Reviews of safaris to Maasai Mara Conservancies
386 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Mara Conservancies.
Mr & Mrs H
York
"My Feb 2023 trip"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 1 Feb 2023 and 16 Feb 2023
"Our trip was a fabulous experience, we would not hesitate to recommend Expert Africa to our friends and family."
Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs AJ
Thatcham
"My Jan 2023 trip"
I visited Kenya between 27 Jan 2023 and 5 Feb 2023
"Really pleased with all the planning although the travel pack only arrived a week in advance and it would have been helpful to have this earlier.
Although the advice was to take anti malaria tablets we didn’t see any mosquito at either lodge." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Kenya safari
Although the advice was to take anti malaria tablets we didn’t see any mosquito at either lodge." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr R.
Malmesbury
"Jan 2023 - Fantastic trip."
I visited Kenya between 26 Jan 2023 and 7 Feb 2023
"The two safari lodges suggested by Claire were a great compliment to each other both in style of lodge (more homestead based individually managed camp vs. professionally run luxury bush camp that is part of a safari group) and area (Northern Kenya/rhino intensive/hilly vs. richness of the Mara plains ecosystem). Kinondo Kwetu was a lovely boutique style restful beach option at the end. All of our arrangements went without a hitch and everyone we met was charming including the Southern Cross safari employees who looked after us on arrival/departure from Nairobi.
We saw some amazing game and were spoilt throughout. The Kenyan people are wonderful and the country is world leading in several areas - such as the long term ban on hunting and the high penalties for poaching which has curtailed such practices. The private conservancies provide an exclusive experience and carry out best practices in game conservation as well as getting buy in from local tribes by ensuring they are compensated and by ensuring traditional grazing can continue but subject to restrictions.
Our one negative comment on Kenya is how the departure experience (arrival is fine) at Nairobi international airport lets the country down - the queues for passport control and the four security scans are excruciatingly long and mis-managed (on airport perimeter arrival, to enter the terminal, at security and again at the gate!!). There were no queues for the BA flight check in and we had fast track status and it took us 1 hour 40 minutes of queuing to get through.
We spoke to a man traveling on a different airline (there were some huge check in queues for other airlines) and the whole process took him 4.5 hours. Our flight was delayed 40 minutes waiting for some passengers. The terminal is too small for the amount of flights and there aren't enough staff. Arrive 3 hours before flying as a minimum.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None - absolute first class service from beginning to end.
Thank you." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
We saw some amazing game and were spoilt throughout. The Kenyan people are wonderful and the country is world leading in several areas - such as the long term ban on hunting and the high penalties for poaching which has curtailed such practices. The private conservancies provide an exclusive experience and carry out best practices in game conservation as well as getting buy in from local tribes by ensuring they are compensated and by ensuring traditional grazing can continue but subject to restrictions.
Our one negative comment on Kenya is how the departure experience (arrival is fine) at Nairobi international airport lets the country down - the queues for passport control and the four security scans are excruciatingly long and mis-managed (on airport perimeter arrival, to enter the terminal, at security and again at the gate!!). There were no queues for the BA flight check in and we had fast track status and it took us 1 hour 40 minutes of queuing to get through.
We spoke to a man traveling on a different airline (there were some huge check in queues for other airlines) and the whole process took him 4.5 hours. Our flight was delayed 40 minutes waiting for some passengers. The terminal is too small for the amount of flights and there aren't enough staff. Arrive 3 hours before flying as a minimum.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None - absolute first class service from beginning to end.
Thank you." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr W & Dr D
Leeds
"Our Jan 2023 trip to Kenya"
I visited Kenya between 21 Jan 2023 and 4 Feb 2023
"It was good to have the contrast with the arid Samburu area and the abundance of wildlife in the Mara."
Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
N & J Lancs
UK
"Return to Kenya after 36 years"
I visited Kenya between 20 Jan 2023 and 4 Feb 2023
"On the whole it was an excellent and well organised trip to some vastly different parks. Amazing numbers of lions seen (70).
With hindsight we would have flown from Sand River to Elephant Pepper.
All the staff at the lodges were extremely welcoming and helpful." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Kenya safari
With hindsight we would have flown from Sand River to Elephant Pepper.
All the staff at the lodges were extremely welcoming and helpful." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The EZies
Zurich
"My Jan 2023 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 20 Jan 2023 and 5 Feb 2023
"We, honestly, cannot recommend this enough!!
We are already looking forward for further trips with you guys! Indeed, we might even change future itineraries, to have the chance to organize something with you. Richard, especially, although we have been very demanding (and sometimes specific and persistent.. borderline annoying) customers, was extraordinarily helpful and patient and flexible.... so many iterations, changes, discussions, clarifications.. it was all the ULTIMATELY PERFECT TRIP, with even extra credits given in quite a few occasions where it was all so organized as a relay, as a well functioning machine!!
