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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
IT
Email Alice | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hakuna Matata Roadtrip Safari
This was our first safari and our first time to Kenya.
I am an extremely exigent client as I have worked for a while in tourism and my husband and I (since we are young adult, we have travel a lot around the world).
Since the beginning, Fredrick (our Apodiform’s account) has tried to find the best combination to adapt our request to our budget.
The travel went smoothly and we really enjoyed Kenya.
However, I should divide my commentary, one for for the support on booking/organisation of the trip and another one the trip itself.
On the one hand, dealing with Apodiformes was not always easy, there were many issues regarding booking and organisation, this could be due to a lack of communication or to the fact they were not fully transparent.
Examples?
- our itinerary pdf reported a lot of mistakes and was not corrected even after having highlighted the discrepancies (wrong arrival time/departure day/activities).
- we had to chase them for pick up time from the airport (they did not reached proactively to give us all the information)
- they told us they could take care of our rigid suitcase when only soft ones were allowed onboard local airplane, but when we arrived at the airport they drop us off and we had to deal with the problem ourselves (the driver has disappeared)
- We were supposed to travel by train from Tsavo to Watamu, but the afternoon before we were informed that plans were changed (they did not book the tickets in advance so the day before the 1st class tickets were sold out! While our trip was prebooked in December)
- They did not include our luggages for another Jambojet Flight so when we arrived at the check in desk they asked us to pay (luckily at the end Frederick sort it out with a live online Payment).
Hence, the tour has been done successfully with very competitive budget (1 full week of safari around Kenya), however we kindly suggest to improve communication/organisation set up to prevent unpleasant situation for the guests.
In addition, I would suggest to share with guests a small guide of extra activities they can do during safaris such as bush breakfast/Bush sunset or dinner or even night safaris. We were interested in that but when we discovered these kind of activities it was too late!!!
On the other hand, our safari guide Sebastian made sure our safari was unbelievable, he was always concerned that we were enjoying every day.
In each game, he tried to catch the information around to get the animals close enough. He was always asking if we were taking good pictures/spots.
Thanks to him, our trip was great!
To sum up, they are really good to adapt to your request and limited budget however they should pay more attention to details and to communication with guests.
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.
IT
Email Luca | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A perfect combo between safari and dream sea
It was our first safari and that's why we were a little scared. Silas proved to be an excellent agent, he always answered all our doubts before and during the tour. all our requests were accepted, beautiful lodges and resorts. all good and scrupulous drivers, Gibson deserves a special mention. He drove perfectly during the safari and always took care of us that everything was fine in the lodge. Even with some waiting, airport transfers were very well organised.
we did the 2 day tour in the Masai Mara and 5 in Diani Beach And I would definitely recommend this agency!!!
Ps: very comfortable jeeps, and that's important when you spend 5 hours on dirt roads!!
IT
Email Giangi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good operator, Terrific guide!
This was my third safari, the first just me and my 12 ys old son for 12 days
I should divide my review, one for for the support on booking/ organisation of the trip and another one the trip itself.
On the one hand, dealing with Apodiformes was always very easy; since the beginning, they has tried to find the best combination to adapt my request to my budget.
During the trip there were some issues regarding booking and organisation, but Apodiformes has been able to fix always them.
On the other hand, the safari guide Francis was a nightmare and made the whole trip quite painful!
Examples?
- the land rover was almost missing shoking absorber .. and this is crucial when you spend 10 hours per day on streets full of bumps and holes; the door opened during the trip
- the guide was very Often on the phone texting with who-knows instead of been focused on the drive
- often the tend of the land cruise didnt' close completely ... and at 6 am it's very cold
- lack understanding of the trip schedule ... it was me to tell where we had to sleep every day
- he skipped almost 1/3 of the game drives ... everytime with a different excuse
In each game, he was always far from the animal (we have always been on the back of all the other land cruise), no single explenation about parks, animals, ...never asked if we were taking good pictures/spots and if he could leave or if he had to stop.
One day he asked me to pay 200 US a ranger because of some problems with park tickets .. of course I called apodiformes and they fixed it
in few words ... 1 star is even too much.
To sum up, read the review about the best guide and ask to have some of them.
IT
Email Alessandro B. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing wildlife, country, people.
Trip Review: Incredible Kenya Adventure (August 3 - August 13)
I just returned from an unforgettable trip to Kenya, taking place from August 3 to August 13, and it was truly a dream come true! We traveled with Apodiformes Tours, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Our journey included visits to some of Kenya's most stunning destinations: the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo National Park. Each location offered its own unique beauty and a plethora of wildlife.
