US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Almost a great safari
Let me start with the good as most of what we bargained for we did receive.
Silas was quick to respond to requests for information. He was waiting for us personally when we arrived at the airport in Nairobi. We did get to the parks that we requested. We had no changes in price or what was delivered. Our guide, Isaiah, was a good driver and answered most questions that we had with a Hakuna Matata "no problem" attitude.
Things that could have gone better? We were to meet Isaiah at the hotel where we stayed overnight so that we could be an early start to go to Samburu Reserve. We went to the reception area at 5:45 for a 6:00 start. At 6:00 I walked out into the parking lot to see if someone was waiting for us and saw no-one. At 6:20 I spoke with the receptionist at the hotel and mentioned the name Apodiformes and she said she had seen the van further out in the dark parking lot. Eventually we learned that we needed to go to the parking lot to find our van rather than be met inside our lodge at each park.
Not having Kenyan shillings with me I asked if we could stop at an automatic teller on our way to the first lodge. No problem. It was six days and multiple request for tipping money and small cash to buy souvenirs before we finally made that stop.
I made a specific request for a driver experienced in photography and birds, but found Isaiah was familiar, but not proficient in either. In spite of repeated questions about locations, animals, and history we only go brief answers to our requests, and occasionally inaccurate. In the case of the Ernest Hemingway bar at the Amboseli Sopa he replied that here was nothing special about it. It was just the second bar at the lodge and it was up on a rock. A quick Google about the bar reveals that it was actually a home built by the author and the stories told by the bartender about his uncle and the writer are worth stopping for a drink all by themselves.
We scheduled two nights at both Masai Mara and Tsavo East in order to make more that one game drive. At each we only went out one time in spite of the extra time allotted.
A little extra time in planning could have put us either in a lodge that made those game drives possible, or a stop at a smaller place of interest overnight could have shorted our multiple 7-9 hour drives between lodges.
The price was fair. We saw what we had scheduled. I got some wonderful pictures. It could have been planned better and a bit more interest in our safari could have taken this from a "B-" to an "A'" without a major investment in time or money.
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good organised and friendly people
The safari guides Paul en Alex are professionals and gave a lot of information during the safari tour.They respect also the time schedule.The drivers drove safely.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Astonishing experience
Tanzania's National Park are a dreamy reality. Crossing their gates meant to me detaching from reality, society and all the problems related, it felt like a peaceful and spiritual reality where I regained a lost relationship with nature and animals. Sleeping inside the tented camps in the park was incredibly peaceful, it was really a dream, during the night animals roam around your tent, and we could hear zebras, hyenas, buffalos ecc.. Serengeti then was a real gem, we saw all the big five and many hunting scenes and lion cubs.
We choose Colours Africa Tours as operator and they were really helpful, always on time and always listening to our requests, they put us in amazing accomodations and give us delicious food, and I think they provide a really good quality service compared to the price. Overall that's an experience I would 100% repeat. Also, even when in Arusha or Zanzibar we felt safe walking around by ourselves in the villages, which is something you can't do everywhere in the continent. The weather was hot but pleasant in the mainland and in the parks, only in the Ngorongoro Crater it was very cool, but in Zanzibar it was, in my opinion, intolerably humid.
A Memorable Trip to Kenya and Tanzania
Nico from Destination Consultants was very helpful and patient when arranging our trip to Kenya and Tanzania. We opted for a 12 day private guided tour whereby we had three different tour guides in that time. The first vehicle we travelled in from Nairobi from Tanzania was not great as the seats were so high and the windows were low so it was not great for motion sickness however the driver allowed me to sit in the front seat which was fine, the vehicle we had on our second leg was a proper safari vehicle which was great. The itinerary suggested was quite good although could have left out Lake Navaisha which had a few hand fed hippos out the back and that was it, so our time could have been better spent elsewhere. The accommodation overall was excellent except for Tukaone Camps in Serengeti which was below average. The camp itself was on a lean, the food was average and we did not have hot water until the day before we left. What made it more disappointing was that this camp was not where we were supposed to stay as I had requested to stay at another camp. Before undertaking this tour, we did a 16 day group tour through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana which we did a variety a of activities such as hiking, canoeing into the delta and Safari drives. This particular tour only had safari drives for its activities which is perfect if it was the only place you were going in Africa but for us, we found the safaris became repetitious towards the end of the trip.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
He was good but worried about the other jeeps instead of us so we didn’t see as much as the others
Awesome, safari.
Lodge was nice and very pleasant staff.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great organisation and fulfilled wishes
Dealing with Joy was a real pleasure. She was very attentive and made sure that everything was in order. When I asked for some extras she didn‘t hesitate to fulfill my wishes. The communication was always 100%!
AE
Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable, Experienced, Professional though friendly
My guide's name is Karanja. Very friendly and professional guy. Knowledgeable. He'll try his best to accommodate your requests. Kameraz is a good tour operator, reasonable prices i believe and good options for accommodation. For all those visiting Masai Mara, do insist on having your stay within the reserve or near Sekenani gate as it's much closer to the happening part of the reserve.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Personalised focus to match your Kenya holiday aims.
Having decided that we wanted to explore Kenya with its acclaimed wild life and pristine beaches, we made comms with Charles at Salina Wild Adventures who was very attentive and flexible in creating a bespoke 8 day tour of Kenya.
We took in the sights and sounds of Masaai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha and Diani Beach.
He offers a wide range of options and price points - be as precise as you can be and Charles will make it possible.
He took care of every detail and was very responsive.
The hot air balloon flight over the Mara will live with me forever!
Thanks Charles
SI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great tour to experience Kenyan wild life
Be prepared for some improvisation concerning logistics when joining a group tour but in the end, everything has been delivered and the program was respected. Communication was smooth as well. The safari itself was an excellent experience. Our driver was well experienced and patient, he provided the group with clear information. I loved the accommodation in a camp, it was simple but cozy. It allowed for bonding with other members of the groups so it's a great option of you're travelling alone. The tour offers good value for money and gives you a unique experience of the Kenyan wilderness.
MY
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Genuine, Reliable
We enjoyed ourselves tremendously. Thank You Indigo Safaris. Thank you specialist Judy Burrows! We reached out to Indigo Safaris via Safaris Booking platform owing to their (Indigo) various interesting itineraries.
Initially, there may be moments of hesitation- are they (platform and/or operator) reliable? genuine ? as we have read many adverse stories/experiences on bookings made online- specifically on terms of payments (of other platforms or operators / various countries).
However, we went along, and were we glad how responsive, genuine and reliable Safaris Booking, Indigo Safaris & Judy Burrows.
Response from Indigo Safaris was prompt. The itinerary was curated, Judy was swift in her replies, explanations / clarifications, changes can be made if needed- they were accommodating, as much as they are able to.
Personals/guides with us were all good, on time, approachable, friendly, courteous and we were safe. Transportation - good.
The hotels were charming- recommendations by Judy were spot on.
Viva to South Africa and Zimbabwe- exceeded expectations. Hospitality is commendable, equaling or more to other countries. Well done!
With wonderful memories of SA and Zimbabwe a huge THANK YOU to Judy Burrows, Indigo Safaris and Safaris Booking.
Genuine and reliable- safe to consider / place one’s bookings through the operator / platform.
Keep up the good work!