Elevate Your Escapes
Splendid Vacations
- Office 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)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Victoria | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great at communicating, unhappy safari guide, poor planning and value for money ,
The communication from splendid was prompt and efficient. Vehicle was robust and well serviced. Driver/tour guide was grumpy and rude at times. Only on the last 1 hour drive of a four day tour decided to share his extensive knowledge. Company grossly misrepresented transit times between parks -2 hours was actually 5/6 hours. Hotels were fantastic.
Reply from Splendid Vacations
Posted on May 4, 2024Hello,
We would like to address the above review as follows;
1. The client booked a 4-Day Tsavo West, Amboseli, and Tsavo East National Park Safari starting from Diani Beach. The booking process was smooth with her daughters, responsible for the safari planning. On Day 1 of the safari, the journey started well, from Diani Beach to Taita Hills and Saltlick Lodge, and we didn't have any complaints from the client. On Day 2, the Southern Region Safari Circuit, which is Tsavo Parks and Amboseli National Park, was experiencing a lot of rain that forced the driver to use the longer route to Amboseli, which is a drive of about 5 hours. The driver decided to ensure the client's safety as our usual route was already flooded because of the long rains, and the driver couldn't afford to risk it as clients' safety comes first. After arriving in Amboseli National Park, the clients checked in at the Ol Tukai Lodge, had a sumptuous lunch, and proceeded for an afternoon game drive. After the game drives, the client contacted us after dinner and informed us that she was not willing to proceed with the safari to Tsavo East National Park the following day because she had back pains. The client insisted on staying in Amboseli National Park on Day 3 rather than going to Tsavo East National Park at no extra cost as they were unwilling to add any cost.
2. Given that the client requested a last-minute change during the night, we asked for the client to wait until the following morning so that we could call the reservations department for the hotel in Tsavo East for the cancellations and credit the amount already paid. On Day 3, the hotel in Tsavo East confirmed that they were not in a position to refund or credit the amount already paid as this was a last-minute cancellation. As a company that focuses on ensuring service quality and client satisfaction to all our guests, we opted to pay for the client's extra night in Ol Tukai Lodge and the park fees for the same day out of pocket, totaling USD 700. The client was not charged for this. We again paid for their train tickets afresh from Emali to Mombasa as we had previously booked them from Voi to Mombasa, and the time frame for cancellation had already expired. After all the changes, the client shared an appreciation message with the company for re-booking the hotels and the train tickets.
3. Alex is one of our best driver guides, as per other reviews. On Day 3, when the client wanted to stay longer in Amboseli, our driver was in communication with the client advising of possible alternatives if Ol Tukai Lodge wouldn't confirm the availability of an extra night at the lodge and just in case the train is full from Emali to Mombasa (given that it was during the Easter Holidays) the client seemed not to agree with the driver of the alternatives provided. She was mad at the hotel reception; even the lodge could confirm she was shouting at the driver. All our driver guides are well-trained and disciplined. They have excellent driving experience, game viewing skills, and vast knowledge about wildlife, birdlife, plants, and authentic cultures of different communities in Kenya. On the same note, we are having a sit down with the driver to understand what transpired up to this situation.
Our company remains committed to offering excellent customer service and continually enhancing the customer experience.
FR
Email Laure | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good experience
We have done this trip in family (4 adults) and we really appreciated all the communication and the flexibility and good advices of Splendid Vacation before the trip. We loved the car, the hotels and the itinerary. We saw lots of animals, notably thanks to our driver. It was an amazing trip, unforgettable !!
Nevertheless, on the first game drive day in Masai Mara, our driver was very late without any explanation. It happened that he could not pay the entrance park fees due to an IT problem. We had to pay $800 for us to go into Masai Mara. It is a shame that the agency could not handle it by itself as we had already paid them. But everything has been solved in the end and we have been reimboursed.
When I read the comments it seems that some drivers are very very nice and explain lots of things which was not especially the case for us. But still very good trip!!
I recommend the agency for their availability, flexibility, good value for money and good advices !! Thank you
Email Harvey | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
PROFESSIONAL AND RELIABLE
From initial contact to arriving on the ground the service from the Splendid Vacations team was professional and reliable.
John our amazing guide was on time always and full of knowledge. He was fantastic.