Kicking off our adventure in the Masai Mara, we were treated to remarkable wildlife sightings, including the Great Migration. The thrill of watching wildebeest and zebras traversing the vast plains was something I will never forget. Our driver, Kim, expertly navigated the reserve, ensuring that we had the best views of animals, including lions, cheetahs, and elephants.
Next, we visited Lake Naivasha, where we went on a delightful boat ride. The serene waters were home to a variety of birds, including pelicans and herons, and we even spotted a few hippos lounging nearby. The scenery was stunning, with lush green surroundings and a sense of peace that invigorated us for the next leg of our journey.
Our trip continued to Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is famous for its vibrant flamingos and diverse wildlife. Kim guided us through the park, where we were able to see the stunning pink hues of the lake, as well as rhinos and a variety of other wildlife. The sight of a rhino was a personal highlight for me!
Amboseli was another highlight of our tour. With Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, the views were breathtaking. We were fortunate to see large herds of elephants up close, and again, Kim's deep knowledge of the area made our experience richer. He shared fascinating facts about the ecology of the park and the conservation efforts for its wildlife.
Lastly, we explored the magnificent Tsavo National Park. Its vast landscapes and vibrant ecosystems left us in awe. We spotted plenty of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The sense of adventure was palpable, and we loved every moment of our time there.
Throughout our journey, Kim was an outstanding driver and guide. His expertise and passion for wildlife and culture enriched our experience immensely. Kim was friendly, accommodating, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure we had an incredible time.
The accommodations arranged by Apodiformes Tours were excellent, providing great comfort after our daily adventures. Each lodge and camp featured warm hospitality and delicious food, making our stay even more enjoyable.
Overall, my trip to Kenya from August 3 to August 13 with Apodiformes Tours was a remarkable adventure filled with stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. I am grateful for the memories made and highly recommend this tour company and especially Kim as a guide to anyone looking to explore the beauty of Kenya!
FI
Email Sami | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great 5 day safari experience from start to end with our guide Sebastian
e had the greatest safari experience during our 5-day safari in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru with our guide, Sebastian. We got to see every animal we wanted to see. Sebastian was a great guide; he answered all of our questions with knowledge, stopped for all the animals we wanted to photograph, and waited patiently. Every day, we got to decide what we wanted to do and how long we wanted to be on a game drive. Sebastian gave recommendations, but we got to make the final decision on the timetable for each day. He was a very nice and professional guide, so if you book through Apodiformes, you should ask for Sebastian. :)
Also, communication with the office prior to the safari was very good, so thanks to Fredrick for that. Highly recommended service provider! :)
Email Amy Abdou | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Organised operator, unforgettable experience with an incredible guide!
We had the most wonderful time in Kenya on the trip of a life time!
We did a five night safari and visited Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha (walking safari) and Amboseli parks then headed the Diani Beach Resort for a week of relaxation!
Right from the beginning of the experience, Silas was prompt and informative when trying to book our trip. He made adjustments to our itinerary to suit our flights exactly and was able to answer any questions we had.
Our driver and guide Gibson was incredible and helped us see a whole range of incredible wildlife up close. He always checked in with what was best for us along the way and we just cannot believe how much we saw! A particular highlight was seeing the great migration of the wildebeests, elephants at Amboseli and RHINO in Lake Nakuru.
All accommodation (arranged by Apodiformes Adventures) were brilliant! Staff were always friendly and polite, and food was delicious!
We are so grateful for such an amazing experience in Kenya!
Thank you Silas & Gibson
ES
Email AlanB | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good & Bad
I booked a safari with my wife with Apodiformes for our 50th anniversary. I arranged it with Frederick who worked with me to organise a 4 days Masai Mara trip at a cost of about $3600, Frederick was very efficient & booked everything & communicated with me very well. Our driver as arranged collected us from our hotel 7-30am prompt. On our drive to the Masai Mara it became obvious that the land cruiser was very underpowered when it came to large hills & had to climb I second gear. The driver/guide Tom was excellent throughout our trip. We stayed as recommended at Jambo Mara Safari camp & everything was very good however I would not liked to have stayed in the wood cabins in hotter weather as there was no air conditioning only a fan.
As the safari progressed into the second day it became apparent that the vehicle had a number of problems, some windows didn't open properly, the seats behind the driver were so well worn that passengers were constantly sliding forward & having to sit themselves up regularly, the suspension on the vehicle was very hard, some electrics were not working & some seat belts missing. Far from ideal when on a 8 to 10 hour safari.
