WildEarth Travel Reviews 19

WILD EARTH MASAI MARA TOUR FEBRUARY 13th - 20th 2026

Right from my first enquires about this tour I was supported and advised by Emily and Byron who are the Wild Earth Travel managers. All my emails and phone calls were addressed very quickly, with helpful advise and backup.

When travelling to Kenya you need a visa (called an eTA) which is done on line.

For the Wild Earth tour I was responsible to book and arrange all flights to and from Kenya which I did through my Travel Agent. (she got me the cheapest flights, much reduced compared to searching on line). I believe Wild Earth may be able to help arranging flights in and out of South Africa if required. I was travelling from Manchester UK.

One very important issue to note is the STRICT weight limit on luggage due to the 4 flights in very small air planes to and from the Mara. Only 15kgs was permitted and that includes hand luggage.

On my arrival at Nairobi airport I was immediately collected by the Wild Earth Team who speedily helped me through Customs and Immigration and then into a taxi to the Hotel for the night.

After meeting the other 4 members of our Wild Earth group we had an early departure from Wilson Airport for the 30 minute flight to Governors airstrip in the Mara.
We had a very warm welcome from David Githu before being driven to Governors Lodge Camp.
Our very luxurious tents sitting along the banks of the Mara River were wonderful to behold.

I was fortunate to be on the first Wild Earth Live Drive with James Hendry that afternoon. Apart from amazing close encounters with some of the Topi Bays (lions), Elephants etc., we had an unexpected huge storm – Rain like a waterfall, Hail, Wind like a hurricane, Thunder and spectacular Lightening, where we were off Live Drive air for about an hour “trapped” in our vehicle. Very exciting and proving that what all the guides say ….”you never know what is round the corner when out on safari...expect the unexpected”.

I must commend the Chef at Governors, all meals were exceptional, in camp and on picnics out on our Drives. We also had one evening meal away from Governors out in the bush served round a camp fire by the Mara River with crystal tableware, champagne, and a present chef serving a delicious 3 course meal. Truly memorable.

During all 4 days at Governors we were accompanied by David Githu and/or James Hendry out on our Sunrise and Sunset drives as well as for evening meals sharing their wisdom and humorous stories.

I cannot recommend Governors highly enough in all aspects...the setting, all the staff both at the camp and the drivers and camera crews, the food and the easy access to the many many animals in the beautiful Mara plains and surrounds.
It was a joy to actually meet ‘live’ some of the named and unnamed characters that I had been watching on TV on the Wild Earth Sunrise and Sunset drives over the years e.g. Davids favourites...The Topi Bays.

After 4 glorious days we left David and James at Governors and flew the 8 minutes to Enkewa camp and to a very warm welcome from Dominic our guide for the next 4 days.
Enkewa is smaller than Governors but just as luxurious accommodation wise and with another excellent Chef…. All the food was simply delicious.
Dom cared for us and led us on all the Sunrise and Sunset drives filled with countless wonderful encounters with many many animals, birds, and flora. Our ‘meetings’ with named Cheetahs, Leopards, Lion Prides and Elephants were memorable.

I would like to mention the vehicles provided by Wild Earth at both camps. The seating was very comfortable and the staff helping with our departures and arrivals were most kind. In my case, as I have a little difficulty in climbing up into the vehicle, they had steps ready for me all the time. Also we were offered Shuka’s and/or mackintosh coats to keep us dry and warm when it rained.

I have been on many Safaris since my childhood in Zimbabwe and then living in South Africa for 20 years. After moving to UK and going back to Africa for my need for a “Bush Fix” every 1 -2 years this Wild Earth Safari is absolutely the best one I have been very fortunate enough to enjoy. I have been recommending Wild Earth Safaris to all my friends and family since retuning home and I can’t wait to choose my next safari with Wild Earth. Thank you to ALL the Wild Earth Team.

This was by far the best safari experience I have ever had! I have been on several African safaris, all in Kenya, and this was by far the best of the best.
The pre-planning and communication by WildEarth Travel was top notch. We had a video call a month prior to the travel date to make sure all the parts were in place.

