Safe Ride Tours & Safaris

Incredible value, friendly service, and a vacation I'll remember forever!

I just came back from a three-day Masai Mara safari operated by Safe Ride. I had selected them mainly on price, and was originally a bit worried that it would not be a comfortable or "authentic" safari experience. These concerns were completely misplaced - it was wonderful!

From beginning to end the entire experience was completely professional. Every email was answered clearly and promptly. We were picked up at our hotel right on time. Paying was easy, our driver Joseph was extremely friendly, and knew all of the animals. Actually, Joseph was incredible - 20 years experience on safari... a real pro, with a friendly attitude and nice laugh!

The tent-style accommodations at the Manyata camp were rustic, but clean and totally adequate. Basically, it's a concrete floor with thick canvas walls, and a roof canopy that goes over the canvas tent roof and provides plenty of shade and protection. No water leakage in spite of torrential rains overnight. The in-tent showers were hot, the beds were comfortable. Actually, I would feel like kind of a phony to be in one of the luxury-type places on safari. (Come on... you're doing this whole thing to experience the wilderness, do you really need high thread-count sheets and a polished brass washbasin?) The food was simple but hot, filling and plentiful.

There were four in our group, and we were matched up with a group of three other travelers, and one solo. We really enjoyed the extra company, especially because some of the other travelers were native Kenyans who helped us to bargain hunt for souvenirs.

We were especially grateful that safe ride operated a four-wheel-drive vehicle, because several of the other companies did not, and they got stuck in mud that arose due to rainy conditions. The vehicle also provided excellent views of the wildlife -- it had a pop-up roof that seems to be the norm among the other vehicles we saw in the park.

In conclusion: our experience was worth every penny that we paid. The kids loved it, we were well looked after, and I highly recommend the experience.