NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organized
Nice and clean sleeping locations- great driver/guide- well-organized tour and good car!- Seen the big 5 and lots more animals- flexible- great value for money- clear booking instructions- all around recommendation from us.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Safari experience
We had a great experience, we saw a lot of animals and our guide Derrik took us to many amazing places. He was very kind and helpful. We had 4 days of very nice safari. The places where we stayed were very nice. Overall it was a great experience.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Safari with Best guide Yasin
This was my second safari experience in Kenya, the first one being seven years ago. With high expectations from my previous adventure, I carefully selected Axis after consulting with various travel agencies, and I’m glad I did. The arrangements were flawless, and the staff at the agency were not only friendly but also surprised us with T-shirts, which was a nice touch. The highlight, however, was meeting our exceptional tour guide, Yasin.
A reliable tour guide is crucial on a safari. They do more than just drive; they become your companion, ensuring you find the perfect spots for photos and videos, while also sharing valuable knowledge about the wildlife and environment. Yasin excelled in all these aspects.
Arrangement: I booked a 7-day safari that covered Masai Mara, Nakuru National Park, and Amboseli. Initially, Lake Naivasha wasn't included, but Yasin suggested adding it to the itinerary at no extra cost. This allowed us to get closer to the hippos, which was a fantastic experience. Despite the additional driving and adjustments required, Yasin handled everything seamlessly and without complaint.
Professionalism: Passion for nature is essential for a safari guide, and Yasin certainly has it. With a background in ornithology, he has a deep understanding of the natural world. His ability to spot animals from a distance and position us for the best shots was impressive. I vividly remember waiting patiently for two hours to capture the perfect photo of a leopard. For me, the essence of a safari isn’t just about spotting animals, but observing their behavior—how they stretch lazily, play, or plan their hunts. These moments bring a sense of calm and connection to nature.
Respect for Nature: This point is particularly important. During peak season, many drivers may not show the same respect for wildlife. I recall an incident where a group of cheetahs was preparing to hunt, and while we kept our distance to observe, other drivers rushed in, startling the cheetahs and disrupting their hunt. It’s disheartening, and I hope in the future, stricter guidelines can be enforced to preserve the integrity of these natural habitats. Africa is one of the last true paradises for wildlife, and it’s vital that we protect it.
Communication: The communication throughout the safari was excellent. Yasin was attentive and responsive to our needs, which made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I noticed other groups who seemed to have issues, but thanks to Yasin, our journey was stress-free.
In conclusion, if you’re considering a safari, I highly recommend Axis and Yasin. They truly deserve a five-star rating.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memories that will last a lifetime
Perfect in every way, from our guide who looked after us, the accommodation which was stunning with amazing food and staff that couldn’t do enough for us. Surrounded by beautiful scenery with views that will last in our memory for a lifetime. Overall it was amazing and would highly recommend.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Disneyland. Too much tourists
Very nice but crowded. The Maasai are oppressive and not at all authentic. They only want to sell trinkets.
(automatic translation from Spanish)
IE
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Zanzibar and Tanzania, come, see and lose e all Your illusions
We booked for Zanzibar with 5 days Safari on the mainland (Tanzania). The first thing that we negatively noted was that Zanzibar, outside of the resort, as an Island is very dirty. I was brought up with the saying: If Your poor then at least be clean.
The people of Zanzibar that we met stem mostly from the Mainland Tanzania, they are very friendly, helpful and kind. That is the only really positive point, and in that a very noteworthy one. The organiser of the safari was at all time reachable, kind, efficient and its organisation fine. A light in the dark.
Zanzibar was as dirty as a Garbage dump except the airport and the hotel area. The mainland was far better, but then it has not much to show for.
Then, the different day tours where expensive for what was given, mostly not worth to participate. A 1-day safari to the main land will cover all the tours with exception of the swimming with the turtles.
If You go to Stonetown, don’t expect anything and even then, you will be disappointed!
Serengeti, the high grail of a national parks is very disappointing nonetheless You can see the Lyons and other animals, however You have to prepare for a lot of dust. The drivers call each other where for example a Lyon is and then 30 to 40 Jeeps rally to this point, creating a traffic jam in the middle of nowhere and leaving everybody covered in dust. All the other parks where ok, but Serengeti was a big disappointment, here Tanzania markets its animals worse than in a zoo.
One must have seen Zanzibar and Tanzania to lose one owns illusions. Once in a life time is enough.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A beautiful different world
Tanzania is a beautiful country. People are lovely, we were feeling safe and everyday was an experience. The National Parks were stunning, a relaxed vibe, wildlife and scenery just amazing and lots of great accommodations with such helpful staff. Meru Slopes Tours was awesome. After the safari we relaxed on Zanzibar. Again a different world, with cultural Stone Town, the souk, the slavery exhibition, stunning beaches, great lodges and gardens. We had such a beautiful holiday.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mesmerising
Beautiful country with lovely people. Organised very late but got an outstanding help through Splendid Vacations’ Alice who tailored our tip perfectly. We stayed the first night in Nairobi to refresh and re-energise after the long flight to be ready for our safari adventure next day 7am. Wanted to visit Amboseli but Hotels were fully booked so diverted to Ol Pejeta as first stop for 2 nights. We saw many animals - highly recommended and during night safari saw several Lions in action. Next was Lake Naivasha -again the island trekking excursion was a great suggestion that is worth the day. Next day we went to Hell’s Gate National Park enjoying a cycling tour, beautiful landscape and helpful ranger that explained us everything. Lake Nakuru was the next stop and although the flamingos were not too many, spotted most of the savannah’s animals. Last part of trip we headed to Masai Mara, stunning scenery and vast plains. Saw wildebeests about to take on the Mara river but unfortunately their changed their mind - good excuse to go back for a third time. Again plenty of wildlife spotted. Last but not least to end the safari part headed to Carnivore in Nairobi. Joshua, our driver and guide was amazing, planning ahead each movement and giving insights all the time. Second part of trip was Diani beach which we reached by train, it takes 5 hours (Nairobi-Ukunda takes about 1 hour by plane which we took on the way back) but scenery is magnificent going through Tsavo park, coaches in first class give you more space and there is a restaurant on board as well. Diani beach is a jewel not to be missed. Pristine white beaches with plenty of activities to choose from. We found people to be very friendly wherever we went, and not being our first trip to Kenya we can only recommend it. Never felt unsafe and always welcome! Thank you Kenya, Alice and Joshua for making it such a great trip.
IE
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Karl Senn
Nothing special, but nice ride
IE
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Karl Senn
Wildlife exceptionally good and nice views, large herds of zebras and gnus