Safaris and Tours
Posted on Jun 12, 2018Dear Anica,
thanks for your again very detailed review and the nice pictures. I guess everything has been explained in my previous answer to your boyfriend, so I will not go into detail again.
I can just emphasize that I'm not a person who thinks "tourists are full of money". I want to create unique experiences for my guests and at the same time I support my community by employing them on the safaris. If you read all other reviews on my company, you see that this is what people mostly love about me and Namayiana Safaris. We are a small and personal tour operator and I can just say again: you and me, we left each other with happy smiles and no mentioning of any things you are complaining about now. I'm really wondering what happend to you afterwards that you changed your mind like this.
Anyway, all the best and safe travels for the future,
John
DE
Email Kerstin.H. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
100 % recommendation. More than we expected
What a wonderful journey into the heart of the Maasai Mara! Thanks to our guide John we saw a lot of the country, the Maasai culture and everyday life in Kenya. Visiting the village, getting to know their hospitality and being part of a great Maasai party in the end, was a very unique experience.
Thanks to our guide John, we enjoyed uncountable beautiful moments and saw many many animals. Thanks for everything and: we are coming back!
****
US
Email Myrna "The Teacher" | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful and Unforgettable Experience.
I searched long and hard for a trustworthy and affordable safari tour, and my diligence paid off by finding and hiring Namayiana Safari and Tours company. We were picked up at our lodge in Nairobi by the driver and Moses (John's brother) and later met up with our guide John (Mpairo) in Narok. We discussed the details of the agreement and expectations of the safari as we sipped tea. From the beginning John and his brother, Moses were excellent hosts and straightaway we felt comfortable with these guys. The first day we drove to Masai Mara and to Fisi Camp where we were going to stay. We had lunch and then our first safari drive to the park. Second day we had a full day of safari drive. Our breakfast and lunch was also inside the park. Our 3rd day we visited John's authentic Masai village where we learned about their everyday life and had the opportunity to buy jewelry from the women.
The Safari: AMAZING!!! We saw four of the big five.. the Leopard was VERY hard to spot... tho some people said they saw a tail. We saw giraffes, zebras, gazelles, cheetah, herd of elephants, oh so much!! Our morning drive we got to see up close the feasting of a pride of lions from their recent kill. John was an excellent guide and even better "Masai eyes" who was able to spot animals from afar and we drove to get a closer look. He has also chosen excellent staff, as his driver Martin was a very skillful driver who knew his way around the park and how to get super close to the animals and action without disturbing the wildlife.
FISI CAMP/Lodging: EXCELLENT! We had our own tent (we were a party of 3) with a flushing toilet. Beds were firm and VERY comfortable. I had one of the best sleeps here. We heard hyenas in the distance, and were SO THANKFUL for the Masai who were stayed up at night guarding our camp. Wonderful hosts Ken and Marie. There was always plenty of food (buffet style) and we never went to bed hungry. Our last night we had dinner + BBQ cooked on a bonfire. It was delicious and my belly was ready to explode. We all ate and drank together around the bonfire... such a great experience among such great people and a beautiful star studded sky.
Masai Village visit: WOAW!! I have a hard time finding the proper adjective to describe the experience in the village. I've traveled to about 40 countries and lived abroad, I have been a Peace Corps Volunteer in Latin America, but had never experienced a culture like the Masai. It was super interesting to learn of their way of life and beliefs. We were welcomed with a tribal dance by the men and afterwards by the women. We were shown how they make fire, build their houses, how they live, the patriarchy and women's work and expectations. It was very educational, interesting, and of course thanks to the humor of both John and his brother Moses (one of the highest jumpers) it was also very entertaining.
John, his Masai staff, the Fisi Camp hosts and staff there; everyone were excellent hosts and made an incredible effort to make our stay special and unforgettable. We may have started as tourists and guide, but ended as friends.
This company is legit, they will go above and beyond to make your experience special, try their hardest for the visitors to see as much as possible of the park and animals, and make you feel as comfortable as possible. Truly I felt that we were friends and were never made to feel as if were just tourist with an open wallet. NEVER. John made sure to always accommodate us and followed through with our agreement and expectations of the safari.
