The Team Behind Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris
Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris Ltd
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2003)
- Member Of:
- Eco Tourism & Kenya Wildlife Services
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $64 to $490 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Jessica Every | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience at a great value
We had a great experience with Kenya Walking Survivors. We did the 7-Day Kenya Nairobi and Tanzania Serengeti National Park tour. First and foremost, the owner of the company, Otieno, is a true professional. He was always very responsive and called me personally when I first submitted a request for information. Additionally, when our flight was delayed by a day, I was easily able to reach Otieno and he was happy to accommodate us. He reorganized our itinerary so that we were still able to see everything that we had planned to see--just in one less day. Our guide, Mike, was also very personable as was the chef that traveled with us, David. Mike ensured that we got to see as many animals as possible and was understanding of my desire to take a TON of great pictures. He sat and waited patiently while I got the perfect shots. Finally, the amount we paid for the adventure we had was extremely reasonable, especially in comparison to other tour operators. I think Kenya Walking Survivors is able to charge such reasonable fees because the company is locally owned and operated. Also, it was easy to see that Otieno is very hardworking and does much of the work himself so he has very little overhead. There are just a few small reasons that I am giving four stars instead of five. Based on the itinerary, we thought a stop at Olduvai Gorge was included in our tour but it was not. Mike stopped for us anyway, we just had to pay an extra park entry fee. Also, our tent had a hole in it. This wasn't that big of a deal but I was somewhat concerned about mosquitoes getting in. Finally, there could have been a bit more variety in the food that was prepared for us. Don't get me wrong, the food was very good, it just seemed that the same sauce was served each night with a different starch and protein. Overall, as I titled this review, we had an incredible experience at a great value!
IL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari
We were 2 full days at masai mara which was AMAZING!
Great lodge, Great food. OT upgraded us for 1 more night at the lodge.
The next day we spent at lake Naivasha which was a failure.
We are sorry for not be more accurate when we booked the safari regarding the schedule of that day.
It was a boring day and a waste of time.
The price OT gave us was the most attractive offer after checking with many operators.
OT is the reason we will close our next safari with KWS..
He is very nice and kind man and he gives you the feeling you are in a good hands.
OM
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good experience in Kenya.
Driver is very kind and experienced. Animal is too much and scene is very nice. Food is just ok and the accommodation is also expressed.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super Safari with very nice staff
We had a very good time with KWSS !
Mr. Otieno is very professional and answered quickly to our emails and questions which is a very good quality when you are not used to book such holidays on internet !
There, the staff (Mike as guide, and John as cook) was very kind to us and very helpful ! Our guide was very patient, letting us taking picture for long time, teaching us many things about nature and local culture.
The staff is very punctual so you never wait ! (even at 6:00 am for sunrise !!)
One thing is that the program has been a little bit changed from the initial plan. However, we could adapt it during the trip !
We had an unforgettable time ! The country is wonderful and KWSS helped us to discover it in very good conditions ! do not hesitate ! :)
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
service is good but schedule needs to be improved to save some time on the way.
The driver is easy to communicate n experienced. The director of the Kenya Walking is helpful if any problems. But our schedule needs to be improved to save some time on the way.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It is a nice safaris Ltd and had everything well arranged.
All the staffs are very nice, including their boss, very warm-hearted. They even helped me to find my lost. Everything is well arranged in the 11-day tour. With their efforts, we did have a happy journey.
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Email Frank Fan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The company provided in depth knowledge about parks and tour guide througn the game drive
We enjoyed the game drive and the tour guides/drivers are all very courteous. The living accommodations are generally good with couple of places exceeding my expectation. Food is also generally good. The cost is very reasonable with no hidden charges for the trip. The owner OT is very much personally involved in the planning and handling of the complete trip. The long travel in some days can be tiring. I would not hesitate recommending KenyaWalking Survivors Safaris to people interested in Safari tours in Africa.
Email Mehti A. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If I had to rate only based on our tour guide I would give it 5 stars.
This was our first visit to Africa and there were a lot of concerns ranging from safety to housing. In addition, I had my concerns regarding transferring large amounts of money (price for our safari) to a bank account in Africa, however I must admit I was very impressed with Mr Otieno's. He was kind enough to speak with me over the phone which gave me a lot of re-assurance. Overall, me and my wife were very satisfied and would like to return again, this time we are planning to visit Uganda.
I think the only reason I have given 4 stars rather than 5, is because when we booked our trip to Nakuru I specifically mentioned that I wish to see flamingos and we were not told that there are no flamingos. We only got to know about flamingos when we came to Nakuru and our guide (who was amazing btw, see below) told us that flamingos haven't been at Nakuru for past 2 years... They have moved to Kisumu and other places.
I would like to add that if you do decide to chose Walking Survivors Safari, I cannot stress enough, you must ask for Sylus Bala. I think if it wasn't for him we would not have enjoyed our tour as much. He loves what he is doing and as a result the whole experience is just much more pleasant. Also, he knows some gems like an island in Naivasha where you get to walk with the animals (unlike safari where you are always in the car)... If I knew him before our trip, I would have let him to plan it all...
Either way do visit Kenya it is beautiful country!
CA
Email ~Tzonoqua~ | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Booking with Kenya Walking Survivors Safari
I booked a safari with KWSS on May 21/2014, after much searching online for a safari that would be able to take me to the places I wanted to see. It had been proving very difficult as a solo traveler to find a 14 day safari (I did not want to have to do two or more safari's with different outfits), most T/O's wanted you to do 5-7 days, then go on a another safari. I contacted Mr OT and sent him the list of places I wanted to hopefully see in my 14 day visit, he sent me back a safari that was 13 days and more of the places than I had planned. Two places I had not thought I could get to, he had tagged onto my safari (not knowing I wanted to see them). And, I had one day left at the end in Nairobi to fill up with the Nairobi area sights. Mr OT answered all of my emails at lightening speed, even when I know it was the middle of the night for him. My safari is not until October, so a safari review is pending. I am looking forward to sleeping alone in a tent with the great outdoors of Africa, and all of it's wildlife on the other side of the zipper!
exciting and a different experience
I think Kenya walking tours are good and trustworthy. What I liked best are the game drives in Samburu national reserve and MasaiMara. The tent were equipped with beds and showers, but there was no connectivity and couldn't send messages nor an wi fi. I admit the distances between one park and the other are too far and we spent alotof time on the roads, some of them really rough and bumpy which left me exhausted at times butin the end you'll find it was worth it.