17 Jan 2022
I just had a wonderful safari experience with my daughter (25) and her friend, organized through Bushtop Kenya. Every step clicked, as i’ll explain.
Tour manager Denis was very helpful, both proactive and responsive, when planning the tour that best suit us (and when we made some changes, he was flexible). He gave us several options with good descriptions, and very fair prices. In the end we chose a tailored day at Lake Nakuru and 3 days at Masai Mara (minus travel) in luxurious lodges. I also added the optional extra programs of a Masai village visit and a hot-air balloon ride at dawn — both of which were great.
Early Saturday, Denis came to pick us up in Nairobi and handed us to the experienced guide and driver Tony, who turned out to be superb. Examples of this began on the first day: since the traffic was easy, Tony asked if we’d want to add a Lake Naiwasha boat ride to see hippos and the Crescent Island full of animals. Of course. It was a lovely start. Then the main drives we had at Lake Nakuru und Mara Triangle just kept getting better, while I thought every day that the trip must have peaked now. Btw, while the drives from&to Nairobi take some hours, the views — especially of Rift Valley — make them a pleasure. We did not spend much time in the luxury lodges but they too were great, with wonderful views from both. Yet, we had come for the drives. During the first three days, our guide managed to share with us so much natural beauty and wildlife big and small … everything we had hoped for. At every spot, he had an eye on where we could get best views and pictures. The crown came on the last day which was hardly just the drive back to Nairobi, as Tony’s path brought us to a lion family digesting a recent meal and then a leopard enjoying its meal. Truly exceptional — and ok, we also were lucky.
This is an easy five-star rating, earned at every step of the way. I’m only sorry that I am not allowed to offer a sixth one. Thank you, Bushtop, Denis and Tony!
Antti I.