Jan 21, 2025
6 day Masai mara, lake Nakuru and Amboseli private safari - 6-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli Private Safari
As I booked a trip with Grayton Expeditions last year it was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Well, it was not. Since then, I have been to Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. It was clear to me, I had to go for a second time. As I am a single travelling woman it is important to me everything is well organised, and then there is no better organisation than Grayton Expeditions! Sandra from Grayton Expeditions is such a caring person and makes you feel at home, I like very much the eco-friendly way of travelling, suspending wildlife conservation by booking a trip with Grayton Expeditions and the possibility of getting involved in the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust team by sponsoring a baby Elephant. Thank you, Sandra and the team for all your efforts. After my 6-day safari, I spent some days with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust team, and too soon, the time was there to go back home. I already miss my Kenyan friends a lot and I cannot imagine never going back again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 21, 2025
12 day Gorilla safari - 12-Day Gorilla Safari
In our opinion, Uganda is underestimated in terms of a safari venue. We have been on 3 previous safaris, Kenya/Tanzania, Botswana/Zambia and South Africa. Uganda is right up there with the best. We only went to see the gorillas, but we were pleasantly surprised by the other animals we saw. We particularly liked the Murchison Falls National Park, a lovely location where the Nile is forced through a narrow gap, and we were lucky enough to see a whole range of wild animals, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo & lions. The gorilla tracking was a wonderful experience. We were lucky enough to find them quite quickly, and our family had 3 silverbacks, which we saw all at once. The accommodation and food were fine. Our driver/guide, Paul, was excellent; we felt safe and well-informed. We were the only two on the safari and it was fantastic to have the bus to ourselves. We could open the roof to get up and down to take photos whenever we chose and we could set our own pace. Having now been on two safaris with On Track, we have found it is far better than being on a group tour and no more expensive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 7, 2025
6 day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli budget safari - 6-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli Budget Safari
Grayton Expeditions offers a brilliant small group tour which is then personalised within. The staff are amazingly friendly and knowledgeable. They go above and beyond to make your trip remarkable. Not only do you get to see a variety of animals over the 3 reserves, from the Big 5 to the birds and insects, but you also learn how to predict what you might see. The experiences about how to use your senses efficiently and track animal spurs and dropping are essential to becoming fully engrossed in the experience. The staff at all 3 reserves were efficient, friendly, knowledgeable and approachable, while the varying accommodation gives you different insights into Kenya. The food at all locations was tailored to individuals, and believe me, you never went hungry! Delicious. There was a lot of driving but even at this time you learnt a lot and the transport was always very comfortable. Travelling was tailored around the group. This was the perfect safari for anyone who wanted to experience a variety within Kenya and didn’t have time to set it up! The consistent staff made you feel safe (particularly as a solo traveller, although in the group, I never felt alone), and the fantastic communication from Sandra; a big thank you to the team all around you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 7, 2025
6 day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli private Safari - 6-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli Private Safari
This was our first safari, and we were somewhat apprehensive about what sort of experience we would have, having spent a fair amount of money. We didn't want to be part of a crowd rushed around the sights and taken from Big 5 to Big 5 sighting. We needn't worry, there are no preconceptions and all the staff and guides have the same enthusiasm whatever your experience. This is as close to a personal, Sandra-made safari as you can probably get without spending vast amounts. You are encouraged to get as involved as you wish and the itinerary is as flexible as you wish it to be. It is very difficult to list just one memorable experience. Though we saw a vast array of wildlife including some special leopard sightings, the chance to observe animal behaviour and learn some tracking skills made us appreciate the overall experience much more. The Grayton Expeditions guides and representatives are a font of knowledge and never fail to keep us informed and interested during our travels. Don't be concerned if you don’t see the Big 5 straight away, there are so many other animals and creatures out there that will enthral you. Don’t forget a torch. Don’t expect to stay on your diet, the food is superb and plentiful. Get involved in the experience and ask the guides as many questions as possible. You will take a