20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kilifi Getaway For 2
Our trip was put together quickly once we were sure of the finer details.
There was consistent communication before, during and after the trip, which made the experience smooth.
We stayed at Silver Palm Spa & Resort - about an hour away from the Malindi airport. The resort is a stunning space with more reef than beach.
The staff are friendly and willing to make reasonable adjustments based on client preferences and taste. They are also willing to assist in terms of providing transport as well as activities to enjoy in the area.
The highlight of the trip was our massage in the inhouse spa. It was an intensely calm and relaxing session that melted away any tension we had carried along for the trip. Irene and Regina worked wonders!
Having June from Ongeri Expeditions plan our trip meant all we had to do was show up - taking away a huge chunk of the stress of travelling. Moving forward, we will look to them to plan our travel, both local and international.
CH
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lana was very responsive and worked to matched my needs with all aspects of the trip
I thoroughly enjoyed my safari. Accomodations were beautiful, food plentiful and the staff worked very hard to ensure we had a true african experience. I found the guides and trackers to be exceptionally " customer " oriented. I would certainly do another safari as a reult of this experience.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime, hassle free and smooth planning and execution by Cuckoo.
Trip of a lifetime, hassle free and smooth planning and execution by Cuckoo. I have to admit we only started our process of planning with Tatenda with Cuckoo very late. But he was accommodating and made it all happen for us very quickly. They were honest with the recommendations and also helped make any changes we wanted very effortlessly.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent driver/guide, good communication
I have contacted many safari operators for our family vacation with two children. Silas was very communicative and responsive from the beginning and he gave us a good quote according to our preferences and favorite hotels (a total of 5 nights and 6 days, 2 nights in Amboseli, 1 night Nakuru and 2 nights in Masai Mara). I have made the booking in June 2022 and sent the first part of the requested deposit.
In June 2023 (four months before the safari), Silas told me that two hotels that we decided dont have availabilities (OL TUKAI LODGE in Amboseli has no availability since they will be hosting a safari rally event (MOTOR SPORT event) and ASHNIL MARA in Masai Mara has no availability since they are hosting a big Chinese group who are coming for a safari tour.) I was really disappointed, because I chose the hotels after a detailed search and really chose the promised hotels exclusively. We were offered KIBO LODGE in Amboseli and we were really pleased with the new hotel. However in Masai Mara we had to get ZEBRA PLAINS MARA which was a bit disappointing because the camp is not in the national park as our original hotel ASHNIL MARA, you have to drive 15-20 mins to get to the gate, the rooms/tents were dark, the amenities were a bit old fashioned and the food was served on the table, not open-buffet as in other lodges.
The atmosphere and food at KIBO LODGE and LAKE NAKURU LODGE were very nice, we really loved both lodges.
Our driver Samson was very kind and careful with the road situation. He was always on time, he informed us very well and he was flexible according to the needs and wishes of our children. He knew the parks very well. We felt very comfortable. He showed us many scenes that we will never forget.
Overall, we had an unforgettable safari experience. Thanks for everything.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing operator who gave us a really great experience of Safari
The operator helped us to customize our safari by upgrading accommodation and based on our travel time to choose suitable routes for game drive. Gibson was patient to meet our requirements, George is an amazing driver and really experienced. We enjoyed the time with Kiboko and gave us a great journey to explore NPs and to see wild life.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A little misleading, not fully upfront about pricing or format of your.
Overall, the tour itself is fantastic. The guide was great, and the driver is very polite. He did stop quite a few times for personal errands, but otherwise was great. Safari needs to be paid in cash, which I was unaware of during booking, so make sure you have plenty of cash! Also, it is not a group tour, as described. It is an individual service, so be aware if traveling alone!
IS
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good safari, amazing experience with animals
The safari itself was very good, we got very close to the animals, lions in particular and I really enjoyed the experience. Our guide was John and he was excellent. I got a ride back to Nairobi with Jackson and he was also very nice and accomadating.
I can definitely recommend Jocky tours.
We stayed in the Lenchada tourist camp and it was OK. It was the budget option so I wasn't expecting anything fancy but I got put in a tent that you couldn't fully close both towards the outside and towards the bathroom. A big fly visited me.
And the mosquito net had quite a few holes. I should have let them know right in the beginning though, but still, they should take care that everything is at least properly working before people come. The others got proper tents though and the food ranged from okay to very good.
NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Collin his priority was to make us happy. And he succeeded very well, it was a great experience.
The accommodation and the food was really nice. The staff was very kind, That’s why it was a great experience. Big thanks to the staff and specially Collin.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Upon meeting Khyvens, the tour process proceeded very smoothly.
We embarked on a two day and one night safari tour from Mtwapa to Tsavo East National Park on September 22, 2023. The traveling route was a bit rough, yet the overall experience was quite memorable.
The drive/guide was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating throughout the trip. The animal sightings were ample in quantity within Tsavo East National Park, while the lodging at the Voi Hotel/Lodge was comfortable during the overnight stay on the peripheral rim of the wildlife refuge itself.
Looking forward to booking another safari tour through this company upon returning to this region next year at this time.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Consisten Communication
Abdullah was great to deal with. We had multiple conversations via WhatsApp prior to my departure for Tanzania and once I landed.
I find it a bit hard to leave a review because I know from talking to the others in our safari vehicle we all came from 3 different tour companies so I cant say if you will get the same driver, vehicle or cook. However, our driver Jonas (Yonas) and the vehicle he had at the time were amazing. I have nothing but good things to say about him and his desire and ability to make sure we had front row seats at all the best sightings and his care and attention to our enjoyment. It was a magical trip, one I would do again. Ngorongoro was probably my favorite, though the Serengeti was also mind blowing.
The 'rustic' camps were fun and fit well with my desire to be camping rather than in a lodge. The food was great, nothing fancy but always tasted good. Get used to variations of Rice, Chicken and Vegetables.
My only real complaint was the amount of time I spent and number of texts back and forth with Godwin, the contact in Arusha. It really frustrated me. I had arranged with Abdullah for a pickup in Arusha that I was told was "perfectly fine", however over the course of nearly a day I had dozens of text messages with Godwin claiming it was not an easy pickup location and I should find my own way to a pickup point. ie Pay my own money and find my way via taxi / tuk tuk to a location in a city I have no knowledge of, instead of them finding me in a city they knew. It wasn't until I had my hotel call Godwin in person that we finally convinced him to pick me up. After that, everything was good.