CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very lucky with game drive
We booked a 4 days / 3 nights safari (Nakuru and Masai Mara) with Wildebeest Safari. I've been many times in Kenya (at least 10 times) and it was first time with my husband, my 2 girls (10 and 7 years) and I. I would say the safari was very good and we were very lucky with game drive. We saw the Big Five and plenty of other animals. We arrived in Nairobi 26th September. The Airport is Under construction therefore, it is a big mess. We were a bit confused as Ken (the person in charge of the welcome at the arrival) waited outside of the Airport. Many of operator waited Inside... Then the transfer to the Wildebeest Eco Camp for the first night (Nairobi Langata) was ok. But I would never never recommended Wildebeest Eco Camp. It could be a super place but the people working there are terrible. Nobody welcome you. They didn't find the booking etc... we had to walk to our tent (which was at the opposit of the camp) with all our luggage without help and explaination of the camp and facilities. Anyway it was just for the first night. Next day (first day of our safari) we should have meet our guide at 8h00. 8h30 nobody was there. I called Wildebeest and they told me that the guide was stock in trafficjam but he should arrive in the next 5 minutes. 10 minutes later nobody. No help from the reception of the camp Nothing. 15 minutes later the guide arrive at the reception. In fact he was behind the camp as the security guard at the entrance said that he has to wait outside.... well the driver guide finally came Inside at the reception and we left Nairobi 1 hour later. Our driver guide was Joseph. A very good driver... but didn't interact much with us. Didn't explain much. Anyway maybe a bit shy or I don't know. But he took care of us, the vehicle was comfortable and very clean during the safari. First stop in Nakuru at Nakuru Flaming Hill camp. Very nice place, very nice people. We liked this place ver much. Very good game drive also. Next day Nakuru - Masai Mara Serena lodge. What a terrible long day. We passed though the mountain (via Moa) . When we reached Narok after 4 hours we thought it would be ok yet. No way the road to the Mara is awfull. It is not a road. First time I came in Kenya 20 years ago the roads were better. Next time (if I 'll come again) it will be a flying safari. We left at 7 the morning and reach Mara Serena lodge at 4h30 the afternoon. We were tired and my girls were exausted. Wildebeest Safari should advise custumers that roads are so terrible specially when you travel with kids. Anyway this day was a long and uncumfortable day without game drive... just driving driving and driving. Thanks to Joseph who managed this very well. Next day was a full day safari in the Mara. Very good game perfect. The picnic lunch in the middle of the Mara was great. Mara Serena lodge (I've been there at least 5 times) was ok. 20 years ago was same... but staff are not so friendly. The girl at the shop was terrible. Then back to Nairobi with 3 hours drives again on this terrible road. And one more night at the Wildebeest camp. Next morning we should have a transfer at 7h00 to the Airport. Once again our driver (Ken) arrived at 7h30-7h45. He told us again that the security guard told him to stay outside of the camp with car. Ok you stay outside but come at the reception please. Our flight was at 10h00 and we were afraid to miss it. It has been a big stress. To resume the games were perfect (very lucky), the vehicle was also perfect (clean and comfortable), the guide (Joseph) drive his car perfectly but needs to interact a little more more with clients, accomodation very good at Nakuru, good at Masai Mara and poor in Nairobi. We found that Kenya changed a lot. People are not as friendly as they used to be (so disappointed with this point). Roads are poor ... but landscapes still beautiful. My family and I enjoyed the safari but not sure will come again.
TR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Double price for avarage service
The tour was ok, THEY put me with people from other tours and combine all of us. When I Sent to camp and talk with other I learnt I pains double price. So my advise choose your camp and organize with them.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Experience was great, but payment was an issue
The communications from the staff was excellent, the service was good and the trip lived up to our expectations. However, we expected to pay by credit card, but when we got to the lodge, they expected cash. They demanded that we use all our cash to pay for accommodation, so we did not have money left for tips and buying any mementos. The transport and permits were paid in advance, which was not an issue. We were not informed in advance that there won't be credit card facilities available.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Tsavo West National Park by Dan McCoy
Tsavo West was huge but didn't seem to have as much wildlife as Tsavo East. We did a lot of driving and probably only saw a third as much wildlife. Still a beautiful place though.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Chobe National Park by Larry W
The park is being eaten alive by too many elephants.
Good safari experience slightly damaged at the end
+Good contact with safari organiser prior to the safari who gave us plenty of useful information and answered promptly all the questions
+Good organisation during the safari, in line with the description
+ We were shown a great deal of game during the safari, good skills of the driver
-Our driver Richard was not extremely talkative, he could improve by speaking more about what we see during the safari and adding his own stories, experiences.
- The trunk of our minivan broke when we returned to Nairobi after the safari (it may happen to everyone) and although it was agreed that all the participants will be transported to their hotels within the agreed price for the entire safari, the driver stopped the van by the market in Nairobi and told everyone that they will be transported to their hotels by taxi for which they will need to pay themselves(!) - finally after a bit of discussion we did not have to pay, however it left us with a bit of a sour feeling - this behaviour is clearly not professional and in case of fault, it is still company responsibility to provide services which were agreed a priori
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good agency, poor driver
This was the second time we went to Kenya with Aardwolf. Just like the first time we had a good contact with Esther. The itinerary was custom made. All the accomodations where great. The accomodation in Tsavo west (voyager ziwani) was also great, but to far from the gamedrive surrounding. This time we had David as a driver. From the ten drivers we have had in Africa, this was the worst. He didn't seem to like it and did as less as possible (this was the opposite of our other driver James of this company in 2016). Also he didn't know his way at all. When the itinerary says full day game drive, David makes it a half day. He only drives on the main roads foreward and back and never takes the gamedrive loops there are. There was every day a discussion about the itinerary. So when you book with this company make sure everything in the itinerary is very clear and make sure you don't get David as a driver. They have better drivers and you will have a good trip with Aardwolf.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well, It was a little bit disappointed
This company is based in South Africa but our trip was to Okavango, Chobe, and Victoria fall. So they subcontracted the local lodges and travel agent in Botswana and Zambia. If you're lazy traveller like me. I don't recommend this company since I didn't pay much attentions to the detail plan. Actually the 3 nights in Okavango delta with 6 times game drives were too much. Even safari guide got bored. :-(. In Chobe it was great lodge and safari. but in Vcitoria fall, the travel agency was strange. They didn't tell or provide water for 2 hour walking with 40 degree weather. We didn't know that it was walking tour. Also, each time we need to confirm the plans and car ride.
Communication with this company was difficult. When I called them, they didn't know about my itinerary and just said "we gave this to another contractor". what a surprise!!! only communication is email but sometimes we need to talk!!!
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Arranged for us a walk and helicopter tour of Victoria Falls, cruise on the Zambzi River and a safar
The tours themselves were great, however we were unprepared for the realities. No one told us to bring flashlights,towels and soap for our camping trip. We were not prepared for the primitive nature of our camping. We expected glamping and got a bed on the ground with a very thin foam and very shallow pit toilets. While we enjoyed the safari vey much we would not have chosen that type of accommodation. Better preparation for travellers is essential.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Driver, guide and cook were excellent. ATC cut our guide loose 2 days early and the trip fell apart.
What started out as the trip of a lifetime ended in frustration. Our safe wasn't emptied and car keys were left behind. No big deal right? Drop them in snail mail and take care of your customer who spent thousands on the trip. Months went by and finally a rude email arrived saying that they wouldn't send me my keys. Such a small gesture left a really bad taste in my mouth. Once they get your money, they're done with you.