lot of photographs, so it is worth investing in a spare battery for the camera. Recharging facilities at Lodges. We booked this holiday as the organisers champion the conservation message. We were not disappointed as we experienced the research and conservation projects that any profits go towards. Those camps that did have power appeared to use it sparingly and be as environmentally friendly as possible. The company seems to go out of its way to only use the most eco-friendly camps in the area. I will never drive through a pile of dung again after we were shown the impact of this on the mass of creatures that rely on it for their survival. I can only rate the accommodation as excellent; none of the accommodations is a 5-star hotel, but the experience is all the better for it. Each place has its special qualities which make them 5 stars in our eyes. It is apparent that the company cares about Africa and they make sure that you have the best experience you can in the relatively short time you are with them. I can’t recommend the holiday enough; we will be back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 5, 2025
6 day True Excellence Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Ambooseli private safari - 6-Day True Excellence Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli Private Safari
Wildlife viewing in Africa is such a brilliant experience that it would be easy to get carried away and give virtually any safari holiday a 5-star review on the back of the thrill of wildlife sightings, ignoring how well other aspects of the holiday have been put together. This was our second African safari holiday and whilst we would at the time have given our first holiday (with another company) a 5-star rating, we now realise that a 3-4 star rating for that holiday would have been more appropriate - because the organisation, thought, skill, service and attention to detail that went into ensuring the maximum enjoyment possible from this holiday with Grayton Expeditions was faultless and superior to what we had experienced before. Consequently, we have no hesitation in rating this holiday a genuine 5-star experience. We chose this safari after reading several reviews which were full of praise and because it offered something a little extra and different from other options. We were not disappointed. Our experience exceeded our already high expectations! The itinerary was put together with great care to maximise the chances of thrilling and varied wildlife viewing in a range of different habitats and such small groups that it was always possible to stop and watch what interested us, whatever the time of day. Visits to a conservation/leopard research camp, wildlife rehabilitation centre, historic and scenic sites and a local school all added to our experience and understanding of local issues. The tour operator - Sandra- had selected every location with great care, having vetted every lodge and camp we stayed at thoroughly. Will transfer us personally between sites. The service and hospitality we enjoyed at every location was second to none and our guides could not have been more helpful in maximising our viewing experiences. Each location paid more than just lip service to being eco-friendly yet always managed to produce wonderful meals. We would particularly make special mention of the staff at Lake Nakuru Lodge, where this holiday began and ended, and who, along with Sandra, did so much to ensure this was a holiday we will never forget. We love the conservation work you are all doing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 3, 2025
6 day Masai mara, lake Nakuru and Amboseli private Safari - 6-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli Private Safari
Sandra was an excellent host and made our stay and holiday an outstanding experience. A wonderful touch was when we stayed at their house for one of the nights. After already spending 6 days travelling, it was nice to eat a home-cooked meal and stay with extended family (that's what they feel like now). The staff and owners of the Mara Sopa Lodge were great, very friendly and had one of the best vegetarian curries I have ever eaten. The driver/guide, Raymond, was very skilled and had a great laugh. Lake Nakuru Resort the accommodation was excellent. We may not have seen all of the Big 5, but we saw over 65 other species, not including all the bird life. As a vegetarian who cannot eat tomatoes, Sandra ensured that all the places we stayed at were aware of this, and I could not fault the quality of the vegetarian food provided. Would highly recommend Grayton Expeditions to friends, family and strangers. A big thank you to all who helped to make our holiday one to remember.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 31, 2024
6 day massive mara,lake nature and amboseli private safari - 6-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli Private Safari
The Best Holiday. Ever. ... and I have been on some wonderful holidays. This holiday far exceeded my expectations. I totally agree with other 5 star reviews about the superb organisation and excellent food and accommodation. Two highlights were lying in my super-comfy bed listening to baboons chattering on the cliffs behind my tent at Lake Nakuru Lodge; the myriad twinkling oil lamps that greeted us in the evening at Masai Mara National Park. The animals, however, were the stars and we had so many wonderful sightings. Being up close to mating lions and coming across an elephant family playing on the river bank, seeing a black rhino and her infant or a family of baby mongooses playing in the sun were all unforgettable. But there were lots of other unexpected pulses which came from being among a passionate and committed team of Grayton Expeditions who were prepared to chat about conservation issues or trying to combat poachers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 1, 2024
