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 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!
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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
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Email Anna and Gunnar Wikmark | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A perfect trip to Maasai Mara, Kenya
Maasai Mara was a must for our first visit to Kenya and we wanted to experience both the national park and the Maasai living there, if possible. Not merely as spectators but as part of the daily life. We were looking all over for a tour company or guide that could help us to that experience and finally found what become the perfect match for us in Mpario (John) and Corinna at Namayiana Safaris. A more devoted and friendly couple would be hard to find elsewhere and their sense for our, sometimes not so clearly articulated, wishes was outstanding. They arranged everything we asked for, from picking us up at the airport in Nairobi, lodging and allowing us to get to know Nairobi, lodging at the camp in Maasai Mara, game drives, introduction to the Maasai and the Maasai culture (John being a Maasai warrior himself), a most pleasant night in the Maasai village and even a hike to the mountain above the village, including an insight in Maasai medical plants. In Maasai Mara we were provided exactly the kind of tented camp we wished for, the Fisi Camp. We made visits to the park three days in a row, at evening, mid-day and morning. Johns driving skills on the sometimes quite challenging dirt roads and even more skills to be where the animals appear gave us fantastic opportunities to be close to many lions, elephants, fighting hippopotami and many more animals in various surroundings and situations.
When their spare driver, Jimmy, four nights later dropped us at our friends place in Kakamega, also a part of the agreed arrangements, we had a camera full of astonishing photos and our hearts full of Kenya and several new friends, not only John and Corinna. We now recommend all our friends to visit Kenya and to ask Namayiana Safaris to be their guide we and long for the next time in Kenya.
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Email Jakob | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An awesome experience with nicest guide John
Everything was planned very well and the knowledge and experience of John made this trip even better than we could have imagined. John is a really nice guy and ensured the pleasant time at the maasai mara. The game drives and walks with the rangers gave us an fullon experience of the preserved wildlive and nature in the parks. Great time and anytime again.
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Email Mathias | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Much more than expected, don't miss!
We are 2 couples from Germany, and we traveled across Kenya self organized and also drove our car by our self. But for the National Parks we asked for local drivers and guides because they know where to go, and they have also a lot of information. We have done this in three Parks and in Masai Mara we had the good luck and pleasure that Mpairo Ole Kiyapi (we called him John) was our guide.
We arrived in the camp early afternoon and John was waiting for us. As we started the Game Drive in the afternoon John promised that this would be the appetizer for the next day. After a few hours and lots of Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Cheetahs and thousands other animals we could not believe that this would be the appetizer. But John kept word.
As mentioned we have made some experience also in other parks but there is nothing really to compare. John has a great knowledge where to go and guided us much closer to the BIG 5 than expected. He is also a nice boy with a charming humor (ask him about the story of discounts when a man has to pay the cows for marry his wife).
Also a wonderful experience was to visit his village which is located close to the Ololaimutiek Gate. We get a very warm welcome and traditional songs and dances and nothing looks like "Tourist Style".
If you are searching for a Guide or a tour: clear recommendation!
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Email Ingrid | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Do not miss the chance to go on a safari with Namayiana safaris!
During my three weeks in Kenya meeting Mpairo (John) and learning about the maasai culture was by far my greatest experience and I will definitely return. Mpairo has in depth knowledge about nature, animals and natural medicine. In combination with a sincere respect and appreciation for nature and life, and a happy and kind personality he gave me and my friends unforgettable memories during our visit to his maasai village. Next time we visit Kenya, we will of course go on safari with Mpairo and Namayiana safaris, looking forward to it!
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Email Jenny H | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Genuine experience in the Masai village
We were guided in the Masai village by John. He proudly showed us his village and even invited us to his home, and taught us about their traditions and rich culture. We had great discussions about a range of topics - health, nature, life, and even medicine - since John has been studying traditional medicine as well. John's english was great and it was so easy to talk, we had a really nice time together. Such friendly, knowledgable, open-minded and respectful person. So happy that we met him, he truly made our Kenya trip special. We will definately go back and then we will join his safari tour, which I am sure will be more than amazing. Thank you John!
Kind regards from your Swedish friends Jenny, Tomas and Ingrid.
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Email Dom | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Nature hike by with Namayiana Safaris and John.
The nature hike and interaction with John was one of the most memorable and incredible experiences of our trip to Maasai Mara. He met us at our lodging and we began our hike by heading towards his village. On the way, John informed us about the area and his way of life which is not only very interesting but also presented in a very authentic and personal way. John is sincerely interested in sharing his culture and history with travelers. This makes the experience that much more meaningful.
We were met by two other Maasai tribe members who accompanied us on the hike. John knew I️ was a physician so he made special effort to point out natural remedies used by people in his village. He provided us with cold water on the hike and at one point allowed us to throw his spear.
At the top of the hike, we had an amazing view of the blue mountains that line the Kenya/Tanzanian boarder. This was an excellent place to take photos.
This hike exceeded my expectations in every way.
Hike above the Maasai Mara village near the Maasai Mara National Park
I think the hike was excellent, when doing the safari, you sit for most of the time. So the opportunity to get out and get some exercise was fantastic. John was very knowledgeable about the plants, animals, the Maasai. I would recommend him for the hike and a tour in to the park.
Email Tracey | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Truly amazing experience
Had an amazing adventure with Namayiana Safaris and John. On our safari. John drove us all around so we were able to see the Big 5 and we managed to get the most amazing photos of all the animals. John was such a great guy and always making sure we were close enough to get the best shots and was able to share an awesome amount of knowledge with us as we spent the day travelling around the maasai mara.
I would definitely recommend Namayiana and John to anyone wanting to do a safari for a really great price.