Once I arrived in Kenya, I was met by a travel representative and taken to my hotel.

Once at Governor’s Camp, the accommodations and staff were amazing! The camp is in Masai Mara and near some the best game viewing you can experience. The game drives were incredible and guided by the most knowledgeable safari guides I have ever been with. David our guide and Mika our driver, both have amazing knowledge of the area and the game there.

After flying to Enkewa Camp, again in the Masai Mara, we were met by their amazing staff. The tents and food at Enkewa were second to none. Enkewa is also in an area which has incredible game viewing. Our guide at Enkewa, Dominic, has amazing knowledge of the area and specializes in birding.

I can’t stress enough how amazing this African experience was! I will certainly be traveling with WildEarth Travel again in the near future.

WildEarth Travel are top quality. From the moment of initial enquiries into a trip with them the communication and information was excellent. With Byron’s pre-trip personal chat answering every question we had and more.

Every step of the journey was smooth and expertly delivered. The accommodation was fabulous, staff excellent and food delicious. The guides are clearly passionate and truly knowledgable on the area and wildlife. The sensitivity towards viewing wildlife, yet giving us a fully immersive experience was really heartening.

Even after the safari was over an unexpected medical emergency at the airport on the way home was dealt with such care and concern. Byron went above and beyond to assist us during our extra stay in Johannesburg. I can’t say enough how much we appreciated it.

I would recommend WildEarth Travel 100%. The entire experience was truly a trip of a lifetime and we can’t wait to book with them again.

We did 2 tours with WildEarth Travel, and we were not disappointed. The service excellence and attention to detail really should be the gold standard. It is obvious that all who are involved in the WE Travel business, are committed, exceptional individuals who make the business run like a well-oiled machine. We're hoping to get another tour in soon, just need to decide where.

We have gone on two Wildearth Travel safaris and have booked our 3rd. The whole end to end experience has always been wonderful. The booking process has been exceptional with Emily and Byron always going beyond our expectations. The accommodations have been wonderful and the meals are an experience unto them selves. The safari experiences are exceptional, the guides are all wonderful, highly experienced, and always find a huge number of animals to view and photograph. They always help you get the best shot possible. Each time we gave used Wildearth it has been the "trip of a lifetime".

We had the most amazing well thought out trip with Wild Earth steering the way.

We will definitely be booking again with them in the not too distant future.

After watching live game drives on WildEarth for several years, we knew that our first safari needed to be in South Africa with a WildEarth guide. Our five-night trip with WildEarth Travel, led by Lauren Arthur in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, went above and beyond our expectations.
Our exploration and booking with Emily was personal and professional. Byron fluidly handled all logistics, answered our questions and left us with barely a task to complete besides booking our international flights, travel insurance and then contain our excitement. The transfer from Johannesburg to the lodge was simple and stress-free.
The Amaya team welcomed us with an intimate, immersive bush hug from the moment we arrived. We immediately felt like part of the family. The lodge’s eight luxurious tents provided a spacious, peaceful, pristine sanctuary. The beauty and spontaneity of Timbavati sprung to life before, during and after the game drives. Something unexpected always appeared, even for guests with complicated dietary considerations.
Lauren and her husband, David, clearly put their hearts and souls into Amaya. Whether relaxing in the lodge, by the pool, at meals, in your own space, or on the game drives, it is impossible not to feel at home and one with nature. Even though we were in one location the entire trip, the experience and conversations allowed us to travel far.
WildEarth Travel provided us with a luxury safari defined by serenity and meaningful connection. WildEarth Travel, Amaya and Lauren delivered a superb experience with local love and expertise.

This was one of the most memorable safari experiences I have ever had. From the breathtaking wildlife encounters to the comfortable luxury of Chitwa Chitwa and the life-long friends I have made, it is something I will never forget.

The team at WildEarth was amazing. With everything handled so perfectly, I had very little to do but enjoy the experience.

