NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional safari + holiday; value for money
After booking our KLM-flight Amsterdam-Nairobi ourselves, we asked Kikwetu (Tour-consultant Kenneth) to organise our 16-days Safari + holiday-programm in Kenya.
They have kept their promises for more than 100% and took care of everything (up to the smallest details) ; hotels and lodges, visits of the parks, 4 local internal flights , hotels in Nairobi, Lamu and Diani Beach, local transport to and from the airports, etc.. We had one of our best holiday-experiences ever.
In the first week we visited the the 4 parks Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli. Our driver Livingson (an excetional but safe driver) showed us the big 5, many other animals and (of cource) a Masai Mara village.
All accomodations were perfect (we especially liked Sekenani-camp in Masai Mara) and state of the art. The programm was not too strict so we also spent some afternoons at the pool and visited several interesting places "on the road" (Crater Lake, a hospital, an animalfeed-store, etc.)
After 7 days in the parks, we spent 3 days in a private house in Lamu Sheela Beach (www.houseinlamu.com); another exceptional location with an exceptional cook Eddie; who prepared the best Lamu seafood for us and also gave good advices on Dhow-trips and other interesting things "to do". We finally spent 4 days in Diani-beach (Southern Palm Resort). An exceptional hotel and a lovely experience; especially for our 16, 17 and 19 year children who particularly like the hotel's Activity Crew (waterpolo, volleybal, evening-programm, etc).
We thank Kikwetu (Kenneth and his staff) for an exceptional Safari- and Kenya-experience.
Their professionalism was remarkable so we fully recommend them to everybody.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Adventure
Kili Boys were fantastic from the moment we landing in Tanzania. They handled our every need from airport pickup, lodging, shopping (SIMM cards to souvenirs) and of course climbing and safari. We made it to the top of Kilimanjaro with through the expertise and patience. They knew when to push us through tough moments and when we really needed to stop and rest. Safari in the Crater and Serengeti was as organized as the climb! What an amazing experience. I took my 12 year old son and have the trust and confidence in Kili Boys to recommend them to all clients regardless of age. Thank you Dismas and the entire team. We will return!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, reliable and trust-worthy
We had one of the best trips of our lives when we visited Kenya and Masai Mara....thanks to Kichaka tours who took care of our entire visit there. We were promised so many things before we visited the place, and we were a bit skeptical about how things would finally turn out, but to our pleasant surprise, we were delivered much more than were promised. I would certainly recommend Kichaka tours to anyone who is new to the place and visiting for the first time.
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Knowledgable, accommodating and friendly Thor operator!
I had tried to book the Masai budget tour from Addis Ababa, but due to a glitch could not transfer the advance. However, Faith from Tru Nomads was extremely understanding and helpful and agreed to receive the full payment on arrival.
The tour guide John was very friendly and knowledgable, and made the journey very pleasant.
The expectations from this tour facilities were limited as is expected from a budget tour.
Overall, a wonderful experience.
US
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!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wildlife Safari + Much More
My trip with Wilderness Legends Africa was great in every way. The places we saw were magnificent, and our interactions with the people there were warm and interesting. The variety of experiences went beyond my expectations: all kinds of wild animals, friendly residents, lovely accommodations with exceptional service, guides who were knowledgeable and went out of their way to make this a "trip of a life time". It was an adventure, but I always felt safe. I fell in love with Tanzania and the people. This was a perfect trip.
I want to go again, and I will definitely go with Wilderness Legends Africa.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A good budget option, but with some small flaws that could easily be avoided.
Made some great memories.
On the first days we went to Masai Mara and saw the great migration. I think we must have seen a million wildebest, and some of them crossed the mara river. We also saw lions, elephants, leopard, buffalos, cheetas, giraffe, sebras, ostriches, hippos, crocodiles, antilopes, warthogs and more.
On day three we went to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride. It was very beautiful, and well worth it. Not so many animals, but we saw hippos, sebras, wildebeest, and many birds. The main reason for going is the beauty of it.
On day four we went for a drive around lake Nakuru. Also a beatiful lake. The lake is famous for its massive number of flamingos, but unfortunately there was not many this time. However we saw rhinos, lions, baboons, sebras, giraffes, warthogs, antilopes, wildebeest, and more.
