20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely Amazing!
We had a fantastic time with Marurumi! As this was our first time on safari and in Africa we were initially apprehensive, however there was no need to be as we were in very safe hands with our guide Robin and absolutely everything exceeded our expectations.
Communication prior to our trip was excellent - James was always very prompt and happy to answer any questions we had. On arrival in Nairobi, we were met by James, Robin and Ivy. James provided thorough introductions and reviewed the itinerary, ensuring we were happy before we left for our safari.
Across our six days we stayed in 3 different camps and visited 3 different parks (Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara) all of which were fantastic. The hotels were of exceptional quality with fantastic food, service and amenities (we chose the budget package, but the hotels and service were anything but!). The staff's hospitality was unmatched, they regularly asked how our safari was going, what we had seen that day as well as consistently inquiring about our well-being and ensuring our comfort.
Opting for a private safari granted us the flexibility to tailor our itinerary. Robin expertly suggested timings to maximise our experience, yet graciously accommodated our requests if we fancied a later start.
The game drives were exceptional. We saw over 40 different types of animals and not only did we see the ‘big 5’ across the first 4 days, we were also extremely lucky to see all 5 in one day during our last day at the Masai Mara - very rare and absolutely amazing! This was in large part down to Robin and his knowledge of the locations we visited. Considering the size of the parks and the sometimes elusive nature of certain animals Robin expertly guided us throughout the day as well as providing information about the animals and parks and sometimes being our photographer!
Finally, we must extend special recognition to our fantastic guide Robin who really made our trip unforgettable. Robin's brilliance and tireless dedication ensured that our trip surpassed all expectations - nothing was too much trouble, and we couldn’t have asked for better. Robin was extremely professional but also very personable and friendly and it was great to get to know him over the week.
His commitment to our satisfaction and his fervour for showcasing all that his country and its parks had to offer really made an impression on us. He eagerly shared insights into safari and Kenyan culture, even going the extra mile to teach us a few phrases in Swahili (despite our sometimes-faltering attempts!). Robin's unwavering enthusiasm and genuine care made him an invaluable part of our experience.
Throughout the week, Robin consistently went the extra mile to ensure our trip was truly exceptional. A small example of his dedication was on our departure day when, despite our evening flight, he stayed with us until 7 pm, ensuring we weren’t waiting around at the airport.
We had a fantastic trip with Marurumi and can’t thank them and Robin enough. We wholeheartedly intend to recommend them to our friends and family. We were very sad to leave Kenya and our guide Robin - but we will definitely be back!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Safari Guide and Trip
We just finished eight EPIC days with Wild Planet Safari. Every day was an incredible experience due to:
1. Superior planning of the company (great rest camp locations within Kruger park with access to exceptional wild life viewing). They were easy to work with to develop an customized itinerary.
2. Exceptional guide. Chris has eagle eyes to point out the smallest of chamelions, bee-eaters or king fishers ... as well as wildlife incredibly camoflauged (leopards and cheetahs). We sweat he whispers to the animals to bring them in so close they almost kissed the vehicle.
3. Outstanding logistics. Hob the cook ensured we had more deliscious food then was needed, including breakfasts on the road so we did not need to return to the rest camp at the end of each morning wildlife drive.
We highly recommend this company for lovely intimate safari experience. Far exceeded all of our expectations.
OM
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive team available at a reasonable price
We booked 6 day trip visiting Amboseli NP, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara via Image Travels ltd. Team was super responsive to every query I had before the trip started.
During the trip, everything was planned by Image travel team. Our guide, Edwin was extremely knowledgeable & friendly, while he also knew when and where to spot the big five. He helped me plan the proposal while also capturing the moment.
Image travels provided us with great hotel & travel options as per our budget and can't praise enough the hospitality we enjoyed at every place we visited. Though i believe for scope of improvement in Food and room service being provided at Mara Serena Safari lodge.
Also , i request team to arrange for better lunch in transit.
Highly recommend Image travels for the safari experience.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very nice guide, with a lot of knowledge about the animals and the area.
We had a very nice safari with Paradise & Wilderness. The accomodations were very comfortable. Everything was well organized. We had a lot of fun with our guide Deo. He did the best effort, so that we could get the best pictures of the animals. We saw the complete big 5, which made our safari unforgetable.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I’d go on another safari with Landsman Experience in a heartbeat
Traveling with Landsman Experience was an extraordinary adventure that ranks among the best of my life. Joining a group of 15 photographers ranging from professionals to novices, I anticipated capturing images of animals I had only dreamed of seeing. The whole experience surpassed my expectations. Not only do I have the shots of a lifetime, but I also left with an appreciation and understanding of the Tanzanian culture which has had a profound impact on me. We visited a Maasai village, ate at a local family’s home, observed the bushmen hunting and learned how the Datoga tribe lives off of recycled material.
The guides were deeply knowledgeable about animal behavior, which lead us to seeing things like a pride of 11 lions eating a giraffe, over a hundred hippos splashing in the river, and seeing all of the Big 5!! Let me tell you, it’s not easy! I couldn’t even spot a lion that was in a bush 5 feet from me. Thank goodness for the guides!
After my first safari, I know that if ever get the opportunity to go on another I would never venture into the bush without a guide and I would definitely choose Landsman Experience again. Honestly, one of my favorite parts about the safari was getting to know the guides. They work extremely hard, but they also know how to make the experience delightful! Asante sana from the bottom of my heart!
DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very helpful in designing the exact trip that we wished for!
Booking our safari through Likana Safaris proved to be an exceptional choice. Right from the outset, the communication with their team was excellent, allowing us to customize our trip precisely to our wishes. Our experience was elevated further by our knowledgeable driver, who not only chauffeured us but also doubled as a proficient guide!
