The whole experience just exceeded my wildest dreams!
Kenya | Jul 3 - Jul 12, 2026

E
Emily R.
Sheboygan, WI | Reviewed on Jul 14, 2026

Melvin was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating during the process of developing our ideal itinerary from the start. We did everything we wanted to and nothing we didn't!

Overall, our trip was incredible. I wouldn't change a thing about it from the activities to the lodging to the individuals on the ground that made everything happen. The whole experience just exceeded my wildest dreams!

Hotel Reviews
Skynest Residences by CityBlue
Nairobi

Would gladly stay here again. It was clean, check-in was easy, and the suites were huge. There was some noise from the nearby city but the hotel offered earplugs. Also very nice to have a washing machine in the suite!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Nairobi

The rooms seemed slightly dated but the experience with the animals up close more than made up for it. I would gladly stay here again!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sarova Lion Hill Hotel
Nairobi

Was under construction when we were there. Our room was pretty small but we still had a great stay. I believe the new lodges will be larger.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sarova Mara Game Camp

Wow Wow Wow!!! Absolutely the best stay of our trip. I would highly encourage anyone to stay here!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Safari at the Maasai Mara
Full Day Safari at the Maasai Mara
Kenya
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking / Biking at Hell's Gate National Park
Hiking / Biking at Hell's Gate National Park
Kenya
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Joseph, our guide in Hell's Gate, was not my favorite. Kind of pushy with reviews/sales at his private shop.
Transport
Evening  Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
Evening Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
Kenya

This was my favorite game drive of the whole trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Crescent Island Animal Walk
Crescent Island Animal Walk
Kenya
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer from Nairobi to Naivasha  via the Rift Valley View Point
Transfer from Nairobi to Naivasha via the Rift Valley View Point
Kenya
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Relax at leisure
Relax at leisure
Nairobi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Elephant Orphanage Visit
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Elephant Orphanage Visit
Nairobi
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Game drive in Nairobi National Park
Game drive in Nairobi National Park
Nairobi

This was such a fun way to kick off our trip. Our guide, John, was incredible and we saw many animals due to his knowledge and skill.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Sunrise Boat Cruise  on Lake Nakuru
Sunrise Boat Cruise on Lake Nakuru
Nakuru

This ended up not as sunrise but midday with lunch. Regardless, it was amazing! The food was incredible, the staff fantastic, and the drinks were flowing. It was a really relaxing experience nestled between game drives.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hot-air Balloon Safari above the Mara
Hot-air Balloon Safari above the Mara
Kenya

Wow! I'm so glad we did this. Absolutely a highlight of the trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
2nd Day Full Day Safari at the Maasai Mara
2nd Day Full Day Safari at the Maasai Mara
Kenya

Just amazing!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
Full Day Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
Kenya
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening  Game Drive at the Maasai Mara
Evening Game Drive at the Maasai Mara
Kenya
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Melvin Mapetla
Melvin
Melvin Mapetla
Local specialist in East Africa | Replied on Jul 15, 2026
Hey Emily, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. It truly means a great deal to hear that your trip exceeded your wildest dreams. It was an absolute pleasure working with you to create an itinerary that reflected exactly what you were hoping for. Knowing that every experience felt worthwhile and that the accommodations, activities, and our team on the ground all came together to make your journey so memorable is the greatest compliment we could receive. On behalf of everyone... Read more

Hey Emily,

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. It truly means a great deal to hear that your trip exceeded your wildest dreams.

It was an absolute pleasure working with you to create an itinerary that reflected exactly what you were hoping for. Knowing that every experience felt worthwhile and that the accommodations, activities, and our team on the ground all came together to make your journey so memorable is the greatest compliment we could receive.

On behalf of everyone at Truly Swahili, thank you for trusting us with such a special adventure. We hope the memories you made in East Africa stay with you for many years, and we would be honored to welcome you back whenever you’re ready for your next adventure.