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
TH
Email Sutatip | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Honest and professional
We chose Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris for our upcoming Christmas & New Year trip because Mr.Otieno had always been very responsive to all my requests, even called us a few times with international calls to make sure we receive his emails and everything were arranged according to our needs. Their prices are the most reasonable and we saw good reviews both in Safaribookings and Tripadvisor. Unfortunately, we could not go on a safari with the company due to Mr. Otieno's car accident and the company needs to close temporary. I was a bit worry of what was going to happen to the money that i paid in full for my 13-days Safari plus Zanzibar for a group of 6 people. That is a lot of money that we had paid in full amount. Luckily, they have been treating us with honesty and professionalism. They sent an email with sincere apology to explain what was happen with the company and why the trip got cancelled. And they gave us FULL REFUND on Oct 4th to my visa card. And today my credit card company just called me to confirm that the refund was done and money is returning to my credit card successfully.
I am very appreciated their honestly. And very sorry to the unfortunate accident of Mr. Otieno. Wish him a full recovery soon. Also wish all employees all the best. I read from TripAdvisor that many people have loss their jobs because the company is closing down. Hope everything is going back to normal soon.
Now I need to search for a new tour operator but all companies that I contacted offer me at much higher price for the same itinerary. I and my friends will consider Kenya Walking Survivors Safari again if the company resume their business for our next Safari trip.
AE
Email Paul | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The services and personal touch provided by Kenya Walking was outstanding.
Due to a serious medical matter in our family prior to travel, I had to make last minute changes. Kenya Walking were amazingly understanding, flexible and cooperative in assisting me. It has been a pleasure to know this company, their personal touch and kindness. It is refreshing to have associated with such genuine and nice people, from myself and family. I will be certainly recommending them to all my friends should they wish to travel to Kenya.
US
Email Tim | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great trip despite difficult circumstances for KWSS.
We arrived 9/5 and after very long flights and a 90 minute wait for our visa were so pleased that our driver from KWSS was still waiting to take us to the EKA hotel at 11p.m. We had booked a 12 night mid-range package that included Masai Mara, Samburu, Elsemere and a flight to Entebbe where we went to trek with gorillas. I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive, but the outstanding reviews for KWSS eased my mind so we followed through and went with KWSS. We had the trip of a lifetime. Our experiences, the lodges, and the food were all outstanding. Gorillas by far the best for us! The only down side, being in our 60’s, the drives were much longer than we anticipated so it made it challenging for us, but then we would have missed the countryside and cultural experiences if we had not driven. When we were on our way back to Nairobi on the 14th we were told OT had been in a serious auto accident. This had us very concerned, but our driver took us to the airport for our flight to Uganda, and everything went as planned. More long drives, but beautiful countryside and the gorillas were worth every minute. On our return flight to Nairobi on the 17th our driver was there to meet us at 9:30 at night. He told us more about OT’s auto accident and that he was in a coma. We were concerned for him since we had met him and found him to be a very nice man. We also realized that we had been extremely fortunate that this did not happen before or at the beginning of our trip. I have read the nightmare stories from others since our return, and we know those stories could have been us. We believe OT and KWSS were a very good company before OT’s accident. I understand how this situation created nightmares for others, but am so grateful that because of the timing ours was so wonderful.
100% refund
We have book and paid 100% our safari in December for do it in October. 2 days before to go all was cancelled, we need to find in rhe last minute a safari and we was praying for our money come back. I confirme today we have receive 100% Refund of booking, that really prove KWSS are a firm professional . And thanks for refund.
Email Josh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Full refund provided after cancellation of safari due to operator car accident
I had booked through Kenya Walking Survivors Safari a few months ago but 3 weeks out from when the safari was to start I was contacted by Otieno and that he would have to cancel the safari after being involved in a bad car accident. Naturally I was concerned for him but also that the safari I has already paid for qas being canceled whilst I was was already on holidays overseas. Kenneth organised for the refund to be made promptly back into my account and informed me of the process throughout the situation. One thing that they couldn't assist with unfortunately thiugh was another recommended safari operator vut I sorted that out myself. All in all I had a great experience with Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris and recommend them for their honesty and integrity
CH
Email George | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Handled very well under unfortunate circumstances
In September 2018, we booked and paid for a safari with Kenya Walking Survivors. Throughout the booking process, they were very helpful and friendly and provided us with great assistance. We were kindly surprised by their responsiveness and assistance both before and after we had paid.
