Imara Africa Safaris Reviews 25

We had the most incredible experience with Imara Africa Safari and truly made memories that will last a lifetime. From the very beginning, the booking process was seamless and stress-free. The team was extremely responsive and accommodating, happily amending even the smallest of details to ensure everything was perfect for us. Before we even arrived, they went above and beyond by assisting with a visa issue, having it sorted for one of us within just 30 minutes, which was absolutely amazing.

Our itinerary was thoughtfully planned and executed with outstanding attention to detail. We visited the Masa Mara, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and Diani Beach, with every stop organised flawlessly. We were even met in Nairobi upon arrival, which made everything feel smooth and welcoming from the start. The accommodation, food, and people we encountered throughout the trip were all fantastic, and the entire experience was excellent value for money.

The highlight of our trip, without a doubt, was our driver, Anthony. He was patient, kind, and incredibly generous with his knowledge. He truly made our trip. Anthony is a complete gentleman and a real credit to Imara Africa Safari. We loved spending time with him, both during our game drives and in the evenings getting to know him. He made sure we saw absolutely every animal possible, and many of the unforgettable moments we experienced simply wouldn’t have happened without him. One particularly special touch was when he went off track to show us tea plantations after we mentioned how much we enjoyed Kenyan tea, something as Irish people we were very grateful for! He waited at every point for us to observe the animals in our own time, take photos and never rushed the experience for us. We enjoyed his calm and relaxed nature and it added to our experience.

We cannot recommend Imara Africa Safari highly enough. This was a truly special trip, and we are so grateful for everything they did to make it perfect. We are especially delighted to have made a new friend in Anthony.

I had an opportunity to visit Africa for the first time on a trip organized by Imara Africa. The 6-day trip was centered in Kenya and included wildlife reserves in Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Maasai Mara. Each location had unique experiences and the details were expertly curated through Imara Africa.

We met the team, including our guide Simon, as soon as we exited customs in Nairobi, Kenya. They met us with lovely welcome gifts and explained our itinerary, answering all questions. What I did not understand initially was that Simon was to remain with us every step of the way. He was our driver, translator, facilitator, bodyguard, wildlife expert, concierge and companion. We could not have asked for a better guide helping us to maximize our experience.

You will not travel wild Africa like we did without complications, diversions and the unexpected. Simon met each challenge with patience and good humor. It was a genuine pleasure to talk with him and see him at work. He knew where to go, how to get there and seemed to know everyone in Kenya!

The lodgings were top notch, with world class service and excellent food. Lodgings and almost all food were included in the package. The team even upgraded us at one point to help celebrate an anniversary in our group.

En route to Maasai Mara we traveled deep off-road and spent several hours with the nomadic Maasai people, walking their territory with them and visiting their village. We were partnered with a pair of Maasai men who demonstrated their way of life and answered all our questions. This was not a tourist simulation, but a very moving window into the lives of real people living as they have for centuries. The hours we spent with the Maasai were humbling and remarkable.

I did not expect to be moved as I was by the vast grasslands. You may know that the Grand Canyon is a big hole in the ground but it still steals your breath when you stand at its edge. The Maasai Mara savannah is like that. Looking for miles in all directions, witnessing teeming herds of wild creatures, watching the cloud shadows race across the grass. It is a spiritual event.

The safaris were the highlight of the trip. We traveled in the same heavy duty four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser each day, modified for the rough terrain of the savannah and safe animal observation. The large windows, pop-up top, individual charging stations at each seat and additional cushions made long hours in the vehicle comfortable and ideal for close but safe viewing of the animals.

The animal encounters were intimate and almost too numerous to count. We saw dozens of lions, hippo, elephants, monkeys, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, gazelle, and exotic birds. We even saw elusive animals like hyenas, warthogs and white rhino. We visiting conservation centers dedication to rehabilitating orphaned animals (12 baby elephants simultaneously fed from 12 enormous baby bottles). The headliner for me was the 30+ minute encounter with a regal mother cheetah and her three fuzzy cubs.

In short, I cannot imagine visiting the wonders of Africa with any other group. I will return with family and friends so I can share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with them. Imara Africa gets a 10/10.

