AMS Tour Guides
Amazing Memories Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- ASTA, KATO, AMREF & Eco Tourism
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $5,164 to $12,049 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Laurena | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing Memories Safaris Provides an Outstanding Trip
Traveling to Kenya is not new to me. This trip in March 2017 was my 7th visit. When trying a new trip operator, I have typically put them under the microscope. For the last 3 trips, I traveled with All Seasons Safaris. My first trip went well so I traveled with them the next 2 trips. All went well with only a couple of minor issues revolving around the mPesa system. More recently, a couple of clients I had referred (which I have always followed up with) had more significant issues. Based on those issues, I decided to get quotes from other operators.
I requested a quote from Amazing Memories Safaris. From my initial contact, Anne was extremely helpful and communicated professionally. For this trip, a slightly shorter one, I decided to go to only 2 different camps but stay 4 nights in each. The most significant change was that instead of traveling in a van with the same driver/guide throughout the whole trip, I opted to fly to locations. This was a big challenge to me because of the total weight restriction of 15 KG (33 lbs total for all luggage). My camera gear weighs almost half of that allowance. Anne assured me that I could do it, but also offered to store anything I wished to leave in Nairobi with her to decrease weight to the bush. Excellent. The challenge was on.
Originally I was thinking I’d travel in June but the international flights were a lot higher in price. By traveling in March, the low season, I took advantage of the lower air fares, as well as one camp (Offbeat Mara) offered a special, pay for 3 nights, stay 4. The other camp (Laikipia Wilderness Camp) had low season rates. And the best part, both camps did not have a single supplement which is good because I travel solo.
On my initial arrival into the Nairobi airport, although the plane was on time, clearing immigration (with my eVisa in hand) took 1 hour plus 20 minutes. I was one of the first persons to exit the plane but due to some sloppy handling of the lines, one of the last to clear their check point. Luckily my bag was still there waiting for me. I was never so happy to see my tour operators waiting for me. It was a very late night for them as we didn't arrive at Southern Sun Mayfair until 12:30am.
Even though I had been to Kenya 6 times, I had many questions for Anne, especially those that involved the air travel portion on the domestic flights. I was unaware that during the low seasons, often the small planes either don’t fly or if they have only 1 passenger, that person has to purchase a 2nd seat (the policy on Safarilink). Now I’m all for feeling like you have your own plane, but I didn’t want to have to book an extra seat. Anne said she could find a solution. What she was able to do, was to have me fly to Nanyuki and then instead of flying directly to the Mara (where I was the only passenger), she had me fly back to Wilson and then fly from there back out to the Mara. That solved purchasing the extra seat. She also said someone from the company would come to Wilson on that day I had to make the transfer to another domestic airline to help me with my luggage so I wouldn't have to carry it and strain my back. I was impressed. As it turned out, there must have been a change on flight passengers because I was the only person on the flight from Nanyuki back to Wilson but Anne said they would take care of the charge.
A big concern I had during this trip had to do with the disputes going on between the cattle herdsman and the ranch owners in the Laikipia area. I was extremely nervous not knowing what was happening on the ground. Anne stayed in continuous contact with Annabelle from Laikipia Wilderness Camp as to the situation and said there were no problems there and there were currently guests at the camp. This reassurance from Anne went a long way to making me feel more comfortable (as well as my husband at home who was very concerned).
Anne also communicated well to the camps about my preference to have a larger bed as well as my dietary requests. On arrival to the camps, they verified this information.
Upon arrival at Wilson (coming back from Laikipia) Anne and company co-owner Joseh met me at Safarilink to assist me with my bags to SAX airline. Since there was some time between flights, we had the opportunity to talk more. They wanted to know all about my experiences so far and was there anything they needed to correct. No, all was perfect. They waited until my flight was called to make sure I was off on the next part of my adventure, the Mara.
When I arrived back from the Mara, Anne was there to greet me again. I had a day room at the Eka Hotel and she got me checked in, even getting them to extend their normal 6pm check out time to 7pm to give me some extra time prior to my flight home at midnight. At 8pm, I was picked up promptly by my driver for the short trip to the airport and the long flight home.
My experience with Amazing Memories Safaris was excellent. They are very professional and go the extra mile to make sure all your desires are met (and then some). They have bumped to the top of my list of tour operators to use when I return and I would definitely refer others to them.
