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
Amazing Safari Trip in Kenya
Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris Ltd was good and the price was cheap. My husband and I had a great experience in Kenya. We visited Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha from 24 Aug 2016 to 31 Aug 2016. My driver, Anthony Kioko, was the best. He helped us to see the big 5 in just 3 days! He also took us to see the amazing “Masa Mara river crossing” successfully. He always knew the best position for photo-taking. Comparing with other agents’ cars, he was always the top 3 drivers who reached the animal!
HK
Email Nelson Kong | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari trip, Big five, River Crossing... Thank you Anthony for bringing us all pearls
My wife and I had 8 days safari trip in Kenya. We had an unforgettable experience in Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha
Thanks Otieno (owner of KWSS) for effective back and forth emails before our trip and gave us ideas and suggestion on tailoring our program. The accommodation selection is just terrific. Lodge in Samburu is located by the riverside. The sunrise is so romantic, and the staff service and foods there is outstanding. Cottage in Masai Mara AA Lodge is another kind of experience, the galaxy at night is awesome when the sky is clear. We spent our last night by the lake at Camp Carnelleys, it was just so relaxing. And the foods served by the Bar are awesome.
It was great to have Anthony Kioko being our professional driver and also the guide. His driving skill, wildlife knowledge, sharp vision and accurate estimations made our every game drive full of fun and surprises.
We are so lucky to see the Big Five in Samburu and also the other Big Five again in Masai Mara. The highlight is the river crossing at the Mara River. Although the group is not that big, just around 3-400 of wildebeests and zebras, it just made our dreams come true. (Please give a big hand to Anthony, I would highly recommend him if you are going to join KWSS)
Besides game drive, the boat safari at Lake Naivasha and walking safari in Green Crater Lake are another kind of adventure in Kenya. We are so happy to have such experience before leaving Kenya.
All in all, we will definitely go again after 1 or 2 years. We have started to miss this paradise when we back to town.
Email Daf | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
KWSS - 10 day safari - Amazing holiday!!!
We booked this around 8 months in advance of going on the trip. We looked around for various travel agencies and Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris Ltd came out the cheapest and had a huge number of very positive reviews on here. From the beginning, Otieno (the manager and owner of KWSS) was excellent. He replied very quickly to all our queries, always putting out minds at ease. The only regret we have was not paying it all in advance and getting the extra discount.
From the moment we arrived in Kenya, we were in constant communication with Otieno as our luggage didn't arrive (it went to Ethiopia for some reason). We left this with Otieno to sort out and he did. We were picked up from the airport and dropped off at our hotel and then picked up the following morning for the start of our safari trip.
The actual tour itself was amazing. From the moment we were picked up by Benson (or driver) everything was forgotten about with our luggage. Benson is a lovely man with a great deal of knowledge about birds and animals. He was so excited every time we saw any type of animal, be it a Rhino a Dik-Dik or a Zebra. This enthusiasm really made the trip for us. Benson was an extremely good and safe driver and we were never worried whilst being driven around. The car itself was very new and although we saw many other cars breaking down on a daily basis, due to the way Benson would drive the car, we were never worried this would happen to us.
We were on a trip with another couple and it worked out very well. There was plenty of room in the car for all of us and the bags were safe in the boot. Again, some of the other vans you see were very cramped and did not look comfortable at all. In terms of the accommodation we stayed at, it was excellent and as per the itinerary. We loved the hotels, some were very luxurious and others right in the parks, they were very varied and very comfortable. We slept well and don’t have a bad word about any of the accommodation.
The only thing I would advise KWSS and Otieno is to amend the itinerary as some of the drives from park to park were longer than advertised meaning we did less or more some days. The roads aren't brilliant and I'm sure the distances are correct, but the times calculated in the itinerary are not. This didn't mean that we missed out on anything as Benson would always be happy to go on additional game drives where possible and his knowledge of the parks meant that we had a much better chance to see all the animals.
If you’re thinking of a safari trip, but think this one’s too good to be true, it’s not. It is amazing and everything went smoothly for us. Everything was very well organised and we loved the whole trip. When we go back to Kenya, we will certainly be going with KWSS.
