Reviews of safaris to Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills

"Fantastic - we've been singing the praises of Expert Africa since we returned. Everything was seamless and we didn't worry about a thing from the moment we arrived in Kenya. We had no idea what to expect on our first trip to Africa and this was the perfect introduction. I don't think we would have done anything differently.

We did go to Karen Blixen's home and while interesting - it isn't worth a stop if under a time crunch.

One of the reasons we loved Il Ngwesi so much was because of the community involvement in the lodge. It meant a lot to us that the money was going back to the 7 villages, who sat on the board of the lodge. We spent a long time talking to the staff at Porini/Gamewatchers and while their arrangement with the company and the villages is better than most, it is still not owned by the Maasai. It would be wonderful if there were more lodges and guide services owned by native Kenyans.

We had mixed feelings about the village visits. The one at Il Ngwesi was better because it was presented as "traditional" while acknowledging that things had changed. Yes, they use matches and cell phones and dress in tshirts, etc. The one at Selenkay seemed a little more artificial. While it was really good for us to learn how the Maasai have lived traditionally, we were really interested in their lives today. How have things changed? What do they see for the future? Our guides were willing to discuss it, but it would have been nice to talk to some of the villagers about it as well. For instance - none of our guides had multiple wives and almost all of them chose their own. One didn't own any livestock. Quite a few lived in more modern homes. We felt like it was perpetuating a view of Africa that was not up to date.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Recommend some more trips for us!

Also, I didn't see any multi-country trips on the website. We asked everyone where to go next and some recommended Namibia, Botswana, Victoria Falls trip.

Would be lovely to see an itinerary for that." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari

"We are now great fans of Porini camps and their concepts.

Wonderful trip and hopefully will be back, when next in Nairobi, to go on safari to other Porini camps or even back to Porini Amboseli and Rhino camps." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Kenya safari

"We really enjoyed visiting these two contrasting parks, and Meru in particular would definitely be on our wish list for a return visit one day.

It was also an interesting change to stay at two camps with non-communal dining which were slightly larger than those we have visited in the past; both were beautifully located and extremely comfortable although as noted we were relieved neither was full to capacity which I think would have given them quite a different vibe." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari

"The whole trip was fantastic. We worked our way East from Nairobi in a comfortable Southern Cross safari vehicle visiting Nairobi NP, Amboseli NP, Tsavo West and Tsavo East NPs and then the Galana Conservancy before a few days R&R at Watamu on the coast.

Everything went smoothly and the ground arrangements were perfect thanks to Southern Cross and their excellent driver Joshua. They also took care of our transfers between Wilson Airport and JKIA on our last evening.

Expert Africa set up all the arrangements with their usual efficiency and attention to detail and especial thanks to Richard for tying up all the loose ends and making everything work so seamlessly, as always.

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It's difficult to imagine how you could do better" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Kenya safari

"This was a special trip for our Grandson Toby to celebrate his 21st birthday and originally just myself ( Grandad ) and Toby. However my wife ( Elaine ) managed to come at the last minute and this must have taken a bit of organising so thank you Expert Africa !

Toby`s comments..well " The best week of my life " and one day when we saw a baby impala being born and so many other things was his " best day of my life ".

We all really enjoyed the whole experience and loved the Conservancies and their concept. A very big thank you to Olivia for suggesting these and it was perfect for Toby. A guided walk was one of the highlights and an experience not to be missed.

A superb holiday and we could not fault it !!

No problems at all with the camps dealing with gluten free meals they were meticulous and we were very impressed with this.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Just keep employing people like Olivia !!

Just keep on doing what you are doing. We will recommend Expert Africa without reservation. Well done." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari

"Fabulous trip, would do it all again!

Excellent organisation from Expert Africa.

Thank you for all your help.we felt safe in all the camps as there are short wave radios in the rooms with guards on at night.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Warn people it can be very cold even though it’s on the equator! Woolly hat would have been good!

The standard of hygiene was very good in all the camps. Drinking water provided ." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari

"Vary enjoyable given the circumstance, obviously some days very hard as Peter had organised this and he wasn't there to share it.

Only reservation, final camp would have been better if they told me what the routine re securing tents in the evening was - on first night escorted to camp by guard but it was pitch dark and on my one felt a little scared. However they did sort it out for the other nights making sure that the blinds were all down and the lights were left on.

Generally felt very safe despite being on my own." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari

"Our trip was wonderful, really just about everything we hoped for (except the Great Migration!).

We loved each of the three camps where we stayed, appreciated their differences, and enjoyed both the cultural and wildlife experiences they offered." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari

"Exceptional. Just sign up and go.

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Overall, the most amazing trip of our lives. We recommend ExpertAfrica without hesitation.

(See earlier comments on Tortilis and Lewa for improvements)" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari

"Our trip overall was very enjoyable.

We were not altogether straightforward clients as there were certain aspects that were arranged independently, but Expert Africa was nevertheless helpful and accommodating and worked to sculpt our safari to fit.

Their suggestions of where to visit and stay and how to travel were very helpful, taking into account our budget requirements and main interest in game viewing, including the option to go on foot." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 4 on a Kenya safari