US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience for budget travelers who come for the animals, not the accommodations!
Best aspects:
Guides work hard to ensure optimal viewing of animals including optional times of day and close encounters with all types of animals.
Each of four parks offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
Seven days was the perfect duration. My husband and I felt satisfied by what we had experienced.
We both agree that this was the best safari experience for us and we were very happy that we chose this company and didn’t waste money on a more expensive trip. Please read the draw backs below if you are deciding whether or not this budget trip is right for you, but keep in mind that we came for the animals, not the accommodation.
Draw backs to consider: Please note that all draw backs listed are to be expected at a lower price point. If the things I list are an issue, consider booking a luxury or semi luxury trip instead. If you like the budget, expect the following:
Long drives over bumpy roads. Drivers sometimes drive very fast. The only way to avoid this would be to fly.
Included meals are virtually the same every day. Some fellow travelers complained about the lack of variety. But, if you like to get a local experience, you can count on local food.
Some locations accommodate vegetarians surprisingly well. Vegans should make prior arrangements. I doubt that vegans could be accommodated based on my observation, but I did not ask ahead of time.
WiFi at budget hotels is not reliable. It is affordable to get cellular internet access in Nairobi before your safari if you wish, and for a good price. Just make sure the phone that you bring is unlocked!
Camping accommodations were nicer than expected at Maasai Mara, but worse than expected in Amboseli. Be prepared for dogs barking all night, disruptive other travelers, and bugs or even mice in your tent.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
they are reliable and have highly qualified and professional staff
Trippygo has amazing packages and a well defined payment plan. As long as you give them details of your trip they will have one staff assist you in planning and you will be given well defined deadlines on when to make payments. No rush, no hustle.
we had a short trip but they ensured that we were as comfortable as possible. the return transfers were on time and we were received well at the hotel. there were no delays and everything was planned according to our requests. i will be definitely using them again. A big thanks to Mary- such an amazing lady...patient, understanding and very professional.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Smooth operation! Helpful and communicative staff.
The service was great. They booked me with a Safari operator called Three Wonders.
The overall experience was amazing. 4 day safari tour went as planned without any hiccups.
The team was very friendly and communicative, whenever I required help or had questions.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They were efficient communicating and they solved any problem that came up
Overall the Safari was really good. We ended up so happy with it. Our driver Arony was extremely good. He was very professional, did a wonderful job showing us the animals, and always was respectful and kind. We would love to come back with him in the future
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good
Overall experience was good. It was my 1st experience for camping. The best part was there was private shower and bathroom inside the tent. Only the downside of the tour was the food. It wasn’t that good. But the guide was so friendly. I will definitely recommend this tour company to my friends.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good
Communication was excellent
Flooding was not that good
Safari was awesome
Had a very lovely tour
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Helpful tour operator
Communication with Lydia was very easy. She responded fast and she covered all my questions.
I knew what to expect from the whole safari experience with this company because my friend had done the same tour a month ago. The camp is basic, regarding the tents and the food but you don’t spend much time there. In the camp I met travelers from different tour operators and we had more or less the same schedule with more or less the same prices.
Undoubtedly the experience with the animals is unforgettable and you will see quite many!
My recommendation is to find a tour operator that is helpful and his/her price fits your budget. The rest depends on the driver you will get!
P.S. If you are traveling solo be prepared to share a tent!
SG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A good safari experience with African Sunset Safaris
A safe trip with good accommodations, good food and experienced drivers who managed to take us to see the big 5.
BN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great customised trip with a guide/driver and land cruiser with just ourselves for the duration.
The communication with the company was excellent. They worked hard to understand the kind of trip we wanted and made good recommendations on where to go and where to stay.
We were met my our guide in Nairobi and we had this guide and the truck to ourselves the entire seven days. The land cruiser was beautifully outfitted with a fridge to keep drinks cool, a power supply so we could charge phones and cameras, and even WiFi.
We visited Amboseli Park and loved it, but Ol Tukai Lodge felt a bit like a tourist mill. It was larger and busier than we expected. But the location was great and we had no complaints about it. We had driven from Nairobi to Amboseli, then drove to Lake Naivasha, going through Nairobi again. So, we had a few long days of driving along the busy highways of Kenya with less than careful drivers in other vehicles. In hindsight, we would have preferred to organise the trip so there was less driving, maybe even flying between parks.
The Lake Elementaita Serena Camp was outstanding and highly recommended. The food and accommodation were above and beyond expectations. On the way there we stopped at Lake Naivasha. That was a bit of a disappointment since we spent some time walking around a small private piece of land with a number of animals on it. It was not the experience we expected, but it was nice to boat along the lake seeing the wildlife.
Lake Nakuru Park was excellent. The drive to Maasai Mara was again long (very long) but it was interesting to see the country. Mara Bush Camp was outstanding. The personal attention and level of service was exceptional. The luxurious tent was amazing, especially as it sat just above the river overlooking dozens of hippos.
We recommend Classic Journeys. They did a great job. Be sure to state the kind of accommodation you're seeking, and they'll point you in the right direction if you're clear enough. Check about driving time between parks and try to minimise that.
Thanks for a great trip.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Complete
Communication was very good.
All the staff punctual and precise.
Service very nice, food, location, car.
All good.
We saw all the animals with short time available.
The guide was very friendly and good person.