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
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!
KR
Email Sonia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari... not what I expected... maybe...
First of all, I don't blame Axis Africa if my safari was less than ideal. I think for the price, I got a great deal. I saw lions, cheetahs. leopards, lots of elephants. giraffes, zebras. Pic-up, drop-off, camps and game drives were exactly as promised. I guess I really came with little experience and expectations. I was in a (nice) pop-up van with a bunch of foreigners (like me). The guide spent most of the time on a radio with other guides. We could guess when he spoke a lot and we say all the vans heading in one direction it was a lion or something "big". It did kind of feel we were harassing the animals, even caging them in with vans. Only once did our driver seem to participate in this (on the last day, he gunned the van to try to get a rise out of a cheetah, who did not respond-- and several of us let him know we didn't think it cool to do this-- but we did notice other vans harassing animals, shouting at them and trying to provoke them. I did get the feeling that the guides on these "budget" safaris would do "whatever" they thought made the guest happy and earn more tips. We clearly went off-road when it was marked. I also had a bad experience at the camp when a driver from another safari made sexual comments and reached into his pants and (well whatever) while speaking to me. (He asked it I was in a tent alone --I wans't) and then I just left.. I probably should have taken his name or photo-- but I was in shock! Anyway, this was not the fault of my company, but it did mar my experience.
In my further travels in Africa, I did another game drive in Botswana that was actually cheaper and more professional. We didn't drive as close to the animals but that actually felt better,
I did feel Axis Africa gave me what they promised in a budget safari. That said, I am not sure what i got what what I anticipated. I did see a lot of animals. They were mostly wild and free, except that we caged them in with our vehicles (and they did seem OK with this). Our guide, while not particularly knowledgeable ("there ix a big elephant and a little elephant") was pleasant enough. I hope this post alerts other women who may be harasssed to take a photo and report it as I wish I had.
SE
Email Sebastian | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great driver and game drives. Not that great planning.
We took the six day safari with Masai Mara-Naruk-Amboseli. We ordered our safari via Axis, in our car we were 7 people. We were the only ones from Axis. So it’s hard to rate Axis on our trip.
We suffered a bit due to this since all travel groups had different itinerary and accommodations. We spent hours waiting on people and driving to different lodges/tent camps. This made that our tour didn’t followed our itinerary and we had to argue to get what we paid for.
You should be aware of this or demand to be in a car with a group with 100% same itinerary/accommodation if you plan to order this trip.
With that said we had a great safari. We saw the big five on our first full day game drive. Richard, our driver should have the Nobel peace prize for handeling one of our co-travelers that was very demanding. He handled our van with great skills!
Richard and animal-viewing was five stars, the planning with different itineraries in one car was one star!
VN
Email Ngoc Nguyen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable moments
A true adventure, an incredible experience with lots of unforgettbale memories. A childhood dream came true when you see the animals roaming on endless prairies. especially when you get near the Big 5 which we managed to spot during the safari... all that within only 4 days with Axis. Lennox was helpful from the very first moment, he patiently replied every question I had. The Safari was very professionally organised.
Our driver Richard seems quite experienced despite his young age. He always did his best to create a good atmosphere in the group and to give us the best possible angle to take photos of the animals. He speaks Russian pretty well too which was a really nice surprise. We - a Vietnamese and a Kenyan talked in Russian with each other which was really something else lol.
My roommate or my tentmate to be exact from Japan was very nice and pleasant too. Overall an unforgettable experience I had there. Thanks Axis and огромное спасибо, Ричард!
PL
Email Maja | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rodger Made This Safari Truly Exceptional
This safari exceeded all our expectations, largely because of Rodger, who was both our driver and guide. He constantly looked after us, cared about our comfort, and made sure every part of the journey was enjoyable. The vehicle was clean, well maintained, and always ready — which really matters during a safari.
Rodger is an exceptional guide with deep knowledge of animals and their behavior. He knows where to find them, how to approach without disturbing them, and how to stop in the perfect spot so everyone can see well and take beautiful photos. You could truly feel how engaged he was and how much he wanted us to experience as much wildlife as possible.
He is also very communicative and approachable, always happy to explain, answer questions, and share insights. Thanks to Rodger, this safari was not just a trip, but a unique and memorable experience.
The safari organization was great overall, with very easy contact with the office. Everything ran smoothly, and the company is absolutely trustworthy.
LT
Email Ausra | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Smooth and very well organised
We were travelling to Nairobi and the Masai Mara as a group of five people. Two of us had some previous experience with East African safaris, while for the rest of the group it was their first time in Africa. Since I personally have experience both working and travelling across the continent, I had some reservations regarding the services - you always have to keep in mind that something might go wrong or at least not go according to plan. This time, however, it was a completely different experience. The Axis Safaris team was accessible and well organised, and everything went according to plan, on time, and as agreed. They provided us with excellent accommodation partners, including a last-minute upgrade to a better location in the Masai Mara. Our tour guide, Kevin, was outstanding. It’s clear that he is a true professional who genuinely loves his work and nature. Lucy from Axis Safaris is also a true professional, and I will definitely recommend them to our friends who are planning to visit Kenya. The cherry on top was that we managed to spot the Big Five in the Masai Mara, which made it an unforgettable first-time experience for all of us. Truly great memories and an excellent experience for a lifetime.
PT
Email Cristiana Simões | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very friendly and fun. Always concerned about our well-being
Excellent service. Everything went very well.
Great communication!
Email Anna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly, knowledgeable, passionate, and makes you feel like family
Yasin was an amazing tour guide. He is extremely passionate and knowledgeable. He did an amazing job at tracking down some of the big game before the other tour guides came, getting us up close but far enough away to not crowd the wild animals which is important to me. He really makes you feel like part of his family. I’ll really miss him.
Email Sousan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Richie was the best - friendly , knowledgeable and excellent at spotting animals!
Axis was a good service . The booking was clear and no surprises. All the transport went well. Our guide Richard was fantastic - other groups were jealous! He knew a lot about the park and knew many people along the way. He made sure we were all comfortable. The camping location was a nice rustic location. Other more upscale accommodations looked good too. I would recommend.
CN
Email Luna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
I had an amazing 6 - day Safari in Africa. The landscapes were breathtaking and the wildlife sightings incredible. Albert was an excellent driver, always ensuring our safety and comfort. His knowledge of the area and animals added so much to our experience. Thank you for making this trip unforgettable!