Email Jill | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
15 night trip to Kenya and Uganda
KWSS are a very reliable company, I would no hesitation in recommending them to other travellers who wish to visit Kenya and Uganda. Otieno's communication is very good and gives advice and answers to your questions. We visited several game reserves in Kenya, all of which were superb but different in many ways - a real treat. The guides, drivers, cook do a great job to ensure you get the most out of the visit. We visited Uganda to trek to the gorillas, this was a long drive and our driver David looked after us very well. The trek itself is demanding, you need to make sure you have the correct kit, good boots, correct clothing etc Expect a hard day!
A very flexible company with a good workforce who work together as a team to make your experience a good one!
US
Email Frank D. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you, Kenya Walking Survivors Safari, for our dream trip!
My husband has talked about going to Africa for as long as I've known him, 36 years. So when our friends suggested that we go, we didn't hesitate. This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris went all out to make this trip fabulous. The price of the trip included everything (except airfare) -all airport transfers, transportation,accommodations, meals, park entrance fees, oh, and the flight to and from Zanzibar. Our accommodations were varied, from a top notch luxury hotel in Nairobi to a tent in the middle of the Serengeti that actually was our favorite. We loved the tented camps we stayed in, too. We really enjoyed the variety of places we stayed in and the uniqueness of each. The trip itinerary included visits to Samburu, My favorite- visit the Samburu village there-bring things to trade like flip flops for a bracelet- Nakuru ,where we saw white rhinos, Maasai Mara, do not miss the hot air balloon ride over the great migration of wildebeests, expensive but worth it! Amboseli, Lake Naivasha,-we were able to visit Crescent Island and walk with the zebras and other animals, the Serengeti. We were able to see the most amazing animals- the big 5 and so many more! My favorites were the giraffes and zebras, my friend liked the warthogs, so our driver stopped when we saw those! Now I need to talk about our driver, Anthony, who became part of our family because he was so incredibly awesome !He is an expert at spotting animals and we saw things we would have missed without him, such as 2 leopards playing on a branch, lions in the bushes. He took such good care of us, answered all our questions, told us so many facts about animals and taught us words in Swahili. He ate with us at our request and was the best part of the Kenya experience.( I cried a little when we had to leave him.) Everywhere, the Kenyan people were so warm, friendly and happy. Anthony made our border crossing into Tanzania easy , and we were greeted by Abbas, our Tanzanian guide. We went to Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater, where we saw lots of lions. Abbas was a great guide, too. At the Arusha airport,(going to Zanzibar), the plane left an hour early because everyone was there! The beach is beautiful there, we stayed in a place right on it with only 8 rooms, so we got spoiled. Every day was filled with surprises, like seeing animals, and a sense of wonder. I kept saying, "Pinch me, am I really in Africa?" I would highly recommend a trip with Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris. In the 16 incredible days we were there, it was a pretty perfect trip! Thanks, OT (the owner) for all your hard work to make our trip go so smooth!
SA
Email Abdelrahman Ibrahim | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome safari
I had the best safari experience with Kenya walking
US
Email Felice W | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kenya Walking Tours is the only way to go!
We just returned from 20 days on safari with Kenya Walking Tours, which included Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was absolutely beyond words! We were a party of 6 and we were ALL 100% satisfied with all aspects of our experience. From the planning stages where we negotiated itinerary, accommodations and pricing with OT who was more than willing to work with us, through the actual visits to his office during our stay to give him first had reviews of the adventure, we couldn't have asked for a more organized and comprehensive client-oriented adventure. Our package included all of our transport (including airport transfers!), meals, accommodations, English-speaking drivers, and park admissions. We visited Samburu (our favorite!), Navaisha, Amboseli, Nakuru, Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Manyara, Ngorongoro, and finally Zanzibar! Be prepared for long and dusty car rides if you select an itinerary like ours, but keep an open mind and be patient -- pole pole (swahili for slowly)! Hakuna Matata! Everything you will see and the people will meet will be well worth the time spent in rough transit! Our driver, Anthony, was fantastic! Personable, knowledgeable -- and always interested in keeping us safe and happy! Our accommodations ranged from upscale lodges to low budget hotels to tented camps (our favorite being the unfenced camp in the Serengeti!!). Other than the unpredictable availability of hot water, we were always pleasantly surprised with our stays. The food was plentiful and decent; the staff bent over backwards to make your stay unforgettable. We suggest you bring lots of small bills and items to trade. Enjoy the bartering with all the native Kenyans and Tanzanians. It's half the experience! And bring along an extra tote to cart home all the things you'll find yourself not being able to resist purchasing in the heat of the bargaining! I just can't say enough about this trip! Already hoping to book a gorilla trek to Uganda with Kenya Walking Tours!
