Reviews of Budget Africa Safari

Masai Mara/Serengeti Safari and Lake Elementaita Tour with My 11 Year Old

I found this excellent tour company online based on strong reviews and was not disappointed. Edward runs an extremely professional and efficient operation and operates with the highest integrity. Every part of our trip ran like clockwork from transfers to our excellent guides. While the company is called "Budget," Edward was happy to provide custom services, upgrades and recommendations when we wanted them, though he was also very respectful of my attempts to economize where we could. Edward also met us in Nairobi both before and after the trip for a nice personal touch. Based on our interests, he put together a great itinerary that combined game drives, activities and sightseeing. He's very knowledgeable about Kenya, as well as other popular tours in Tanzania and Rwanda. Edward was great on communication and exchanged dozens of emails with me over the past year, from when I first started planning. My 11 year old son has always had an interest in animals and the safari experience truly enchanted him. Eleven is a great age for safari because he could fully participate in wildlife spotting and could handle the longer game drives. He also loved the tented camps. We did game drives in both Masai Mara and Serengeti and got to see the migration. While getting to the Serengeti was a challenge, it was worth it to see so many lions. We loved watching the lionesses hunt! After the game drives, we arranged to rest and see some other areas. Edward recommended the Lake Elementaita area 2-4 hours north of Nairobi depending on traffic. From our lovely resort hotel with pool (Pelican Lodge), we were easily able to enjoy horseback riding around Lake Elementaita (flamingos!), a boat ride on Lake Naivasha (great bird watching) and a surprise biking safari and beautiful gorge hike/scramble in Hell's Gate National Park. It was also good to have some activities for my son after a week of game drives. I highly recommend Edward's company and exploring more of Kenya!

Lisa, NYC

7 Days Masai Mara-Serengeti-Ngorongoro Tour

We just finished our 7 days trip with Edward.. Eating dinner in Carnivore Restaurant till our flight.. Everything was well organized by Edward and his staff.. Never delayed, no problems.. Food and camps were nice for a budget trip.. Thanks for everything.. Btw we saw the migration and the big 5!!! And a lot more.. Listen Toto-Africa on the top of Ngorongoro under the stars for us..

Okan Akcay

A comprehensive tourist operator with deep ground knowledge and truly best-in-class hospitality.

One of the most comprehensive safari operators in Masai Mara, combining exceptional on-ground knowledge with a deep understanding of wildlife, terrain, and local culture, while delivering truly best-in-class hospitality. From seamless logistics and thoughtfully curated game drives to warm, attentive service, every detail reflects professionalism, passion, and experience. Their guides are not just drivers but storytellers and conservation-aware experts who elevate each moment in the reserve. The entire journey feels safe, immersive, and effortlessly memorable, making the safari not just a trip, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience defined by authenticity, comfort, and respect for nature.

Ritabrata Chakraborty

Six Days of Wild Discovery and Refined Comfort

Our African expedition was nothing short of extraordinary. Traversing the savannah felt like stepping into a cinematic masterpiece—a constant sense of déjà vu brought to life by the magical landscapes. Beyond the scenery, the warmth of the people provided a profound window into the authenticity of African culture. ​Our tour operator planned our six-day itinerary with masterly precision, ensuring each day surpassed the last. Thanks to our expert guide, we successfully tracked both the 'Big Five' and the 'Ugly Five,' offering us an intimate and raw connection with nature. From the shores of Naivasha and Nakuru to the plains of the Maasai Mara and the energy of Nairobi, we were treated with delicious cuisine and luxurious comfort. Navigating through Land Cruiser truly elevated our game drive experience. At last hot air balloon safari was a breathtaking sunrise experience followed by a champagne breakfast in the heart of the wild.

