Shanjoy Tours Team
Shanjoy Tours and Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $3,472 to $20,831 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
CA
Email Mauro and Dianne Lobo Pires | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Safari Adventure by Patrick from Shanjoy Tours and Safaris. One of a kind experience.
From the time we were picked up at Nairobi airport to the time we were dropped off back 10 days later, and all the game drives in between in Kenya & Tanzania, every aspect of the safari was amazing. Thanks to Patrick who gave us the opportunity to witness the best of wildlife in their natural habitat. We saw elephants, lions, rhinos and buffalos at close range and also a glimpse of the elusive leopard eating it's kill in a tree. We also saw cheetahs and herds of wilder beast and zebras among numerous other animal species. Patrick's knowledge of the wildlife and his commitment to respect the right of way for the animals and ensure that we, visitors keep our distance, was evident during our entire safari. Our accommodations and meals were also beyond expectations. Thank you again Patrick for an amazing safari adventure.
Email Yan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dedicated reliable professional services
We contacted Shanjoy tours and safari by email to have a private tour itinerary for a very reasonable price. They replied our questions in detail promptly every time. Patrick picked us up at Nairobi airport in person. We had Steve as our driver/guider at Nakuru, Maasai Mara for 4 amazing days, then picked up at board by its partner, Mama Savanna, in Tanzania. We had Isaya as our driver/guider at Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, Tarangire for 5 perfect days. Then we were back into Kenya to tour Amboseli. At last we were transferred to Nairobi for dinner then airport. Every accommodation is wonderful. What an unforgettable lifetime experience! Thank you so much!
DE
Email Divya Dhanas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Masai Maara Safari - Shanjoy Tours
Pros:
- People within the Tours are reachable
- Excellent stay provided
- Safe driving
Cons:
- No Game Drive provided on the last day (while it was promised on the quotation). Basically, your last day of Safari is only transfer to Nairobi without any Game drive (even if promised)
- Full day Game drive ends super early. During our Day 2 of game drive, it started at 7am but ended by 4pm (while the park is open till 6pm and the sun would still be up till 6.30pm). Was disappointed to miss out the last 2 hours of Game Drive
- Was able to see only 3 out of 5 (Big5) while other Tour operators promises to shown all Big5
Reply from Shanjoy Tours and Safaris
Posted on Jul 16, 2024Thanks, Divya for your review. I appreciate you booking with us.
Typically, for a three-day, two-night safari, we do a full-day safari from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving our clients time to relax in the lodge, but this depends on how they want the game drive to go. You could have told your guide about this, as I had told you you would be able to arrange your timings as you are on a private safari.
For the morning game drive, I am sure you drove back through the park; the new rules prohibit doing a game drive after the ticket has expired after 12 hours. On the final day of the safari, there is no game drive; you spot anything on the way out. Martin, your consultant, specifically informed you that to do a morning game drive on the 3rd day, you would need to pay park fees. You hand only paid for 2 days' park fees, and all those game drives were delivered as promised.
It is important to appreciate that the wild is unpredictable, and the animals present themselves at will. This means that game drives can be rewarded differently. As such, we do not guarantee our clients specific sightings, especially of the Big 5. If another company had promised you this, we do not take responsibility for that.
We encourage our clients to visit at least two or more parks when they are looking to see all the Big Five to increase their chances. Additionally, express your expectations and inform the guide of what you are truly looking for. We try to deliver rewarding game drives, but it is important to note that in the wild, no sightings are guaranteed.
Email Amy | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Worst experience ever, zero competent, zero respect to me, just for the money and tips
One star is for the animals! Don’t book with them, the worst tour guide ever!! The good reviews here are very short, most just says they are nice people, that’s not competent for a guide, you need an experienced guide to know where animals are. OMG where do I even start:
1> the tour guide Joseph, worst guide ever, he’s not even a descent human being. He’s constantly on the phone, talking to others, others calling him, and when we stop I take pictures of animals, he takes out his notebook, either writing down something or on the phone. First I thought he’s talking to others to know where animals are, so I asked him. He said no, he’s clearly doing something else on this side.
