Choosing the Perfect Kenya Safari Tour Operator

Brenda Shitemi / 1 week
11 November 2024
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6 min read

5/5 - (5 votes)

Choosing The Perfect Kenya Safari Tour Operator

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As you search for the perfect Kenya safari tour operator, consider the essential factors that make a safari truly unforgettable. Our expert insights will help you prepare for an epic journey, covering everything from wildlife encounters to local cuisine.
While the allure of the savannah is undeniable, it’s crucial to choose the right safari operator and guide to ensure a truly unforgettable experience.

The challenge is, several many tour companies are willing to offer guide services which makes it difficult to choose the right one. The best tour guide can make all the difference. Two options; either you enjoy your trip or dread safaris every time you think about the tour guides you chose.

So, to make it easy for you, we’ll help you make the right choice. This guide will answer some of the common questions you might be having.

Why Choose a Tour Operator

If planning a safari is something you need help with, it’s time you consider a tour operator. They make the safari flawless by planning logistics, offering expert guides, and ensuring safety during the safari.

Kenya Tour Operator in the Park

An expert tour operator will take you to prime wildlife locations, sharing insights and delivering an experience you rarely find in a DIY safari. You won’t have to worry about fees, transportation, and accommodation. They handle all that on your behalf as you stay relaxed and enjoy the adventure.

How to Choose the Perfect Tour Operator

Below are ways of choosing the best safari company.

1. Define Your Expectations During the Safari

Do you want to watch the Big Five, witness the amazing wildebeest migration, or go to a less popular reserve and have fun? It all depends on how you define your safari and what you like it to entail.

You can opt for a luxury or a budget option safari, provided you know what you want during the safari. Knowing what you want helps you narrow down your options.

2. Tour Operator Reputation and Reviews

This, for me, is critical. Don’t read reviews written by other companies, but rather from former clients themselves. A review that is below 4 stars should, in my view, be avoided unless there is no option. Before settling on an operator, consider one with positive customer reviews. Some websites like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, Trustpilot and Safari bookings also offer insights from past travellers. Google reviews, of more than 10 posts, are more accurate in giving a fair picture of a service.

Above all, watch out for consistent patterns because these are essential when selecting a tour operator. Consider factors such as; professionalism, quality of guides, and reliability. These are but a few key indicators when looking for a reputable tour operator.

3. Check on Local Expertise and Guide Quality

A tour guide within the Maasai Mara

I have seen a lot of foreign-run tour operators calling themselves “African experts” when they can’t even speak a single word in the local language – don’t be duped. Local culture, language and history, wherever you visit in the world, will influence the quality of your tour experience.

A top-notch tour guide (local expert), will make your safari more memorable. Consider operators with knowledgeable personnel who are familiar with the local wildlife, ecology, geographical terrain and conservation. Bonus points if the guides adequately understand Kenya’s national parks.

4. Safety Measures and Emergency Support

If exploring remote areas gives you the thrill you seek, emergency support should be a top priority. Look into the operator’s safety protocol, evacuation plans, and medical support. If the company takes its customers’ health seriously, chances are, they’ve partnered with medical service providers to provide their clients with emergency medical support.

5. Compare Packages and Inclusions

Tour company prices can vary wildly. But what drives these differences? Quality, services, or something else entirely? What they offer also differs because some cover everything from accommodation, park fees, and logistics.

While others, on the other hand, include just basics. So, before choosing a tour operator, ask for a price breakdown of what is included and what is not. After that, you can settle on an operator you feel provides the value you seek.

6. Payment/Cancellation and Refund Policy

Payment terms are crucial when looking for a tour operator for your next safari in Kenya. Be sure to check on the cancellation and refund policy. Some might require a 50% payment.

Note: Some accommodation operators require full payment upon arrival, while others offer flexible payment plans, allowing you to pay in instalments before your arrival.

Also, check if the payment details match. When making a payment and you notice the bank details do not match the company’s name, it should be a cause for alarm. You might be making payments to a scammer.

Usually, I prefer booking activities via well-established operators such as Viator, GetYourGuide, and Booking, as their cancellation policies are straightforward and easy to understand. However, such platforms charge tour operators a fee which is then passed on to the final consumer. So weigh your options carefully before you decide to book.

8. Cost of the tour

This last factor is closely related to expectations however is it crucial that I mention it separately. The cost of a safari may range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands and depends on whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, a family or joining a group, or whether you are opting for a budget or luxury service. Luxury safaris always bundle local flights, accommodation, transport, insurance, security and other services such as meals and drinks to improve your experience.

On the other hand, if you are on a budget, you may not need local flights and luxury accommodation so the cost will definitely be lower. Think through your budget before you decide on a tour operator to enhance your experience.