We had an amazing one-week safari in Kenya with IMARA SAFARI, traveling as a group of four. Everything was very well organized from start to finish.

The selection of lodges and hotels was excellent — comfortable, well located, and perfect for experiencing the different parks. Our itinerary included Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli, which was a fantastic combination of landscapes and wildlife.

Our driver-guide was one of the highlights of the trip. He was very experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly, and it was clear he knew the parks extremely well. Thanks to him we saw an incredible variety of animals and always felt safe and well taken care of. He was also very flexible with the daily schedule and adapted the program when needed so we could make the most of every day.

The safari vehicle was in very good condition and comfortable for the long drives, making the game drives very enjoyable.

Communication with the company was excellent throughout the entire trip. Through WhatsApp we always received very quick responses whenever we needed something. They were also incredibly helpful with several things that were not even part of their responsibilities, which we truly appreciated.

Overall, this was a fantastic experience and we highly recommend IMARA SAFARI to anyone planning a safari in Kenya. Professional service, great planning, and an unforgettable adventure.

We reached out to several Kenyan tour operators directly but ultimately selected Imara Africa Safaris due to Wendy's responsiveness, flexibility and attention to detail. We leaned on her experience and input as we crafted what ended up being a 10-day trip across Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli.

We were a little nervous at the nature of safari trips where upfront payments are made, but the Imara team delivered as planned, made accommodations for our 2 young girls (8 and 6) and assigned the best driver/guide in Eduard!

The trip itself was fantastic. Eduard was timely, patient and informative. We were also amazed at how he navigated all of Kenya with no maps or GPS, and was very successful at identifying animals, sharing fun facts and making the trip very memorable.

I would use Imara again in a heartbeat and have recommended them to a few friends since returning home.

Our safari with Africa Imara was truly an unforgettable experience. It had always been our dream to go on safari, and I must say the company exceeded our expectations in every way.

Africa Imara is highly professional and offers a genuinely tailor-made safari experience. Everything was perfectly organized and thoughtfully adapted to our needs.

We spent four days with our guide, Eduard, and we are incredibly grateful for him. He has extensive knowledge, which he shares in a natural and engaging way, but he is never pushy. He gave us the space to fully enjoy nature on our own and had a great sense of balance and timing. The days were intense but never tiring or overwhelming.

It’s important to remember that a safari is not a zoo — animals follow their own rhythm and natural instincts. Eduard had great respect for nature and wildlife. He never rushed the experience and never forced situations just to “tick a box.” At the same time, he did his very best to help us see as much as possible.

We covered many kilometers and visited several parks, yet we always felt completely safe. Eduard is a very skilled and responsible driver — despite long distances and sometimes challenging terrain, we never once felt that he put us at risk.

Although a safari is quite an expensive trip, it was 100% worth the money. We saw an incredible number of animals, even mothers with their babies. We were also very lucky to enjoy a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro, which made the experience even more special.

We are extremely satisfied and wholeheartedly recommend Africa Imara to anyone dreaming of a safari adventure. As a lovely bonus, we also received some very useful gadgets from the company — a thoughtful and appreciated touch.

Thank you for making our dream come true

From the very beginning of looking at tours to the planning, execution and finishing of the tour Imara were just the best. Lewis listened to what I wanted and planned everything to the letter. Communication was always excellent and some things were adapted as we went along. The tented camps and lodges did not disappoint. Simon, our driver was simply the best. He found sightings that I have never seen before during previous trips to Africa. He was an amazing driver and the land cruiser was really comfortable. I would recommend Imara to anybody planning a trip to Africa. It was great value for money and I could not fault anything. Lewis and his team were just so nice and went over and above what was needed.

Imara Africa is hands down the best tour operator in Kenya. I spent more than a week going back and forth with about 10 operators and researching and finally settled with Imara. Best quality price.

The service has been excellent from the beginning to the end. All of Imara's excursion are customizable, adding and removing activities, excursions, upgrading hotels, cars,etc.
No hidden fees!!! and the communication was great.

On top of it, the team was very accommodating. They picked us up at the airport at 5am, so we wouldn't wait extra time until 7. The entire team showed up to welcome us and provided us with a gift bag :-) which was very considerate.