PS -- I almost forgot the animals! We got glimpses of the Big Five and took thousands of photos of some of the most sites ever! It often times felt surreal to be in such close proximity to animals I thought I's only ever see in National Geographic! Take the Hot Air Balloon --- it's amazing...and the breakfast is unbelievable as well! Finally, we loved our time in Navaisha where we did a walking tour in Crescent Island, as well as a boat ride to spot Hippos galore! I could go on and on, but you get the point.
If you're trying to decide whether to book a tour or not..think no longer! Just do it! You wont be sorry!
US
Email Mikaela Casolo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
STOP thinking about it -- and just GO!
Where do I even begin? As a group of 6 travelers from the United States, we spent 16 incredible days traveling around Kenya and Tanzania, under the exceptional guidance of Kenya Walking Survivor Safaris. The trip was easy to organize, and through communicating with OT (the owner), we were able to negotiate an itinerary that was ideal for our interests and our budget. Our trip included airport transfers, comfortable accommodations, meals, an English speaking guide, all transportation (including flights to Zanzibar), and and all safari associated fees (i.e. park entrance fees). The accommodations featured a wide variety of choices from an unfenced tented camp in the middle of the Serengeti (Our favorite!), to low budget hotels, to beautiful top-notch lodges. We enjoyed the variety and the uniqueness each place had to offer.
We began our trip in Kenya, where Anthony (request him--he is fantastic!) lead us through Samburu, Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli. Within those parks and areas we were able to see the Big 5 (along with so many other animals), take in the breathtaking surroundings of the African landscape, and enjoy the hospitality of the warm Kenyan people, which is unlike anything we have experienced before. Our favorite park was Samburu, where within the first 30 minutes of our very first game drive, Anthony took us to get within a few feet of a leopard! In Lake Nakuru, we saw both the white and black rhino, which was a real treat. Despite the very bumpy road leading to Maasai Mara, we were able to see lions up close and take an amazing hot air balloon ride with breakfast served right in the middle of the savannah. The balloon is expensive, but not to be missed. While visiting Lake Naivasha, we were taken on a walking safari of Crescent Island and on a boat safari to see the hippos and fish eagles. While visiting Kenya, Anthony was an expert guide, often spotting things we would have never seen, answering all of our questions, and adding to the spirit of our trip with his humor and great personality. It was a true joy to spend two weeks with him.
Crossing the border into Tanzania was an easy and painless transition thanks to Anthony, and our Tanzanian guide, Abbas. We began in Lake Manyara, traveled to the Serengeti, and finished our Tanzanian safari in the Ngorongoro Crater. Each place allowed us to continue to get up close to animals and see them in a variety of settings. We loved Ngoronogoro for the views and awesome chances to see lions. Abbas was a great guide, with a special eye for spotting leopards and we were sad to leave him after only a few days. He transported us to the Arusha airport, where we flew to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar was a great way to unwind and "dust-off" after our safari. We enjoyed the incredible beaches, snorkeling, Stone Town, and a spice farm (fascinating!). Make sure you this to your itinerary!
Do Not Miss: Samburu, hot air balloon safari, walking safari, unfenced camp in Serengeti, Zanzibar
Things To Skip: Maasai village (go to the Samburu village instead---less touristy and more authentic)
Tips: Bring trading items (clothing, pens, shoes, watches, etc.) as they will help you barter for goods along the way. Take Pop Rocks with you (trust us...). Do not overpack, as nearly every lodge had laundry available. Plus, you will want extra room in your suitcase for all your souvenirs! Airline pillows are helpful to sit on while traveling on some of the bumpier roads.
We learned a new phrase while in Africa, TIA (This is Africa). Remember to keep an open mind about schedules, timing, road conditions, hot water availability, Wifi, etc. Instead of letting these small inconveniences ruin your trip, embrace the phrase "Hakuna Matata" and have fun!
US
Email Patrick W. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jambo -- you will love this vacation!
The most beautiful things in the world can't be seen, you feel them. This truly sums up our expericece with Kenya Walking tours this past July. During our entire excursion, we were awed, amazed, pampered, trusted, guided, assisted and cared for to make our trip one unbelievable experience.
