Reviews of safaris to Maasai Mara Conservancies
390 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Mara Conservancies.
Dr G & Dr E
UK
"Rainy Kenya"
I visited Kenya between 19 Nov 2023 and 1 Dec 2023
"This trip was booked last minute on a bit of a whim in October. I had not found anywhere that I wanted to go to in November and for some reason looked at the Expert Africa website. I then discovered the price comparison graph, where I found out that November is low season, making the camps we had been to last year in high season, much more affordable. Moreover, Kicheche had a 6 nights for the price of 5 offer on, so the germ of an idea was born.
Richard was able to confirm availability for 6 nights, but midweek to midweek, which seemed like a bit of a waste of annual leave, so with a bit of juggling, we got a 10 night (on safari, 12 nights including travel/airport) trip at a much more affordable price. It was a bit odd not booking a year in advance, but it shows what is possible.
It was certainly wetter than we anticipated, particularly in Laikipia. The rains in the Mara were a bit more what we expected, although it did rain non-stop overnight on several occasions. I now know why the camps provide Wellington boots and umbrellas! This made for a unique safari, but rain brings its' own set of photographic issues, that we had to learn about and fast.
All of the Kicheche safari camps are very well run and welcoming and this trip cemented in our minds how good Kenya is for safari, particularly with Kicheche." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
Richard was able to confirm availability for 6 nights, but midweek to midweek, which seemed like a bit of a waste of annual leave, so with a bit of juggling, we got a 10 night (on safari, 12 nights including travel/airport) trip at a much more affordable price. It was a bit odd not booking a year in advance, but it shows what is possible.
It was certainly wetter than we anticipated, particularly in Laikipia. The rains in the Mara were a bit more what we expected, although it did rain non-stop overnight on several occasions. I now know why the camps provide Wellington boots and umbrellas! This made for a unique safari, but rain brings its' own set of photographic issues, that we had to learn about and fast.
All of the Kicheche safari camps are very well run and welcoming and this trip cemented in our minds how good Kenya is for safari, particularly with Kicheche." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr BG
Newport Coast
"My Nov 2023 trip"
I visited Kenya between 16 Nov 2023 and 30 Nov 2023
"Trip was great other than being wet and cold at LWC."
Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Goody
Manchester
"My Nov 2023 trip"
I visited Kenya between 16 Nov 2023 and 30 Nov 2023
"The whole trip was so well organised, we didn't have to think about a thing. Someone was always there to tell us where we needed to be.
The internal flights were also a breeze. I probably would have fewer flights next time and perhaps not go to either Amboseli or Laikipia,instead visiting the Kicheche camps in the Mara." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
The internal flights were also a breeze. I probably would have fewer flights next time and perhaps not go to either Amboseli or Laikipia,instead visiting the Kicheche camps in the Mara." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Gar
USA
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I visited Kenya between 21 Oct 2023 and 3 Nov 2023
"I can not think of one experience or incident that I have any negative input on. The trip was an absolute dream come true. The Kenyan people are so warm and welcoming - and have the most beautiful smiles. :)
Although there were a couple of times that I thought cutting the camp stays short by a day each would have been ok, I wasn't quite ready to leave when the time came. I would, however, like to spend more time at Emakoko - it was the perfect place to regroup and gear up for the long journey home. Another day or two there would have been wonderful.
Overall, I've been very satisfied with the entire trip - Richard's expertise and assistance in planning, Nancie's familiarity and knowledge of the camps - staff and drivers - was hugely helpful to allow us to fully immerse myself into the Safari experience.
I have already made recommendations to others. :)" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
Although there were a couple of times that I thought cutting the camp stays short by a day each would have been ok, I wasn't quite ready to leave when the time came. I would, however, like to spend more time at Emakoko - it was the perfect place to regroup and gear up for the long journey home. Another day or two there would have been wonderful.
Overall, I've been very satisfied with the entire trip - Richard's expertise and assistance in planning, Nancie's familiarity and knowledge of the camps - staff and drivers - was hugely helpful to allow us to fully immerse myself into the Safari experience.
I have already made recommendations to others. :)" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms J from FL & IL
USA
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I visited Kenya between 21 Oct 2023 and 3 Nov 2023
"Fantastic; exceeded all expectations.
Every component was top drawer -- pre-trip info, the accommodations, meals, guides, service, schedule -- even the animals all cooperated!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As a non-drinker, I wonder how much of my cost was allocated towards alcohol.
A non-alcohol pricing option might be something to consider for guests who'd agree not to indulge." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
Every component was top drawer -- pre-trip info, the accommodations, meals, guides, service, schedule -- even the animals all cooperated!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As a non-drinker, I wonder how much of my cost was allocated towards alcohol.
A non-alcohol pricing option might be something to consider for guests who'd agree not to indulge." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Gwendolyon
Ithaca,NY
"The trip of a lifetime "
I visited Kenya between 21 Oct 2023 and 3 Nov 2023
"WOW! WOW! WOW! This was truly the trip of a lifetime.
For 6 decades (since I fell in love with Born Free) I have wanted to travel to Africa. The opportunity arose when I ceased the opportunity to go on safari with a wildlife photographer I followed on Facebook. I had no idea what going on safari with her meant, but knew from her photos and connection to Africa and the animals that this was how I wanted to do it. Her trips are completely organized through Expert Africa with Richard Trillo, organizer and planner extraordinaire!