Our driver, Edward was AMaZING. he went above and beyond to make sure that we spot all the animals. He is very knowledgeable of the area and all the wild life.

Will definitely use Imara again and would recommend 1000%

We booked a 10-day Kenya safari with Imara, and it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions we’ve ever made.

Our itinerary covered Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, Maasai Mara, and even included a visit to a Maasai village. From start to finish, Imara handled everything seamlessly—accommodation, food, park entry fees, and logistics were all taken care of with zero errors or last-minute surprises.

We had reached out to multiple tour operators before finalizing our trip, and Imara offered the most competitive pricing with complete transparency. There were absolutely no hidden costs, which gave us a lot of confidence. A special mention to Wendy, who was incredibly responsive, patient, and accommodating. She answered all our queries promptly and incorporated multiple itinerary changes until we were fully satisfied before confirming the booking.

At the start of the trip, the Imara team personally met us at our hotel and gave us a detailed briefing about the itinerary, game drives, and what to expect—this set a very professional and reassuring tone. After we made the advance payment, they took a couple of days to complete all bookings and shared the vouchers as promised. Everything was smooth and well-organized.

Now, coming to our guide—Anthony. Wow. He was simply brilliant. A joyful, warm, and extremely knowledgeable person, Anthony made the safari truly unforgettable. He kept us engaged throughout the journey with fascinating stories and detailed explanations about the animals and the parks.

On the very first day, he confidently promised that we would see the Big 5 in Maasai Mara —and incredibly, we spotted all of them on the first day itself! Not only that, we also saw the Ugly 5, and thanks to Anthony’s strong network with other guides, we were able to spot almost all animals in the park.

Anthony has an exceptional understanding of the parks and animal behavior. All we had to do was trust his instincts—whether it was starting very early in the morning, going for full-day game drives, or splitting the drives into two sessions. He also planned the drives based on the animals we wanted to see, which made the experience even more personalized. Whenever we requested stops for photography or animal sightings, he was more than happy to oblige. His driving was safe, smooth, and very professional.

Overall, this safari exceeded all our expectations. Imara delivers exactly what they promise—and more. I would highly recommend Imara to anyone planning a safari in Kenya. You’ll be in excellent hands.

We had an absolutely unforgettable safari experience, made even more special because we were travelling with our young boys, and every detail was planned so thoughtfully around our family’s needs.
From the very start, Wendy was incredible. She wasn’t just preparing a quote — she carefully designed a travel plan that worked perfectly for us as a family. She was extremely patient, helped us explore the best possible options, and made sure the itinerary balanced adventure, comfort, and travel time so it was enjoyable for the kids as well. Throughout the entire trip, she stayed in constant touch, checked in on us regularly, and even helped me with souvenir purchases. When we arrived, Wendy personally came to greet us at the airport with the most beautiful souvenirs — such a warm, personal touch that immediately made us feel looked after.
Our guide, Patrick, was outstanding. He stayed with us for all 6 days and was simply amazing with the kids — calm, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient. He made every game drive exciting and educational, always ensuring we were comfortable, safe, and in the best locations for wildlife sightings. He truly became part of our journey.
We visited Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli, and each destination flowed seamlessly into the next. The pacing, lodge choices, and activities were perfectly planned, especially considering we were travelling with children. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy the experience as a family.
This safari exceeded all our expectations — personal, professional, and exceptionally well planned. A heartfelt thank you to Wendy and Patrick for creating such a memorable, stress-free, and magical experience for our family. We will treasure these memories forever and would highly recommend them to anyone, especially families travelling with young children. 🦁🌍✨

Imara Safaris made our trip seamless and effortless. We are just home from a 2 week trip in Kenya and could not fault their service. I emailed with a list of things I wanted from our trip and Wendy put together an amazing itinary for us. There were a couple of extra things I asked to add on before fully confirming my trip and nothing was a problem for her. Their communication was fantastic from start to finish, ensuring to check in a few times, through WhatsApp, during our trip to ensure everything was going smoothly and that we were happy.

We had so many lovely little surprises during the trip which really made it feel special and like a "honeymoon" rather than just a holiday. It was also my husband's birthday while we were there and Wendy organised a cake and some traditional dancing for him to mark the occasion.

