THE A TEAM
Axis Africa Expedition & Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- KATO & TRA
- Tour Types:
- Mid-range & luxury tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $2,582 to $20,659 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Ruth M | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Kevin A. was an outstanding safari guide. He was always punctual, professional, friendly, and extrem
Axis Africa Expedition & Safaris was easy to communicate with throughout the booking and tour process. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally. Our driver and guide, Kevin A., was outstanding—professional, friendly, knowledgeable, punctual, and great company throughout the safari.
The staff at Amboseli Sopa Lodge were excellent, and we upgraded to the Presidential Suite, which was well worth it and made our stay even more enjoyable.
The only area for improvement would be the food at the lodge, which was disappointing compared to the otherwise excellent experience. Perhaps alternative dining options could be considered for future trips.
Overall, a memorable safari and highly recommended.
IN
Email Juned | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Johny jackson is our tour operator, he is Very good person.
It was a great experience and I will surely recommend to others.
CA
Email Noorah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing - once in a lifetime
I want to thank ROBIN for taking care of me and the group during the once in a lifetime safari trip from June 14-18. As a female travelling solo for the first time in Kenya, he really made me feel safe and comfortable! I love that my stuff was actually safe in the car and the accommodations especially since I was carrying my camera and telephoto lens for the first time. What I also loved was he always had water available which was great and much needed. This was my first safari so of course I'll never forget it and he is a part of that.
We saw 4 of the big 5: elephants, lions (lots of them), buffalo, and rhino. Just didn't see the leopard but we saw a beautiful cheetah! He made sure to try to make everyone happy --- stopped for the birdwatchers, the giraffe lovers, and just the general request take the amazing Masai mara scenery in --- thank you for stopping for the sunset!
We saw so many animals - it was like seeing them and learning about them for the first time. Truly a magical experience.
Thank you Robin for your cool personality and for the great adventure. Hope to see you again!
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Why 4 stars instead of 5:
1. I hope the tour can be more accomodating to Muslims - one of the restaurants said that everything was halal except the chicken-- I would've eaten it by mistake if I hadn't asked. I was initially told that everything will be halal. A lot of hotels weren't aware of what halal was.... Not sure how this works...
2. Last hotel --- Chambai Safari in Navaisha-- had a glass window like blinds in the bathroom where anyone could see and look into the bathroom!! Please take note to not place any guests there until this is resolved as that's unacceptable. Rest of the accomodations were great!! Especially the resort with the massage -- Jennifer was amazing. The lenchada camp exceeded expectations --- clean - hot showers - decent regular food
SG
Email Cc | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Responsive
Overall, the safari experience was good. Our guide, Ben, was an excellent driver and got us to see a lioness hunting in the Maasai Mara — thanks for his guidance and support. By the fourth day, we had spotted all of the Big Five and were incredibly lucky to see a lion pride up close in Nakuru. Camps are beyond our expectations and we love the sounds of nature.
Due to the rainy weather, we had to end our Maasai Mara trip bit earlier. Otherwise, we might have had the chance to see more hunting scenes. For Crescent Island, we paid the entrance fee but didn’t actually go onto the island, and only walked along the mainland shore.
4 out of 5.
Axis Africa provides a highly professional and memorable safari experience that is well worth it.
We had a wonderful time with Axis Africa! The communication from start to finish was excellent and all details were clearly explained. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and worked hard to find amazing wildlife sightings. The service was consistently great, with smooth logistics and comfortable accommodations. While representing good value, there were minor aspects that, for us, held it just short of a five-star rating. However, I would not hesitate to recommend them for a reliable and thoroughly enjoyable expedition.
TN
Email Hiba | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience with our guide Dennis
We did a six-day safari tour with Dennis as our guide:
Days 1 - 3 we were in Masai Mara, staying at Mara Lenchada camp.
Day 4 we went to Lake Nakuru, staying at Lanet Matfam Resort
Days 5 and 6 were spent in Amboselli national park. As there weren't enough people interested in this portion of the tour, it ended up being a private safari. We stayed in Amboselli AA lodge.
Planning and communication with Lennox by e-mail and Whatsapp were smooth and timely. We booked at the last minute, but it was reassuring that Lennox was highly responsive to our questions, requests for modification, and concerns.
