Wild Destinations Owners - Fareen & Shaheen
Wild Destinations
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 1997)
- Member Of:
- KATO & KTF
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,230 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Lucy | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most incredible trip of our lives
Wild Destinations was incredible from beginning to end. Our Kenyan safari vacation is the best trip we have ever taken thanks to the great accommodations, fantastic guide and driver, and excellent itinerary planning. I would recommend their services to anyone looking for a hassle-free trip. They think of everything which meant that we could relax and enjoy our trip.
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Email Nancy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wild Destinations Perfectly Planned Private Safaris Provides Outstanding Service
We just returned home from our second Safari, with all arrangements made by sisters, Shaheen & Fareen, through their agency called “Wild Destinations”. Five years ago we used Shaheen’s expertise, (she came highly recommended to us from a friend who lived in Nairobi). That first safari experience was truly amazing! Everything was taken care of and we especially enjoyed not being part of a large group, but just the two of us with an excellent driver/guide. Having talked about how much we loved the trip for the last five years, we decided that we had to re-visit. This time, we invited our adult son and his wife to join us, added two stops in Tanzania, and once again, had so many memorable moments, as a result of Shaheen’s knowledge, planning, and outstanding service. I hope our third safari occurs in less than five years!
Shaheen always replied quickly to our many e-mails, answering all questions, concerns, and desires. Planning was easy, especially since the arrangements are being made by an agent who has many years of experience, first hand knowledge of the areas, and has visited all places prior to suggesting we stay there. Unlike working with a large travel agency located in the U.S., or having to use an agencies set itinerary, we were able to tell Shaheen which places we wanted to visit, and she would then suggest the options available. Using Wild Destinations, the safari is completely customized. Upon arrival, there is great comfort in knowing that if any problems or concerns should arise, Shaheen and Fareen are right there in Africa, always available. Their professionalism combined with a complete understanding of what we wanted, resulted in our Safari being a “trip of a lifetime”. Every place Shaheen selected for us to stay in was perfect; she made sure our total costs were reasonable, and she stayed within our budget. Wild Destinations also booked all flights for us, saving us money. Although I found many “deals” on the internet, her pricing was the best deal of all.
Shaheen and her sister, Fareen, made us feel like “family”, and we felt that their services went above and beyond. From day one of planning the trip, through the last day of our safari, we appreciated their attention to every detail. As a result of the reasonable cost, the individualized attention, the outstanding service, and their knowledge of the areas, both of our safaris have been perfect! We highly recommend Wild Destinations, and hope to return ourselves for another safari!
CA
Email Gabby | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Value and meets N. American expectations
The short of it is: They recognized North American standards, and were able to provide great insight and value for our tour without the mark-up of the big brands operators. I also found they provided some excellent input about timing to hit the less busy times and areas.
When I booked my honeymoon, I wanted to make sure the money I was spending went to the local economy instead of foreign agents. Given I was spending thousands of dollars to do this, anybody would be hesitant of the quality of service they're going to get from locals in the developing world. I spent dozens of hours doing the back and forth with several agencies and outfits from N. America, Europe and East Africa in search of that elusive combination of Exclusivity with the perfect variety of activities and great value for my money.
Wild Destinations was recommended to me a co-worker who grew up in Kenya but had lived in Canada his entire adult life. I chatted back and forth with Shaheen, the Principal of Wild Destinations on Skype and email, and found her communication to be detailed and thorough (and patient because I know I'm a difficult customer).
Over several Skype calls we started from a broad description and worked our way down to what ended up being an ideal itinerary specific for our needs. Choosing parks and camps is only the beginning of the equation. I'm an experienced traveller, even in Africa, so I had strong ideas of what I thought I could get for my money if I booked things on my own. Shaheen delivered great points on what I should consider and introduced options that were easily overlooked when you are dependent on online reviews.
This back and forth was super helpful when you are trying to avoid the crowds because the local agents have a better idea of locations that aren't as busy, and since they don't operate to the same scale as major operators, they craft a much more personal connection to the lodge owners and managers.
In the end our itinerary was Samburu, the Mara, and Tarangire at the end of September.