Simon, our driver was super knowledgeable and a really great guy to spend time with. Always had a smile and happy to help. The jeep was comfortable with plenty of space for us (there were 6 seats in the back and only 2 of us), a pop top for amazing game viewing and photography and charging ports and WiFi throughout the drives.

On our last day Wendy, the company director Lewis and the lovely transfer driver Edward picked us up from our flight back from Diani beach and spent lunch with us before we caught our international flight, which I thought was a really nice touch and they were so keen to hear how we got on.

I should also mention that the price was very reasonable, and after giving Wendy my budget she created a plan to suit that.

I can't thank Imara Safaris enough for organising this holiday of a lifetime. I have already recommended them to a few friends and will continue to do so as they were fantastic to deal with. We hope we can visit Kenya again and I would not hesitate in booking them again. Thank you so much!

We had an amazing safari trip to Kenya from London and couldn’t be happier with Imara. Whenever I had questions, Lewis was always prompt, clear, and transparent in his responses, which gave us a lot of confidence while planning the trip. We were travelling with our 2.5-year-old, and he was very accommodating with our requests for a car seat and a baby cot, which made a huge difference.

From the moment we arrived in Kenya right through to the airport drop-off, everything ran smoothly and exactly as planned. The hotels were lovely, and the one in the Maasai Mara was especially memorable, we could actually see animals like zebras and deer right from the hotel!

Our safari guide, Patrik, truly made the experience even more special. He was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, and went out of his way to help us spot all the animals we hoped to see.

Overall, it was a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime trip, and we’re so glad we chose this company. The only small area for improvement might be the food, which could have been a little better at times — but that’s subjective and didn’t take away from the overall experience at all.

Highly recommended!

Imara Africa organized the trip of a lifetime to Kenya. From start to finish, everything was flawless. They designed a fully custom package, and even with a -9 hour time difference, they answered our calls at 2:00 AM—true dedication and outstanding service.

From our arrival at Nairobi Airport, we were picked up in a private car, and the entire journey felt smooth, premium, and stress-free with every detail perfectly planned.

A special thank you to Simon, our amazing guide throughout the trip—his knowledge, passion, and care made the experience unforgettable. At Hell’s Gate, Leki added another highlight with his fantastic guiding.

Absolutely the best team and best experience we could have asked for. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had an absolutely unforgettable safari experience with Imara Africa Safaris. Everything was handled professionally from start to finish. Communication with Wendy and Lewis was excellent, and the whole team worked seamlessly together. A special mention goes to our driver Simon, who not only drove us safely everywhere but also enriched our journey with fascinating insights about the wildlife and life in Africa.

The price was very reasonable and, compared to experiences we've had, truly excellent value for money.

The highlight was the amazing tailor-made wedding they organized for us directly on the safari—truly the cherry on top. It was our first time in Kenya, but definitely not our last, and we are already planning another trip with Imara Africa Safaris to Tanzania and Uganda.

If you want a hassle-free, authentic safari experience, don’t hesitate to book with Imara Africa Safaris. Vacation with Imara Africa Safaris means Hakuna Matata—no worries, just amazing memories.

Our trip through Kenya with Imara was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, everything was perfectly planned, flawlessly executed, and genuinely personal. Every transfer was smooth, every detail taken care of — we never had to think about logistics once.

The lodges they picked were spot-on — each one matched exactly what we wanted, from the Nairobi stay to the safari camps and finally the stunning beach resort. The safari itself was phenomenal. Our guide and driver, Patrick, was outstanding — knowledgeable, patient, funny, and clearly passionate about what he does. Thanks to him, we saw and learned far more than we ever expected.

Imara also surprised us with moments we’ll never forget — like a completely private sundowner deep in the Mara, complete with a chef, bar setup, and a Maasai dance celebration just for us. It felt surreal — like something out of a film.

In Nairobi, Edward was an excellent guide — engaging, insightful, and genuinely fun to spend the day with. He even introduced us to a brilliant local spot for the best grilled fish imaginable.

We travel often, but this experience stands out as one of the most thoughtful and well-crafted trips we’ve ever taken. Imara didn’t just plan a vacation — they created memories we’ll talk about for a lifetime.

