TN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience with our guide Dennis
We did a six-day safari tour with Dennis as our guide:
Days 1 - 3 we were in Masai Mara, staying at Mara Lenchada camp.
Day 4 we went to Lake Nakuru, staying at Lanet Matfam Resort
Days 5 and 6 were spent in Amboselli national park. As there weren't enough people interested in this portion of the tour, it ended up being a private safari. We stayed in Amboselli AA lodge.
Planning and communication with Lennox by e-mail and Whatsapp were smooth and timely. We booked at the last minute, but it was reassuring that Lennox was highly responsive to our questions, requests for modification, and concerns.
We arrived in Nairobi and although we had planned to take an Uber to the tour meeting place (far more affordable), Lennox insisted that we go with his driver who would avoid the congested main airport road. He promised that we can pay the same price that we saw on Uber; however, upon arrival, the airport driver demanded far more - $25 USD - which is definitely overpriced. If you do some straight from the airport, I definitely recommend using Uber or Bolt, which are closer to $11 or $13 USD.
Now for the safari itself. Although our original safari was supposed to be in a van, Lennox informed us on the day of that he gave us a free upgrade to a Land Cruiser. Even if you don't get a free upgrade, having seen both vehicles I DEFINITELY recommend going for a Land Cruiser. The experience would be completely different as you can really go offroad and see more animals that way. We were very glad that we ended up in the 4x4.
Dennis, our guide throughout the six days was knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating, and eagle-eyed with the animal sightings. He ensured that we saw the "big 5", and also listened to our requests for specific animals that we were hoping to see. We got lucky to see some cheetahs playing with a gazelle before eating it, birds feeding on an animal, a sleeping leopard, and other cool sightings. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see a migration across the Mara River even though this is supposed to be the season for it. Dennis informed us that the migrations don't happen every day; they can occur sporadically at unknown times, and it is hard to anticipate them. We found out that there was a big migration the day after we left Maasai Mara.
On the way to Lake Nakuru, we had a quick stop at Lake Naivasha, where we did the "boat safari" to Crescent island at extra cost ($20 per person). This was totally worth it, as we got to see more hippos up close at Naivasha, along with so many birds and other wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park is beautiful. The landscape is lush and varied, and we had a long morning game drive there, which still felt far too short. We missed the rhinos in Maasai Mara, but we did see one here. If you have the time, I really recommend spending a full day in Nakuru. It's totally worth it.
Amboselli Park was also so nice. During our full day there, it was too cloudy to see Kilimanjaro. However, we got to see plenty of elephants and giraffes, along with various other wildlife. Lunch at observation hill was lovely. The following morning we set out for a sunrise game drive, which was totally worth it, as we caught a glimpse of Kilimanjaro during the brief half hour when the sky cleared up, and we got to see a family of lions feasting on a wildebeest. It was an incredible sighting, and one only possible in the early morning I would imagine.
Now some notes about the planning of the safari:
1. The "3 days in Maasai Mara" thing is misleading. The first day is spent nearly entirely on the road. There is time for a two-hour game drive in the evening, but given the vastness of the reserve, this meant that we couldn't go too far in, and didn't get a chance to see much. Likewise for the third day, where we just had two hours in the reserve in the early morning before hitting the road to Lake Nakuru. One full day in Maasai Mara was nice in that we saw a lot; however, because our accommodation was so far, we didn't have time to make it to the Mara Triangle, which is arguably THE place to be during migration season. In fact, we spent very little time by the river. I recommend that you emphasize this as a priority from the start.
2. Mara Lenchada camp was very basic. Our tent didn't have hot water at first; after we reported it to management, they fixed it and instead we got brown murky hot water. The tents were clean, food was acceptable, and there was enough time with electricity running for us to charge our devices. However, it is about 20 minutes away from Maasai Mara gate, and the road is absolutely terrible in between. Be prepared for a very, very bumpty ride
3. Lanet Matfam was an adequate resort. They did not inform us of this ahead of time, but they cut the electricity at 9pm, so ensure you charge your devices beforehand. The food wasn't too bad, and they did have hot water; however, I am not sure how safe it is. When I had the shower running, I felt electric shocks every time I tried turning the faucets. In the end I used a towel to turn them on and off. Be careful. Also, there were far more mosquitos here than in Maasai Mara.
4. AA Amboselli Lodge was very nice. It is close to Amboselli gate, the rooms are spacious, clean and very comfortable, and the food is varied and delicious. This accommodation was midrange and we thought it was excellent value for money. We had a great time here.