The accommodation choices by Dennis in the office were spot on and the trip was planned to perfection. I highly recommend that anyone looking for a safari in Kenya consider using Splendid Vacations.
FR
Email Jialin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari tour in Kenya
The communication before safari trip is timely and efficient. Really warm and welcoming ~ During safari trip, everything is perfect ! I love the accommodation the food and the vehicle ! Especially !!! My guide Juliens is amazing ! Je is knowledgeable and outgoing, sharing plenty of knowledge about animals and local culture. He is also professional and supportive, finding animals at first time and caring about my feelings. The team Splendid vacation is not only a trust-worthy agency but more than a good friend ! I highly appreciate them and strongly recommend to everyone!
US
Email Jesse Singh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Adventure, Laughs and lots of fun
Our recent 5-night safari in Kenya with Splendid Vacation was nothing short of spectacular. We had the pleasure of exploring three of Kenya’s most renowned parks: Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara. Each park offered its own unique landscapes and wildlife, making every day a new adventure.
From the very beginning, our driver and guide, James, made a lasting impression. His friendly demeanor and efficiency were evident as he expertly navigated the often challenging traffic. James’s extensive knowledge of the parks and their inhabitants ensured that we didn’t miss a thing. His ability to spot wildlife was truly remarkable, and he went above and beyond to make sure we had the best viewing opportunities.
Throughout our safari, we were fortunate to see over 30 different species of animals. The abundance of zebras, elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, and gazelles was breathtaking. One of the highlights was witnessing a pride of lions up close and observing a cheetah on the hunt. We also had the rare opportunity to see hippos in their natural habitat, which was an incredible sight.
The accommodations provided by Splendid Vacation were top-notch. Each of the four lodges we stayed at offered a unique experience, with comfortable rooms and a variety of delicious food options. The staff at each lodge were welcoming and attentive, adding to the overall enjoyment of our trip.
One of the most memorable moments of our trip happened in Amboseli. We were on an early morning game drive, the sun just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Suddenly, James pointed out two young elephants grazing peacefully in the distance. As we approached, we watched them playfully interact with each other, their silhouettes beautifully framed by the sunrise. It was a serene and magical moment that left us in awe of the natural beauty around us. This experience, among many others, truly highlighted the magic of the African wilderness
This safari was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The combination of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exceptional service made it unforgettable. We are immensely grateful for the hospitality and care we received from start to finish. Without a doubt, we would highly recommend a Kenyan safari to anyone seeking an extraordinary adventure. A special thank you to Splendid Vacation and our amazing guide, James, for making our trip so memorable.
CN
Email Camilla | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Safari Experience with Transparent Pricing and Outstanding Service
We had an unforgettable experience with this tour company during our safari in Kenya. Here are the key reasons why I highly recommend them:
1.Transparent Pricing
The pricing was clear from the beginning, with no hidden costs or unexpected fees.
2.Excellent Communication
Our guide stayed in constant contact with us, ensuring that we were always informed and comfortable.
3.Skilled and Knowledgeable Guide
Our guide, Wily, was not only an exceptional driver, but his English was excellent, which made communication smooth. He also had an incredible ability to spot wildlife, making each game drive a thrilling experience. We even witnessed hyenas snatching food from vultures!! Wily’s expertise in local wildlife and his insights into the culture added immense value to our safari experience.
The manager, Dennis, even treated us to coffee. He is a university graduate with a forward-looking vision and is passionate about future efforts in wildlife and environmental conservation.
4.Flexibility and Customization
The team was very flexible and happy to adjust the itinerary to suit our preferences.
US
Email Adam | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari Experience
Splendid Vacations made our first safari trip and incredible experience. They were responsive and organized from the beginning to the end of the trip, providing a detailed quote with accurate pictures. James was our guide on the trip and he was always on time, knowledgeable, and and an excellent guide. By the end of the trip, James was more than just a guide and became a friend who did a great job giving us an unforgettable trip. All of the lodges were great and the game drives exceeded our expectations woth incredible up close animal encounters. I highly recommend using Splendid for your safari trip!
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!
CN
Email Daniel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best operator in Kenya! We have a fantastic trip during this week！
I would like to say thank you for all you guys arranged this trip for us! This is the best trip ever so far! Nice hotels/Safari /views! Especially our guide willy! I will highly recommend anyone for this operator!
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!