Email Laurena | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
My 3rd Amazing Safari with Amazing Memories Safaris
This is my 3rd time making my travel plans with Amazing Memories Safaris. It is not surprising to me why they have "Amazing" in their company name. You could not ask for a better Tour Operator. Anne and Joseph have become like family to me. On this trip, I even got to meet their young son. I was very excited about that but I think he found Baby Shark more exciting. Anne and Joseph's skills truly complement each other. From the minute I contact them to let them know I'm planning a trip, they are there to answer every question, make suggestions and run interference when a curveball comes up. Since this was my 9th trip to Kenya, they know the places I like, my allergies, that I like a full size bed (even though I travel solo), what I like to do while in Nairobi and that although I'm exhausted from the long flight, I bounce back pretty quick.
There is nothing that makes me happier after 17 hours of flight, than seeing my checked bag arrive, and then stepping outside the terminal and finding Anne, her husband Joseph, and my Nairobi driver and friend Joseph 2014 (I first met him in 2014) with smiles and enthusiasm. I know from that moment on, that even if I have a concern, all will be wonderful and I'll be taken care of.
I spent my full Nairobi day with Joseph 2014. He is so engaging. He is always prompt at picking me up to make sure we get to the public visit at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust with plenty of time to spare. He shares my love of the elephants too. This time, in addition to my usual elephant visits, Kazuri and Karen Hub market shopping, we also both enjoyed visiting a new gallery, Matbronze (at the suggestion of a friend). Then at the end of the day, we made our way to Carnivore Restaurant for dinner with Anne and Joseph and an evening of laughs.
Since rain heavily impacted my last trip in March 2018, it was suggested maybe I wanted to try coming in February as it typically is less rainy. I think Mother Nature missed that memo. The rains came early and although it didn't impact the wildlife I saw, it did cause some transport issues. Anne was always on top of it. It is a slower time to travel (good news is that lodging prices are less) (bad news is that the bush planes require a minimum of 2 seats being booked). The heavy rains had caused connecting bridges to be washed away so that meant that air strip and ground route changes were necessary. Anne would keep me informed via email and also let my guide Daniel know the latest updates. There is no controlling Mother Nature and sometimes you just have to go with it. But all was as they say, "hakuna matata".
This was my 5th time having Daniel for my guide. As a fellow photographer, he knows how important lighting and positioning the vehicle can be. We have a great time swapping photo tips, catching up on things since my last visit and solving the world's issues. He has an excellent ability to spot animals, a great sense of humor, communicates well and generally spoils me rotten. A guide can make or break a trip, and Daniel sure makes mine.
Time always flies so quickly and before I knew it, it was time to arrive back into Nairobi, to check into my day room and prepare for the long flight home. Even though sad to leave, it was wonderful to see Anne and Joseph and Joseph 2014 come to the hotel to hear about the trip, go over any concerns, and share more laughs before heading to the airport. Thank you to all for looking after me so well. I can't wait to see you again on my next adventure!
MY
Email Micky | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, reliable, and knowledgeable—delivered an unforgettable Kenya safari experience.
We had an amazing safari with Amazing Memories Safaris! Tito was responsive and helpful throughout the planning, and our guide Francis was outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and truly passionate about wildlife. Everything was smooth, reliable, and great value for money. Highly recommended!
MY
Email Goh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Memories in Kenya
We really have amazing memories in Kenya. Nevill prompt reply on every queries and make a good pre-arrangement, everything arrange as per what we discussed and also arranged a very nice and professional guide - Joseph, he really try his best to brings us to see many animals, and experienced the savannah, we have a very good time in Kenya.
CN
Email Neil | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and good service
Going on a safari in Kenya during the off-season is also an excellent choice. There are fewer people and vehicles, and the prices are more advantageous. The experience is truly great. The green backdrop makes for some amazing photos. Hotels can also provide better service to customers. Since the impact on the animals is minimal, it's easier to observe their natural behaviors. Of course, the local travel agencies are also very good, and I highly recommend it.
IT
Email Marco and Francesca | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful trip to Kenya, but bad experience with driver
We spent 11 days in August with Amazing Memories Safari between Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, after spending 6 days in Tanzania with a very good guide (Karim) from an excellent tour operator (Amazing Memories Safaris).
The trip in Kenya was overall very nice, the parks visited were undoubtedly amazing.