Keya

Great personalized service and value with trusted staff and reliable partners

We just got home from a 11 day safari thru Kenya and Tanzania arranged by Budget Africa Safaris. This was our second safari with Budget Africa Safaris (2016 & 2019). This time we took other family members. GREAT TRIP. The Budget Africa staff and management went well out of their way to make our trip as comfortable and efficient as possible at a reasonable cost. Edward, the manager, took a personal interest in tailoring our safaris to meet our needs and budget, He met us on arrival and departure, he helped with currency conversion, joined us for dinner on departure and advised on a number of extras during our trips. Notable —this included arranging the partnering up with a great Tanzania Safari operator, Tambare Safaris(sp?) for the Tanzania portion of our trip. Peter, our guide on our first trip and who we requested on our second safari, is fantastic. He knows the animals, he loves his country and culture. He was too regularly went well out of his way to be personable, helpful including helping us go thru the Kenya-Tanzania border crossing. It also to be noted that Peter is very well respected by the other guides, lodge and park staff so they too went out of their way to help Peter make our two trips very memorable. Michael, Peter’s nephew, and another Budget Africa driver, drove us around Nairobi a couple of times. Like his uncle, Michael is VERY good, knows the roads, has a great sense of humor and has great language and emotional intelligence skills. In short, we heartily recommend Budget Africa!

Newton

Good company and contact

Edward is excellent, though we never met. He helped arrange all the safaris in Kenya with reasonable price and recommendations.

Viola

Great, personalized services!!!

My adult daughter, my wife and I highly recommend Budget Africa Safari re: touring Kenya (Maria Mara, Amsoleli) . They are a smaller, younger, aspiring company that worked hard to meet our very need. Edward Thionga took the time to tailor his packages to our needs including some of the places we wanted to see and places we wanted to stay in. His drivers Edward and Maury were extremely nice, accommodating and very attentive.My wife, daughter and I highly recommend Budget Africa Safari to Kenyan tours (Maria Mara, Amboseli). We highly recommend Budget Africa Safaris. We were much less impressed with Sandland Tours who handled our Tanzania portion (Serengeti, Ngoro Goro, Lake Manyara). Sandland is much bigger and more established but was not as open and communicative as Budget Africa Safaris. (If you have to coordinate between companies -make sure the companies and then the drivers talk and coordinate the handover very closely and well including bags, money exchanges, lodging places etc.)

Newton Chase

Fantastic arrangement from Mr. Edward. Really liked his organisation skill. Very supportive guy.

I had visited Kenya city and Masai Mara b/n 9th - 13th Aug. The arrangements from Mr. Edward of Budget Safari was superb. Really enjoyed Masai mara tour. All well planned and properly managed by the gentlelan Edward. Masai Mara and Kenya city are very nice place to visit. There are many wildlifes can be seen throught the day. Driver James Bond was superb and dedicated. Because of his initiation, we could able to see all Big 5's. In Kenya I have visited to BAPS temples, Park lands - Hindus areas, Diomand Plaza, Sky Mall etc.. Thanks Edward / James Bond. Hope to see you again in Kenya.

Prasad Mangalore, Dubai

Great Safari tour

My wife and I (fresh married) had a wonderful 7-day Safari tour organized by Edward. We visited Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro with two different guides, one in Kenya and another one in Tanzania. First of all, Edward organized the trip for us as a private tour, which allowed us to take it in our desired pace and to stop as many time as we wanted (for photos or other purposes). We had three different accommodations, 2 lodges and one hotel in Arusha on the way back. We had an amazing lodge in the national park Serengeti, the lodge in Masai Mara and hotel in Arusha were less great, but decent and clean. Ephraim - our guide in Kenya was very kind and tried his best to provide us with the best positions to take photos and had a good knowledge of the roads in Kenya. I forgot my charger in the car and he gave his best to bring it to the airport before we departed from Nairobi. Steven - our guide in Kenya was less enthusiastic, but full of knowledge about the wild life. All in all it is my impression that the whole tour had a high value for money.

Adrian

A tailor made safari within our budget. We're glad we found Edward !