Richard, truly thanks for this!!
It was a life-savings-splashing trip for us, it was a big gamble, and we could not even have imagined it being THAT perfect!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
We are already looking forward for further trips with you guys! Indeed, we might even change future itineraries, to have the chance to organize something with you. Richard, especially, although we have been very demanding (and sometimes specific and persistent.. borderline annoying) customers, was extraordinarily helpful and patient and flexible.... so many iterations, changes, discussions, clarifications.. it was all the ULTIMATELY PERFECT TRIP, with even extra credits given in quite a few occasions where it was all so organized as a relay, as a well functioning machine!!
Richard, truly thanks for this!!
It was a life-savings-splashing trip for us, it was a big gamble, and we could not even have imagined it being THAT perfect!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr. & Mrs. C
USA
"My Jan 2023 trip"
I visited Kenya between 3 Jan 2023 and 12 Jan 2023
"I did a lot of research on companies and I am so thrilled that we used Expert Africa.
Every detail and all logistics went seamless. The communication with Richard was excellent from the very beginning.
The safari tours, hotels and drivers were all perfect and went according to plan. I really enjoyed the aviation services and drivers at Nairobi. Airlines were all on time and the safari camps were the best we've ever experienced.
My husband and I will remember this trip for a lifetime.
I will not hesitate to use Expert Africa again when I plan my next trip to Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The attention to detail was amazing. There is nothing I can think of to improve.
We are so happy and thankful. Excellent job!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
Every detail and all logistics went seamless. The communication with Richard was excellent from the very beginning.
The safari tours, hotels and drivers were all perfect and went according to plan. I really enjoyed the aviation services and drivers at Nairobi. Airlines were all on time and the safari camps were the best we've ever experienced.
My husband and I will remember this trip for a lifetime.
I will not hesitate to use Expert Africa again when I plan my next trip to Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The attention to detail was amazing. There is nothing I can think of to improve.
We are so happy and thankful. Excellent job!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs R.
Weybridge
"Amazing first family safari trip"
I visited Kenya between 29 Dec 2022 and 8 Jan 2023
"Amazing first family safari trip. Jessica provided great advice and organised a wonderful trip for us. We were so fortunate to see the big 5 in a single trip!
The plan to start in Laikipia to see Rhino and the superb scenery then moving to Masai Mara, where game is more abundant but scenery less varied was a great call.
The choice of camps also worked very well. Lewa Safari camp is larger, more facilities and activities so a gentle introduction to safari for our kids, their first safari trip, followed by Encounter Mara - more rustic but absolutely charming. Loved the Eco focus on both camps too.
Our kids, girl (nine) and teen (twelve) absolutely loved it and are now truly bitten by the safari & Africa bug.
Big Thank You to Jessica & Expert Africa colleagues and the wonderful guides and camp staff at Lewa Safari Camp and Encounter Mara.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Loved the guide book and travel wallet. Thank you
Maybe prepare a list of guide books on animals and add to your pack? We asked Jessica and got some great suggestions.
Really useful info re travel insurance as most companies sneakily avoid giving their clients adequate cover." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
The plan to start in Laikipia to see Rhino and the superb scenery then moving to Masai Mara, where game is more abundant but scenery less varied was a great call.
The choice of camps also worked very well. Lewa Safari camp is larger, more facilities and activities so a gentle introduction to safari for our kids, their first safari trip, followed by Encounter Mara - more rustic but absolutely charming. Loved the Eco focus on both camps too.
Our kids, girl (nine) and teen (twelve) absolutely loved it and are now truly bitten by the safari & Africa bug.
Big Thank You to Jessica & Expert Africa colleagues and the wonderful guides and camp staff at Lewa Safari Camp and Encounter Mara.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Loved the guide book and travel wallet. Thank you
Maybe prepare a list of guide books on animals and add to your pack? We asked Jessica and got some great suggestions.
Really useful info re travel insurance as most companies sneakily avoid giving their clients adequate cover." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms H.
London
"My Dec 2022 trip"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 27 Dec 2022 and 10 Jan 2023
"Excellent apart from unjuga"
Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs C
Devon
"My Nov 2022 trip"
I visited Kenya between 4 Nov 2022 and 14 Nov 2022
"I really had a wonderful trip apart from the experience with BA (I am attempting to claim some compensation).
Claire made all the arrangements which went like clockwork and the men from your agents were very helpful" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
Claire made all the arrangements which went like clockwork and the men from your agents were very helpful" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
386
reviews of Mara Conservancies by travellers since August 2007
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