On our last day the driver said that we would need to set off for Nairobi at 6-30 am so we could make it to Nairobi to catch our flight to Diani Beach. ( As arranged by Frederick). This meant that we did not have the morning safari as was on the itinerary that Frederick had promised & we had paid for. $400 dollars for park fees plus fees for safari. The day after we arrived at Diani I emailed Frederick with my complaints & he said that he would have to talk to the driver, I told him that I expected compensation for the missed safari & the fees for entry to the Masai Mari that we did not get. In total I had to contact him 4 times over a week to be finally told by Frederick that he couldn't refund me until November at the end of there season as they didn't have the money.
I would not recommend dealing with this company as they are not interested in the customer service in fact they are thieves. Don't deal with Frederick or Apodiformes (Nairobbery)
****
In answer to Silas comments regard my earlier review.
Please find time to look at the itinerary supplied by Apodiformes, it clearly says it includes a morning game drive on the last day, there is no mention of complimentary. I don't know any other tour operator that gives complimentary game drives when it costs $200 per person to enter the Masai Mara.
My flight to Diani Beach was at 14-45 & it was arranged by Fredrick as part of the package, not noon as you stayed.
I think you are a professional excuse maker, look at the facts.
Reply from Apodiformes Adventures
Posted on Sep 8, 2024Halo Alan,
Thanks for your detailed review. We dont take it for granted.
Most importantly receive my apologies for the challenges faced.
I am happy our driver Tom took care of you nicely until the end of the trip.
Regarding your concern: For the last day in Masai Mara , we normally have an optional early morning game drive. This is never paid for but a complimentary service to our customers especially to those that normally have late night outbound flights from Nairobi. We prefer to extend this complimentary game drive so that they dont arrive in Nairobi early and stay idle/bored at the airport.
In your case we had to take a pre-caution since your flight from Nairobi to Diani Beach was leaving at noon hence any time wasted would have resulted into you missing the domestic flight . This is why we advised your driver to leave Masai Mara early enough since the roads are normally unpredictable.
Thanks and Have a wonderful time at the Kenyan Beach. We look forward to meeting you in Nairobi before you fly back Home.
SILAS
DE
Email Rohit Singh | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Horrible experience with Apodiformes Adventures, can't recommend
We had a very bad experience with Apodiformes Adventures.
The communication and booking process prior to the tour was very smooth, up until it was time to pay the second part of the tour price in cash at pickup. After that, everything changed drastically. First of all, the game drive vehicle they provided was very different from what was promised. It was much much older and extremely uncomfortable. All other game drive jeeps we saw were much more modern & comfortable so we felt that the company tried to save money here, even though their tour is advertised as a luxury tour.
I asked Apodiformes Adventures about this but they ignored my messages!
Our safari guides (which were arranged by Apodiformes Adventures) told us that they only received our booking a day before our arrival, despite us booking several months before with Apodiformes Adventures, which is why they were not prepared for us. Also, our safari guides picked us up in Nairobi & had no idea how to get out of the city, which lead us to drive around for hours within Nairobi, before I had to give them my phone, as their Google Maps did not work properly. I contacted Apodiformes Adventures several times during this & they did not reply.
Also, we were sold a masai village tour through Apodiformes, which felt extremely unethical and like a scam to us. We paid 90 USD for being shown around a village for 10 minutes and later harrased to buy little magnets for 25 USD per piece. Once again, when we contacted our tour operator about this, they did not reply. It again seemed to us that everything goes very smooth up until you've paid the second part of the payment in person at the start of the tour.
The "luxury" lodge they booked for us had no idea we would be 3 people, since apparentely the tour operator failed to communicate this to them, which lead to another problem at room configuration at check-in, which took nearly one hour to resolve in order for us to get the extra bed in an already tiny room, since they had no other rooms available. I've taken 3 safaris in Africa, this one was by far the worst & I can only warn people against wasting your precious vacation with a tour operator that is quite seemingly not taking bookings seriously anymore.
Reply from Apodiformes Adventures
Posted on Sep 8, 2024Dear Rohit,
Many thanks for your detailed feedback. This helps us improve our services at Apodiformes Adventures.
I want to apologize for the challenges faced during your trip with us.
The only 2 clarifications I would want to make and which I believe will help our future customers are as follows;
1.Masai Village is 30$ per person and normally paid on site. This is an extra activity which is paid directly to the Masai Community who have set up a village to educate and inform tourists everything about their unique culture.
2. We always advise our clients to remain steadfast when visiting the Masai Village. Yes you will be met by many local Masai selling their merchandise but only buy when interested. Never be forced or coerced to buy their souvenirs unless you need it.
kind regards
SILAS