Baboon Budget Safaris Team
Baboon Budget Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Member Of:
- KATO, KTB & Ministry Of Tourism
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $1,722 to $12,051 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Kusum S | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience! Kenya and Tanzania - 9 days.
Me and my friend choose 9 day Kenya and Tanzania budget Safari tour with Baboon Budget Safari in June (2019). We choose Baboon Budget Safari based on our own web searching. We were looking for a budget safari and other than the price, deciding factor was Dennis. Denis’s super-fast responses and detailed information to our questions, helped us in deciding to go with Baboon Budget Safari.
From the time Bonfears picked us from Nairobi airport until we were dropped off at the airport after the safari, everything was superbly organized and our time was well managed and spent throughout our stay. Our overall experience was beyond our expectation. With very friendly and professional nature of all we encountered in Kenya and Tanzania, we felt at very ease and comfortable during our stay in both Kenya and Tanzania. Special thanks to Bonfears in this regard!
Added bonus for us was the migration just started in Masai Mara with animals in abundance and as far as we can see. Experience in Masai Mara in Kenya was a unique one with variety of animals with some of rare views thanks to Amnbrose who took us for game viewing in Kenya. He was always on listening on radio for interesting situations and rushing to provide us with the best possible viewing. Thank you, Ambrose!
Based on the web reviews, we expected some challenges in Tanzania but may be thanks to our perfectly aligned stars it was a smooth sailing. Silvia who coordinated in Tanzania side was always in contact with us ensuring all our needs are met and had perfectly coordinated the trip from the start to the end.
We had unique experience in Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Cater with the beautiful scenic view and unique game viewing experience that will be with us for years to come. Thet were very different and we recommend all three. Deo who took us for game viewing in Tanzania was extremely professional and friendly and our sincere thanks to Deo.
Our experience was not limited to game viewing and it was a learning experience to know the culture of Kenya and Tanzania and its amazingly friendly people. We will certainly go again and until that time thanks to all who made us the trip so amazingly worthwhile.
Regards
Kusum and Ediri
IL
Email Vladimir | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They behaved dishonorably
I signed a lease contract with Patrick for Nissan X-Trail from 5.09 to 25.09.17, I've paid him for rentingת and left him a deposit of 500 USD.
At 25.09.17 I've returned the car. Patrick examined her and then drove her to the parking lot. He said that he have to go to the bank to refund me a the 500 dollars. Patrick did not return with the money.
Email Frank | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Baboon Budget Safaris – We almost died - extremely disappointing experience
We booked a 6-day safari with Baboon Budget Safaris company, and the experience was deeply disappointing and, at times, dangerously unprofessional. Below is a summary of the key issues we encountered.
Severe Lack of Safety and Professionalism: There was no safety briefing or orientation at the start of the tour, despite entering a wildlife park. The driver assigned to us was not a trained guide but an inexperienced driver operating a poorly maintained, outdated vehicle with no navigational tools or working two-way radio. He lacked knowledge of the animals, animal locations, the park and camp-site routes, or even basic driving protocol in wildlife settings.
On Day 2, we suffered a serious accident. The driver got lost around 7:00 PM as he took a wrong route back to our camp. We had to intervene and use our personal phones with Google Maps to guide him in the middle of pitch-black wildlife park. At 8:30 PM, in complete darkness, he failed to slow down for crossing large wildlife animals like Zebras and buffalos crossing the road, lost control of the vehicle while speeding, and drove off the road violently while seven passengers were being tossed around in the car. The impact burst the back tire, pushed the car into the mud and grass on the side of the road and left us stranded deep within the park. We were unable to exit the vehicle due to the surrounding wildlife. There was no passing car since the park was closed at that time and no hope for help. The driver got on the phone and tried to secure a rescue plan for us while passengers were distraught and distressed inside the car. Eventually a random passing car stopped and offered to take us back to our campsite for a fee.
