CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was not a very good journey.
On May 28th, the manager of the travel agency sent me a quotation via email and added me on WeChat. On May 30th, we first confirmed our arrival and departure times on WeChat. On May 31st, after finalizing the hotel and other details, we paid the deposit to complete the reservation. On June 1st, we sent her the specific arrival time (13:40 on the 22nd), flight number, and other information for the second time. Apart from asking for the itinerary, there was no other communication in between. However, on June 19th, two days before departure, she suddenly informed us that our arrival time was too late to catch the first day's itinerary and that we would need to pay a private transfer fee of $300. Initially, she explained that she had assumed it was 2am, but after seeing the chat record I provided showing 13:40, she said she had thought it was the departure time. Finally, she claimed that we only informed her of the specific arrival time after the reservation was finalized. In summary, she ultimately admitted it was a mistake and apologized for it, but we still had to pay an additional fee of $200!!
We have questions about this. Regarding the arrival time, we provided it multiple times before and after the reservation, even providing the flight number. Why wasn't it confirmed earlier? Why was it only raised when all hotels were booked before departure? We believe that $200 is not a cost we should bear.
As compensation, the manager offered us a complimentary tour of the Marseille market. However, this was not discussed with the driver in advance, which led to a lengthy communication breakdown between us and the driver on the final day. The driver claimed he was unaware of this additional itinerary, as it was not listed on the schedule. Although he eventually took us there, we felt extremely exhausted and the entire communication process was far from smooth.
Due to the overpayment of $200, we did not provide an additional tip to the driver. It was stated that tipping the driver was not mandatory, but when we finally left, the driver made very impolite facial expressions and gestures in public towards our failure to tip him. We felt very hurt!!!
In short, it was an unpleasant journey.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent organization and helpfulness
Excellent organization for a 6-day safari.
A special thank you to our driver Papa and our guide Samuel two wonderful, always-helpful people
We will never forget you
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding
Sam & Fred is the Epitome of the "welcome home" phrase. from airport pick up to game drive, they thought of every detail.
My family and I travel often enough to know the value of good service.
The time spent will never be forgotten.
We communicated via video chat when needed to plan details and get a better visual of the goals to accomplish on this trip.
We arrived very late night but they were so patient as we gathered our belongings. We arrived with an amazing sign and custom family cups that we use daily.
From our 5 hour or so drive to Maasai Mara, we learned so much. People, way of life, food, daily traditions, the drive alone was education worthy of a life long learner like myself. Every question was answered thoughtfully and with intention to teach so much more about the Kenya culture and experiences that we could even imagine.
Our game drive was more than expected! They were so excited to showcase what the reserve had to offer. Our days were full of learning, questions, excitement, a catered lunch from our hotel (that was reserved by Sam). Every experience was curated with intention.
On our final day, we peaked with a tour of the Maasai Mara village. To take in this experience, words escape me, but I will say it was a true core memory deposit for myself and family.
We intentionally seeked out a culturally immersive experience and went with the processing of a goat. The people of this village not only took us on the behind the scenes unforgettable day, but one that truly told the life story of the practices of their eating habits.
Every trip moving forward would need to be to this standard of customer service, learning, and cultural immersive standards, or else I dont want it.
I cant wait for the next time.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Sam was amazing!
Samafrika Safaris (Sam) was amazing from the time we booked him until we left. I traveled with my 6 year old son for two weeks in Nairobi and Maasai Mara. Sam was our guide for those two weeks. He picked us up from the airport and dropped us off at our hotel. We went on a walking cultural tour, ate at various restaurants, visited the Giraffe Center, shopped, Safari Cats show, and went to one of the highest buildings for photo ops. Sam was able to coordinate a visit to the Optimist Educational Centre, where my son was able to participate and play with students in Africa. My son had the opportunity to give back and serve children in Africa. In addition, Sam was able to coordinate a visit to the Loresho Tumshangilie Mtoto Children's Home. We helped prep food for the children and handed out lunch. Both, were coordinated and planned on our free days. Again, my son had the opportunity to give back and serve in Africa.