Overall, the safari was good value for money. Communication and service were excellent, nearly everything went as originally planned, and the guide made it all worth it. I highly recommend Axis (and definitely Dennis) if you're looking for a budget tour and want to maximize your safari experience!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
As soon as I was in contact with Newton at Bateleur he provided A+ services. Everything he told me before I started my 3 day/2 night safari is everything that happened. The lodging space we stayed at was great as well. The food, the views, the big 5 we saw was incredible. Everyone went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable at all times. Before I found Bateleur Eagle I wasn’t feeling confident about about things but that was quickly changed. I was even assisted by their sister company in Tanzania and that put the icing on the cake. I would definitely choose this company again.
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very reliable operator with great customer service
Did an excellent 5 day/4 night safari with Tekko Tours to Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mari in July 2021. Carol in the office was very responsive and professional in customising the trip and dealing with my many amendments and questions. The price quoted was very competitive and we found the safari good value.
The driver-guide Jackson was friendly and professional, drove very carefully and kept the vehicle clean and tidy. He was reliable, punctual and had good wildlife knowledge. Would use Tekko Tours again without hesitation, highly recommended.
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent safari with reliable operator
Did an excellent safari to Amboseli National Park with Lenchada in July 2021. They only required a modest deposit to book the tour and the remainder was paid on the day of departure. This was an advantage compared to some operators who insist on full pre-payment. The price quoted was also very competitive.
The owner Alex was efficient in terms of adjusting the trip, dealing with clarifications and following up to check that we had enjoyed the safari. The driver-guide Richard was outstanding. He was a safe and confident driver and was excellent at spotting animals. He also showed very good knowledge of the animals, Amboseli National Park itself, and supplied just the right amount of information.
It was a great safari and I would also highly recommend Ol Tukai Lodge, as one of the only two lodges in the centre of the park, reducing driving times at the start and end of game drives. I would use Lenchada again without any hesitation, highly recommended.
AL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Company in Tanzania
We had wonderful experience with Africa Polecat safaris. We were accompanied by the best guide ever. His name is lucas, and his knowledge about the wildlife, geology and animals is amazing and unlimited. I highly recommend you to do a safari with Africa Polecat safaris, and if you could get Lucas as a guide it would be perfect
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
very humble and too friendly
I loved the whole tour, it is beautiful and relaxing
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great human being
I had good experience with Cubs Expedition. They were always friendly and smiling. Laterally every day! That makes the journey also great. Besides that they were really experienced and the serves were great. When I had questions about places for buying gifts, best food and other stuff they helped me a lot with it. For all those reason I recommend Cubs Expediton!
PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gorgeous Tanzania with Hello Tanzania
We were on a 5-day safari organized by Hello Tanzania. We saw Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and the area around Lake Natron. Everything has been perfectly planed and organized by Mrs. Sylwia. There was a very good contact with her, both in the process of setting the route and conditions, and during the safari. We had a great driver Charls - very helpful, professional and speaks English well. He drives very safely and belive me - the road is really unimaginably extreme. Mrs. Sylwia chose a very comfortable lodges for us, part of the accommodation was in tents but comfortable enough (with bathrooms and a toilet). I recommend Hello Tanzania as a very professional safari organizer. We have a lot of memories and we are very happy :) Robert, Karina and Kuba
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They were extremely knowledgeable, professional, and kind, making our safari an amazing experience.
RA Safaris made our trip to Tanzania an incredible and unforgettable experience. Our guides, Johnson and Salehe, were extremely knowledgeable of the habitat and animals. They were also both great drivers and even while driving could spot animals. The land cruisers were such a fun vehicle to drive in. The car’s ability to open on the top made it even easier to get a better view of the animals. There were also outlets in the land cruisers which were extremely convenient to charge our phones and camera.
We saw some spectacular sights on our game drives including many baby animals, parts of the migration, and several lion hunts. Salehe and Johnson were always ready to get up and go early in the morning and happy to drive until dusk, allowing us to see as much wildlife as possible. Salehe and Johnson were also accommodating to the many photos we wanted to take and let us take our time in capturing all the beauty that was around us. Our trip to Tanzania was truly spectacular and we do not think it would’ve been possible without the amazing guides and planning done by RA Safaris. We can’t recommend RA Safaris more!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well versed in all aspects of wildlife.
The safari was an adventure....we got a chance to see almost all of the Big 5 minus the great rhino. We also witnessed a Leopard prey upon a gazelle, we were very lucky to witness this. I would definitely do this safari again & recommend it to all seeking an exciting adventure.
