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Apodiformes Adventures
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Member Of:
- Kenya Tourism Regulatory Authority, AFRICA TOURISM ASSOCIATION & FRIENDS OF NAIROBI NATIONAL WILDILIFE CONSERVATION
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $75 to $250 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
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Email Diana | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great planning with wonderful experienced driver/guides for both Kenya and Tanzania
My mother and I did the 12 day golden safari tour of Kenya and Tanzania. Silas did really great booking everything and Lio our Kenya driver/guide and Vincent were both really experienced amazing guides and drivers.
We went in early July and if I had done more research I would have booked for mid-august or so for our tour since the migration can take place anytime between July and October and the beach weather was cooler and a bit rainy so I didn't get as much beach time as I was hoping.
I was surprised to find that we had the entire vehicle to ourselves so be aware that you can work with Apodiformes to change any itinerary before you book everything. Also if you have a larger party take smaller items since there is not a lot of space to put luggage in the vehicle you will be traveling in. You will mostly just be riding in a vehicle all day so you do not need to be in shape at all. I for some reason thought we would have nature walks, but it was really about getting up early and going out all day to see the animals.
I recommend googling every park and time of year to see what is more the peak time to go depending on your interests. If you go for the migration and visit the Serengeti I would make sure you get one night in northern Serengeti since most of the zebra's and wildebeest will most likely be up there and depending on where you stay the travel time from masai mara to serengeti can be quite long. We went Amboseli and it was amazing, watching the elephants cross the road at night or early in the morning was such a wonderful site, however in July Mt Kilamanjaro is mostly cloud covered to my understanding so take these into consideration. And of course the animals will do what the want, if it is a nice sunny day you will have a great game drive, if it is colder and cloudy or too hot and you might not see much. Also I thought lake Nakuru was the most beautiful place I have ever seen and the only place we got a good view of rhinos (the flamingos had left for better food sources) and we were only there for a little over 4 hours because it just takes a while to get there from Nairobi so think about what you really want to see to spend more time at one place. It is hard to say what I would have changed other than the time we started our trip, but 12 days was a long time to sit in a vehicle so I think maybe it would have been good to do 4-5 days of safari then beach time and then maybe switch it up to go see chimpanzees, but when you travel so far (we came from the California) it is hard to know what to cut out since it all sounds amazing. I guess you just have to decide what you want to see the most. For me I would probably stick with Nakuru lake, Masai Mara and/or Northern Serengeti, and Amboseli but I love the beautiful trees, lakes, and birds. In any case you can't go wrong with Apodiformes, although I recommend you request Lio to be your guide and driver.
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Email Jon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Communicative but does make changes to itinerary
Dickson was an great guide that respected the animals and pacing of the trip. He was patient and flexible with our scheduling. I would highly recommend him as a guide.
In terms of the company we worked with Syprose who did make some changes mid trip but took care of things like our lost luggage and items.
Ultimately be careful with what lodges and activities they book or change to as they may make changes after the original agreement is made or not as ideal locations.
CN
Email Li Yang | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best memory of the year with apodiformes!
We were on a Safari adventure in Kenya on the end of July. It was truly a splendid journey. A heartfelt thank you to Fred for his patient communication throughout the preparation phase. Our guide, big Tom, exceeded all expectations with his dedication, vast experience, and unparalleled friendliness. He led us on an unforgettable journey, ensuring every moment was captured with awe and wonder. Tom is extremely dedicated and conscientious, ensuring that every request we make is meticulously fulfilled. He takes great care of us and goes above and beyond to satisfy our needs. A truly remarkable trip, thanks to the exceptional teamwork of Fred and Tom.
CN
Email Zhou Huijing | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most memorable and unforgettable trip of this year!
This was our first trip to Kenya, and our guide, Big Tom, made it an unforgettable experience. Tom was incredibly dedicated throughout the journey, ensuring that we visited all the key attractions and went out of his way to accommodate every request we had. Despite our packed schedule, he was always nice and professional, taking great care of us every step of the way. Tom's expertise was evident as he guided us to see a wide variety of animals. His driving skills were excellent, and he managed our time perfectly, ensuring we made the most of each day. We felt safe and well looked after throughout the trip. We highly recommend this travel agency and especially Tom for anyone planning a trip to Kenya!
NZ
Email Sally | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous Attention to Detail
Our family of 4 siblings arranged a 21 day holiday in Kenya and Tanzania, through Silas of Apodiformes adventures. It was many months in the planning, and Silas was helpful, always available, ready to discuss and advise. We stayed in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara in Kenya, then a land border crossing into Tanzania and Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro, then back to Kenya for Amboseli and Tsavo. So we packed a lot into our 3 weeks, but all the parks are so diverse, we're glad we did it this way.
