Andrew will take you to remote places
Wildebeest Safaris
- Located In:
-
China
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 1997)
- Member Of:
- ETT & TRA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $450 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
YT
Email Claire Desportes | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A wonderful experience with Wildebeest safaris
We were extremely pleased with our safari experience with wildebeest safaris. Our driver Dennis was exceptional and went out of his way to make sure we made the most of our stay in Kenya.
This was my second time with this tour operator and I would recommend them anytime.
The quality of service was very good, we were happy with the various accomodation that had been booked for us and generally very satisfied with the itinerary.
Thank you for everything Dennis!
Claire, Alix, Jeanne, Cecilia, Pauline
Email Ed | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Everything was substandard after reading other people's reviews. We were mistreated + put in danger
We trawled reviews and websites looking at hundreds of operators, and settled on Wildebeest in the end because of pretty good reviews and also a willingness to book us in the resort that we wanted to go to. We did not use the one with 1600+ 5 star reviews.
We agreed on the price and all the inclusions beforehand, to include driver, 3 days 2 nights, all costs included for 2 adults 1 child 1 infant, for air-conditioning, pickup and drop off in Nairobi at specified times, a private 4wd tour, accommodation at our preferred resort, and also air ambulance evacuation cover. Communication was excellent.
We were picked up on time.
We never received confirmation of air insurance till we were nearly home on the last day – ensure you receive your policy numbers before you leave on safari to ensure you are covered while you are far from medical facilities!
The vehicle was fitted with a fridge, 2way radio and power points. We were unable to attach our baby seat to the car properly as it did not have the required anchor points for a baby seat- so we had to improvise and use the headrest as our anchor.
It wasn’t till we hit the dirt roads a couple of hours later where we noticed things going wrong. We had a tyre puncture in the searing midday heat. I was left in the car with a screaming 6 week old baby. There was no air-conditioning as promised AND despite their website also stating that “ALL vehicles are fitted with air-conditioning.
Driving on, our car was filled with thick dust – there was a hole in the floor allowing dust in. We resorted to wetting some baby clothes with our drinking water and blocking up the hole so we didn’t choke to death. The baby carseat I covered with a wet towel to try to trap the dust. My son was beside himself screaming with dust inhalation and heat. Then the ride got violently bumpy… in fact so bumpy I had to take him out of his car seat and hold him mid-air for suspension. I was afraid he would get brain damage with the violence of the car. My daughter was telling the driver he was going too fast, she was also being thrown around like a sack of potatos. Other Wildebeest and safari cars were flying past us without issue. So here I am holding my baby in a wet wrap over his face mid air for hours in midday heat… I started to message the company owner saying this was dangerous and I wanted the car changed. He didn’t bother to reply to me.
Outside the Masai Mara we were asked to change into another Wildebeest vehicle at the entry, and our car was taken to the mechanic. It turns out the suspension was broken.
The new 4wd was coasting along no issues with dust or bumpiness, so we knew we had been given a lemon of a 4wd.
My review of the resort is on its own post.
At the resort our driver didn’t engage with us much, sit with us or explain what the plan was, we were just left hanging. In saying that, he was polite and never rude to us, but lacked communication skills with us. I was watching Dennis, another Wildebeest guide, who ate, laughed and talked to his clients… and enroute was actively chatting, informing and having a great time himself.
The next day, the driver had lost his keys, so we were put into a van instead, having to get into our 4wd through dodgy unlocked windows to get our things out of the 4wd. Then someone told him they found his keys so we drove back to the “fixed” 4wd. We noticed more flaws with the truck – the 2way radio was never on, it didn’t even have a mouthpiece to speak through – so I guess we missed out on all the game sighting calls and were in danger should we have needed help in an emergency while out on safari. The drivers door was jammed so he had to exit through the window! The fridge and electrics just turned on and off with the bumpy roads… flickered and rarely even worked. Some of the seatbelts did not work, windows were jammed, the car was generally in very poor repair.