On day five we went to Devils Gate. We rentet bicycles and rode them through part of the national park with a guide. This was fantastic. On the bikes we past by many animals, and felt closer to them than in the safari car. We rode by gjiraffes, warthogs, buffalos, antilopes, baboons and sebras. In the end of the bike tour we went in to Hells gate canyon, that was very beautiful. The canyon is very narrow some places, and has natural hotsprings.
On day six and seven we was at Amboseli. This is maybe the best place to see elephants in the entire world, and is very scenic because of the dramatic view of mt Kilimanjaro. Here we saw more than hundred elephants, and the elephants was not so shy of humans, as many other places. This is a very beautiful place. We also saw some hyenas, sebras, gjiraffes, antilopes, hippos, baboons and more.
The food in general was ok. At the hotels and camps it was ok or even good, but we ate three times at the safari junction where the food was terrible. The accomodation, although budget was better than expected.
Miti Mingi Eco Camp in Masai Mara was right by the parks gate and rustic. The tents was quite big and had working hot shower, but no electricity. Some of the bedsheets should be thrown away. But overall a good camp with a very genuine safari feeling. The food was ok. We had two nights here.
Hotel Citymax in Nakuru was a nice and clean hotel with good food. We had two nights here.
Taphe Guest house in Naivasha was a nice quiet place. Friendly area, 15 minutes walk from town. However we did have a big outbreak of mold in our room. The food here was the best on the trip. We had one night here.
Kimana camp Amboseli was the best of the two camps. We stayed in a nice cabin with electricity and hot shower. The food was good, and both the cabin and restaurant had a nice view of mt Kilimanjaro.
The safari car was a rebuildt Hiace. The roof was liftet when on safari.
What could be better?
-The driving, especially the last 100km towards Masai Mara and in Masai Mara was terrifying. But to be fair, some of the people in our group did enjoy the ride.
-The day we where going to check in at Naivash we drove past Naivasha for 45 minutes, to eat at a restaurant at the safari junction. Everyone agreed that this place had terrible food, so why drive 2*45 minutes to eat here.
-Information was some times inaccurate. We where informed that biking in Hells gate would cost extra. The price given was the renting of the bike. But when we arrived we realized that in addition we had to pay to be allowed to bike in the park. And we also had to pay a bike guide.
The comunication was ok, but the information was not always accurate.
In Nairobi, Ancient Wild Safaris booked a table for us at Carnivore restaurant. We where told we had to pay in usd and that the price of 100 usd includet food and non alcoholic beverages. I also asked if this includet a provison for the company, or if this was the price the company had to pay the restaurant. I was told that this was the price the company had to pay the restaurant, so we decided to give something extra to the company for arranging it. Especially since it seems like it is a one person company. Arriving at the restaurant we found out that the price was lower, we did not have to pay in usd, and it did not include non-alcoholic beverages. We think it is very reasonable that the company takes a fee for arranging things like this, but doing it like this was not ok.
NZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience
We went on a 3-day gorilla trek with Encounter Africa Safaris. Chris and Joseph organized a wonderful trip. Prompt responses, tailored the trip for us with no fuss when we wanted to do more on the trip. Joseph, our guide, was friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and got us into the best gorilla trekking group! Thank you! We had a blast.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Once in a Lifetime Journey!
I was so very pleased with the service and experience that I had in Tanzania. Brenda and Kakasii are incredible knowledgable and caring. I had an incredible time on all 3 of our adventures. The planning was incredible and I was treated so well the entire trip. I met incredible people and will never forget my time in this amazing country! Thank you so much for making my lifelong dream not only come true but be the most astounding adventure I will ever have!
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mega safari with Megaadventures
We had a great time with Megaadventures, since they managed to plan for us a special and adventurous safari as we had dreamed about and asked for. The experiences we lived are unique and most of tourists we met there could never image what they lost choosing another agency for their safari (e.g. walking safaris for hours, tents in the middle of nowhere with wild animals going around)! And Ally was the best guide & driver ever!!
Ps. Delicious food with our chef Masawe!!