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
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Email Judith | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of a kind agency - incredibly knowledgable, welcoming and devoted hosts and tourguides
Mpairo (John) and Corinna were extremely professional in organising our Kenya trip. While planing the tour, it was always very easy to get a hold of them. They had an answer for every question (even the ones I wasn't even aware of having) , were open to any wishes, were full of recommendations and, knowing our budged, literarily customised our tour just for us.
Both picked us up from the Airport in Nairobi. We turned the corner and there they were, smiling and waiting for us. Communication was easy as John speaks english very well (so does Corinna) and since she is german - no problems there.
We started our trip at Lake Naivasha (loved the lodge there) and visited crescent island Game Sanctuary, a peninsula where you can literarily just walk on your own past Zebras, Giraffes, antilopes all of which just freely roam around there and are not shy at all. I even saw pelicans (they are huge!)- so a lot of firsts on that very first day. Next day, we also went to hells gate, rented some bikes to cycle through the park and then went on a guided hike through the canyon (must do!! but sound shoes are a must). The great thing about traveling with these two is that everything is so very relaxed. They simply know everything and everyone, explain lot's and lot's, about the culture and the animals - we simply fell into rhythm with each other. Especially, when we arrived at "their" Maasai Village.
We had decided to stay in their guest house throughout the rest of the stay (10 days). Best decision ever, as we got to experience the Maasai culture from within. Everyone, from Johns grandmother to his small nieces and nephews were just great.
Friendly, helpful, welcoming and curious - I still see this little girl (4) asking John to translate whether she can touch my (many) birthmarks and after having been given the permission by me, hopping with here tiny finger from dot to dot, giggling all the while. The guest house is very cosy and nice. It offers a little more comfort than the traditional maasai houses that are surrounding it (matress, couch, a terrace, a basic bathroom) - and there is the possibility of charging your electronics.
In total we went on two Game Drives with John and Corinna. You couldn't wish for a better driver and guide than John, as he is a Massai himself and simply knows the Mara like the back of his hand. He seems to have this gut feeling were to find the most extraordinary sights and always found all the animals, we wanted to see. We saw the big five and the ugly five and - to my ever lasting delight - lot's and lot's of animals in between, crocodiles, giraffes and even came across a cheetah with her three babies. John even made it his mission to find some more meercat for me, as he saw my fondness of them.
During the days that we didn't enter the national park, we went hiking, visited other villages, made BBQs in front of the huts and learned a lot about the every day workings of the massai culture and how every member is valued and an important part of the community.
I for one left Kenya with wonderful impressions, the feeling that every cent was worth spending and in awe of how immeasurable beautiful the Maasai Mara and the people living there are.
Thanks again, Corinna and John, for these incredible two weeks. It was a pleasure and a gift traveling with two people who are both so fun and genuinely excited to share their life and surroundings. I'll be back ! Next on my list - a ballon ride. I can only imagine how the Mara must look from above, at sunrise, bathed in gold.
I can only recommend Namayiana, you won't regret it for a second!
DE
Email Yashas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent choice. Absolutely recommend them
We were recommended to Namayiana Safaris through a friend and I think it was the best choice we did. Mpairo was amazing. Planned all the aspects of the safari very well. Loved their choice of camps for accommodation. The safaris were excellent. Jimmy and Moses were great. They took enough pain in trying to spot Big 5 in the wilderness. They had absolute patience and eagerness to make sure we spot the Big 5. During one of the game drives, they patiently searched for 2 hours to spot a leopard and another 2 hours to spot a lion pride. Thanks to their efforts, we were blessed to witness a lion go for a hunt.
I would absolutely recommend Namayiana for best safaris in Masai Mara
NL
Email www.teamimpactjourneys.com | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was a magnificent, trustworthy, warmhearted, rural, authentic and grounded experience. Aho!
It was a great joy to travel with Namayiana Safaris. We had a good glimp of the Masai Mara, the Masai Culture en living in the Mara at community level, meeting and staying with them. For me it was an easy decision to decide to start doing business with these authentic, intelligent and most friendly men, people. They were open and transparent to us, we trust them for what they say and do. We felt very close to their tradition moving around touristic facilities, the communities and the Mara itself. We can´t wait to be back. Highly recommended thus.
Email Michael A. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We made the right choice
There are hundrends of companies out there that offer pretty much the same product or service. It's hard to find the value for money one.
I am more than satisfied with the whole experience that I had with Namayiana safaris. Communication from start to finish was excellent with Mpairo, who was more than helpful and answered all my questions before even making the booking.
Accomodation in Sopa Lodge not only met, but exceeded our expectations. Everyone was professional there and we had a quality stay.
The one though that I would like to specially thank, is our driver Sammy. This guy not only took the extra mile, but he did whatever he could do to keep us happy and spot all the action that was going on Masai Mara park. I could see the other drivers around and I can compare. We definitely had the best driver.