What’s worse, the tour company, Baboon made no effort to check on us, send help, or even contact us to make sure we are fine or at least apologize. We wrote emails to them later that night, but they completely ignored us. They did not send any alternative safe vehicle for us to continue the rest of our trip. There was no apology, no accountability—only total neglect. The entire situation could have ended in tragedy or death.
Freelance Drivers: The drivers Baboon hires are freelancers – they are not employees of Baboon. This is according to the drivers. Once Baboon takes the full payment for the safari, they pass you on to the drivers. Any issues you face during your safari, you are either on your own or have to go through the driver to resolve. This makes things a lot worse.
Accommodation Failures: We had clearly agreed with Baboon on accommodations with two separate rooms throughout the 6-day tour. Upon arrival at the first camp (at 8:30 PM), we were told only one room with 2 beds was booked by Baboon, and that Baboon had instructed the camp to provide just a single room for two people. This left three of us without appropriate arrangements, discussions, haggling and pleading with the camps manager to secure another room and bed. This problem persisted at every accommodation throughout the rest of the tour.
Payment Issues: We paid a deposit via bank transfer two months in advance. On the first day of the tour, we were taken to the Baboon office and asked to pay the remaining balance in cash only—credit cards were not accepted. Although we provided brand new US dollar bills, several were rejected arbitrarily for not being “new enough,” despite having come directly from the bank in excellent condition. This unnecessary negotiation delayed the start of our tour.
Our experience with Baboon Safari Tours was unacceptable on every level: lack of professionalism, communications, total disregard for safety, logistical failures, and a refusal to take responsibility when things went wrong. I strongly advise others to consider alternative, reputable tour operators when booking a safari if you care about your safety and life.
Reply from Baboon Budget Safaris
Posted on Oct 15, 2025Dear Frank,
We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences you experienced during your safari with Baboon Budget Safaris. We truly regret that your trip did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate you bringing these matters to our attention.
After thoroughly reviewing the concerns you raised, we have taken corrective action to ensure such incidents do not happen again. The issues regarding vehicle maintenance, guide training, and accommodation arrangements have been addressed with the respective teams and service partners. We have also strengthened our internal safety procedures, introduced stricter vehicle inspection routines, and improved communication with camps and drivers to enhance our guests’ overall experience.
We are grateful for your feedback, as it has helped us identify areas for improvement and take the necessary steps to maintain the high standards of professionalism and care that we strive to deliver.
Once again, we are truly sorry for the inconvenience caused and wish to reassure you that the issues have been fully resolved. We value your trust and hope to have the opportunity to restore your confidence in our services in the future.
FR
Email Virginie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!
I did a 6 day safari with Simon, he has been an excellent driver and he is also an amazing spotter for animals. He let me take all my time to take all the pictures I wanted, and I could learned a lot with him and having an amazing experience. I Can only recommend this tour operator !
Masaai Mara Park and Amboseli Park were awesome! Joseph was an excellent guide and driver-a star!
I consider myself the kind of customer that pays attention to details - Baboon was recommended by a colleague and I started talking to Denis who put me in contact with Susan for the reservations. She was very professional and understood my concerns about the itinerary and other things. The first part of my program in Kenya went really well. The driver/guide Joseph was really good, the Meridian hotel in Nairobi was quite comfy, Miti Mingi Eco Camp in Masai Mara was a fair choice as recently renovated and Kimana Camp in Amboseli has a nice crew and an astonishing view of Kilimanjaro when clear. Some improvements with communication along the way would even improve the experience. I do hope that my time in Tanzania will be as great as in Kenya.
