NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kind, funny and relaxt.
We did a half-day private tour of Nairobi National Park with our two children (ages 5 and 8). Our guide, Owen, was very friendly.
We were picked up slightly late at our Airbnb, but this wasn’t really an issue since there is usually a long wait at the park gate anyway. On the drive, while passing Kibera, Owen already started sharing info with us about the slum.
Inside the park, Owen explained a lot about the animals and their natural behavior, adding witty remarks every now and then. At one point, he noticed a lioness preparing to hunt and patiently waited to see if we might witness it.
We saw hippos, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, antelopes, crocodiles, and lions. The absolute highlight, however, was seeing multiple rhinos with their babies. One mother was even breastfeeding her calf just a few meters from our car. The cherry on top was when Owen took a quiet road back toward the city, away from other vehicles, and spotted two beautiful lion cubs for us.
We also saw many bird species, including ostriches, spoonbills, marabou storks, helmeted guineafowl, spotted thick-knees, and several others whose names I can’t recall.
Communication with the organization was pretty easy. We paid in cash (KSh). Be sure to bring your passport, as it’s required at the park entrance. The advertisement mentioned that water would be provided, and the organization also said binoculars would be available, but neither were included on our tour. This wasn’t a problem for us since the animals were very close and we brought our own water, but it’s best to come prepared just in case.
MY
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Well coordinated
The tour package was very well structured and coordinated. The guides was also knowledgeable and punctual. The package as a whole was what was promised and of high standard covering the Cape coast, wine routes and the highlight was Kapama. We saw the entire big five in two days really commendable with very professional staff and superior accommodation. The only low point was the Johannesburg Soweto tour which portrayed the bad side of South African history.
LT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Nice experience was delivered, better than expected.
There are many operators, the tours offered are more or less the same. The main question is if you get what you were promised. I am happy I chose to go with these guys, as everything was even better than I expected. Special thanks to a guide - Gifty. He is really a guy, who is dedicated to what he does and what he loves - nature. Isn't this we all coming to safari for? I had more than a few safari experiences, and this was among the best. Go for it.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was part of the Safari adventure that began in Kenya, the arrival
The arrival was at night and after many hours of flying. Tiredness, and besides I had a problem with inflammation of the Baker's cyst in one knee. What I missed was a little dinner. Since we left very early in the morning I could hardly enjoy the room and the hotel where we were or have a panoramic view of Nairobi. I must add that I am used to a different way of traveling: to be able to see, be, connect with people. Here I realized that everything would go differently. The minibus was a little damaged. And we already had a first incident, which was resolved well.
Philip speaks Spanish well which also facilitated the little interaction with the people in the hotels.
He was always respectful and correct.
I would probably travel with him again, but I will not go on a safari again. Everything I saw was wonderful, but I was missing the other part: moving and being with people, seeing and walking through a market, enjoying the smells and lights for longer, and letting the animals and fauna live peacefully without our footprint.
Thank you Philip and all the colleagues we met during this short stay in Kenya.
(automatic translation from Spanish)
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari experience
The safari was really good, everything was well planned and organized. Our guide worked hard to give us the chance to see all the animals we wanted. Would have been even better if he could communicate a little more in english, but overall a great experience!
FI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Value for money
8D/7N safari + SGR train tickets to Mombasa. Communication with Franklin was very swift but a bit lacking with final confirmations (like that third was to be paid in cash). I was surprised when transferred/sold to another company, is this tour operator or travel agency? The other company however was excellent so no complaints there.
In the end everything went well except a small detour that I asked and was accepted, then later revoked with a bit shady "official letter" and in hindsight I can't see how it would have fitted in our program. Simple apology when plans changed would've sufficed since this was a budget trip.
Thank you for a memorable safari!
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Cosy
We had a 3 day Journey with Tebla. It was an amazing Journey and totally worth it. Food was good and the tent was really nice. Thank you!
KW
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice and Trusted partners,Truly to their name
Trusted Partners and very nice and co-operative staff has vast knowledge in terms of safari. Provided best experience of my life
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Great Safari Experience with Excellent Guiding
Before starting my safari, I was in regular contact with Big Apes. I was able to share my wishes and make changes at any time, and a revised itinerary was always proposed without any issues. In the end, I did a 5-day safari that was very diverse: from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to various national parks, as well as chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, everything was included. The pickup in Kampala and the end of the trip in Kigali were also organized smoothly. The five days of the safari itself were a wonderful experience. The tour guide was very friendly, dedicated, and had an impressive knowledge of wildlife, which he was happy to share. He regularly checked on my well-being and took great care of me throughout the trip. The accommodations were modern and of high quality. Personally, I would have preferred something a bit simpler, as a less luxurious style suits me better – but this is a matter of personal taste. The food was very good throughout the entire trip.
One point that could be improved is the communication before the start of the safari: I only found out the evening before when I would be picked up and needed to be ready. Additionally, during the five days there was one instance where the guide had not yet received the fuel money from the office.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A tour operator with a top guide, but areas for improvement in communication and organization.
We went on a 5-day safari and it was a fantastic experience. Our driver/guide, Bakari, was truly fantastic. He did his utmost to show us the Big Five – and he succeeded! Communication was also very smooth, and he explained everything along the way in a fun and clear manner. This really made the safari extra special.
Dave, our private chef, also deserves a huge compliment. He provided delicious meals every day, which was a real luxury after long safari days.
Most of the accommodations were excellent and well-maintained. Unfortunately, there was one campsite that was very disappointing: there was no light or running water in the toilets, and after a long, dusty day, you couldn't shower properly. I thought that was a real shame, and this could definitely be improved.
Furthermore, there were a few organizational points that could have been improved by the tour operator: The beer and wine that were included in the trip were forgotten at the beginning. As a result, we had to pay for our own beer and wine for four evenings, even though it was included in our price. On the last evening, beer and wine were brought, but this was meant to last the entire week, so we ultimately didn't get much use out of it. I found that rather disappointing.
The tour operator also indicated they weren't aware of our flight details. We were picked up at 2:00 AM for a flight scheduled for 5:00 AM, but it turned out to be delayed until 7:00 AM. This change hadn't been communicated to us, so we were awake all night at the airport. We then had to go on the first day of safari without any sleep, which was very tiring and unpleasant.
Despite these issues, the safari was generally well-organized, and we look back on it with very positive feelings. Again: the driver and the cook made this trip truly unforgettable. Absolutely recommended, with a few points to consider regarding the organization.
(automatic translation from Dutch)