Africa Vacation Safaris - Hellsgate National Park
Africa Vacation Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $867 to $6,071 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
CA
Email Tara | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Better than ever imagined - personalized safari experience
I spent over a year planning my trip to Africa which included a 2 week safari experience in Kenya for myself and my two teenage sons. I used safari bookings to research many of the options available, and was able to get an idea of prices and where we wanted to go. However, none of the ready-made options was exactly what I was looking for and several companies indicated that they were prepared to tailor a safari experience. I picked 7 with 5 star reviews and wrote each of them a (long) email about my goals for the safari and what I wanted, as well as my (fairly low) budget. 2 responded indicating that they were unable to fit with my budget, 2 didn't respond at all, and 2 referred me back to their web page to see options. Denis of Africa Vacation Safaris was different however - he responded immediately to say he had received my email but needed time to respond properly. He then got back to me within a few days with a very detailed email, identifying all of my "wants" and making suggestions for various options. He also made the (excellent) suggestion that based on what I wanted that probably a group tour would not meet our needs and that we could use more budget accommodations and have a private driver/guide for the duration of the safari. This proved to be exactly the right choice. Denis was responsive to all my inquiries and we exchanged hundreds of emails to get all the details right. I arrived for the safari expecting quite a lot....
I was not disapppointed. In fact, the safari exceeded all of our expectations and was the experience of a lifetime. Denis and our drive/guide Joseph were both exceptional. They had clearly taken a lot of time to plan a route that made sense logistically, gave us a huge variety of experiences, and highlighted all of the key things we had wanted to see (including some involvement directly with the park rangers in tracking a lion, visiting conservation facilities, exploring the diversity of Kenya's landscapes, and combined hiking, history, culture, and lots of wildlife. Each day was better than the last, and Joseph was a wonderful guide for us, sharing his knowledge and adapting each day to our preferences. My son is very interested in photography and Joseph helped him get some fantastic photos, moving the vehicle for a better angle or better light, being patient when we stopped for ages to get the perfect shot, and seeking out opportunities to get interesting and unique photos.
The cost of a safari is high - park fees for non residents are a non-negotiable area and even budget safari accommodations with food for 3 people ends up being a lot. However, this was well worth the money and the experiences we had are unforgettable and a highlight of our summer. Throughout the safari, Denis checked in regularly via whatsapp to make sure all our expectations were being met, and he met with me afterward for almost 2 hours to hear feedback on all the places we stayed and what we liked best, etc.
Budget accommodations are budget - but they were all (except one) clean, the food was excellent (recommend vegetarian options in these camps), and they were just a place to sleep for the most part as our days were full. Wifi was not great in some of these (buy a cheap safaricom card with data, for 10USD) and be prepared for a cold shower occasionally, but for the most part, they were more than adequate. Having a private driver/guide, especially one of Joseph's calibre, more than made up for this and I highly recomment Joseph, Denis and Africa Vacation Safaris if you are looking for exceptional service, a safari geared to you and your group, and a reasonable price.
I could not have asked for a better experience and have no hesitations about recommending this company. From the very beginning, Denis set a tone of professionalism and competence, which was only reinforced by all my other interactions. THANK YOU!!!
SE
Email Jasmine W | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing trip with AVS
Had such an amazing safari with them. Friendly and well informed guide on our safari to Masai Mara. We were not lucky as we did not witness the migration. Well, since its a natural occurence I guess we were abit unlucky as the wildebeest seems not to have arrived from Serengeti now. We hope to catch it when we visit again. We had sightings of many lions two or three families of cheetahs and a leopard on our second day. Our Nakuru experience was amazing. Wonderful stay at Nakuru Sarova Lion Hill which was the best.
In simple that was one amazing trip. I give a five star and recommend them to anyone,
Thanks Africa Vacation Safaris
Email Denis Eliss | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was an awesome and fun filled journey
Kudos to you guys for the good job. I really loved your commitment to customer satisfaction and was impressed by your tour guides explanations to details. Unbelievable!!!
Email Horace Maingi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
simpply amazing
Our travel planner with this tour company is AMAZING! he is 100% invested in delivering a great experience for his client and takes the time to listen to what you are looking for in your trip.The cooperation of the Staff, prompt responses to my queries and in resolving issues, giving clear and up to date information on the tour package, etc. is definitely commendable. Comparatively, their rates too are reasonable. I would recommend their services without hesitation. Good job
Email Anne Onyango | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The experience Was amazingly good. We had so much fun and I also loved every second of it.
The communication was professional as well as the service. Africa Vacation safaris exceeded my expectations.
Email Rose | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
All Worth It
My friend and i decided to join a group of unknown people on a hike up Mt. Longonot. It turned out to be one of the best experiences i have had. Starting with Denis who ensured that no one was left behind or gave up when the climb got tough and that everyone was having fun while at it and Peter who took some amazing photos that are now part of my album. We all managed to get to the top of the mountain, go round the crater and back down. We also saw some antelopes and gazelles. The strangers that started the climb became good friends by the end of the day.
I highly recommend Africa Vacation Safaris and will definitely be booking more trips with them.
IN
Email Rajeesh | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Safari on a Short Stay with Africa vacation safaris
On my recent business trip to Nairobi i booked a short safari to Nakuru National Park with this company. They ansered to my mails within minutes of making inquiries which made it very easy to plan the day trip. My guide Joseph was amazing throughout. He appeared to be very knowledgeable with the parks terrain and animals around. Lake Nakuru National park was also an amazing park. In just two game drives, morning and afternoon game drive we were able to see almost all the animals. I will recommend the operator to visitors coming to East Africa.