The information, the attention to detail, planning, everything was managed perfectly. Expert Africa (Richard) walks you through every step along the way; and if they can’t answer a question specifically for you (like which travel insurance should I get), they provide necessary information to perform your own research and make the decision that fits your needs. Informative packets are sent with answers to all the questions you may have (as well as ones you didn’t know you needed the answers to). Weather, culture, money, gratuities, obtaining the appropriate visas, etc. Everything is planned so that you are never alone once you arrive, and never need to figure out how to do something.
Everyone is sent an itinerary for the trip including everyone’s flight information, who will be meeting you at the airport and helping you through customs, driving you to your destination(s). All travel, including flights within Kenya, are taken care of, including providing day rooms on your last day prior to your flight and bringing you back to the airport at the end of the trip. And when they ask on their booking form what your food preferences are, make sure to fill it in (no matter how silly you think it may be, this from my own experience). All the destinations, camps, and lodges want to accommodate you as best they can.
The camps are perfect. Perfect accommodations, perfect food, amazing staff. Joyful always. Informative always. Welcoming everyone into the family.
I didn’t have the opportunity to research other travel companies, but from this experience with Expert Africa, I have absolutely no reason to look into any other companies. I plan on returning to Africa. And I plan on ONLY going through Expert Africa. And I am telling everyone I meet that indicates they’ve “always wanted to go”.
Thank you for the service your provide, Expert Africa.
Thank you for providing opportunities to travel to this most cherished continent in a way that respects, sustains, and helps to protect these lands and all their inhabitants." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
For 6 decades (since I fell in love with Born Free) I have wanted to travel to Africa. The opportunity arose when I ceased the opportunity to go on safari with a wildlife photographer I followed on Facebook. I had no idea what going on safari with her meant, but knew from her photos and connection to Africa and the animals that this was how I wanted to do it. Her trips are completely organized through Expert Africa with Richard Trillo, organizer and planner extraordinaire!
The information, the attention to detail, planning, everything was managed perfectly. Expert Africa (Richard) walks you through every step along the way; and if they can’t answer a question specifically for you (like which travel insurance should I get), they provide necessary information to perform your own research and make the decision that fits your needs. Informative packets are sent with answers to all the questions you may have (as well as ones you didn’t know you needed the answers to). Weather, culture, money, gratuities, obtaining the appropriate visas, etc. Everything is planned so that you are never alone once you arrive, and never need to figure out how to do something.
Everyone is sent an itinerary for the trip including everyone’s flight information, who will be meeting you at the airport and helping you through customs, driving you to your destination(s). All travel, including flights within Kenya, are taken care of, including providing day rooms on your last day prior to your flight and bringing you back to the airport at the end of the trip. And when they ask on their booking form what your food preferences are, make sure to fill it in (no matter how silly you think it may be, this from my own experience). All the destinations, camps, and lodges want to accommodate you as best they can.
The camps are perfect. Perfect accommodations, perfect food, amazing staff. Joyful always. Informative always. Welcoming everyone into the family.
I didn’t have the opportunity to research other travel companies, but from this experience with Expert Africa, I have absolutely no reason to look into any other companies. I plan on returning to Africa. And I plan on ONLY going through Expert Africa. And I am telling everyone I meet that indicates they’ve “always wanted to go”.
Thank you for the service your provide, Expert Africa.
Thank you for providing opportunities to travel to this most cherished continent in a way that respects, sustains, and helps to protect these lands and all their inhabitants." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms D.
Canada
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I visited Kenya between 21 Oct 2023 and 3 Nov 2023
"It was an experience of a lifetime!!!
I can't wait to hopefully one day go back again, and I wouldn't change a thing, the trip from start to finish was everything I had dreamed it would be and so much more!!!
A special thank you Expert Africa, Richard Trillo, Nancie Wight, and to everyone else that made this trip one I will never ever forget!
The memories will live on in my heart forever.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing at all, totally pleased with everything." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
I can't wait to hopefully one day go back again, and I wouldn't change a thing, the trip from start to finish was everything I had dreamed it would be and so much more!!!
A special thank you Expert Africa, Richard Trillo, Nancie Wight, and to everyone else that made this trip one I will never ever forget!
The memories will live on in my heart forever.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing at all, totally pleased with everything." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R.
Chicago
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I visited Kenya between 20 Oct 2023 and 1 Nov 2023
"Many thanks to Expert Africa, and our wonderful advisor, Jessica Plumb, for working with us to plan our amazing adventure. We could not be happier with the camps she suggested and the itinerary.
Each location offered something special - something different - but with the same high-quality surroundings and excellent service. It was truly seamless and a trip of a lifetime.
If we are ever lucky enough to get back to Africa, I would only turn to Expert Africa to plan our trip.
I can't imagine how this trip could have been better!
Thank you so much Jessica and Expert Africa!!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari
Each location offered something special - something different - but with the same high-quality surroundings and excellent service. It was truly seamless and a trip of a lifetime.
If we are ever lucky enough to get back to Africa, I would only turn to Expert Africa to plan our trip.
I can't imagine how this trip could have been better!
Thank you so much Jessica and Expert Africa!!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Liz C
Sussex
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I visited Kenya between 19 Oct 2023 and 29 Oct 2023
"loved the trip thank you"
Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs H.
Canada
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I visited Kenya between 11 Oct 2023 and 22 Oct 2023
"Overall an amazing experience."
Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
390
reviews of Mara Conservancies by travellers since August 2007
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