From our arrival in Nairobi to our final departure over 2 weeks later, we never once had cause to question our decision to travel on safari, especially with our new friends, KWSS. Our driver and guide for our time in Kenya was the amazing Anthony. His attentiveness to our needs was second to none. He was punctual, helpful and always cared for our safety (with the vehicle and on safari). He really made our trip unforgettable. When you are with someone 24/7 for 10 days you need to connect and with Anthony we absolutely did so. We talked about families and life most of the time when traveling. As a great treat to us, we passed through Anthony's hometown and were able to meet his wife and endearing son, Ryan.
In Tanzania we were met at the border by another guide who continued our terrific experience. Abbass made sure that we maintained our successful journey. He always allowed us to modify our day as we wanted (more time for shopping for the ladies!). His patience with us and knowledge of the parks was remarkable.
We noticed that in the evenings at the lodges, most of the drivers/guides met up with and ate with other safari drivers....ours did not--they always spent time with us and had a Tusker as well. This was wonderful! We knew then we had the best guides!
The hotels/lodges that we stayed in were wonderful. We did not want luxurious accommodations but requested places that were close to the animals. Our wants were completely met with great places to stay in the evenings. Every person at every accommodation were so friendly. Again, the great people made the difference!
As we were in the planning and preparation stage, our host, OT was so accommodating to our wants and needs. We knew specific parks and areas that we wanted to visit and he custom built a vacation that would top anyone's bucket list. He worked exceptionally hard to keep us within our budget without compromising the experiences. Communication with OT was great...he always responded to my queries in short order--even given the 7 hour time difference.
We only splurged on the hot air balloon ride over the Maasi Mara---with absolutely no regret. We were all completely awestruck and could not settle our emotions while we ate a champagne breakfast in the bush with our pilot. Words again are not enough for the feelings.
I can not recommend KWSS highly enough. They made our once-in-a-lifetime experience unforgettable and so much more than we could have expected. We are already planning a return trip. If you are questioning wether or not to go on safari, contact me and I will make sure that you do not let this opportunity pass you by.
We noticed many other companies while on safari, but KWSS is not the biggest, but from our experience they are the best.
US
Email Felice Willis | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime!
We just returned from 20 days on safari with Kenya Walking Tours, which
included Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was absolutely beyond words!
We were a party of 6 and we were ALL 100% satisfied with all aspects of our
experience. From the planning stages where we negotiated itinerary,
accommodations and pricing with OT who was more than willing to work with
us, through the actual visits to his office during our stay to give him
first had reviews of the adventure, we couldn't have asked for a more
organized and comprehensive client-oriented adventure. Our package
included all of our transport (including airport transfers!), meals,
accommodations, English-speaking drivers, and park admissions.
We visited Samburu (our favorite!), Navaisha, Amboseli, Nakuru, Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Manyara,
Ngorongoro, and finally Zanzibar!
Be prepared for long and dusty van rides if you select an itinerary like ours, but keep an open mind and be
patient -- pole pole (swahili for slowly)! Hakuna Matata! Everything you will see and the people will meet will be well worth the time spent in rough transit!
Our driver, Anthony, was fantastic! Personable, knowledgeable -- and always interested in keeping us safe and happy!
Our accommodations ranged from upscale lodges to low budget hotels to tented camps (our favorite being the unfenced camp in the Serengeti!!). Other than the understandably unpredictable availability of hot water, we were always pleasantly surprised with our stays. The food was plentiful and decent; the staff bent over backwards to make your stay unforgettable.
We suggest you bring lots of small bills and items to trade. Enjoy the bartering with all the native Kenyans and Tanzanians. It's half the experience! And bring along an extra tote to cart home all the things you'll find yourself not being able to resist purchasing in the heat of the bargaining!
I just can't say enough about this trip! Already hoping to book a gorilla trek to Uganda with Kenya
Walking Tours! Not even considering another company!
PS -- I almost forgot the animals! We got glimpses of the Big Five and took thousands of photos of some of the most amazing sites ever! It often times felt surreal to be in such close proximity to these awesome animals I thought I'd only ever see most of them in National Geographic!
Take the Hot Air Balloon over the Serengeti --- it's fabulous...and the breakfast is unbelievable as well!
Finally, we loved our time in Navaisha where we did a 1/2 day walking safari in Crescent Island, as well
as a boat ride to spot Hippos galore!
I could go on and on, but you get the point. If you're trying to decide whether to book a tour or not with Kenya Walking ..think no longer! Just do it! You wont be sorry!