The itinerary crafted by Likana Safaris was meticulously planned, ensuring we witnessed amazing sunrises and sunsets while strategically arranging game drives for optimal wildlife encounters. Additionally, the lodge where we stayed at was great. Overall, our adventure with Likana Safaris was nothing short of extraordinary, and I would recommend it to everybody!
BR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent suport from the beggining to end
We had a wonderful time on our cruise and two days tended safari in Chobe Botswana national park , it was and excellent value for the money and a unique experience for me and my family. Pamela in the office , T and the guide , Sidney and the Chef , were all outstanding !! About the safari we saw more than 1000 elephants, wonderful nature some lions, a lot of zebras, and beatifull animals, free in the wild!
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
very good trip. no problem
Thanks to the excellent driver Isaac our safari was a complete success. We had a pleasant stay both in the car and at the hotel. We were able to see them all. animals . Truly excellent. Thank you ISAAC
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not the "luxury" we were expecting (Capetown)
This is my experience and my opinion of my latest trip booked with Kanyezi. This is my 2nd time I booked through Kanyezi. The first was a last minute trip (2-3 weeks notice) my flights were my only gripe and I take partial blame for that due to my last-minute booking, so this time I booked my flights myself to solve that issue.
I was expecting luxury or at least upper end accommodations based on their sales of a "luxury" trip, their contract and my previous experience. Our accommodations in Cape town were changed the last few days prior to us leaving on this trip, they were changed from a wine estate to a golf resort? This was not what we had been planning, we don't play golf but we were to go with this change as we were told the other accommodation (Spier or Lanzerac) were not available. The resort, which I will call a "motel" was def not upper end/luxury. We did not even have a/c one night as it didn't work, mold in bathrooms, hairs in the bathrooms, a kitchenette (like an inn suites) also there were private residences on this property, so dogs were barking constantly, laundry hung out to dry all over the place, dust an inch thick on the plastic plants, you get the drift. When I called Chris to express my discontentment he really didn't care and said when he stayed here (10 years ago) it was a nice place. He would rather argue with me than try to sort out our stay somewhere else that was more of what we felt we paid for and were expecting. He was NOT customer service oriented and had a lot of excuses, some were just downright untruths.
There actually was room at the other resorts as we checked, and another couple booked also through Kanyezi actually moved to one of the "unavailable" resorts, however our funds were paid to Kanyezi and we simply didn't have extra funds to make the move to the nicer and what was expected accommodations.
The way were treated by Chris was unacceptable and honestly shocking! This was 4 nights (33%) of our 12 night trip spent in unacceptable accommodations.
Also, I will also say their communication was poor and often took days to respond to emails and most often didn't answer my questions I had asked in my emails. The lists of restaurants to book for dinners given by Kanyezi had not been updated and most of them I called were now permanently closed, because they had not even bothered to check to update their recommendations. Our contract was not updated throughout after they changed our accommodations in Capetown still saying the original "Spier Wine Estate" throughout. Chris is very "contract" driven and mentions his contract regularly.
Given the response and treatment to our situation I would never use Kanyezi again and would not recommend!
I will say Dulini, the safari resort, and The Palms in Zimbabwe were both excellent! I will book direct next time and save myself the hassle of being treated like crap not to mention the anger and frustration I experienced the first days of our long awaited and expensive trip to South Africa. Never again KANYEZI!!
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional, competent and passionate!
King Charles, simply the best! We couldn't have wished for better.
We (couple, mid 30) were on a customized tour (11days/10nights) end of January 2024, starting from Kigali (Rwanda) ending in Entebbe (Uganda).
From the very first sight our guide Charles gave us a very good impression. Coming from tourism industry myself, I know that the first impression is half the battle. Slowly we started to discover the amazing country (Uganda) and Charles’s virtues and qualities. As he studied geography, he has a very high level of expertise when it comes to fauna and flora, but also has a huge knowledge about climate zones, mountains, agriculture, culture and also about politics of his country. One of his passions are birds, and no one can beat him there.
Charles is a friendly, humorous, and talkative person who is highly appreciated by his clients and also by all his colleagues from other TO. He knows how to command respect, has great assertiveness is very resilient, patient and always on time. He loves his job and does it with passion. Charles definitely stands out of the crowd.
Before getting to Uganda, reading reviews about safety on the road, we were a little worried. Fortunately, Charles is an excellent driver, so we never had to experience fear. Even when we got stuck in heavy mud, he managed to get us out on his own. The Landcruiser we used was very comfortable, always clean, had binoculars and also books about Ugandan wildlife.
With the accommodation we were also very happy, in my opinion some of them were worth much more. The rooms were clean and spacious, staff was friendly and the food everywhere good or even excellent. The only negative was the laundry service at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge where we got back our clothes in xxs, with stains and all in pink, without price reduction for the washing or apology from staff.
What we liked the most, was the transparent communication and his attention to details. We always knew what to expect from the next day/s as we sat down together every evening to speak about issues, desires, and other needs. If there was a problem with something he spoke with us and gave us at least one alternative. We always knew what was going on, he told us a lot about what we saw and was always able to answer all our questions. He took great care of us, asking about toilets or food stops and even if we were on short time, he made us happy, by giving us more time. Almost from beginning we developed kind of telepathy, he always knew where we wanted to stop without communication.
Thanks to Charles we could make this amazing experience not only from the sight of a tourist but also from the sigh of a “local”. You enriched us greatly with your knowledge, but above all with your personal life stories, which were only possible thanks to the friendship and trust you gave us.
Thanks also to Elvis with who we organized the trip. Only advice I can give you, is to provide more information once the client has made the payment. As at some point I was doubting about the whole trip. Fortunately, then we had an informative video call and everything went perfect.