Maasai Mara was amazing. We opted to drive, so Sam and Fred drove us from Nairobi to Maasai Mara, which was approximately five hours. We stopped a couple of times on the way. We stayed at Zebra Plains. The safari was awesome! Sam and Fred gave us direct instructions on how to behave when we were in the presence of animals. We started at 7:30 am and arrived back at our resort a little after 6:00 pm. We saw lions, lionesses, hippos (in and out of the water), elephants, a cheetah, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, gazelles, giraffes, and warthogs (just to name a few). We ate lunch under the bush (baked chicken, cheese sandwich, cake, samosa, apple, boiled egg). Sam and Fred packed plenty of water for us to drink on the safari.
I celebrated my birthday in Nairobi. We went to Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant. I got two birthday shout outs (one from the live band and the other from the restaurant employees). I felt special on my birthday!
If you’re planning on going to Nairobi or on a safari, contact Samafrika Safaris. Sam was awesome! He picked us up on time, communicated before we arrived and the entire time we were in Kenya, made himself available on free days, did not allow anything to happen to us, and was super sweet! We will return and use Sam.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing tour with prompt responses and a highly experienced guide!
It was an amazing tour. Before the trip, they responded promptly whenever I asked a question, which made me feel very secure and reassured about joining the tour. The guide (driver) was highly experienced, and we were able to see a lot of animals. I highly recommend this tour operator!
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely wonderful
Although I didn't understand much English, the explanations were very easy to understand, and they stopped whenever there were animals so I had plenty of time to take pictures, which made it a truly satisfying experience.
IT
A unique and incredible experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime!
Everything was absolutely perfect! The organization of the trip and the itinerary were thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed. All the lodges where we stayed were wonderful, with clean rooms, friendly staff, and excellent food. The activities were also very well organized down to the smallest detail and were extremely interesting.
We also had the opportunity to bring some things with us to give to the children (clothes, games and school maturil), and our guide gave us the chance to personally hand them out to the kids. This was an experience that truly touched my heart and filled it with joy.
I would like to sincerely thank Devid for organizing the trip and for always being present, attentive, and helpful.
Last but certainly not least, I want to sincerely thank Max, our guide, for his patience, professionalism, and wonderful personality. Our safari would not have been the same without him.
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Peta was great!!!
It was an amazing experience! Peta was wondetfull explaining about the animals life.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievably great experience
Was professional from start to finish
As with anything like this I had done my research but as always a little apprehensive
But didn’t need to be
The communication from day one set the tone
Quick to respond
Quick to answer questions and really professional throughout
Picked up from the hotel in a nice comfy car
Dropped at airport where a rep met us and guided us to the gate
Picked up at the other side by a rep / tour guide who was the best in the business
Sebastian our guide new where to find the anninals and how to get the best views
He knew how to position himself and the vehicle to allow space for the animals but also get up close and personal
Thanks so much to Sebastian for all his animal knowledge and also to the team on WhatsApp for their clear communication
Well done
Would 100000% recommend
Nick and Laura from England
JP
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable 8-Day Safari Experience – Incredible Wildlife and Wonderful Team!
My husband and I spent 8 wonderful days on safari, and it exceeded all our expectations.
Brenda took fantastic care of us throughout the booking process, ensuring every detail of our itinerary was well-organized.
Special thanks go to our driver-guide, John. He was not only highly professional but also an extraordinarily skilled driver. Thanks to his sharp spotting skills and precise guiding, we were able to encounter so many amazing animals up close.
All the accommodations were wonderful and very comfortable. Staying at Entim, Sopa Lodge Naivasha, and Ol Tukai Lodge gave us breathtaking opportunities to see wildlife right outside our rooms. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.