I already felt good about what we decided on. It was about the same as what others offered and included accommodations with great reviews. The extra bonus was the execution. Wild destinations may be a small operator, but they delivered like they were a bigger one. Being met at the airports and lodges, etc are expected, but they added several personal touches to our honeymoon, that including meeting us herself at our hotel both at the beginning and end of our trip, giving us her cell number to call at any time if there was an issue (never had to use it), we were comfortable working through our guides, and they followed up with any nuance even after we returned home.
The best part was that anywhere we went, they booked us into areas where we were treated well, and weren't with the masses if we didn't want to be. Overall, the end to end service left us knowing we'd go with them next time we go on Safari.
You often worry about what your trip will be like on African vacations, but with Wild Destinations, it was hassle free. I do wish I booked with them on the beach part of our vacations as well.
North Mara- Excellent for wildlife viewing
I wanted to visit Masai Mara but did not have adequate time to sift internet to decide which part of Masai Mara to visit to get best wild life viewing experience. I relied on my colleague's reference of Wild Destinations to arrange my visit.
After several prompt emails- I was guided to select North Mara and on hotels, I got three suggestions- Serian, Saruni and Kicheche camps and in consultation I chose Saruni. Right from touchdown at North Mara airstrip, we started seeing hyena, worthogs, bisons, wildbeast, zebras, gazels, ziraffes. Our driver Dickson, a native masai took all interest in ensuring that we sighted the elusive lion- and that too from close quarters of 10 ft on 3 occasions. A good number of elephants, jackals, mangoose, jackals were sighted. We had breakfast on the banks of Mara river where hippos and crocodiles were sunbathing.We also visited Rhino camp where Rhinos were introduced about 3-4 years back.
Inhabitating along with wildlife were the Masais - original inhabitants of the place. It was great to see the Masais and wildlife co-existng peacefully. The vast expansive plains of Mara along with bright sunshine and cool weather - I cannot ask for more.
Our stay at Saruni was excellent. They were so courteous and prompt. Service standards, punctuality, warmth and attention to details, room upkeep - 10/10.
Thanks to Shaheen of Wild Destinations, Eddy and Dickson of Saruni- it was a very relaxing, rejuvinating holiday- at Mara North - probably as nature existed few centuries back.
Madhava Murthy
Excellent service and magical weekend!
Shaheen from Wild Destinations organised the most amazing trip for my friend and I to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. We contacted the company only the day before but they still arranged our hotel and visit so quickly. Our guide Felix was wonderful; very friendly and knowledgeable. We almost booked a guide for Ol Pejeta and the staff themselves said we didn't one as Felix knows the park so well. I'm glad we listened to them! I would definitely recommend Wild Destinations and hope to use them again soon!
Giorgia
CA
Email Anisa | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent service, efficient, timely and professional.
We booked our entire trip to Kenya and Zanzibar from Canada. Wild Destinations assisted us with every aspect - taxi from airport to B&B, safari planning, local excursions and accommodations for the 3 weeks we were there. We communicated by email and skype to get everything in order - information, bookings and payment was all done efficiently, timely and securely. The entire trip exceeded our expectations and we cannot wait to travel to Kenya again. I would highly recommend Wild Destinations for their professionalism and excellence.
Email John windham | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Friendly helpful responsive, Wild Destinations put together the most wonderful Safari meeting demand
Exceeded expectations. Good liaison. Listened. No worries every thing done fully satisfied.
A great experience in Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara
Wild Destinations was recommended to us by a friend who lives in Nairobi and everything turned out the way it had been promised. A nice car, a good English speaking guide, locations and venues/camps that were as promised, and generally very friendly, responsive and reliable. The owners even had a lunch with us on our last day in Nairobi before we headed to the airport - very courteous and helpful. Would recommend to anyone who wants to go on safari in Kenya.
Exactly what we wanted and on budget
Can't say enough good things about our experience. Excellent service, great suggestions and really went above and beyond for us. Have recommended them to friends and they always deliver.
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Email Junaid Adil | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The most reliable, friendly, hospitable safari operator that pays attention to every detail.
I have always booked my safaris to various safari parks in Kenya and Tanzania through Wild Destnations and will never use any other. In their guest book, I always said I would return and I did. Since moving to the U.S., I have not been able to make it back for various reasons, but look forward to going back to enjoy the hospitality of Shaheen and Fareen who always go that extra mile. So Shaheen and Fareen, don't tell me I didn't warn you!