2> his knowledge for animal is just non-exist! He doesn’t know what the big 5s are, doesn’t know where cheetah is, he drives to the same area everyday. And you would expect a tour guide tell you a little history about the park, different animals, etc. NOPE, absolutely nothing, he drives quietly and when we see animals he stops, let me take pictures, go.
3> we would spend hours in the car just Joseph and I and there’s no talking at all! Can you believe it! And it’s becoming very awkward so one time I tried to make a conversation, so I asked him “hey what brand of phone people use here in Kenya?”, he goes, “oh you Americans use iPhone! You are rich!”, I was like errr no everyone uses iPhone it’s very common there, carriers give deals, you can get a 24 months contract for a phone. Do you know what he said, he goes "you should sign up for a new contract and give me your phone!" wow wordless… unbelievable. Another time, I told him I want to see cheetah, he goes “cheetah are hard to see, I want $100 tips if we see cheetah.” WOW after that I gave up, i dont want to talk to him at all.
4> and on the last day, his car broke. smoke came out of the engine, we wasted half day staying in a lodge fixing his car
4 days I spent in Kenya, didnt see much at all. last day, we finally found 2 cheetah, this guy refuse to stay longer because he wants to stay under the shade. and he doesnt want to move closer because he wants to stay under the shade.
I can go on, and on. this company and this tourguide ruined my Kenya experience. Please stay away! i will post the same review on other Safari platforms. I hope more people can see it. It’s not a cheap trip, please choose wisely!!
Reply from Shanjoy Tours and Safaris
Posted on Jun 24, 2024I do confirm that Amy booked a safari with us and I personally took her to the Mara and handed her to Joseph, one of our senior guides. We had a lot of communication before she came about her safari and choice of hotels, and since she was a solo traveller using high-end hotels that were very expensive, her safari cost was higher than normal.
Joseph spoke on the phone a lot; he admitted it, but some calls were necessary since her radio call was not working well.
Amy saw many animals, including a group of over 15 lions and two leopards, eating alone with no other vehicles nearby. This one is not mentioned anywhere. The reason she says Joseph was not going near Cheetah is because we have a 5-vehicle rule in Mara Triangle, and so the first vehicle had to leave and will go back when others have seen the animals. Joseph was going away to give others a chance, but she wanted to stay and not move.
It is normal to have car breakdowns or get stuck while on safari, and this is what happened. The car was fixed, but not for the half-day she mentioned.
She could tell me to change hotels for her, which was not possible at the time, saying there were no animals or saying she saw the same thing. She gave the two guides a difficult time during game drives, which was not good. We do game drives without expecting anything, as the wild does not guarantee sightings.
It is regrettable she felt that we ruined her safari. However, we must appreciate that the wild does not guarantee any animals to be sighted, and hotels cannot be changed at a minute's notice. Once an itinerary has been booked and the hotels paid, any changes come with additional costs, which the client must be prepared to incur. Amy did not want to incur the cost of changing the hotel, despite having recommended the hotel which we booked.
This is my first client to ever complain about us and I regret it. I wish to ensure that all our clients get the best from their safari.
DE
Email Mr Ashutosh Godbole | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Patrick, our tour guide was very proactive, professional, full of information and fun to be with
We had a wonderful Kenya and Tanzania customised safari experience. We visited Amboseli, Masai Mara and Serengeti national park. Patrick, our tour guide and the owner of Shanjoy Tours and Safaris, was very responsive right from the beginning. He was always accessible via email and WhatsApp. He sent us a detailed itinerary as a reply to my enquiry, and patiently changed it multiple times, because of the changes that I kept requesting. In the end, we had a great safari experience. Patrick organised the whole trip very well. He is also an excellent safari guide himself and gave us a lot of information about birds and animals in Amboseli. We also had a great experience at Masai Mara and Serengeti. A big thank you to Patrick, Beth, Joseph and the entire team. We highly recommend Shanjoy Tours and Safaris for your next safari experience in Kenya and Tanzania.