Overall a very positive and well organised experience.
US
Email Kyle Norris | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most Amazing Adventure
It’s been a dream to visit Kenya since I was a kid. I of course wanted to see the animals but I also wanted to experience the culture. Namayiana Safaris was one of the few companies that offered that experience. His company also offered the most affordable private tour without having to join a bunch of strangers. John provided the best experience from the first time I reached out. Everything was perfectly planned and all my questions were promptly answered. The actual experience was everything I had dreamed of and more. Everywhere we stayed was very nice and welcoming. I couldn’t believe all the animals we saw and how close we got. John and his company made sure we experienced everything! My favorite day was the cultural day and learning the Maasai Mara way of life. They took me on amazing hike at sunset and hanging out with the kids was a highlight of my life. They had the most genuine smiles and laughs. It was such a rewarding experience. I’ve traveled all around the world and this was the most amazing trip! Highly recommend using John and Namayiana Safaris.
Email Pia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Authdntic experience with dedicated people
We had a 3 day Tour at Masai Mara staying at Enkorok Camp and were able to enjoy a perfectly organized, authentic safari experience for people who really care for nature, culture and last but not least their clients. Ideal fot those who search for relaxation, a dive into culture of the place they are visiting and professional safari knowledge of course (organized by a perfect combination of Masai and German knowledge ;)). Thanks to everybody engaged into this trip and especially to our driver Samy who was awesome!
An absolutely amazing, inspiring experience with one of the last great culture on planet earth.
I have to say that I could not recommend these guys enough!!! Mpairo is an exceptional host with such a love and respect for people, the wildlife, nature and most importantly his community.
It was and is such a pleasure having met some of the worlds most beautiful people and experiencing their culture.
I highly recommend putting this on your bucket list!!! You will not regret it!!
Email Nicole | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Have been to the Mara with Namayiana Twice- An amazing experience both times
I truly couldn't recommend these guys more- From arranging and planning the trip, to finding the right camps for our budget (which was different each time) and the actual trip, the whole experience was incredible. The team that runs Namayiana are locals to the mara, and so the visit to the village is super special as is their own family. Patrick was our driver, and having been to other safaris before, he's hands down the best- he visibly loves his job and goes out of his way to make it the best experience for the people travelling with him, as does the whole team.
IN
Email Rizwan Khan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Home away from Home
It was a Yes, No, Yes, No situation for me to decide on visit the land of wild but finally when it did happen i had lot of options to choose from but i dont know somehow Namayiana just clicked and once i had things finalized it was a constant touch with Mpairo who is a Masai himself but he surprised me and that's a different story.
Mpairo made sure sure that he himself is present to receive us at the Masai Mara Air strip and what followed was a wonderful and breathtaking experience, he not only made sure that we spot the big 5 but also made sure that we witness the Great Wild Beast migration, He knows the park in and out and he drives like Schumacher in the wild but makes sure that you get the glimpse of everything Masai Mara has to offer.
Namayiana Safari group not only makes sure that you get your moneys worth but also makes sure that you are at you comfortable best when it comes to the Vehicle, Accomodation, Information, Watcher, Food and hospitality.
Thanks Mpairo for the wonderful experience, I know i have been too lazy to write this but i hope this post will bring a smile to your face.
I would strongly recommend Namayiana Safari for your trip to Kenya and Masai Mara
US
Email Britta | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Local, cool, fun, hiking up mountain, tusker beer, glamping, sunset safari, coffee with rhinos,
We were two Americans “scared to travel” during COVID. And we had no problems AT ALL! Book with Namayiana Safaris. Our guide, John, was born and raised on Maasai Mara. You don’t realize until you’re doing the safari how all the groups are different. The majority of safari groups from Nairobi even relied on our guide for directions in the Mara. You have to choose a local safari company for this reason. You need to choose someone who grew up on the land and knows everything. John knows where to find the Big 5. Majority of groups did not see rhinos or leopards. John is very close friends with park rangers. If they find lions, cheetahs, cubs, or a family of elephants then they call John to let him know where they are hiding. One of the coolest advantages to going with a Maasai Mara tribesman is they can go OFF THE MAIN ROADS. This is huge. You get right next to the animals. John is the coolest and even brought Kenyan beers on safari to have while watching a cheetah stalk their prey. John knows where to find the extremely rare black rhino. While having our morning coffee packed on the go, a family of 3 rhinos came out of the bush!! We chose private safari with open air land cruiser and we couldn’t be happier! This gives you the ability of flexibility. We got to do a sunrise game drive, lunch in the Mara, hike up a local mountain for a walking safari, and get an extra sunset game drive. Outstanding service and I would highly recommend! Can’t wait til my next safari with Namayiana Safaris.
