DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The tour guide didn't know where to take us and the tour was poorly organized.
Unfortunately our expensive tour with Vacay Holiday Deals was much worse than expected.
We were told the name and telephone number of the driver that would be picking us up in our hotel in Nairobi about four days prior to arrival. The morning of the pickup, another man picked us up and said that he would be replacing him. Unfortunately he had no idea about the package we had booked. He had to look at our voucher to find out details such as the itinerary (where he should take us, where we would be staying, the fact that fees for parks etc were already included in the high price, the fact that water was included, and that drop-off would not be Nairobi but Iten near Eldoret).
The car was terrible for the Masai Mara. Every other car and especially the jeeps and Land Rovers passed us constantly. It took us much longer to reach the camp than it should have, and we couldn't take some of the roads that other visitors were taking. We had asked about the condition of the vehicle in advance, and we had the confirmation that it was suitable for a visit to the Masai Mara. This is definitely not the case. Even now in the dry season, it was almost impossible to pass some of the roads.
It seems like Vacay hires external drivers with their private cars to drive the tourists around. Both the driver and Vacay try to keep their profit as high as possible, with disregard to the experience of the customer.
The camp (Mara Concord Game Lodge) was excellent. The owner and all employees were very welcoming, and made sure we had a great stay. We had an excellent view of the river, where we could literally see hippos from our window. The food was very good too.
In our previous planning and dealing with Vacay, we had determined that all fees for the parks and conservancy and also the guide would be included in the package. Of course the voluntary tip was not included in this yet.
Nonetheless, on our first day a second man entered the car, and he was never really introduced to us. It seemed like he was supposed to be the guide, but he never said anything to us, nor was he in any way familiar with the park. He sometimes pointed our driver in a random direction, only to find out minutes later that it was a dead-end.
We came to Kenya for our honeymoon in order to see the Great Migration. Since we only took dead-ends, and then couldn't pass one of the rivers (that every Land Rover passed with ease since it was only 20 cm deep), we couldn't get to the section of the Mara River where the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras takes place. We were told that "there aren't really that many animals in the park anyway," which is hard to believe since the Masai Mara is the reason that many people visit Kenya in the first place, and it is one of the most famous national parks in all of Africa, famous for the herds of animals.
When we said that we would love to see rhinos, we were told that these don't exist in the park (other people told us they saw them, so that can't be true). When I mentioned some information on areas in the park that often have rhinos (which I read in my guide book and online), the "guide" and driver didn't even recognize the names of the areas of the park.
When the guide left after the second day, we were told that we had to pay a fee for his services. This was not about a tip, but an actual fee that we were meant to pay, even though this was already included in our package.
On the third day we were meant to have an early-morning game drive (which is when most of the animals are out anyway). Our driver said "it is cancelled", and simply started driving towards Eldoret.
On the way the car broke down, about 80 km from our destination. We were not surprised, since the terrible old car took quite a beating on the roads. We stood in the roadside in the burning sun for two hours, and then had to pay for part of a taxi ride by some private driver that our driver organized. He explained that Vacay would pay for a small part of the ride, but we had to pay for the other half to reach our destination. Considering the amount we paid for our package this is completely ridiculous.
It is really unfortunate that we made the booking with Vacay for our honeymoon. We specifically didn't go with a budget option, because we wanted to enjoy these special days.
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything was great, and just like we had accorded
Shabani was very helpful from the first time I spoke with him. The Safari was great. Our driver Richard was the best: very nice, and good at his job and he speaks Spanish perfectly . Also our cooker Peter was great. We recommend Spoke African Safari.
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent team that took us to Uhuru Peak
If you ever consider climbing Kilimanjaro I cannot recommend a better team than Suricata Safari to help you to the top!
We did a 6 day treck (5 days to reach Uhuru Peak and 1 day to get down). It was certainly a challenge and everyone in the group really had to fight to get to the top but thanx to the guides professionalism and extremely good mood we all made it!
It was a great team effort with porters, cook and guides. All of them fantastic people supporting and pushing us all the way. A special thanx to the guides ( Luki, Albert and Freddy)!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
excellent adventure
Booking:
The booking process was very smooth. Robert, the manager I believe, was quick to respond to our questions and organize our entire trip.
Trip:
The safari went off without problems. Our driver and guide, Peter, was wonderful. He was knowledgable in the wildlife and shared a lot of other information about Kenyan life, culture, and politics. Peter was with us for the entire trip (except one short leg from our hotel to a meet-up point, where it was a different driver).
As for the actual game drives, it was an amazing experience! We saw pretty much every animal that lives in the region, except the leopard. Regardless, I would recommend this company without hesitation, and am looking forward to the next time I go back!
BM
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Magical Kenya trip with old and new friends.
Arrival at Kenyatta Airport late in the evening was a shambles. Immigration took nearly 2 hours and the wait was totally unnecessary. Travellers should always be advised to apply for their visa online (eVisa) as the queue is much shorter. Only 3 staff at the desks for a jumbo jet of over 300 passengers!
Fairview Hotel was very disorganised on our arrival and did not seem to know whose booking related to which rooms. My 15 year daughter ended up on a ground floor single room, feeling very vulnerable. I slept in there instead, and she shared with her dad. It was freezing and I only had one sheet, so I slept fully clothed (with warm coat). Our 3 rooms were spread all round the hotel which made sorting luggage and clothes tricky. Breakfast was a highlight and set us up for the next day of travel. I would recommend 2 nights there if arriving late in the evening.
Booking of internal flights and hotels by an Kenya operator made the trip very straight forward.
The rest of the trip was brilliant. Favourite place was Lewa Downs - amazing in every way.. Samburu Intrepids needs a bit of an upgrade - the truck are very old now and the food is a little above average. Kitchwa Tembo was magical - as we previously experienced, although the electric fence was broken and the camp was invaded by a large elephant on several nights, a little disturbing, especially as there is a known pride of 16 lion just outside the camp ... which we saw from our trucks. This needs to be rectified.
Love Kenya - can't wait to be back. Thank you.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Erasto was the best tour guide hands down. He found every single animal we had hoped to see upclose!
Our experience with booking the excursion was very easy, they made us feel comfortable and tried their very best to make sure we were taken care of. The service exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide Erasto was very prompt and made sure we saw every animal possible which we did! The difference between what we saw and what others saw was quite different as he would find animals at a very close distance which helped us get amazing photos! The accommodations were very pleasant with friendly people greeting you saying Jambo and Karibu! My wife and I had an amazing experience and I am sure you will too with this company and Erasto as your tour guide!
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect service, to advice!
The preparation of our trip was excellent: we got quick and very valuable answers during the whole planification of our 3 weeks journey. The recommandations by the team were very useful and contributed to the success of our holidays. All accommodations and activities were perfectly booked, very easy for us. I would definitely recommend them!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful tour
We had a successful tour together with my classmates to the rift valley, Mara and later MT. Kenya... I would recommend dallago tours to everyone and I will book with them again.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Total Mindblowing Safari ~ I Will Be Back!
Thank you Gary and Shaun for an adventure of a lifetime! This safari package that you put together for me was spot on. I can't stop talking about it. Tintswalo & Xanatseni Private Lodges were in my book "Ten Star" lodges. I never imagined taking photos of the "Big Five" twice in a nine day safari! Who does that? Iconic Journeys does that!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What a Safari
We have just completed our one week Safari with Dallago tour... The tour was well organized.. From the first day in maasai mara to the last day in mt. Kenya. The tour was amazing. We organized a trip as a group of students and all i can say is we were not disappointed. The best driver guides... Thank you... I look forward to booking with you again.