Coming to talk about the organization of the trip, it is fair to mention some positive aspects:
- the tour operator was always prompt in responding to emails;
- the accommodations where we stayed were very nice (even if very expensive, but of course we knew that);
- the 4x4 car was in good condition.
The strongly negative aspects, on the other hand, concern the driver/guide. Indeed:
- he spoke difficult-to-understand English;
- he had a fair knowledge of the parks, but still a not acceptable level for a guide (e.g., at the first lodge in the Masai Mara he arrived using Google Maps; he struggled to locate the locations indicated by other guides where sightings were taking place, with the result that sometimes we were late and almost missed important moments of the sightings);
- he had just an elementary knowledge of animals (e.g., he struggled to distinguish different types of birds or even antelopes from each other, and gave us systematically wrong information about animal behavior);
- he had no strategy for exploring the parks and looking for animals. On the second day we realized that we had to organize our tour independently (we have a fair knowledge of African nature, having traveled a lot, watched for documentaries, "Wild Earth" and read books) and, in fact, we managed to make excellent sightings (but always struggling to get the guide to go to the best places possible);
- he did not know how to position himself in the best ways for sightings (which is certainly complex in Kenya due to the large number of vehicles, but which should still be a prerogative of a good guide);
- we never managed to start the game drive at dawn because he needed at least 30 minutes to eat breakfast.
We did game drives in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Argentina, USA, Norway, Poland, Italy, India, Indonesia, Australia: we never saw such a low level of guiding, especially if compared to the high cost of the trip. In conclusion, our substantially negative opinion of the tour operator is conditioned by the guide (for the rest, we have no particular complaints). However, we believe that in a trip of this type the real added value is the guide and, therefore, as said before, we can only express a negative opinion on the tour operator as well.
HK
Email Ng | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bad car and non-professional drivers
Bad cars, bad car driver.!!The car and driver used in Kenya are worse, the driver not professional and always keep using his phone even when he is driving. The car used in Kenya is worse, compared with Tanzania, the car seats are bad, very dusty inside and no cleaning. Also, the arrangements of the transfer between Kenya and Tanzania is horrible. The drivers always late, if you told us to wake up early and leave at 5:45am, we won’t suppose for an hour waiting of the another driver . During the whole trip, only one driver in Tanzania is good, helpful and diligent.
PT
Email Albano Cortez | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable company .
Being passionate about photography and African wildlife, this year I decided to visit Kenya.
After an attentive internet search, I decided on an 8-day tour. I liked the itinerary presented by Amazing Memories safaris.
After a first contact with this company, I was positively impressed by Anne's helpful, enlightening and professional attitude.
I changed the program to nine days. I told her that my main purpose for this trip was photography and asked for a knowledgeable but above all patient guide.
David was exactly that. A kind and competent guide/driver, always ready to satisfy the customer.
I had the opportunity to take thousands of photos which included the migration by the Mara River, something not to forget.
The itinerary and chosen accommodation fulfilled my expectations.
Were really amazing memories
Email D&W | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful 2-week Tour!
Two of us took an incredible 2 week vacation in Kenya and Tanzania in January. We started planning this trip 16 months ago. The first company we booked with turned sour, but luckily gave us a full refund. Upon excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, we ended up then booking with Amazing Memories Safaris and what a great decision that was. Anne (general manager) was great to work with, answering my emails & questions and planning out & booking our trip. We were on a budget, so we needed a mid-range priced tour and Anne delivered. We were impressed with the camps and lodges we stayed at; most were 3.5–4 Star ratings. Not super fancy, but they were surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable. The autos we traveled in weren’t new or perfect, but they got us through the mud and we LOVED the pop-up roofs for viewing.
We visited Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Amboseli. Can't really say what our favorite park was as they all were unique and wonderful. Our driver/guide in Kenya was Joseph; with 20 years experience he was such a great asset and really made for an excellent tour experience. It was uncanny how he could spot the animals, network with other drivers, and was just simply a friendly, thoughtful and pleasant person to be around. We happily invited him to share a few meals with us, just to spend more time with him and hear of his life, tour experiences and Kenya.
In Tanzania, we were turned over to a partner company called Migada Adventures Tours & Safaris. (Evidently Kenya drivers can’t do Tanzania, and visa versa). Donald was our driver for 3 days; a good driver. Again, Anne coordinated all this for us, and going through immigrations/visa at the border, going and coming, was easy and simple.
