35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Kenya Safari with Safari Soles
I was a first-time safari-goer that only started safari planning in April for a trip to Kenya in early July (the start of the high season for safaris). As a result, I was initially concerned about it how it would all work out.
After submitting an inquiry to Safari Soles, I was put in touch with Hellen. Hellen answered all of my many questions, provided options for a safari itinerary at different budget levels, and accommodated changes to the itinerary. After booking, Hellen continued to keep in touch regularly. When a proposed accommodation was unavailable, she communicated with me and we arrived at an excellent replacement. Before leaving on safari, Hellen met with me at my hotel in Kenya to go over the final itinerary and answer any additional questions.
As wonderful as my interactions with Hellen were prior to the safari, the safari really hinges on the driver/guide. Our driver/guide, Sammy, was friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable. He skillfully navigated between Nairobi-Amboseli-Crater Lake Camp-Masai Mara. While on the game drives, it was clear Sammy has a passion for the wildlife, and he shared that with his guests. He has a keen eye for spotting wildlife and puts his guests in the perfect spot to view the wildlife. Due in no small part to his efforts, the safari was exciting and educational.
Highly recommend booking a safari with Safari Soles and Sammy.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Don't Hesitate to Book with Jocky Tours & Safari and Ask for Francis!
We just got back from an incredible safari with Jocky Tours, and a huge part of what made it so special was our driver/guide, Francis. I can't recommend him highly enough.
From the very start, Francis was professional and considerate — he was only a few minutes later than our agreed pickup time and was genuinely apologetic about it, even though we hadn't been waiting long at all. That set the tone for the whole trip. He's friendly, personable, and just easy to like. Each morning he clearly laid out the day's itinerary and what to expect, and in the jeep he did a fantastic job getting our whole group (this was a group tour) chatting and bonding with each other.
A quick note on the driving: Francis drives fast and can be a little aggressive behind the wheel, but this seems to be pretty standard for Nairobi traffic, and he never once made us feel unsafe. He was also great about logistics — planning in regular stops for washroom breaks, snacks, and ATM access, and always being clear about exactly when we'd be back on the road.
Francis's knowledge was a huge highlight. He pointed out interesting facts about the places we passed through and happily answered every question we threw at him, no matter how random, never once seeming annoyed. On our second day, he suggested adjusting our schedule to start earlier so we could try to catch predators out hunting — it was a brilliant call. We ended up seeing the Big Five, plus a cheetah, and it was clear that Francis's experience (he told us he's got almost 16 years under his belt), his radio communication with other guides, and his own sharp instincts made all the difference. He also seems very well respected by the other rangers and drivers — we kept finding ourselves near the front of the queue to see the lions, the leopard, and the cheetah, which says a lot about how well-liked and trusted he is among his peers.
One moment that really stood out: on day three, some of us went up in a hot air balloon and ended up returning to the group later than planned (we got a bit carried away watching more animals on the drive back — honestly, our fault, since we'd been warned we were running late while queuing to see another leopard). Francis didn't show a hint of irritation toward us about it, even though I suspect he had some words for the drivers who were supposed to get us back on time. It said a lot about his professionalism and his ability to just roll with things and make them work.
Even on the last day, when our group split — some heading to Amboseli, others of us finishing up — Francis made sure a driver was arranged to take us to our hotels at no extra charge (we tipped that driver ourselves), and he personally introduced us to make sure we felt taken care of.
All in all, Francis made this trip informative, fun, and genuinely memorable, and I'd seek him out by name for any future safari in Kenya.
As for Jocky Tours more broadly: communication throughout the booking process was excellent — responsive to emails, clear on costs, accommodation options, and the itinerary. Payment in person at the office was quick and easy, and my credit card was accepted without issue (just note there's a surcharge for card payments, while cash has none). If the rest of their guides are anywhere near Francis's level, you really can't go wrong booking with them.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!! Topy tours made our experience unforgettable!
From the minute we landed at the airport we were treated with the best of Tanzania. Super respectful, kind, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. Our trip was incredible. But our guide Ben made it the trip of a lifetime. His knowledge of the animals, and the Tanzania culture was incredible. We instantly were not just clients, but friends. We enjoyed every minute of our trip with Ben. There was never a dull moment. From the animals to learning about the history and culture of the area, Ben kept us entertained and taught us more than we ever expected. We have travelled all over the world, and our trip with Ben is the top highlight of our travels.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Champion was a great scout in finding all the animals!
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our Serengeti Smile safari with two othe couples. It surpassed all expectations. Our trip planning was especially easy with Godian's professional guidance and quick response to our questions before and during the 6 day trip. Accommodations were quite comfortable and well appointed in our tent camps, and the food was plentiful and delicious each meal of each day.
Our guide, Champion went above all surprising us again and again with great vantage points so that we could enjoy the natural habitat of the "Big Five" and many other varieties of big beasts and fowl. One of the days, my wife and were unable to travel with the group, and Champion went well above expectations so that we missed very little. We highly recommend that you consider Serengheti Smile for your safari adventure as we hope to join them again some time.
Lastly, we found that this particular safari package was priced more modestly and gave us wonderful views of the animals with full descriptions on habitats, migration patterns, and their hunting and defense techniques.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
We had a great 9D8N safari to Kenya and Tanzania thanks to Splendid Vacations. The whole experience starting from receiving quote to itinerary planning and eventual trip was well organised, seamless and very much splendid. It started with Rachael who was very effective in communicating the options and price range as well as tailoring the itinerary to other elements we wanted to incorporate (Maasai village tour, Hot Air Balloon safari in Serengti). Rachael did a great job in replying quickly and was clear in her communication, making the admin process very seamless
On the ground in Kenya & Tanzania, we were very lucky to have 3 incredible guides. We had Julius for the first part of our Kenya trip, Jackson for Tanzania and Alex for the second part of Kenya. All three guides did an excellent job in sharing their knowledge of the animals, making sure we had the best positions for photos of the wildlife and were conscious in helping us find the animals we really wanted to see (big cats). My wife and I really appreciated that they constantly checked in on us to ensure we were comfortable throughout the trip and confirming /adjusting the plan each day based on what we wanted to see. It was a brilliant safari and this is a trip we thoroughly enjoyed and will hopefully be back in Africa soon!
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
amazing trip
Dickson is an excellent and professional tour guide！He gets us to see all kinds of local animals and explains everything in detail to us. We are very lucky to see many lions and leopards in Masai Mara today！
CN
Very very nice
We had a wonderful safari with this travel agency ! Everything was well organized, and our guide Dickson was amazing. He was patient, friendly, knowledgeable, and worked very hard to help us find the animals. I really enjoyed this trip and will definitely recommend this guy to my friends. Thank you for such an unforgettable experience!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mr.Ken was a possessive person at anytime required at the same time gentle during the trip
The largest National Park in Uganda, Murchison falls National Park was a great experience I can never forget because I saw most of the animals plus it's water falls that rarely convinced me that this is real nature and the only breeze inside the park.No regrets for selecting Murchison falls National Park because it was marvelous
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A truly memorable wild life safari
Thank you, Pick & Transfer Safari, for an unforgettable 2-day trip to Murchision Falls National Park. The service was reliable, our guide Kenlink shared interesting information about the park and wildlife, and the entire journey was comfortable and enjoyable. It was truly a memorable adventure