6 days in safari in kenya - 6-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Luxury Safari
A fantastic holiday. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Sandra and the team, who could not tell us enough about the animals and fauna of the area. The camp was lovely. Lots of solar power for lighting but no big lights to spoil the night view of the stars. The food was lovely. We also stayed at The Member camps on the Masai Mara reserve, which is a small camp, very friendly camp in a big five area. We sat and had sundowners on the deck and watched the lions at the water hole, had breakfast watching a large group of buffalo and swam in the pool on the deck as other animals came to drink at the water hole nearby. Also in the evening we were visited by two porcupines, who came to see what scraps had been put out for them. An amazing experience from start to finish. The only sad bit was saying goodbye, but I will be back. Thanks to Sandra and the team at Grayton Expeditions for making this such a wonderful safari, they couldn't do enough for me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 29, 2024
11 days kenya and Tanzania safari - 11 Days Outstanding Safari with Grayton Expeditions in Kanya and Tanzania
What an amazing experience with Grayton Expeditions gave us. We used them 3 years ago and, when we decided to do another safari in Kenya and Tanzania, this time with friends, there was no question about which company we would use. From the time we emailed Sandra with suggested dates until we left Heathrow, the booking process was straightforward and very smooth. When we booked, we didn’t know exactly which lodges we would be staying at (although we knew the Reserves (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Creator); this is because until we confirmed dates, Sandra couldn’t make bookings with the lodges. From experience, however, we did know that the quality of them would be exceptional – we were not disappointed!! We stayed at Offbeat Mara Camp, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Ol Tukai Lodge Serengeti Wild Camp, Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp, and Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge.
We were thoroughly spoiled at each lodge in so many ways: the accommodation, the food, the Driver/guide, and finally, the sightings. Grayton Expeditions specializes in small group safaris in support of leopard conservation, meaning that the lodges are chosen because they are great, which means that everyone has a good view from the game vehicle, and because they offer accommodation of a very high standard. We appreciate that the animals don’t appear on command and that there may be game drives when you see not a lot but we had exceptional Drivers/guides who went out of the way to safely track animals for us. We were lucky enough to see not only the Big Five but also the Ugly Five and enjoyed a very informative morning bush walk whilst at Amboseli National Park. We met some lovely people at each lodge. We have great photos. We have fantastic memories and we wouldn’t hesitate to use them for a third time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 23, 2024
6 Days safari - 6-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Private Safari
We have just returned from a brilliant safari with Grayton Expeditions. We have undertaken safaris previously within Kenya and other African countries and feel we can reflect on our most recent safari and write a review based on a fair amount of experience. From the moment we arrived in Kenya, we were welcomed to what would prove to be a warm and very knowledgeable family operation as we toured the region and visited several private game reserves. Everything was well-organised and the personalised itinerary ran like clockwork. As well as visiting the reserves we were able to accommodate other points of interest en route. Nothing was too much trouble and we left Kenya with a stunning collection of photos we took of the extensive wildlife we encountered and the ever-changing natural landscape in this beautiful part of the world. Sandra runs a terrific outfit in Grayton Expeditions, and we were able to experience first-hand how their activities bring genuine benefit to the wider community in which they operate their safari business. We had the privilege of visiting a local school with which Grayton Expeditions has close links and it is really good to see how tourism can so effectively benefit wildlife conservation and the wider community in which it operates. All accommodations on the safari were comfortable and of a high standard, ranging from zero carbon, traditionally oil lamp-lit keekorok lodge to the sophisticated design of Ol Tukai lodge. Wildlife encounters were second to none and we highly recommend Grayton Expeditions to supply a highly personalised, friendly and relaxed service of the highest quality.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