We arrived in Nairobi and although we had planned to take an Uber to the tour meeting place (far more affordable), Lennox insisted that we go with his driver who would avoid the congested main airport road. He promised that we can pay the same price that we saw on Uber; however, upon arrival, the airport driver demanded far more - $25 USD - which is definitely overpriced. If you do some straight from the airport, I definitely recommend using Uber or Bolt, which are closer to $11 or $13 USD.
Now for the safari itself. Although our original safari was supposed to be in a van, Lennox informed us on the day of that he gave us a free upgrade to a Land Cruiser. Even if you don't get a free upgrade, having seen both vehicles I DEFINITELY recommend going for a Land Cruiser. The experience would be completely different as you can really go offroad and see more animals that way. We were very glad that we ended up in the 4x4.
Dennis, our guide throughout the six days was knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating, and eagle-eyed with the animal sightings. He ensured that we saw the "big 5", and also listened to our requests for specific animals that we were hoping to see. We got lucky to see some cheetahs playing with a gazelle before eating it, birds feeding on an animal, a sleeping leopard, and other cool sightings. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see a migration across the Mara River even though this is supposed to be the season for it. Dennis informed us that the migrations don't happen every day; they can occur sporadically at unknown times, and it is hard to anticipate them. We found out that there was a big migration the day after we left Maasai Mara.
On the way to Lake Nakuru, we had a quick stop at Lake Naivasha, where we did the "boat safari" to Crescent island at extra cost ($20 per person). This was totally worth it, as we got to see more hippos up close at Naivasha, along with so many birds and other wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park is beautiful. The landscape is lush and varied, and we had a long morning game drive there, which still felt far too short. We missed the rhinos in Maasai Mara, but we did see one here. If you have the time, I really recommend spending a full day in Nakuru. It's totally worth it.
Amboselli Park was also so nice. During our full day there, it was too cloudy to see Kilimanjaro. However, we got to see plenty of elephants and giraffes, along with various other wildlife. Lunch at observation hill was lovely. The following morning we set out for a sunrise game drive, which was totally worth it, as we caught a glimpse of Kilimanjaro during the brief half hour when the sky cleared up, and we got to see a family of lions feasting on a wildebeest. It was an incredible sighting, and one only possible in the early morning I would imagine.
Now some notes about the planning of the safari:
1. The "3 days in Maasai Mara" thing is misleading. The first day is spent nearly entirely on the road. There is time for a two-hour game drive in the evening, but given the vastness of the reserve, this meant that we couldn't go too far in, and didn't get a chance to see much. Likewise for the third day, where we just had two hours in the reserve in the early morning before hitting the road to Lake Nakuru. One full day in Maasai Mara was nice in that we saw a lot; however, because our accommodation was so far, we didn't have time to make it to the Mara Triangle, which is arguably THE place to be during migration season. In fact, we spent very little time by the river. I recommend that you emphasize this as a priority from the start.
2. Mara Lenchada camp was very basic. Our tent didn't have hot water at first; after we reported it to management, they fixed it and instead we got brown murky hot water. The tents were clean, food was acceptable, and there was enough time with electricity running for us to charge our devices. However, it is about 20 minutes away from Maasai Mara gate, and the road is absolutely terrible in between. Be prepared for a very, very bumpty ride
3. Lanet Matfam was an adequate resort. They did not inform us of this ahead of time, but they cut the electricity at 9pm, so ensure you charge your devices beforehand. The food wasn't too bad, and they did have hot water; however, I am not sure how safe it is. When I had the shower running, I felt electric shocks every time I tried turning the faucets. In the end I used a towel to turn them on and off. Be careful. Also, there were far more mosquitos here than in Maasai Mara.
4. AA Amboselli Lodge was very nice. It is close to Amboselli gate, the rooms are spacious, clean and very comfortable, and the food is varied and delicious. This accommodation was midrange and we thought it was excellent value for money. We had a great time here.
Overall, the safari was good value for money. Communication and service were excellent, nearly everything went as originally planned, and the guide made it all worth it. I highly recommend Axis (and definitely Dennis) if you're looking for a budget tour and want to maximize your safari experience!