If you don't choose Namayiana Safari you will surely miss out on so much!! These guys are awesome!!
Wish Namayiana the best and hope we see each other again!!!
Much love!! Despacito John!
US
Email KARINA | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience Full of Love and Laughter!
I loved everything about my experience and adventure with Namayiana Safaris! The word 'Namayiana' means blessed and it truly lives up to its name! It was a blessing to be able to share this experience with my friends and the friends I made from the Maasai tribe. John & Moses (our guides), Martin & Solomon (our drivers), Maria & Ken (Fisi Camp) are amazing people! John made it special from the beginning until the end. I didn't feel like a tourist, instead I felt like family. John is hilarious and very entertaining along with his brother Moses! Martin is a great driver, we were very close to the animals. We were able to see the 'Big 5' ...elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, lion and the buffalo. I loved Fisi Camp, the tent was great with its own toilet and hot water shower. The food was delicious too! I was intrigued with the Maasai tribe, their culture, their values, their unity, their sincerity and of course their beautiful beaded jewelry! I am grateful to God for allowing me to travel to Kenya and placing the perfect people in my way (Namayiana Safaris) that has made this experience very special for me. I plan to return but this time with my 2 daughters. Aashe naleng 'thank you' in Maasai!! My heart is still in Africa! "WHY NOT?!" "What do you expect?" "Despacito"
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Email Christy C. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari and Maasai Village Experience — HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
From our first email communication and throughout our pre-trip preparations, Namayiana Safari always communicated clearly and quickly — it was a treat to discover another email from John or Corinna in the inbox, helping to arrange the details (big and small) for our 16-day trip to Kenya. Furthermore, they also helped us figure out pieces of our trip to Tanzania as well. We thoroughly enjoyed every day we spent on safari with Namayiana — particularly the five days we spent in John’s village at his house. Truly the highlight of a two-month trip to East Africa!! John and his capable and warm staff (a special thanks to Moses, Solomon, Mkuti, and all of our chefs!!) created a magical time for our family of four — whether driving in the van, hiking, hanging out after dinner, or spotting animals on safari. We learned so much and had so much fun. The safari highlight for us was definitely the Masai Mara. Thank you, John and Corinna!! Highly recommended!!
BE
Email Pauline | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience.
We had an amazing experience, it really exceeded our expectations! We did the 4 day joining safari, but since Mpairo is such a nice guy and probably a most excellent guide, we wish we booked a private one. We stayed at Lenchada camp, a fine place with no unneeded luxury. Just good food, clean tents and most importantly: extremely friendly staff. In the evening we even spent time with the Masai guarding the camp around a bonfire. Mpairo made sure to come by every day to have dinner or breakfast with us and to check if everything was going fine. He really wants to give you the best experience and personally makes sure everything is perfectly arranged. We spent an entire day at his village and slept at his home. A very kind family and adorable children who show you their authentic way of living. There is no better way to get to know the Masai culture. You don’t feel as a tourist, but as a friend who’s just visiting them. Thank you Mpairo and Corinna for our amazing time and say hi to Jano and the rest of the children!
Jasper and Pauline
AE
Email Deimante&Anders | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceeded expectations, amazing people and tour!
Yes, all the comments are true! But you have to be there with John and Corinna to really understand what this experience is all about! They are very happy, genuine and professional people who are focusing on some truly unique experiences. It is nothing like those mass tourism safaris, here you feel like spending time with friends, you feel welcome and comfortable all times. They went above and beyond to make my birthday the most memorable ever and I would like to send you one more thank you from both of us! Moreover, Fisi camp is great and a quality of safari is five stars !
If you have a chance, book a private safari or take a few friends with Namayiana and best experiences are guaranteed !
Hope to see you both soon!
AE
Email Anders B | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very knowledgeable & flexible operator who wants to create genuine unique and authentic experience
Thanks for an amazing time! I can highly recommend asking Mpairo and Corinna for suggestions on, how to spend your next safari.
Being very authentic with local Maasai village trip, hiking in the local mountains and a personalised safari trip as you like it, we managed to even making changes on the way (so we could see the elephants and lions one more time
