MAASAI MARA
Balu Travel
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2022)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $70 to $400 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
Email Tom | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic tour operator!
Exceptional service and organisation, Morris arranged everything for us and the whole experience was easy from start to finish.
James, our driver, was incredibly knowledgeable and worked with us to ensure that we had the best experience possible. The Safari was amazing and we saw "the big 5", plus a lot more, and the extra opportunities to explore Kenya further, were very welcome.
Hotels were fantastic, Emayian Luxury Camp was especially breathtaking with fantastic food and a truly unforgettable experience.
Thanks to Morris and James for making our experience one to remember.
US
Email Thomas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome, exhilarating, unforgettable, experience of a lifetime
We had the most incredible experience with Balu Travel. We booked a 4-day 3-night tour with stops in Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mari. We stay at the Ziwa Bush Lodge (awesome) and the Enkorok Mara (awesome, too). We did a few add ons like the hot air balloon and village tour. Everything was excellent. But what really made it beyond incredible was our tour guide, David. He made sure we enjoyed every minute. From his warm greeting at our hotel, to friendly conversation during the tour, to the hug and high five goodbye at the airport drop off, we could not have asked for anyone better. And let me tell you - his knowledge of the parks is amazing. He knows the animals, the terrain, the culture, and everything else about the area. We learned so much from him. He is engaging, friendly, knowledgeable, and just an all around pleasant person. Ask for David. You will be very happy you did. To summarize everything, I offer that everything is thoroughly organized up front (by Morris) and exceptionally well done along the way. Morris even showed up for a bit a short ways from the airport enroute to drop off to visit with us and to say farewell. That was an unexpected and thoughtful touch. We really could go on and on. We can’t say enough great things about this incredible experience. It was exciting. It was exhilarating. It was unique. It was educational. It was relaxing. It was thought provoking. It was unforgettable. Simply put, it was the experience of a lifetime. And, best of all, we made a good friend in David along the way. Thank you, Balu and Morris for everything. And a special thank you to David, who, to us, is so much more than a tour guide.
DE
Email Anja | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful safari with a great guide
Our safari was really great! We wrote to several providers in advance and Morris (the owner of Balu) always replied very quickly! We also had lots of questions, including the wish to be picked up in Kisumu. He was able to answer all our questions and it was also possible to be picked up there for an extra charge. It was really great! He also provided us with our own "programme booklet" in which we could read everything in detail. On the first day of the safari we were picked up very punctually by our guide, Derrick. He was very reliable, very friendly, punctual and showed and explained so much about the national park. He also knew all about the animals and had a wealth of knowledge about the national park, its inhabitants and Kenya. We were also able to express our own wishes (as example the departure time) and ask questions about everything. Derrick was always very flexible and explained everything to us in detail. We had a really great time with him and are grateful for his patience and friendly manner. Morris also asked us every day how we were doing and whether everything was to our satisfaction. We booked the 4-day tour with Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru in the safari van. This proved to be a great combination as we were able to spot the big 5 and many more animals. You can also see a lot of the country on the journeys and the van is very comfortable. In Masai Mara NP we stayed at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge and in Lake Nakuru NP at Sopa Lodge, with magnificent views! Both accommodations were very clean and beautiful! We also have to emphasise that Morris really tried to organise everything perfectly for us and at a really fair price! We felt completely at ease the whole time from booking to arriving back in Nairobi and thoroughly enjoyed our time and the safari. We would definitely book with Balu Travel again next time!
CN
Email Nathan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Maasai Mara Experience with Balu Travel Agency – Highly Recommended!
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a journey to the Maasai Mara, expertly arranged by Balu Travel Agency, and I am thrilled to say that the entire experience exceeded my expectations. From booking to the final moments, every aspect was meticulously planned, showcasing the agency's professionalism and care for its clients.
First and foremost, I must commend our guide, Joseph. As a native of the Maasai region, his intimate knowledge of the National Park was truly remarkable. Under his guidance, we not only observed a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat but were also fortunate enough to glimpse the elusive leopard and witness the awe-inspiring sight of a pride of lions feasting on a wild boar. Joseph's expertise and enthusiasm greatly enriched our safari experience.
In terms of accommodation, the MARA NDOVU LODGE provided an impeccable experience. The lodge's prime location, nestled close to the National Park, allowed us to immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature. The professionalism and warm hospitality of the front desk staff, restaurant personnel, and security left a lasting impression on me. It's hard to imagine a better place to stay in such a setting.