Email Stan and Lorna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best Guide and safari planner
I recently completed a safari in Kenya organised and operated by Africa Vacation Safaris. All I can say is the company is among the best out there. Denis replied to all our queries within minutes. Appeared to be very informative during the whole process. The guide was superb too. Working so hard to make sure our safari was just as perfect as it looked on papers. We stayed at Mara Base camp and their services too were awesome. I look forward to returning to Africa, Kenya to be specific.
I confidently recommend this company to you looking for an active adventure in Kenya.
LU
Email Anastasia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
perfect safari experience
We booked a group tour with this company for three days to Masai Mara in February 2018. It was just a perfect experience.
Picked on time at the airport upon arriving in Kenyas Capital City. We always knwe what was to happen each day. Accommodation was Aunthentic yet very comfortable. Very friendly guide. We enjoyed and requested for an extra days but in Amboseli. Here we had to take a private. tour as there were no groups to join on ghis specific day and it was very affordable and the experience was even better. Kibo safari camp was just the best. Wonderful meal. Amboseli Game drives not as great as Mara but worth visiting. The guide here was as great.
we conclude
The tour was nice
Very nice people
Informative guide and operator
Wonderful places with all animals
Honestly it was better than we expected and we can highly recommend AVS Team to all
Best regards,
Anastacia
MY
Email GOH CHUN HWEE | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Legitimate trustworthy company. Peter is an extraordinary guide, a walking dictionary!
First of all, this is a legitimate company with TRA license (tourism regulatory Authority). If you are traveling from other country, you have my confidence that you are not scammed.
Pre trip booking (1 year prior to my trip)
- Came across this company via safari booking. Their review was 5/5 perfect. The person in charge Denis was very responsive. He was very patient and attentive. He offered very good opinion on the places that I plan to go considering that I am bringing my young kids. We also did almost 40min of video call. As a traveller from another part of the world, that really gave me a good confidence in their company.
- I made the booking and paid $2000 as booking fees.
Within 6 months prior to trip
- I intermittently communicate with him to ensure everything went well. Denis even updated me that the government had increased park fees. Minor changes made to the accommodation given prior to that. No big issues for me.
1month prior to trip. (This is where conflict arose)
- I constantly messaging him and asking him for confirmation. Despite completed the deposit, I was not given a proper invoice. I asked him whether things had been confirmed and demanded a complete finalized itinerary, however, Denis was not as responsive as before. He would ask me to calm down and relax as everything is going well. However, he doesn’t understand that as traveller, we want black and white confirmation, not verbal confirmation.
- At one point, I couldn’t get Denis to reply me even though he had read my message for more than 24hours. I thought I was scammed. I googled everything about the company, (TripAdvisor, google, safari booking), nothing seems to be wrong except that the last review was in 2023. I tried calling him and couldn’t get through. I was so agitated and angry. I even engaged other company for new qoutation and to help contact Denis with local phone. However, they couldn’t get him as well.
- After about a day, (around 3days prior to my trip), he replied and apologized for his mistake that he didn’t prioritize my request. However, I lost trust in him. I requested him to show me all invoice of accommodation and personally called to the hotel to confirm it. After confirming that the bookings are made and payment done, then only I could relax and trust the process.
During the trip.
- I was personally welcomed by him at Paul’s cafe beside the airport. He introduce me his driver Guide Peter. Everything went extremely well after that.
- Denis promised me that he will make my trip memorable with Peter as my guide. And he did! Peter was the best we could ever had!
- Denis even helped me to convert some of my USD to KSH. He tried to get me a bean bag (photography) and ensuring every goes well.
- Denis even suggested to change one of our mara accommodation to Julia’s river camp (cheaper, more authentic Safari tent) to reduce cost as he thinks we will spend most of the time in safari rather than camp. I totally agree!
About Peter, our beloved guide.
- I call him the walking dictionary of Kenya wildlife and history. I’ve never met such a knowledgeable guide. He practically knows so much about kenya birds, facts about animals and he always confirmed with his book.
- He has an eye of the eagle. He spots small animal from far. He relentlessly try to find new species of animals especially birds to show us as he knew I was a photographer.
- He would always find a good spot to park so that I could get a good shot of the animal. Most importantly, he could anticipate where the animal will move.
- Even though we were almost late to get out of the park, he would purposely drive to another site to show us leopard (although rush) as he knew leopard was difficult to be found.
- By day 5 of trip, we already completed our big 5, special 5 and many other animals. However, still he would try his best to show us other species or try to find the other big cats.
- He is very humble, kind to my kids (whom they love him so much). He shares a lot of his past experience and many facts about Kenya.
- Whoever gets Peter as a guide is really fortunate!
Final thoughts: (at the point of writing)
- African vacation Safaris is a legitimate company. Definitely not a scam. They are registered under TRA.
- Peter is an extraordinary guide. He is a gem.
- Denis is a reliable person in charge. However, there are many things he could improve to gain the confidence from consumer.
- 1. He needs to be more responsive with his message no matter how busy he is. Don’t ever blue tick your costumer and go MIA for 24hours especially 72hours prior to trip. It’s very stressful. Pick up your calls, even Peter couldn’t contact you during the trip. LOL
- 2. Provide your company licensing, proper detail invoice, confirmation letter from the accommodation booked. If you could do that, I am sure you can gain much confidence from your costumers.
- 3. Prioritize your costumer especially the trip is near. Don’t confirm things at last minute. Do it a month before.
Overall, I still strongly recommend African Vacation Safaris as your trusted company for Kenya Safaris. 5/5 despite some minor unnecessary miscommunication.