The only negative issue we had (and it wasn't really their fault, I guess) was when we arrived into Nairobi at 10pm on a Sunday night, there were only 4 Kenya immigration/visa agents processing all the passengers on our Boeing 747 plane. It took us 2.5 hours to be processed and there was still more passengers behind us that waited longer. Not smart on Kenya’s part. Our driver, waiting for us, left… guess they figured we missed our flight. We had to take a taxi to our hotel. Amazing Memories apologized and refunded to me the money I spend for the taxi. But beyond that issue... our tour was WONDERFUL and was truly a trip of a lifetime.
We highly recommend Amazing Memories Safaris and would choose them again for tours in East Africa.
Now, if interested… some tips for fellow travelers, from our 2-week tour experience:
1. Take lots of new or newer USD for tipping, Visa’s, village visits & drinks at camps. We took about $1200; part of which was $200 in new $1 bills and they really came in handy tipping porters, housekeeping, waiters and security people. We found out that tips left in ‘camp tip boxes’ don’t always trickle down to staff. Staff genuinely appreciated the personal tips. Most camps & roadside shops, took Visa/MC, but not all. We did withdraw $200 in Kenya Shillings from ATM – probably only needed $100.
2. Tipping: We followed Anne’s advice of tipping $10 to $20 USD per day per person to our driver/guide and $10 USD per day per room to Camp Tip Box.
3. After reading lots of blogs on the internet on what clothes to take on safari (i.e. only beige colors; no black, white, blue, camo, bright colors), our experience was that it really didn’t matter… take & wear what you have and are comfortable in. Don’t go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. You will see people wearing everything. In warmer parks… we wore shorts and tank tops, comfortably. We found our converted zip-off pants to shorts, invaluable.
4. It sounds like "high season" is July-Sept, when the Migration happens. Yes, we missed that, but we are so happy we went in "low season" as the large crowds in the parks were gone, temperatures were comfortable, hardly any bugs, and in two of the camps... we were the only ones there. Very personal service & memorable.
5. We really didn’t need it, since we didn’t see many bugs… but before we left for Africa, I treated our shirts, pants & shorts with Sawyer Insect Repellent; just spray on and let dry. Our Friends that do a lot of traveling swear by it for controlling bugs.
6. Ahead of the tour, we were a little concerned about the food we would eat in East Africa. Don’t worry… Lot’s of great food at camps and lodges and we never went hungry. Lot’s of rice.
7. Wi-Fi was spotty or non-existence at most lodges and camps we went to. Don’t expect to rely on it.
8. Expect some long days, riding many hours on dirt, dusty & bumpy roads. We found the roads in Tanzania are better than in Kenya. I wear contacts so can’t tolerate dust. I took with me some compact padded motorcycle goggles (Global Vision Aerodynamic Eyewear) and they really saved me a couple of days in avoiding the dust.
9. Last comment-Our opinion: You will spend a lot of money for a trip like this. You will enjoy your vacation in Africa more if you go with the right attitude. Not everything will be perfect. Don’t be demanding. Just go with the flow and you will then be pleasantly surprised and appreciate the African experience more.
Email Christine | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Caution to travelers considering Amazing Memories Safaris
Our 15 day safari tour was met with 3 days of frustration when the upgraded hotel accommodations we had contracted were not paid for in a timely manner. We contracted for all services in January 2018, made the $4K deposit and paid the balance prior to our departure from the USA as the Contract required.
It was not until the night before we were to arrive at the Mara Serena that we were told by AMS that the hotel had over-booked and our reservation was not available. We did find out from the hotel manager that AMS had been contacted for payment due, and when it was not received they released our reservation. The same situation for our reservation at the Ngorongoro Serena.
We feel AMS broke our Contract by not paying for our hotel reservations in a timely manner and not providing the accommodations in our Contract.
FYI - these tour companies must pay upfront for hotel reservations. Our advice if you plan to use this tour group, demand that before you leave home you have Vouchers for all hotels in your possession. This is your guarantee the reservations have been paid for and will be there when you arrive.
We also coordinated a visit to Zanzibar for 3 days to relax at the beach, following the safari. AMS did a good job scheduling the airlines and driver for pick up. AMS recommended The Sands on the east side of the island. There is a floor of coral and sea urchins at the shoreline, so this is not a beach you can run out in bare feet and swim. It is a good choice if you just want to relax at a quiet location with lounge chairs and covers from the sun provided on the beach at no additional cost.