Trip of a Lifetime with Spirit of Kenya and Nesta
Our family of four including two teens had the trip of a lifetime with Spirit of Kenya in July 2021. We did an 8 day, 7 night safari with visits to Amboseli (2 nights), Masai Mara (2 nights), Nakuru (1 night) and Samburu (2 nights). Our experience with Spirit of Kenya from planning the trip (and having to delay a year due to COVID) to being on safari was excellent. Never having been to Kenya or Africa before and doing so during the uncertainty with COVID, we were so grateful that Spirit of Kenya made us feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout. Andre was thorough, professional and very responsive to our many questions in planning the trip. Our guide, Nesta, who was with us 6 of the 8 days, was exceptional and made our trip memorable and fantastic . We appreciated his deep knowledge of the animals and their behavior and his uncanny ability to anticipate their next moves. He worked hard to ensure we saw everything we hoped to and more. We learned a tremendous amount from Nesta including many details about Kenyan culture and customs and enjoyed his sense of humor and warm personality. A great guide is absolutely essential to having the best possible safari experience and we were so fortunate in that regard. We would also give high praise to our guide, James, in Amboseli who was kind, super friendly and likewise took great care to ensure we enjoyed our time at that park. Masai Mara was our favorite but we enjoyed all of the parks and the diversity each offered in terms of landscape, climate, animals, etc. The tent camps arranged by Spirit of Kenya were all good. Lerai in Masai Mara was the most special by far. A small, stunning property with few guests, excellent service and food, and beautifully appointed tent cabins. Ashnil in Samburu was our second favorite; we were so lucky to see an elephant buffet right outside our tents one night. Kibo Safari Camp was very nice with great views of Kilimanjaro (one morning) and had excellent staff who could not have been more warm and friendly. The only critique would be that it was a bit large for our taste and as a result had some larger groups as guests who were loud and somewhat rude. Flamingo Hill in Nakuru was our least favorite; the service was fine, same for food but the tent cabins felt a little shabby and there was nothing really unique about it like the other camps we stayed at. Overall, we would highly recommend Spirit of Kenya and would do another trip with them (and Nesta) in a heartbeat.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy, restful, and memorable trip!
We absolutely loved our experience with Spirit of Kenya. Vanessa helped us plan our trip, and I cannot say enough about the flexibility of this company during the pandemic, how quickly Vanessa responded to questions, and the overall ease of planning. Our favorite hotel stays were The Cliff and Amani Mara. I recommend staying in the top tier hotels-just amazing service. Our driver was George. We enjoyed getting to know him-he seems to know everyone throughout all of the parks. He's been a guide for 15 years and is such a great resource. We would definitely have him as a driver in the future. Overall this was a much needed respite from the stress of the past year.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderfully coordinated trip
We’ve just returned from our 2 week safari + beach trip to Kenya and I’m so happy we booked our trip with Seven by Far. I started corresponding with Sylvester in the spring and throughout this entire process, he has been incredibly patient, even as I changed my mind on our itinerary and lodges. I did find that communicating with him on WhatsApp as we got closer to the trip was easier than over email. I normally plan all my travels on my own, but it was wonderful having Sylvester and his team on our side to coordinate everything. We had a few minor hiccups during the trip but Sylvester sorted them out in due time and I’m glad we had him to sort things out. Sylvester also helped coordinate our PCR Covid tests required to leave the country – we didn’t even have to leave our hotel room in Nairobi!
Our driver for the first half of the safari, Anto, picked us up at NBO after an evening flight and dropped us off at a hotel by the airport. We departed the next morning for our drive to Ol Pejeta (1 night) and then drove to Samburu (2 nights). The driving distance and time wasn’t too bad for the two legs and the 4x4 was well-maintained and comfortable. Anto is a great driver and guide – we were able to see the Big 5 and Northern 5 during the first few days. After Samburu, we flew to the Mara, where Sylvester arranged for our stay at 2 camps – 1 in the National Reserve and 1 in the Naboisho Conservancy. At these two lodges, we used the drivers/guides in the camps. In the Mara, we also did a hot air balloon safari – a wonderful experience that Sylvester helped coordinate.