We did see all the park animals - except Rhino, which are too rare. The following day, we were meant to do a morning game drive, stop at NON TOURISTY souvenir shops (not the safari preferred ones where they get kickbacks and charge customers ridiculous prices). Our game drive was a hot footed exit out of the park, the driver didn’t speak, nor slow down, nor look for any animals. By this stage I was so furious with the company, I just wanted to get home. The owner never replied to my SMS or emails alerting him to the danger to my family and requesting a replacement vehicle. We had no other way to get home other than the same vehicle back. We stopped at one pathetically expensive tourist stop – you know with the special “guide waiting room” where they can chat, have drinks and wait for their customers to be ripped off blind and collect a commission. He knew we wanted to stop at either street sellers or the other numerous shacks set up on the road selling masaii wares, but he didn’t stop at those. Into Nairobi by 3pm, our driver did help us unpack and then even apologised for the terrible vehicle – again an admission from the company.
In ADDITION and the worst of it all – there is a pop top on the roof of the 4wd. One support strut had rusted through and I had noticed it was cable-tied down to stop it rattling – rather than being fixed. While driving home the 2nd strut failed and the roof crashed down. Had my daughter been standing at the time she would undoubtedly been killed. For an adult we would have suffered severe injury to the head.
I followed up with Noah the owner – he told me that the vehicle had come down from the north of Kenya and he had noticed that it was in very poor repair. Rather than talk to us and reschedule/give us the option, he just allocated it to us knowing we had a newborn and a toddler with us and required safety and air conditioning. I had even mentioned a reviewer before me mentioned an old vehicle and in poor repair, and had asked for assurance that this was not going to happen to us! At the end I requested a rebate of $250usd which was roughly the cost of a proper vehicle, which we FINALLY got after harassing them for months. Despite having kids, the owner doesn’t seem to have any insight into the grave situation they placed us in, nor care about his company reputation. I have read all the reviews, and know someone who has used them multiple times and likes them. From what I saw of other vehicles and Dennis, the company does have the potential to stand up to what other reviewers say, but we just drew the short straw and were really mistreated and put in danger.
Reply from Wildebeest Safaris
Posted on Mar 28, 2023Dear Edd,
Thank you for you review. We took steps on matters regarding the old vehicle and we disposed them replacing with newer cars.
As for the Driver, we noticed we had similar problems with him and we got him replaced with more experienced and charming driver/guide.
Also, please confirm you received refund of USD.250 via your paypal account.
Kind Regards,
Noah
US
Email Mitra Devineni | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We truly enjoyed our safari
We had issues with our tour operator when we arrived in Tanzania. Our safari your got delayed by a day. My husband and I were really frustrated and annoyed knowing that a trip we planned almost 6 months ago wasn't going as planned. A friend of ours has contacted Wildebeest Safari and immediately our Safari guide contacted us and we were picked up from our hotel and were taken for safari.
I am really happy to write this review for Wildebeest Safari. As they were not only fast in reaching out to us, but was also very professional during our safari tour. Our guide Hamsa was very friendly. We know that we will go back for a Safari again with this company.
PL
Email Agnes Boron | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
We (2 adults + 7 years old son) were on 3-day safari (Mara Engai Lodge) with Andrew. He was a very good guide and driver. He didn't impose himself, he wanted to show everything what was important to us. He knew a lot about savanna, animals and their habits.
He was very nice, good manners, trip with hom was a pleasure.
We could't choose better!
TR
Email Eren | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Magnificent organization, good choices of hotels and a super vacation
First of all, this is not my first trip and I am choosing Wildebeest Safaris Ltd because I experienced a very organized tour with no problems. Most important thing is Noah listens and do exactly what you want, and kepps his word every time. Guides he working with are very good in their jobs and they try their best for you to see everything. We made an Amboseli&Tsovo west tour and stay at Serena Hotels at both of them. Both places are nice and we return very happy. Next time I definately choose Wildebesst Safaris for sure.