This is my 3rd time to East Africa but my first time with Apodiformes. As advised, I got 5 quotes, but Apodiformes were significantly cheaper, for much the same accommodation, parks, etc. We paid the deposit through the banking system, but Silas then mentioned the remaining amount should be paid in US$ cash - I was a bit wary. I rang Silas, and he explained it is because of credit fees, we could pay that way, but would incur significantly higher costs. We brought the cash! 😊 It was fine.
Our accommodation was of a lovely standard, a mixture of Serena and Simba Lodges. Food was buffet style, something to suit everyone, and tasty and nutritious. Our guides were friendly, and knowledgeable, Michael (Kenya); Hosea (Tanzania); Daniel (Kenya). Fortunately not the sort to spend all the driving time talking on their cellphones. They were great, especially Michael and Daniel - Hosea was lovely, but drove very fast at times, without explaining we were heading to see something!
On that score - we were so lucky with what we saw; we saw everything! The big 5 (several times); the Samburu 5; so many of the cat family - right down tothe elusive serval, and the Caracal!
We absolutely loved our time in Kenya and Tanzania, and owe many thanks to Silas for his experience and planning.
IN
Email Metikurke | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best experience with knowledge
Embarking on a Masai Mara and Kenya safari is an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in the heart of Africa’s natural splendor. The Masai Mara, with its expansive savannahs and rolling hills, offers an unparalleled wildlife experience. Witnessing the Great Migration is a spectacle like no other, where thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in a breathtaking display of nature’s grand design. Our guide Nick was the best!
Kenya's diverse landscapes, from the lush highlands to the arid deserts, provide a stunning backdrop for this journey. The safari experience is enriched by encounters with the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—each sighting a thrilling testament to the region's rich biodiversity.
The Masai people, with their vibrant culture and warm hospitality, add a unique cultural dimension to the trip. Their traditional dances, crafts, and stories provide a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage.
Accommodations range from luxurious lodges to intimate tented camps, ensuring comfort while maintaining a close connection to the natural world. Guided by knowledgeable and passionate rangers, every game drive is a new discovery, filled with insightful observations and thrilling moments.
Overall, a Masai Mara and Kenya safari is a mesmerizing journey through some of the world’s most iconic landscapes, offering a profound appreciation for wildlife, culture, and the wild beauty of Africa.
SG
Email JJ | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Guide Big Tom was great, but we were temporarily switched to Ol Tukai as the operator
Guide Big Tom was great, but we were temporarily switched to Ol Tukai as the operator.
Lucky Kenya trip: We saw the wildebeest migration, the "Heaven's River Crossing," the Black Rock family, the Big Five of Africa, and more. Special thanks to guide Big Tom for his strong social network and for letting us experience the wild Africa in its entirety. The "Heaven's River Crossing" was particularly rare and unforgettable. We drove 4 hours through a private park to catch this rare sight. Tom was also very meticulous about the lunch view locations, always taking us to enjoy different views. Highly recommended!
Hotel Reviews:
Kibo Lounge: A standard 4-5 star hotel, with some wind, and the water was quite cold on the first day but better on the second day. Not sure if it’s related to solar heating. The second day had more sunlight (Originally Ol Tukai switched us to this hotel; we had visited Ol Tukai and felt it was better).
SOPA Lounge: Located by Lake Naivasha, focusing on close animal encounters. We really liked it. At night, hippos and zebras come into the park to graze. The hotel facilities are the most refined among those we stayed in, and the rooms have WiFi coverage.
Sarova Lounge: Near Lake Nakuru, it has the simplest decor among the hotels we visited but is located within the park, which may justify its price.
Mara Engai: Luxurious, with a "Lion King" view overlooking the savannah. The wooden furniture and large tents are impressive. Located within the park, it is said that elephants may migrate through the hotel in August.
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Email Presley | Experience level: first safari
Excellent choice, treated us very well and gave us the best tour driver Kevin.
Our safari trip to Kenya was nothing short of extraordinary, and much of its success can be attributed to our exceptional driver, Kevin Odeny. From the moment we met Janette at our hotel to finalize our payments and arrange the pickup time for the following morning, we were excited for the adventure ahead. The anticipation only heightened when Kevin arrived the next day, ready to guide us through Kenya's breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
Our journey began with a drive overlooking and then driving through the stunning Rift Valley. Although the hot chocolate at the break stop was a bit overpriced, the views were worth every penny. Entering Hells Gate National Park within the Rift Valley which, stretches from Mozambique to the Red Sea is a distance of 9600 km, a residue of past volcanic eruptions offered us our first glimpses of Kenya’s wildlife, including baboons, various bird species, giraffes, and hyenas. Kevin expertly maneuvered the vehicle, ensuring we had the best vantage points for photography while sharing his extensive knowledge about the area. We also visited Hells Gate Gorge, with a guide who grew up there as a child and still lives in the area. Navigating the gorge can be tricky at times. Just be careful looking where you are placing your feet, can be slippery at times. The gorge itself is very beautiful with colorful volcanic rock, hot water close to 100degree, and cold water close by. Our gorge guide said as child this where he and other children would fetch hot water pouring from the rocks to make tea which was quicker than making a fire to boil water.