After our safari, Sylvester arranged for our flights and local transport at Diani Beach. Upon our return from Diani, Sylvester arranged for another driver, Joseph, to meet us at Wilson airport and a few days later, drop us back off at NBO for our international flight home. Thanks to Sylvester, Anto, and Joseph for a wonderfully coordinated and worry-free trip!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
nice operator
nice operator and very reliable. we had a great day and saw lots of animals. lunch pack including, nice car in good condition
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari, which was great organised!
The Safari with Hyrax was well organised and also Peter was a great driver and company.
Have done the a 3 day Safari and had a great hotel. Peter was always punctual which I think is also really important.
Peter is a great mechanic and can also fix something if necessary, he also helped other tourists when there was a problem with the care of them.
All in all a great experience and I can recommend Hyrax and Peter to every person or group which like to visit Kenya!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari which far exceeded all my expectations
I was on the 7-day group joining safari from Baboon Budget Safaris at the end of August. My guide was Joseph and he and the whole safari was just amazing. Everything went well, I was picked up at the airport the day before the safari and brought to my hotel. The entire 7 days were perfectly planned, the camps / hotels were very comfortable and clean. My expectations about the safari were more than exceeded, I was able to observe some lions up close and of course many other animals. Joseph always tried his best to give us the best view of the animals. Thanks to his many years of experience as a guide, we were able to get the best out of the safari. Furthermore, Joseph always knew some interesting facts about the animals we spotted. After the breathtaking game drives, we always had enough time to relax or to sit around the campfire for a drink. All in all, it was just a perfect time to which our guide joseph made a significant contribution. I can really recommend everyone to book a tour with Baboon Budget. I will definitely come back again! :)
UA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome trip.
Every aspect of our trip was perfect. Emanuel has supported us every time. He organized a transfer from airport, for instance.
We slightly tuned our safari (2 night we spent in lodges instead of tents and lodges were perfect.
So, great value for money.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Choose Lion King, you won't regret it ! A true once in a lifetime experience !
After nearly two years of preparation (thanks Covid !), I have never regretted to choose the Lion King company for my 9 days safari in Tanzania. They provided high quality service from their very first response (Pendo was just AMAZING) to our many questions we had. I took the time to contacts many differents tour operator but with Lion King, it was different. We had such a good feeling about them from the beginning and we where not to be disappointed, trust me ! Everything went as planned, perfectly executed and I would not change a thing!
Our guide Ali Fa and our cooker Karim were just amazing at their work. But they were even more amazing as person and we will miss them as for us, they are part of our unforgetable memories which they filled with joy, knowledge and humour all along the way. I will never thank enough the Lion King company for making this trip such a wonderful and unforgettable experience!
Also, for my french speaker companions, coming from Belgium I wanted to have a guide that would be able to speak French, don't miss out to ask for Ali Fa our guide who has been to the Lycée français in Dar Es Salaam and his french is just perfect!
In short, do not look for another company in terms of quality/price you won't find something better! Trust me, it took me 2 months to compare at least 50 companies and I have never regretted my choice!!! Once again, thank you Lion King,
20-35 years of age
Amazing adventure
We just came back from our kilimanjaro tour. We did the lemosho route in 7 days and it was really amazing. We had the best team with Enosa expedition. Every single member of the team tried their best to make our dream come true. The food, the service and the guides were great. We felt safe and comfortable all the time. We can really recommend it to do a trekking tour with Enosa. We will never forget this incredible week!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!! Very reliable and delivered beyond expectation
Omg..Thank you so much Savannah woods safaris for ur amazing services.My parents really enjoyed their vacation at Baobab resort Diani.Lucy God bless u for planning the whole trip the great follow up u are truly the best u made the trip easy ....words cannot express how truly grateful I am.Will definitely be back!!!!
