US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Honeymoon in Kenya
My wife and I chose Amazing Memories Safaris for our honeymoon in Kenya. The experience was incredible and far exceeded our expectations. Our trip started with a pickup at our hotel in Nairobi. We were given a quick briefing about the safari as well as safari hats which was a nice touch. Our guide/driver Joseph was very knowledgeable and had a great ability to spot animals in the wild. We first visited Lake Nakuru where we saw many beautiful animals and birds. We stayed a the Lake Nakuru Lodge which was okay but not amazing. We then traveled to the Masaai Mara where we spent the remaining 3 days of our safari. While there we stayed in a beautiful lodge, the Mara Simba. We had the opportunity to see the crossing of the wildebeest thanks to Joseph as well as rare animals such as cheetahs, leopards and lions. Overall, my wife and I were very satisfied with Amazing Memories Safaris including the quoting/booking process, the guide, the vehicle and content of the safari.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was great
Perfect Safari Tour in Tanzania with the lovely person John! It was amazing to see the landscape and animals with such a kind guide... our memories will last forever
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Awesome Safari Company!
All went as advertised. Second time I have used Etrip Africa and again everything was just brilliant! Safari camps great, guide great, food great, communications great. Tusker beer not the best but we have to make sacrifices...
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Africa is not Europe, you will love it or hate it:)
1. We had our 3 weeks trip to Kenya organised by Orongai in cooperation with Bonfire. We visited Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Diani Beach.
2. Our first an owerwhelming experience: Africa is not Europe or US. Things work differently, and you must accept it or your trip will be ruined.
So for the things we were surprised with, and which could ruin our trip if we did pay too much attention to it:
- changes in the itinary which were not consulted with us. This was the major annoyment, but since we were 3 weeks in Kenya after a week we were used to it. To be fair: we had a hotel for each night, the hotels were between 3-5 stars, we had our Full Board meals, water and our guide to help us. The itinary kept changing from the first day till the last one, but we did not inquire why. Since everything was going rather more than less according to plan we were happy. However, for 80% this will be unacceptable, and Orongai must change its approach if it wants its customers to be satisfied.
- the car: at first we felt that the car is a mistake - a very old Toyota. We have seen a number of newer and better cars on the road and for the first few days we were a bit upset. However and it is a big however, the car was very comfortable. When you are on a safari you will get dirt, you will be tired of the road, you will want to just throw you things wherever you want to: this car was very good for this, and quite frankly, we think that for this trip it was much better to have it than a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser.
- hotels on the Diani Beach - don't expect that a 4 star hotel in Kenya is really a 4 star hotel. But it's not Orongai fault.
- Terms and Conditions, Agreement, Invoices..... well this is Africa, don't expect any of this, we had seen and signed none. However, the trip cost almost exactly the same amount as indicated when we booked it. No hidden costs or tarrifs. Find me a European tour operator which does that:)
- One more set back - for 22 out of 23 days our car was always on spot when we needed it. It is a pity, on the last day somebody forgot to arrange our transport to the airport (sic!):) It cost us 30 USD, but we made it:)
3. What was amazing and why we loved it:
- The driver: a real game-chaser + Formula 1 master. I could never have expected that a car may go to and through places and things ours did. We would only hope he spoke better English. But except this, he did an amazing job.
- Communication: Martha was always there to help us. Sometimes the issues needed time to be resolved, but all of them were and that's what counts.
- The trip: well planned. Animals amazing, parks even better, weather - Kenian:)
- Safety: from time to time, we noticed that safety is an issue in Kenya. All of our drivers/guides were very vigilant for any suspicious behaviour and did not allow anything bad to happen to us.
- All the things we described in point 2, for as constituted a specific "African flavour" - and this is a part of the experience. It was our first time in Africa, and it exceeded our expectations. We are happy that this was a case and not the other way around.
4. Conclusions
- first timers in Africa, we have no comparison.
- Africa is not Europe. This is why we gave Orongai 4 stars. If the trip was done the same way in Europe by a European tour operator we would rate it 3.
- our best advice: when things don't go the way you planned, try to relax and go with the flow:)
5. Tips and tricks
- Safari: buy yourself a good pair of binoculars 40x40 or 50x50. Its much more important than a photo camera. In other case, don't go at all.
- If the sacurity in your camp say you are forbidden to go out of the tent at night - they are right. You're lucky if it's only a Zebra feeding grass next to you tent and not a Hyena or 10 of them.
BR
M&M
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
very pleasant experience
Our tour operator Simon was very helpful to provide the offers and all explanations necessary. Also the optional we asked as extra bed were all fulfilled without additional charge. The safari lodge was above expectations, we ahd a car only for us and a masai guide very attentive and helpful. Really a good experience which we will never forget.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Get together. Not just a name
I did a day trip to the hot springs near Arusha with Wilbard and Tony. It was truely an unforgettable experience. The organisation was easy and smooth, transport went well. Both guides did a very good job. They provided their knowledge when suited and listend when someone else had something to share. They showed us the incomparable beauty of their home country. They gave us the feeling of beeing a part of it. Achieved by not viewing us just as tourist, but as people from different places who come together to admire what beauty this world has to offer.
I could not have asked for more.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unique Safari Experience
We did a 4 day safari tour with Hekima, which was an amazing experience! We visited Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Lake Eyasi and discovered Arusha National Park at a walking safari.
We booked everything the day when we arrived in Hekima House, where the stuff is so friendly and welcoming that you don´´ t feel like being in a Hostel but at a friends place. Arranging the safari was really easygoing and they followed our wishes perfectly and gave good recommendation what suits best so that we had a really diversified tour with a lot of animals, haunting with the hadzabe and last but not least the walking tour, which is a great experience after sitting in the car for 3 days.
In the evening we always had a great dinner and our guide put much effort in us feeling comfortable. For example organizing a bonfire, show us the sundowner at the lake or just entertaining us;)
#GoHekima
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Had a great tour guide, company went out of their way to accommodate issues
This was our first (of many) safaris, so we spent many months planning out every detail to make it as close to perfect as possible. The Safari company worked with us on our itinerary and interests, and Noah was very patient in answering questions prior to booking. Our guide, Samuel, was very knowledgeable about Maasai Mara and knew many of the local guides/lodge workers, which gave us a few extra opportunities as a result. He improved our experience and helped communicate any issues we had along the way to facilitate their resolution.
I would recommend booking a Landcruiser over a 4x4 van as they are more reliable. I would consider Wildebeest again for safaris. I believe Noah has the best interests of the company and will go out of his way to help you, should an issue come up.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My safari with Letaka was beyond wonderful.
My safari with Letaka far exceeded my expectations. Matombo our guide was outstanding he was very knowledgable and respectful of the animals. He was an outstanding guide he has the amazing ability to find so much incredible wildlife. The food cooked by Pula our bush chef rivaled top restraunt fair. The other staff Puck and Message gave all of us incredible service. I saw so many amazing animals, birds, and some vegetation. I learned so much about all of them.Even the mokoro canoe guides were wonderful. I wish I could give this safari more stars.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience
We booked a safari with Sylvester after finding him on safaribookings.com and seeing the good reviews. He was super patient with us as we asked for different versions of the trip since our destinations and dates were fluid.
Once in Kenya, everything was as advertised. The lodges were excellent, good food, great service. The drivers really knew their stuff and were very friendly. We were super lucky with game sightings. We saw a lioness and a cheetah kill plus lots of other animals.
I would recommend Seven By Far Travel for anybody looking to book a Kenya Safari.