The day's drive took us to Lake Naivasha, where we embarked on a boat ride that was another highlight of our trip for that day. The lake was teeming with life—hippos emerged from the water, a multitude of bird species flitted about, and monkeys even joined us on the boat, adding a delightful touch to our experience. The hotel we stayed at that night offered a fantastic buffet with a variety of local dishes, further enhancing our immersion into the Kenyan experience.
The next leg of our safari was a journey to the Masai Mara, a drive that, while long, and dusty, was full of anticipation and excitement. Kevin provided a thorough briefing on what to expect until we reached the Masai Mara National Reserve. This vast expanse of 1,500 square kilometers is mostly open for game drives, with only 1,000 square kilometers accessible to tourists. The remaining 500 square kilometers are leased for private game drives, adding to the exclusivity of the experience.
At the Masai Mara, we witnessed the awe-inspiring Great Migration of wildebeests, stretching as far as the eye could see. Our safari also included sightings of warthogs, leopards, cheetahs, lions (both male and
female), hyenas, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and a myriad of bird species. Cheetahs we understand is very hard to find, however Kevin seems to know where to find these animals. Kevin’s deep understanding of the park’s layout and his driving skills were crucial to these encounters. Taking us right on the border of Tanzania and Kenya. The terrain was bumpy and dusty, but Kevin's expertise ensured a smooth ride whenever possible choosing optimal positioning for photos.
Kevin’s ability to navigate the competitive environment of safari vehicles was impressive. During encounters with elusive animals like leopards, cheetahs, and lions, Kevin consistently secured the best spots for us to capture incredible photographs. He deftly maneuvered through a sea of vehicles, showcasing a level of skill and familiarity that set him apart. His ability to work the angles and timing allowed us to get up close and personal with the wildlife, far surpassing what many other drivers I observed could offer. Our day ended with us visiting the Masai Mara Community. Meeting with this group of people listening to their folklore, cultural way of life, and taking part in their communal festivities only enriched our experience to another level.
Our adventure continued at Lake Nakuru, another remarkable destination on our itinerary. Here, Kevin’s expertise shone once again. Although all vehicles were required to keep a distance from the rhinos, Kevin skillfully took us closer than most other guides, bringing us within 150 meters of these magnificent creatures. His knack for getting us closer to the action, while still adhering to park regulations, was nothing short of impressive. As other vehicles gathered around us to get a similar view, Kevin’s approach ensured we had a unique and memorable experience.
What truly set Kevin apart was not just his driving skill but also his deep knowledge of the parks and the wildlife. He was always ready to answer questions, offer historical insights, and share fascinating facts about the flora and fauna. As I listened in on conversation after conversation I hear about his reputation among other safari drivers, hotel staff, game wardens, and fellow guides was a testament to his professionalism and respect in the field.
In summary, our safari experience was enhanced immensely by Kevin's exceptional guiding. His blend of skill, knowledge, and passion made our trip unforgettable. From navigating the rugged terrains to securing the best photographic opportunities, Kevin’s expertise was invaluable. We saw and learned more than we had hoped for, all thanks to his outstanding guidance. There is so much more to write, however time and space will not allow. This safari has been a dream come true, and Kevin has set a high standard for future adventures. We will cherish these memories and hope to embark on another safari soon, ideally with Kevin at the helm.
IT
Email Andrea | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enjoy Safari with Seb!
Dear all,
My wife and I really enjoyed 1 full week around Kenya (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo) with the best guide Sebastian!
In each game, he tried to catch information around and spot animals and get closer enough for the best pictures.
He has been very kind and professional.
I must mention his VAN, the best (I’m not joking) VAN compared to others. Very powerful/ comfortable both on highways and in off roading (as regular jeep).
He knows shortcuts between destinations so he always choose the best and shortest way.
In case you decide to proceed with a Safari, you should ask for having Sebastian as your guide!
Go Seb! Thanks a lot!
Best
Andrea and Alice
CN
Email Ethan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
decent operator, provide excellent Safari.
we were traveling with Sebastian during the Safari who gave us magnificent experience, he's thoughtful and patient, put in all the affort he has to track all the beautiful animals, and tried his best to buy us as much time as he can daring the trip from lake nakuru to amboseli park so that we can have more time doing the game drive. Sebastian is definitely a responsible guide and a good friend.