Email Moche | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional tour guide with a knowledge on wildlife
If i was to travel again and again i will just choose shanjoy tours , excellent and professional tour guide
Email Simon Mungai | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
My experience and trip was spectacular
It was my first time to plan a trip to Kereita forest, someone recommended Shanjoy tours and Safari,it was the best advice ever.My day trip from the pick up point the fun filled, memorable day at The Forest at Kereita was simply splendid.Everything was well thought out in advance including the activities to engage in and paid in advance ensured my trip didn't have any hiccups.Their tour vans were clean and well maintained.Snacks and refreshments were provided to my surprise.Despite the heavy rains, Shanjoy tours personnel ensured our day ended with great memories.Kudos Shanjoy tours and Safari.I have used the tour firm twice this year.They have not disappointed.
DE
Email Daniel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Safari with Shanjoy – Highly Recommended!
We had a wonderful tour with Shanjoy. Even before the trip, communication with Rodah was excellent, she answered every single question and prepared us perfectly for the safari.
Our guide in Kenya, Rio, was fantastic. He speaks English as well as German and Spanish, and he was extremely reliable, guiding us brilliantly throughout the Kenyan leg of our safari. With him, we saw the Big Five up close, and he shared a wealth of background information along the way. The safari was truly unique and absolutely worth experiencing. We always felt safe and well taken care of.
The border crossing into Tanzania went smoothly too, and our new guide, Haji, was already there to welcome us. He also guided us wonderfully through the national parks, and we got to see so much.
We felt completely at ease with Shanjoy and with both guides, Rio and Haji, and we can warmly recommend Shanjoy to anyone. Many thanks to the entire team!
DE
Email Hannah | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Incredible safari and city tour with Shanjoy - highly recommended
Our experience with Shanjoy Safaris was absolutely fantastic. The safari was incredibly well planned and smoothly organized, allowing us to fully enjoy every moment without worrying about logistics. The communication and organization through Patrick was exceptional!
In addition, Patrick spent a lot of time with us guiding us through Nairobi with highlights like the Giraffe Centre and deep local and cultural experiences like visiting Kibera. From start to finish, the service was excellent, and we truly felt in safe hands the entire time. We would gladly travel with Shanjoy Safaris again and highly recommend them to anyone visiting Kenya.
Email Liz F | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional quality staff & experience
Family group 10 day tour of Kenya, Tanzania with Zanzibar added to itinerary. Adults including 20 y.o son's.
Friend highly recommended this company after their experience.
Communication via WhatsApp with Martin was prompt, easy to discuss what our preference for accommodation We aimed for mid level but felt all the accommodation was 4+, higher quality than expected.
Additional request accommodated, arranged local tours in Nairobi prior to Safari as arrived earlier.
Guides Patrick through Kenya - had also guided our friends earlier in the year. Such informative person on animals and Birdlife. Excellent driving on difficult to roads and through traffic. Listened to our request on few minor changes. Well dressed, we respected his advice.
Amos was our Tanzanian guide- less time with him but also superior knowledge, driving skills. Excellent eyesight for spotting animals. Well dressed, genuine too.
Highly recommend both guide- they are an important part of the Safari experience.Commication was always clear, always prepated.
You can request them in advance.
I had some ideas about national parks etc. Discussed with Martin and so glad I listened to his recommendation.
This was my major wish and it exceeded my expectations. The animals, I could watch all day. We saw all the usual and more. Bat eared fox family, families of cheetah, amazing birds, leopard tortoise and the rhinoceros. Food, all high quality even in the Serengeti. More than you can eat.
Safety was important to me, especially bringing my family. We never had any concerns. Safes in all accommodation. The staff were so polite, kind. Enjoyed our conversation with different people about their lives etc.
It is expensive for Australians( paying in US$) but most of the cost was upfront so I knew and paid severely prior. Also we added a relaxing holiday on Zanzibar -Breezes spoilt us with beautiful beach view.
Additional costs include tipping and drinks.
It was worth every cent for the seamless, security and experience.
