Big Time Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $450 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
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If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
A real perspective on the animals in their habitat
The tour delivered what is expected. The accommodations connect well with the experience.
CN
Email Winnie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience beyond my expectations that almost felt like being LIVE in National Geographic.
If I was to give a title to the whole experience, I would call it "Arrival Before Departure". Sounds vague, does it? Well, at least I will try defend the title by narrating my experience.
To some extent I felt like I was already at the national park and yet I had just gone for the safari bookings at Big Time Safaris Ltd. The friendly atmosphere created in the not so big office was just the beginning of the whole adventure. And soon the D-day was here... but wait, did they call to confirm how far we were? Oh yes they did. This was going to be one of the best moments of my life. My Honey moon. I had indeed arrived to my destination even before departure.
And for some moment, while waiting for the other tourists to arrive, since all the people we were to travel with had already arrived, I kept wondering if this was worth it. Would it meet my expectations? Would it be that I was looking for something that I couldn't find.. you know.. like looking for a needle in a haystack? Well, the answers to my questions started flowing promptly like the waters in River Mara immediately the driver who happened to be the tour guide showed up and our journey began. He was so friendly and knowledgeable that it felt like were already at that wonderful scenery that was was well described during our conversations.
Although it was a long journey, it didn't feel like it maybe because the transport van was spacious and not normal. By that I mean it did not feel like it does when one travels in a public transport, the feeling of rough roads, bumps e.t.c.
And finally the most awaited moment arrived. Late in the evening, when the sky had opened to let loose tiny droplets otherwise known as drizzles, we were there, at the camping site. Surprised? Don't worry I was too at first. But then before the twinkle of an eye, I just confirmed that i needed not be troubled. I also realized that one does not need to marry a prince for them to become a princess, ceteris paribus.
Warm welcome, wonderful food prepared by the management at the camping site and the number of people I saw there, families, friends, tourists, all visiting the place for different reasons was just amazing. And as if that wasn't all, I entered the tent that my hubby and I were to camp in and i was really astonished. Has anyone seen a tent with this wonderfully set/made bed, restroom, with shower... just try to picture an hotel room. I had gone camping once in my life but no time had I ever seen such thing. Maybe it wouldn't surprise you but for me, I was. And one of the craziest experience I remember while in the tent was when i was trying to have this warm, me-time shower when this ice-cold water was released from the shower-head and I stood there frozen like a statue. But that was before we called the management who helped us turn the heater on.
Am sure all of us want to hear the Game drive part. Well, here it comes. I know most of us have watched National Geo on their TV sets. Allow me to say that during the whole experience, It felt like being there. With all the wild animals being in the open and not in closed cages and the best experience ever...I saw one of the 8 wonders of the world...you heard me right...WILDEBEEST MIGRATION.
Need I say more? I don't think so. All I can add is that it really felt sad when my tour days were over. But do not forget that that I had arrived even before departure and so this should not be an issue to me.
My appreciation to the Big Times Safaris Ltd crew, the Mara rangers and management at the camping site. You indeed made my Honeymoon the Best it could ever be.
Great time with Big Time Safaris!
My dad came to visit me in Kenya, and I just knew we had to see Masai Mara together, and Big Time Safaris really came through for us. They were easy to book with, very "on top of it" when it came to communicating pre-safari, and extremely accommodating during the safari. They were able to not only pick him up at his hotel in town, but they braved the traffic to pick me up at my private residence outside of town as well. They were a bit late picking both of us up, but this is Kenya, and I think all tourists should be open to adapting a little bit to "Kenyan time."
The "budget camping" accommodations were actually very nice - the fixed tents were like little homes, and it was a pleasant surprise that there was always hot water. You need to want to camp and have "that experience" if you go for the camping trip though; if you want Grand Hyatt or Hilton-esque accommodations, that's not the trip for you.