US
Email Dave Medlicott | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent 15 day safari - Uganda/Kenya/Tanzania
Our safari with Wildebeest Safaris surpassed my wildest expectations. Noah from Wildebeest planned a fantastic itinerary for us. We flew into Kigali, Rwanda and our guide drove us to Bwindi where we had an unbelievable gorilla experience (a juvenile make actually grabbed me briefly around my thigh)! Then we went to Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks. Both were excellent experiences. Our guide in Uganda was Charles from GoExplore Safaris and he was a great guide!
We flew to Nairobi and met up our new guide, Eustace. He drove us to the Masaii Mara where we spent 3 nights in a tented camp on the banks of the Mara River. We spent 3 days game viewing and we also did a hot air balloon. Eustace was an excellent guide and a great companion. We saw a cheetah, 4 male (brothers) lions at a hippo carcass on the Mara River and we actually saw 2 leopards mate!
Eustace then drove us to the Tanzania border where we met our new guide, Chotara. I quickly realized what an amazing guide CHotara was and this was further confirmed when one the host at one of our lodges told me he was the best there was! We did several games drives in the North and South Serengeti before heading to the Ngorongoro Crater, then Lake Manyara and Lake Burunge. We saw lions on 2 wildebeest kills, cheetahs on the gunt and lions mating! We drove out in the Serengeti to see the massive herds of wildebeest and zebras as part of the great migration. Chotara pointed out that you knew it was good when all the guides were taking pictures!
This was an absolutely fantastic trip and Noah did a great job setting everything up. Our lodging was excellent and I was amazed at the overall quality of the food. Truly excellent! But the real reason I would recommend using Wildebeest Safaris is the quality of the guides. All 3 guides we had were off the charts good.
Email Irina Zasorina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was the great time. Our guide was very professional and friendly. He knows everything about anima
It was the great time with Wildebeest safari. I’ve been in Mara and Amboseli with them. Our guide was very professional and friendly. He knows everything about animais and local life. He joked and told funny stories. Safari arranging was perfect. Everything on time and was made with real care about tourists. They do more then their job need. For sure if I back to Kenya i will go again to safari with Wildebeest.
Thanks guys for everything. Great thanks and hi to our guide Ibrahim.
He does great job.
US
Email Steven Steffgen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Safari. Exceeded my expectations!
The communications prior to booking, the booking, and information given after the booking but before the trip were excellent. The only thing I would suggest is that the itinerary start times take into account the time of year. When daylight is longer, the itinerary should reflect what the guide has in mind for start times. The start time should be communicated each time before parting ways.
The service was also very good and the lodges also exceeded what I expected.
I was very glad I chose Wildebeest Safaris. The guide worked very hard to find all the animals we wanted to see. He was always listening to the radio to be sure that if another guide saw one of the "big 5" , he would do everything he could to get us there in time. He went out of his way to ensure we were happy. After the missed communication for the first drive, he was always verifying the time we were to meet next. And he was always on time!
Definitely 5 stars!
US
Email April | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive during the planning process and excellent guide!
Noah was always very prompt returning emails and answering questions throughout the process, from our initial inquiry up until we left for Kenya. I can’t say enough good things about our guide, Eustace, he was truly exceptional and really made the Safari a memorable experience. We were very pleased with the lodges that were included in our package and our vehicle.
This was our first (but not our last!) Safari and I could t be happier that we selected Wildbeest Safaris, they delivered an amazing experience.
NL
Email Martin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Driver had no safari, wildlife experience
In general it was ok. Good safari car, efficient communication, the lodges including the right tents where booked however - for us the most important - the driver had no safari experience. So, he was NOT able to tell us anything about the wild life and he did not once showed wildlife based on his observation. As those organizations work with independent drivers, with a different driver experience can be completely different. Advice: ask for cv of driver.
Reply from Wildebeest Safaris
Posted on Mar 28, 2023Dear Martin,
Thank you for your feedback. We replaced this particular driver/guide with a more experienced one.
Kind Regards,
Noah