Cedric was, as always, entertaining and knowledgeable, and as the name of the Tour suggested, we definitely met the leopards.

Our guide from Chitwa, Colin, was just fantastic. So calm and experienced that we always managed to get amazing sightings.

Thanks to everyone who made this dream safari a reality for me and my Mom.

My wife and I were privileged to go on safari in Kenya at Amboseli and the Masai Mara, and cannot speak highly enough about Wild Earth Travel. Emily was great to work with in custom planning our safari experience, and Byron was a great help before and during our trip. We were able to arrange for Wild Earth’s own James Hendry to be our guide. They say don’t meet your heroes, but we had a fabulous time with James and the trip was all we could have hoped for. We had been fortunate to travel on safari several times before, but highly recommend Wild Earth Travel for planning and fulfilling a dream safari experience.

I have taken two trips with Wild Earth, and have a third booked for 2026. Emily is great at organizing any trip imaginable. Byron is phenomenal at taking care of all the logistics for the trip and stays in touch throughout the trip to ensure everything runs smoothly. The accommodations are fantastic. Wildlife sightings are beyond imaginable. I've met many of the Wild Earth presenters and cam ops in my travels, including 5 nights at Amakhala with Andrew W. that also included dinner with Ralph and Morgan. The fact that I have booked a third trip to Tswalu with Andrew for 2026 is the best testimonial I could offer.

We were two friends planning the trip of a life time - a South African wild life safari. This would be a first for us and it was watching Wild Earth’s magical game drives on TV and the internet which gave us the idea to do it. So we contacted WildEarth Travel.

The trip we came up with, helped by WildEarth, was three days of guided game drives in the Timbavati, followed by five days of privately guided drives in the Sabi Sands. Travelling between the two, we got a feel for our African surroundings, as well as a glimpse of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. The wealth of wild life in the Timbavati prepared us well for the experience waiting for us in the Sabi Sands. It was everything we had wished for: the close encounters with elephants young and old, the thrill of tracking down elusive leopards, the sight of tenderness in courting lions alongside the cool arrogance of crocs sunning themselves on the sandbank and, all this, against the backdrop of the stillness and beauty of the bush as the sun went down.

But there was more. On our final day, we were treated to the brief but “other worldly” experience of a bush walk. “Other worldly” is a good way to sum up the whole of our WildEarth organised South African safari. At the Lodges, we moved seamlessly between eat, sleep, and safari, enabling us to enjoy to the full the wonderful wildlife we had come to see. And at every step of the way, we were escorted and provided-for in an expert and stress-free way we’ve never experienced in our travels before. Byron and Cedric were ace in these respects. Will we be back? We hope so.

We chose WildEarth travel for our very first Safari and we could not have been happier. From booking to arriving home we were looked after so well. Any questions we asked were answered

Our destination was Welgavonden and how beautiful it was. We went with an open mind about what we may or may not see. We saw so much

Cedric Dold was our host

During our time there we were involved in Rhino and Cheeta conservation projects and had the privilege of meeting Dr Peter Caldwell

The two lodges we stayed at were wonderful the staff were so friendly nothing was too much trouble and the food was amazing

We also had the chance to meet two other WildEarth presenters Kerri and Bkay

We have so many wonderful memories of the people and the places

I highly recommend WildEarth Travel, so much so we have already booked with them again for next year

Being experienced safari travelers/addicts, my husband and I have been fortunate to travel to many African countries with various top travel companies.
What makes WildEarth Travel so different is the companionship with the guides, the way they make you feel part of the WE family as respected friends. Of course, if you are as I am a longtime viewer of SafariLive, you feel you are friends! When you then meet them in person, you are absolutely starstruck and in awe of all their knowledge which they share so happily.
The guides add so much in their respective ways about conservation, wildlife, plants, astronomy, birding, ecology, bush etiquette. All this and more is what you’ll get when travelling with WE Travel, always with an extra touch, plus small groups, top lodges in a variety of countries.
I highly recommend booking a privately guided tour with WE Travel.

