QA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Flexible and easy to customize your trip
I recently had the opportunity to visit Kenya and it was truly a wonderful experience. I was able to see all of the amazing animals that I had been dreaming of seeing. Jastro was very easy to communicate with and was able to customize our safari trip to fit our needs perfectly.
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good transportation with knowledgeable and courteous drivers cum guides, stay arrangements not ok
We were a group of 19 from India , right from the beginning of the tour till the end the guides cum drivers (Mr. Geoffrey, Mr. Tony and Mr. Peter) were very courteous and had good knowledge of the jungle routes ,animals and birds. They were patient enough to wait for us whenever we requested for a good sighting. Our stay and food arrangements were not up to the expectations we had as being mostly vegetarians the options very few, quality of rice was good and fresh, in most of the jungle camps electricity and Wi-Fi/network were very limited or totally absent. Overall a good experience. Advise to all , the local cell network works best with "Safari", "Telkom" is useless ,it available only within Nairobi city limits.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great safari in Zimbabwe and Botswana!
We were a group of three travelers who chose Zambezi Exp for our shared safari to Zimbabwe and Botswana. Overall, we had a positive experience with the company. We were always in touch with Silence from the office, who was always ready to respond to our questions and needs during the trip. Our driver, Francis, was extremely friendly and willing to help us with all our needs.
The major problem we experienced was the lack of details in the program provided by the company. It was a mutual mistake, as we didn't ask for more details prior to the trip, and their program was very general. I would recommend adding more details so that travelers know exactly what they will do during the safari, as many activities and meals were not included in the total price or were not clear (for example, the experience in the bush).
Despite that, the team organized last-minute activities for us that were not included in our package, and we enjoyed all the safaris. The guides were very knowledgeable about the wildlife and parks. The accommodations were perfect for our needs and corresponded to what we had paid for. We did have some dietary misunderstandings with some accommodations and a lack of options (the three of us are vegan), but overall, we had access to plant-based options. This needs to be addressed better.
As for the activities, we really loved the quieter safari and wildlife-watching experiences and enjoyed them more than the "sundowners," which were more crowded and loud. I'd rather have those as optional activities and include birdwatching and other safaris as part of the paid program.
I highly recommend the company promote the use of refillable water bottles and water jugs instead of single-use plastic bottles, as plastic waste is a major concern.
Despite these points that need to be addressed by the company, I recommend Zambezi Exp for their promptness and kindness in assisting us. I hope to see you guys on another adventure!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Budget safari 6 days
This Safari trip was very good. The guide/driver James Gichina was very professional and led us to see many animals, all the big five and much more and explained us their lifestyle. It was really great to see the animal world with our own eyes. In addition, the accommodation conditions were simply but good. It was an unforgettable travel experience.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good Experience, clear communicator
I really want to leave a five stars review for Top Cream Safaris and his crew, but the experience left me with a bittersweet taste in my mouth.
We had three days in Masai Mara, and while the experience was amazing, the driver—despite having a limited English vocabulary—was good. There was a questionable pit stop at a wholesale gift shop that made us wonder about the legitimacy of his intentions, as we later found out that we had significantly overpaid for some items to bring home to our dears. However, Top Cream was helpful in accommodating a last-minute change in our dates due to a miscalculation on my part. In terms of service, I would give them five stars.
The problem arose even before the trip started. I had never gone on a safari before, and I assumed it would be in a Jeep. Initially, the very first estimate sent to us did mention a van, but I hadn’t noticed it. When we received the final quote and signed off on it, the type of vehicle line item was removed. So, it was surprising to see a van outside the hotel instead of a Jeep on the morning of the trip. When I called to inquire, they mentioned that the initial estimate included a van as a line item. Genuine mistake perhaps, but it’s a detail worth noticing since we were fairly surprised.
In short, if I were you, I would make sure to clarify what type of vehicle is included in your estimate if it’s not mentioned explicitly. Request this information to avoid surprises like we experienced.
IN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They are good to go with
Hi we have visited Kenya through Kenya Bush Expeditions. We found John very cooperative. The Guides provided to us by him namely Geoffrey , Tonny and Peter were knowledgeable, providing us detailed information about the animals and Birds we saw . Patience shown by them whenever we were taking Photographs or looking at Animals and Birds. Tonny was amazing as he is a singer , photographer in addition to guide so it’s an icing on the cake. Overall it was amazing experience going with Kenya Bush Expeditions to Kenya.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reasonable budget option
We booked a private camping 6-Day safari covering the Maasai Mara, Nakul, and Amboseli National Parks. Were then almost forced into a non-private trip at last minute due to a mix up on tour operator’s end, but ultimately got what we paid for. Our driver, James was professional and friendly. Vehicle was comfortable, and we saw all the big highlights in terms of wildlife. Itinerary of day 3 did not include everything on the initial description (no visit to Hell’s Gate NP near Naivasha for example. I were to do this again, I would probably go with a shorter option - 6 Days of safari become a little too much. Camps stayed in were all comfortable and to our liking.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Flawless execution of our 2 week Safari in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya
Just completed a 2-week safari of Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Masa Mara, Golden Monkeys and Gorilla in Uganda. The coordination of guides at the airports, hotels and transfers connecting Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda was flawless. The experience was breathtaking, the memories will truly last a lifetime. However, that experience comes with a price. Extremely expensive. I requested a breakdown per day of the total cost of over $32,000 USD at least 4 times and was ignored. So, if you are looking for the perfect vacation in Africa gotoafrica.com is totally for you. I am not sure I would have been able to book this trip myself never spending time in Africa. The trip was coordinated perfectly by Corne Maritz. So, if price is no object, you can feel comfortable using gotoafrica.com to create the perfect African vacation for you and your family.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great but details are sketchy!
On the whole the trip was amazing. The beach hotel was beautiful with great food. The safari was made by the guides, they were absolutely fantastic, knowledgeable and really interesting and we saw so many animals. The downsides were that the first day of the safari started at 3am and we stepped from the plane into the jeep. By the time we stoped for coffee and a small cake at 10am we were starving. Lunch at 1pm and then nothing until dinner at 7.30pm. We received no itinerary so didn’t expect to go straight off on safari. The days ended at 4pm, the lodge only had cold water and dinner wasn’t until 7.30pm. It would have been good to have known this so we could have taken snacks and ensured we had what we needed with us. We were told it was a bush walk and boat safari on day 1 but that was actually day 2. No info at all on itinerary or what to expect. The bush walk was incredible, wished it had lasted longer. The guides were amazing as were the Maasai.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
is another world
Kenya is a fascinating experience, it allows you to get to know a reality very different from the European one. The management of the natural parks is very good although very expensive and certainly their landscapes are very great and the drivers (at least the one that touched us) expert when it comes to locating animals (lions, cheetahs, rhinoceroses).
DRIVERS IN KENYA should be more careful when driving. I was really scared many days because the way of driving there is horrible.