In the end of September, the company contacted us with the unfortunate news that the owner, Mr. Otieno, had been involved in an accident, and had to temporarily stop working for health reasons. As a result, the business would have to be temporarily closed and our tour would be cancelled. Kenya Walking Survivors Safari, however, was very apologetic, friendly and helpful in providing us a full refund, which we received within 2 weeks.
We wish Mr. Otieno and the company all the best and thank them for their support throughout this unfortunate situation.
US
Email Anastasia | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The adventure of a lifetime.
Our group had a wonderful time in Kenya. We saw lots of wildlife, and a great deal of the country traveling from park to park. The places we stayed were very nice, clean, safe, great food, and good gift shops! We were able to visit a Maasai Village and that was a highlight. Our guide, David was a wonderful, capable guide and a good driver, navigating rugged roads and rain-swept terrain with confidence. Our vehicle was an old one, so there were a couple of times when we had to wait for the good graces of passing vehicles to get a jump-start. Furthermore, the drive times to each of the destinations were longer than described in the tour materials. Be that as it may, our group had a good time.
FR
Email Andre | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safary with our children
Beautifull landscape, we were deeply inside stunning wild life.
The big five have been searched and found thanks to Anthony, excellent leader and driver.
And resort hotels where high standard with excellent food.
This was a 11 days safary including lakes and Tsavo.
The mini van is good enought for a familly with 2 kids.
We will never forget.
Email Falmet | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
“QUALITY SERVICE!!”
From day one I was picked by the KWSS staff who escorted me to the hotel, that gave me enough confidence that my trip was going to be fine. The amazing view of Amboseli Park was just but wow! a place that defines the true nature of wildlife. The care I got from the guides was just but amazing, everything was already booked for me including additional days that I requested to be added. being that on the last day Mr. Otieno had an accident I was totally worried but with enough support from Mr. Kenneth, I was able to do my safari to the end. I'll definitely recommend you on the company,
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294209-d7038828-r626560398-Kenya_Walking_Survivors_Safaries-Maasai_Mara_National_Reserve_Rift_Valley_Provin.html#
CA
Email Eadie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Feel lucky to have gotten a refund..
At the end of April, 2018 I booked, what I hoped would be, my trip of a lifetime. In May I had a serious medical event and on the advice of my doctor, in June, I cancelled the trip. Mr. OT advised the refund would take 3-4 months to process. After many frustrating emails, excuses and problems, I finally did receive my refund this month, December, 2018. Six months, almost to the day of booking.
I did read about Mr. OT’s accident in September and am happy to hear he is doing well. That unfortunately made the refund process even more doubtful and I feel grateful that after a stressful 6 months I did receive a refund.
Perhaps in a year or so I may be able to book another safari. It will certainly be with a different tour operator.
Reply from Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris Ltd
Posted on Dec 23, 2018Thank you for your feedback.
APOLOGY
Please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience that you experienced as a result of delay.
THE CAUSE:
This was occasioned by Mr.Otieno's accident;Mr Otieno is the CEO and Founder of Kenya Walking survivors safaris who handled the management of the company's operations by himself.He was involved a road accident on 18th September 2018 and was admitted to hospital in September upto 26th September in ICU 2018.This caused a major disruption in the normal operations of the company.With No Management back up plan in Place,He his now fully back in the operation
WAY FORWARD:
We are committed to ensuring that all our clients;current and future realize value for money spent and have a seamless safari experience.We have therefore restructured our operations to ensure that there is business continuity to prevent the same from reoccurring.We also have seven,New professional Departmental Managers in charge of the company's operations.
As soon as we get booking form details/Deposit from any of our clients we shall give them accommodation/flight references within 7-14 working days
We thank you for choosing us as your African safari partner and hope that you can rely on us in future.