CZ
Email Tereza D | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Breathtaking wildlife experience
We had an amazing 7 days tour through Kenyan parks. Our journey started few months ahead when booking and discussing all the details with provider - all simple and instructions clear, they were even able to buy us extra train tickets for our next travels (thanks Susan!). Our real journey started in Nairobi where Anthony, our driver, picked us in a hotel and brought together with other 6 guys. All of us together made a great group and had a lot of fun, sharing this experience in larger group was definitely a pro. Our path went through Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. All these places were amazing and very variable, from landscape, flora and also fauna point of view. Our driver and guide Anthony was very skilled and passionate to his work, all made with love and smile on his face - from crazy bumpy driving to quietly spotting the smallest birds. And always dealing with all our requests and lots of silly questions in very friendly way.
Not everything is easy and comfortable on a safari tour, you will wake up very early, keep up with simple local food, sleep in tents when hearing the roaring wildness all night and spending most of your days in car. But once you take all these "struggles" as a starting point you will deserve truly breathtaking experience and you will love it all (as we did).
IL
Email Sergey Priven | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Patrick Atweng'a (introduced to me by at baboon office) stole 500$ which left as a deposit
A year ago my parents rented a car trough babbon tours from guy named Patrick Otieno Atweng'a...
after 3 weeks of using the car my folks returned it but never saw any of the the deposit, they were left to wait for couple of hours for the thief to come back - which never happened.
Baboon tours admitted their responsebility for Patrick Otieno Atweng'a action and promising me to deal the issue and return the stolen money..
I was in touch with mr. Dennis across the year via watsap and every time he gave me another excuse.
Beware of Baboon budget tours and other scammers...
Thank you for nothing mr. dennis behalf my parents and me
QA
Email Fatma | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best guides
My favorite times were in Safari thanks to Boniface , he made sure we capture the best photos for the animals and the views all around Kenya was amazing like a dream.
IR
Email Saleh | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect and amazing experience
We had a tour to Masai Mara and Ambuseli with Baboon Budget Safaris and it was amazing! Everything was planned perfect and even the price was reasonable.
If I come to Kenya once more, definitely I choose their safari tours again.
Email Naz | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Give them a miss
I booked a 12 day tour through Kenya and Tanzania. Seven wonders managed the Tanzanian side and I couldn't have been happier with them. The Kenyan side( Nakuru, Masai, Amboeseli) was managed by Baboon budget who the booking was made through. It started of badly with being collected late at the airport and having to run around in trying to find a person, who wasn't there. The accommodations throughout were poor esp the Eco camp in Masai with very poor quality food. The worst was the lack of personal attention, we were passed like luggage from one driver and group to another depending on their schedules, groups, etc. one traveler had been with 5 different drivers/guides in 5 days! The quality of drivers was potluck. Michael our initial guide tried really hard, but was with us for only one day. Another driver/guide, Jackson, (apparently quite senior )who had previously been haring around at ridiculous speeds , all of a sudden started going at a crawl in circles for more than an hour and included a pitstop an hour into the trip "to stretch our legs". We later determined that a vehicle transporting a traveler who was due to join our group after a balloon ride got stuck in some mud and teh driver was unable to provide co ordinates so we drove in circles trying to connect with them. Jackson initially tried to deny this but i had my GPS on so showed it to him. His response was that the tour hadn't stopped as we were "moving". The point of this trip was to observe a river crossing. It was clear to all that the second day this may happen. Approximately 20 othre vehicles waited patiently along the Mara for this to start. Jackson in his wisdom decided it wouldn't happen and drove off. Needless to say he was connected on radio to say it had started and we raced back . already an eighth of the herd of thousands of wildebeest had crossed. WE all thought we wre in for a treat as so many more had to make their way across. Again Jackson surprised us, we observed for about 5mins( I filmed it, so it was actually less) and he started driving off. We though this was to secure a better vantage point. But no, he drove out the park! Then proceeded to dump us outside the accommodation to await another person to conduct the tour to the Masai village. Clearly he had another pressing appointment!
Things just went downhill...
There's many other companies available , however it seems that they operate differently from other countries group tours. Schedules and people interconnect throughout, with no personalised service or accountability.
They should take some tips from Seven Wonders on how to operate...