Couldn’t recommend them more highly. We’ll absolutely be back!

I just loved everything! Lewis and his team made sure we had an amazing experience! Patrick was our driver and guide, and he went out of his way to make sure we had the best views of the animals. We’ll definitely be back soon! Don’t hesitate—book with Imara Africa Safari!

It was a very good experience, enjoyed every day!
Thanks to our guide Edward and the whole team.

We did our first complete Safari Tour with Imara Safari Tours and it was an exceptional experience throughout. Starting from the smooth immigration process and the early morning pick up from the airport to the once in a lifetime experience of all the safari parks in Kenya, it was an experience which cannot be compared. MASAI MARA & AMBOSELLI were the best.

A special mention to WENDY who organized our whole trip hassle free and also for the surprises.

A special thank you to our tour guide ANTHONY for showing us everything we expected to see before landing here. His experience and patience helped us see all the BIG 5 really close and all the other animals listed on our checklist.

Thank you IMARA and Anthony.

The "Lakes & Plains of Kenya Safari" offered by Imara Africa Safaris stands out not only for its breathtaking destinations but also for the high level of service and attention to detail provided by the team. Under the leadership of Lewis, every aspect of the safari is meticulously planned to ensure guests have a seamless and enriching experience.

From the moment you set foot in Nairobi, you are taken care of by a team of professionals. Simon, the driver, plays a pivotal role in this journey. With his deep knowledge of the Kenyan terrain and wildlife habits, Simon ensures that travel between the diverse ecosystems—from the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park to the vibrant landscapes of the Masai Mara—is smooth and enlightening. His ability to spot wildlife and position the safari vehicle for the best views and photography opportunities enhances the overall experience dramatically.

Each day is thoughtfully planned to offer a variety of activities, such as game drives during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when wildlife is most active, cultural visits to Maasai villages where you can learn about traditional Maasai life, and optional balloon safaris that provide stunning aerial views of the sprawling savannah below.

The accommodations selected for this safari are nothing short of spectacular. Each lodge and camp provides comfort and luxury in the heart of the wilderness, allowing for moments of relaxation and reflection after exhilarating days spent exploring. From the Amboseli Sopa Lodge with its views of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the Enkorok Mara Camp in the Masai Mara, each stay is tailored to enhance the natural beauty and unique atmosphere of its location.

Lewis and his team's commitment to excellence is evident in every interaction, from the warm welcomes upon arrival at each new destination to the detailed briefings that prepare you for the adventures ahead. Their expertise not only makes guests feel safe but also enriches their understanding of the complex ecosystems and cultural heritage of Kenya.

This safari is more than just a trip; it's a comprehensive immersion into the beauty and diversity of Kenya, crafted by a team who truly cares about delivering an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Africa or a seasoned traveler, the "Lakes & Plains of Kenya Safari" promises to be a journey that will captivate your heart and soul.

My partner and I just returned from a 7-day adventure with Imara Africa Safaris across Kenya. I planned this trip as a surprise for his 40th — and thanks to Lewis and his outstanding team, it exceeded every expectation.

The entire journey was seamless. We were met near the airport with smiles, gifts, and a warm welcome. Joseph, our driver-guide, was a standout — professional, funny, and deeply knowledgeable.

What blew us away were the personal touches: birthday cakes at two separate locations, and a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the Maasai Mara that felt like a dream.

We’ll forever cherish this experience. Imara Africa Safaris – thank you. You’ve got lifelong fans in us.

I organised a school trip with a group of 17 students with Imara Afrika Safaris and it was such a wonderfull week !
Wendy, Lewis and Yan were very welcoming and professional all along the trip, they always made sure that everything was going as we wanted and made changes if we needed to.
We did some camping wich was so fun and also stayed in 2 amazing and comfortable lodges. The food was really nice, we were in an overlander truck that allowed us to always stay together and made the driving enjoyable ! They also organised a day with overlanders in masai Mara so that we have the full safari experience.

When organising this trip I had so many options of safari tour operators and I'm am glad that I chose to go with Wendy and Lewis, I would defenetly recommend Imara Afrika safaris !

Thanks again for this amazing experience !

Mia and the GPN students