In summary, if you're planning a trip to the Maasai Mara, I wholeheartedly recommend Balu Travel Agency. Their commitment to professional service, coupled with the passionate guidance of their guides and the superior choice of accommodation, ensures a comfortable and thrilling adventure. Thank you, Balu Travel Agency, for crafting such a memorable experience for us!
NL
Email I. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Verry good experience with Balu Travel
Everything arranged very well, professional, reliable, very friendly, good communication and service minded. Dereck and Ambros are excellent tour guides. Also very happy with Morris, contactperson at Balu Travel.
US
Email Liya | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great game drive!
Really great tour guide driver (Moses), really knowledgeable about the animals and where to find them. Was able to get us home safely despite there being a lot of floods due to the rain. Would opt for a more spendy lodge option if possible.
BR
Email João | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My African Safari Dream Accomplished
Embarking on a safari with Balu Travel in Kenya was an absolute dream come true! From the moment we connected with Morris, who meticulously crafted our itinerary highlighting the stunning landscapes of Lake Nakuru and the iconic Maasai Mara, we knew we were in for an unforgettable adventure.
Our journey was flawlessly guided by the incredible duo, Jeremy and John, whose expertise and warmth enhanced every moment of our safari. Their dedication to ensuring our comfort and satisfaction knew no bounds, making our private experience truly exceptional.
The accommodations at Sopa Lodges exceeded all expectations, offering luxurious comfort amidst the wild beauty of Kenya's landscapes. Each day brought new culinary delights, as we savored mouthwatering dishes that reflected the vibrant flavors of the region.
But the true highlight of our safari was the wildlife encounters. From witnessing majestic herds roam freely across the savannah to the spine-tingling moment when we came upon a lion feasting, every sighting was a testament to the profound knowledge and skill of our guides. Jeremy and John's passion for the wildlife and ecosystems of Kenya was contagious, enriching our experience in ways we never imagined.
In the end, our safari with Balu Travel was nothing short of magical. It's an experience we'll cherish forever, thanks to the impeccable service, unparalleled expertise, and genuine hospitality of everyone at Balu Travel. If you're seeking an adventure of a lifetime, look no further than Balu Travel for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa.
PK
Email Shah Muhammad Azhar | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely cooperative, well organised and highly recommended.
Me and my wife booked a Masai Mara 3 days, 2 nights tour from Balu travels in May 2024. Morris and his team went out of the way to accommodate all our requests and requirements. We found the best price and an excellent service from Morris. He was always quick to respond. Highly recommended!
Email Julie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
First class safari experience from beginning to end
Two friends and I have just returned from an incredible 3 day/2 night trip to the Masai Mara National Park with Balu Travel. Morris was our point of contact and his organisation and communication were first class. He was happy to answer our many questions re: recent rainfall, lodges, timings and payment. He created the perfect itinerary for the time we had available and we will never forget our amazing experience.
Wilson was the best driver/ guide we could have wished for. Having grown up in the Maasai Mara he had incredible knowledge of all the animals, birds, plants and local culture and was full of interesting facts. When we went out on game drives, he was very focused all the time on searching for wildlife, to make sure we saw as much as possible. He gave us plenty of time to take pictures and simply soak up the sights and sounds around us.
Wilson was a careful and skilful driver, navigating some quite challenging terrain, and we felt very safe at all times. (If you have the option to upgrade to a jeep, would highly recommend doing this as feel it made a big difference to comfort and there's a lot of driving.) He seemed to know everyone, every road and every path, which was a big advantage throughout. On the way back there was an accident and long delays on the rift valley road and he used his local knowledge to take us on a diversion, making sure we weren't late for our flight (much appreciated).
On top of all that Wilson was a great travelling companion - friendly, calm, courteous, thoughtful and patient.
We did a lot of research for our trip and Balu was the best value by far, for comparable tours. I would highly recommend Balu Travel, and Wilson, to anyone wanting the best Masai Mara experience.
ES
Email Ivan Ruiz | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
one of the most i have ever seen
the communication with out tour operator was incredible by whatsapp, very fast in answering. about the servirce: our touristic guide Joshep was very nice and we could see the big 5 thanks for him. 100% recommendable. Like a dream.