We first asked Edward to arrange our safari week and we had specific requests : we wanted to see Masai Mara in Kenya, then cross the border (which we realized after is not easy to do) to reach Serengetti Park and finish at Ngorongoro crater. Everything went perfectly : Edward understood our budget constraint but he also managed to book the accommodation we requested (mid range tented camp). I really want to highlight the importance of the driver on a safari ! I highly recommend Joseph to anyone going to Masai Mara. He was our driver there and he literally tracked animals for us. He is not only very experienced but he's also passionate about wildlife : he knows every corner of Masai Mara, the animal's habits, their favorite spots... He also avoided the crowds of cars filled with tourists which we very much appreciated! If you are going to Serengetti, we recommend a night at beautiful Kati Kati. Amazing a place in the heart of the park ! If you are staying a few days in Kenya : Hell's gate is a great first experience to walk in a park free of predators. And lake Nakuru is a must to see the rhinos. Note that a van is necessary for a better experience there. In a word : big thumbs up for budget Africa safari !

Marine

Incredible trip

Edward and the team did a wonderful job of arranging our trip. We only had a week to see the some of the highlights of Kenya and Tanzania - Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorogoro Crater. The Masai Mara was my favourite park. We saw many gazelles and antelope, giraffes (my favourite!), lions, a cheetah and elephants along with ostriches and other birds. Our guide, Ephraim, was wonderful - he had so much knowledge to share about the area and its wildlife; he even helped me learn a few words of Swahili!

Leah

Excellent safari!

We booked our 4-day Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru safari with Edward after doing extensive online research. Our goal was to see as many big cats as possible, and he assured us that we would see them. It was only the best price but also the best experience of our lives. I had wanted to go on an African safari for over 50 years, and Edward made my dreams come true. We could not have enjoyed this safari more. Edward has exceptional communication skills and tons of TLC. He literally held our hands and made sure that we were well taken care of during the whole trip. You too will thoroughly enjoy your adventure with Edward. We hope to see him again.

Bonnie and Jerry Stowe

Excellent and fantastic!! Safari with Budget Africa safari.

I work in UNEP,offices based in Nairobi Kenya.After several busy schedule time in office. I and two of my colleagues were to go for on Easter holiday, making a travel arrangement was successful through Budget Africa safari. Having found this company online.They responded to our mail very faster and always in professional way. Our safari was to start on Friday and end up Tuesday for the 4 days masai mara lake Nakuru.The amazing representative of Budget Africa safari picked on good time and we embark for journey toward masai Mara. We were with cheerful, friendly and experience driver Joseph, who stop anywhere we needed to take photos. Our stay at masai mara tented camp was good and also in Nakuru we stayed at Golden palace resort. We saw a lot of wild animals including the” black manned lion” which was my first time to see it on the real Africa savanna. meals was good prepared and every one of us was fully satisfied. Overall this was an extremely good experience and I will recommend Budget Africa safari to my friends as a trust worthy, well priced, good value and services!!

james

Budget Safari the Best Safari for Africa

I found Budget Africa safari on Google, i was always dreaming in safari adventure in Masai mara. we booked safari with other 4 friends of mine. The 7 days safari for masai mara, lake Nakuru and Amboseli. The safari departed in Nairobi at by 0830 hrs, we met other holiday makers in our tour,The safari was amazing,memorable and amazing, we saw a lot of big five and other animals, the tented camp was clean and hot showers was provided. our driver Peter was experience and knowledgeable about park and its fantastic nature of wild animals! we highly recommended Budget Africa safari for great planing and good services..

Mukesh

Mount Kenya - logistics by "Budget Africa Safari"

I work as Mountain Guide and I visit Africa quite often helping clients reach the summits they pursue. I have used Budget Africa Safari's services to help with the logistics in Kenya and I am most please with the way Edward handled the tasks given. As I was not in for a "canned" experience but had very specific requirements from dates, locations to staff and menu and all with high probability of change on short notice I was impressed with the way Edward and the staff from Budget Africa Safari helped me set up my trip. This is an outfit I will surely use again to handle my logistics on the trips to come.

Cosmin Andron

Wonderful time without bad surprises

Edward was very open and helpful from the beginning. The driver/guide John was on time to pick up from and drop off. We had a safe trip and everything was according to the itinerary - no bad surprises. The guide introduced all the animals in the park and took our preferences into account. Finally I was taken to the airport after a dinner in Carnivore restaurant, which was organized by Edward. Overall, wonderful time at Masai Mara and very good experience with Budget Africa Safari. Thanks!

Barkin