Elevate Your Escapes
Splendid Vacations
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2023)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $120 to $900 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CH
Email Saad | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A customer focused operator who go above and beyond to provide the best possible experience.
Couple, 5 days, 4 nights tour
Amboselli, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara
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Initial enquiry, booking, communication with the company and consultant
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Right from the beginning the experience with Splendid Vacations was a positive one.
We received a quote via email and soon after Maryann was in touch to follow up and answer any questions.
Communicating with her was easy via WhatsApp and she was quick to reply to our messages.
Although the initial quote was above our budget, Maryann came back to us with several options where we could reduce on cost, including resorts, dates and even mode of transport (whilst we opted for the slightly more expensive 4x4, we can confidently say it’s well worth it).
The tour and guide
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On the morning of the safari, we met our guide Julius who picked us up from the hotel.
He gave us a short briefing about the day ahead and what we could expect. This was something he did consistently throughout the tour.
We visited 3 different reserves in total and travelled over 1000km by road between them but is well worth it for the diverse biomes you get to experience as well as the variety of animals. It’s also a great way to see Kenya outside of the parks.
The accommodation picked for us was also fantastic. We stayed in a lodge (Sarova lion hill) and tented camps (Oilepo and Enkorok) which were comfortable and either close to or inside the reserves themselves. It’s important to note that we picked these accommodations from a few options provided to us but it’s well worth booking in advance as camps often get booked out months in advance.
I won’t say much about the parks themselves as there’s nothing like seeing them for yourself, but I will say that being able to have a picnic in the Masai Mara is an unforgettable experience and you’re likely to see a variety of animals and birds.
A special thanks has to go to our guide, Julius. He was with us for the full 5 days and was friendly, professional and courteous throughout. He has excellent knowledge of the local wildlife and his superb driving abilities had us navigating some rough terrain in some pretty challenging conditions! He never rushed us when viewing wildlife, and waited for us to let him know when we were ready to move on.
Your guide can certainly make or break your trip, and Julius made ours for sure. Thank you so much!
Summary
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Overall, I would highly recommend Splendid Vacations as your tour operator.
They offer a friendly, reliable, no pressure service which is tailor made to make it a perfect safari for you.
They’re always easily reachable to answer any questions before and even during the safari and I can guarantee that you’ll come away with some incredible memories.
I can’t speak for all of them, but the provided guide was excellent and went above and beyond to ensure we were enjoying ourselves and were looked after.
I will certainly be looking to book with them again! Thank you Splendid Vacations!
JP
Email Toshi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Safari Experience with Splendid Vacations
Choosing Splendid Vacations from the numerous safari companies available was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The 1-night, 2-day safari tour was truly unforgettable. We experienced two game drives – one in the evening and one in the morning – and the variety of animals we encountered at different times of day was incredible. Every aspect of the tour was handled with great care for safety, allowing us to fully enjoy the experience without any worries.
Why I Chose Splendid Vacations:
I reached out to over 10 safari tour companies, but Splendid Vacations stood out thanks to their exceptional tour consultant, Alice. She was fluent in English, highly communicative, and patient in answering all of my questions and requirements. Since it was my first trip to Kenya, I had many concerns, but Alice’s clear and thorough explanations made me feel confident in choosing them. Other companies either lacked clear communication or aggressively pushed me to book without providing enough information. While there were cheaper options, most seemed unreliable. Alice, on the other hand, offered 5-6 fully customized tour options that perfectly met my needs, with professional and attractive digital proposals.
The Services:
- Airport Transfers
I was pleasantly surprised that airport transfers were included both before and after the safari. The pick-up times were punctual, reflecting the high level of hospitality throughout the tour.
- Safari
Our guide and driver, John, was incredibly professional. His driving was safe and never rushed, and thanks to his deep knowledge of animal behavior, we saw an impressive number of animals in a short amount of time. John also utilized his network of contacts to gather information about where specific animals were located, ensuring we didn’t miss anything. Unlike some guides who tend to talk too much, John maintained the perfect balance, giving us space while making sure we had a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
- Our Vehicle Choice
We chose a 4x4 Land Cruiser, and it was the perfect decision. The road to Masai Mara National Reserve included some off-road driving, and all game drives were conducted off-road as well. The vehicle handled everything smoothly, allowing us to fully enjoy the safari.
- Hotel
We stayed at Olkinyei Mara Tented Camp, conveniently located near the park entrance. The interiors of the restaurant, bar, and other communal areas were sophisticated and impeccably clean. The tent we stayed in had modern facilities, including clean and comfortable bathroom and toilet. At night, we could hear the sounds of wildlife from the park, and the starry sky was breathtaking, with countless shooting stars. The food, delicious Kenyan cuisine, was of high quality and added to the overall experience.
Final Thoughts:
Splendid Vacations is one of the few safari companies that truly delivers a top-tier experience, creating unforgettable memories for its customers. I look forward to returning to Kenya in the near future and once again experiencing the impeccable service they offer. Without a doubt, I highly recommend Splendid Vacations to anyone considering a safari. Thank you for an incredible experience!