Our Green Season Grand Tour in April 2025 with WildEarth Travel was absolutely unforgettable.
Our private guides were knowledgeable, passionate, and made every moment feel special, from incredible wildlife sightings to the stories shared around the campfire. The whole experience was seamless, immersive, and made us feel deeply connected to nature.
We’ve already booked another trip for 2026 and can’t recommend WildEarth Travel enough for anyone seeking a real adventure in the wild.”

Geoff & Mary Lawton (2025)

I have been fortunate to go on Safari for a number of years , booked by a variety of travel companies .

My latest safari was organized by WildEarth Travel. Emily and Byron
were helpful and thorough from my initial inquiry to a post safari video chat .

What makes safari with WildEarth Travel special is that you are hosted and guided by a Wildearth personality. I felt like I was traveling with a special friend . James Hendry was our guide and made sure everyone was enjoying the experience and everything was running smoothly.

The accommodations used in Kenya were excellent, the staff at the camps were attentive , the guides knowledgeable and accommodating.

I highly recommend booking a safari through WildEarth Travel. In fact, I have booked another safari with WildEarth Travel in 2026. I have no doubt the care in preparation of our safari will not disappoint.

We had been to various countries, in Africa, over the last 28 years and been on many safaris. This year we visited Mabula with Amy Krantz as our guide. This was a different level to anything we had experienced before. at the start of the safari we told Amy the animals we hoped to see and she managed to enable us to watch and photograph 5 of the 6 we had mentioned. Her attention to detail and hospitality ensured that the group wanted for nothing. Wild Earth had arranged for us to help with fitting a rhino with a tracking device, track cheetah on foot and take a balloon flight. The accommodation was 5 star. this was a safari wewill never forget.
Prior to the Mabula trip we spent 10 days in the Kruger. Wild Earth arranged a 4WD vehicle, all the accommodation in our requested rest camps and a night in an excellent airport hotel before and after our Mabula trip.. All of the arrangements worked perfectly. Travelling from The UK to Africa was made easy thanks to Wild Earth.
We have booked another trip, with Amy, next year.

It’s the overall package of care you receive from WildEarth, that makes it a winner. The care begins as you leave the plane. Your met and escorted to collect your luggage then on through immigration in a giffy.
After that your escorted to your transfer vehicle or onward plane journey.
By this time you feel special, very very special.
We had the privilege of being hosted by Cedric Dold and we also met Kerry DuPree another WILDEARTH conservationist and camera man BK. Our trip included a Rhino Ear notching Intervention and a Cheetah re collaring. So very humbling and special to be part of.
Our whole 8day trip was phenomenal from start to finish.
Words can’t really describe this experience, except to say that it’s Safari on another level. With passionate people who are the top of there game and love what they do. And it was a privilege to be part of that wonderful team even though it was over all too quickly.
And just to add that we are very experienced safari addicts and have been so for many years, and they still managed to thrill us.
The whole journey with WILDEARTH was seamless, with faultless personal care free and gloriously free from travel stress.
The whole experience will stay with us forever, to meet these wonderful people and become part of the WILDEARTH family was truly amazing.

From the day we contacted WildEarth Travel
to explain what we wanted to do on our visit to South Africa we had 5 Star service. We told them all we wanted to do on our trip, our budget, safaris we wanted, places and people we wanted to visit and the time we had available. All we had to do was book our flights. Everything else was planned for us and we were able to adjust things as we went along until we received the final itinerary.
The experience was amazing everything was sorted, from the time we arrived in South Africa, we were met off the plane, taken to the perfect vehicle that had been hired according to our request and specifications. and our adventure started. It was perfect all the places we visited were amazing, Accomodation was fantastic, we did not have to worry about anything, even when we got a bit lost we had a contact to find us, and get us to the destination even though it was late and we were escorted to our accommodation. The whole experience made it a holiday we will never forget. Every eventuality was catered for, unforgettable!