Our driver, Joseph, was excellent. Lots of friends who've been on safari in the Mara say that your experience really depends on your driver, and Joseph was able to spot four out of the Big Five for us (five, if a cheetah counts as a leopard to you!) His persistence with spotting and finding the two black rhinos that he found - we were the only vehicle that day to see them - was amazing and made for a very exciting drive.
Definitely also make it a point to visit the Masai village while you're there. It will be obvious that they make a lot of money from selling their goods to tourists, but being able to see their homes and ask questions about their lifestyles will be worth the hassling to buy goods at the very end of the visit.
Overall, such a great time with Big Time Safaris!
EE
Email Jaak | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our trip to Masai Mara, Amboseli and Mount Kenya
We were recommended Big Time by a local friend and in short - we are quite happy with the choice.
They helped us with hotels in Nairobi, took us to a very very nice trip to Masai Mara (do climb the hills there with some Masai guides, it's very nice if you don't leve it to the middle of the day, better temperature in the morning), took us to Naivasha lake, from there we went to Amboseli and Mount Kenya. We were very happy with both the drivers snf guides we got assigned during our trip and also happy with their help in Nairobi (one of our companions needed a bit medical help).
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Total Guarantee above expectations
My personal experience with Bigtime is nothing short of excellent in all aspects, they're very efficient and reliable and professional. The guide/driver we used ie Stanley was extremely great. I'd use Bigtime any other day to whatever safari destination no doubt
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime experience
It was an incredible experience. Right from reception at the Bus stop to the accommodation, everything was catered for. Would like to specially appreciate the personal help given by Mr David and all the staff.
I am sure this attitude will take you to greater heights.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
EastAfrica holiday
A wonderful EastAfrica holiday Dear John, Dennis, George and Peterson Happy New Year to you all too!Thank you for making my holidays in East Africa such a memorable one. Adeline,Alvin and myself really enjoyed ourselves. From
Email The Nomadic Diaries | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Would do it again
Everything was amazing. I came in without expectations and the team at bigtime. Within 24 hours of my inquiry I was placed on a bus with a group and had a great 3-days seeing every animal Africa could offer (aside the rhino and leopard) with a knowledgeable and funny guide\driver who answered every question with patience and had some great anecdotes from past safaris. He has sharp eyes and spotted the two lions stalking the herd of buffalo on our first sunset safari.
The next day, a full day in the park, he drove us around for 120 K's keeping the same patience and level of professionalism throughout the entire day. And that was the day we saw everything. Of course, no animal sightings are guaranteed and we were pretty lucky.
The camp had all the necessary facilities and great food and hosts. The local Maasai are friendly and happy to show you their village and home.
All up, it was a memorable Africn experience that will stay with me until I hit old age and lose my memory.
Thanks Bigtime Safaris!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great six day safari to Samburu, Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru
I rarely write reviews but BigTime Safaris gave me an excellent trip and there aren't a lot of reviews for safaris, so I thought it would help people by seeing a review. I did a six day safari to Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. Martha was extremely responsive to all my questions and always replied back to my emails within day. She scheduled my pickup to and from the airport also. Martha was phenominal. Rarely have I had someone be so responsive and helpful. Animal (or Animo) was my guide and driver and was fantastic. He was extremely knowledgeable about the animals we saw and had a great personality. Big Time Safaris was priced well. Lucky for me, no one signed up for the Samburu portion of my trip, so it was just the guide and myself. The fourth day we picked up a second tourist for the Masai Mara portion of the tour. Even though I went in April and in the rainy season, it only rained two days. One day it rained 20 minutes, the other day it rained for 1.5 hours. So even if you can only go in April, still go as the weather was gorgeous and I had no issues. Also, Samburu was better than the Masai Mara in my opinion. There was a higher density of animals and the landscape was a bit more hilly/picturesque. Lake Nakuru was nice to see rhinos and rock hyrax.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
You won't find a better Safari organiser in Africa, believe me bcoz i have seen many
Most experienced Safari team, very responsive, superb guide..... the overall experience with them was so amazing that it can't be explained in words. Thank you BigTime Safaris, would love to see you guys again