Big Time Safaris

Visited: Feb. 2024 Reviewed: Mar. 09, 2024 Submitted in:

Ive done over 15 safaris in my life, been to Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania.This one here, in Kenya, is by far the worst Ive ever experienced!!! Its all about, squeezing out every single dollar of you and delivering the worst customer service ever. Here's my main points why i cannot recommend anyone to book with this company:

- Safety is not guaranteed

* No functional radio during the whole six day trip (see picture below), meaning not able to contact anyone in case of emergency.

* Safari vehicle in a very bad condition (we got stuck once and had to push the car out and that, is in middle of the national park, surrounded by wild animals).

* One screw of the wheel suspension broke during our game drive, so we lost two hours of game drive while waiting until the car is fixed (see picture), not even a glass of water was offered by the company while waiting.

- Not sticking to itinerary

* Left earlier than promised certain parks, to the extent that we missed to spot the leopard. Considering that we had to rush all the time and having problems with the car, i would have at least expected, to give us half an hour longer while seeing something great.

-brought us to different accomodation than planned (cheaper places)

* Changed the itinerary without giving any options

* Skipped certain destinations like Baboon hill and the Rhino sanctuary without giving any reason, was told is nothing special abt it.

* Food and beverages

We got basically every day the same, the lunch packages were just horrible. One juice, a chicken leg, a rotten banana and a sandwich with one slice of cucumber and tomato (see picture below)

- only 1 liter of water per day per person, even during a 8 hours game drive and over 30 degrees

Communication:

According to my inetary, I was supposed to stay one night in Naiwasha. After leaving leaving Lake Nakuru, I was told i have to go to Amboseli first and come back afterwards. Obviously i did not agree on that, because it would mean, to have 5hours more driving instead of leisure time. I simply asked to refund me the money but instead of giving me back a 130 $, i only got back 50$. On top of that i was told, i refused to do it. I dont know... but having the audacity to blame me for refusing to finish the trip is just crazy. The company was not able to stick to the plan. First the manager Steve refused to talk to me and then it took them 3 days to tell me how much the refund is. And not once ive been told a sorry from Steve. Even worse he tried to twist the story and that everything is my fault. Honestly thats just bottom of the barrel excuse.

Conclusion:
On this trip, almost nothing went according to the plan and still the company insists, that they didnt do anything wrong. I really dont see any point why anyone should book with this company. The only highlight was Joseph the driver, he did what he could do but he had a lot of pressure from his Manager Steve. We were rushed the whole trip and had to leave several times earlier than according to the itinerary. I just hope this review helps people, not to do the same mistake as me, to book a nightmare trip with them.

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1 Person gave this
a kudu

BIG TIME SAFARI: This i would call the most convenient reliable, accomadating, flexible travel agencies I have travelled with till date. In short "IT IS THE BEST" Mr David was extremely approachable and helped in my trip planning which had its own hurdles.

I moved from Jinja to Nairobi by Panther travels. The bus got late by whopping 5hrs. Mr David arranged adhoc transport which picked us up mid way and married up with our Safari team.
Our tour Guide Mr Moses was a cool calm guy, a lovely cross-country driver.

Accommodation: The accommodation gives a true feel of living in the midst of mother nature, with tasty food and 24 hrs hot water.

Staff: All the staff in the team are very friendly and approachable.

The safari itself: With a well connected radio network there is minimal of chances of missing a sight. We also witness the Great African migration which was worthless. The lions with pubs, a hippo fight. Our team was the happiest as we had witnessed more than what we had expected.

Masai Village: The visit to a Masai village was a experience of its own, we danced and enjoyed in their cultural attire.

KUDOS to Big Time safari... It is the best team to enjoy the nature with.

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12People gave this
a kudu

I visited Masai Mara 3 days and I was so excited! There were nice lodges, nice staff, nice guide, nice food and many cute animals!
I was worried at first because I joined a safari alone. But I could make very nice friends there.
Everything was good for me! Thank you.

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11People gave this
a kudu

I had booked the tour with big time safaries... they had arranged an exceptional reception at airport.. Then to the camp.. I enjoyed the stay in natural environment.
The administration was pretty decent..Group and the guide was amazing..showed personal interest in showing the wildlife..in the Masai Mara reserve.
The interaction with David..our contact point was fruitful since he became a friend, philosopher and guide throughout.
I hope I'm able to see them again.

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12People gave this
a kudu

I got the tour booked through David Safari.
He arranged pickup and accommodation at Nairobi before the move to Masai Mara next day. We were six passengers in a comfortable vehicle with independent seats. That gave privacy. Jackson, our driver, and guide was experienced resulting in us having a great experience at game res where we saw big four and lifetime chance of seeing group of lions with prey just meters away. Wifi connectivity comfortable stay at camp with meals suiting our requirements was provided. The entire trip was as planned with timings adhered by all. Team Jackson was cooperative and made trip memorable. David Safari is the man to contact for a wonderful experience. He even arranged accommodation on return and drop to airport next day.
The trip was cost effective with the guide very courteous and ensuring we see maximum and best in game reserve.

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12People gave this
a kudu

I visited Masai Mara with my friends during first week of December 14. The tour was very well organised by Big Time Safaris. The tour manager Mr David is a very friendly and professional person. Because of him our stay at Nairobi as well as at Masai Mara was very comfortable. The tour guide was thorough professional and took lot of initiative to detect wild life during game drive. Big Time Safaris made our trip an awesome experience.

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13People gave this
a kudu

David, my contact, is one of the finest and the most flexible tour operators who gives you an excellent deal in your budget adjusting all your requirements. He tailor made my safari and also adjusted the trip in mid-way as I wanted to go to Nakuru and Lake Nyavasha.

The safari was a great opportunity for me to take some excellent award winning pictures and our guide true to hie reputation was accommodating and took me on early and late evening game drives.

In all it was value for money and I could not have asked for a better tour operator.

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12People gave this
a kudu

The trip has been wonderful. David is an extreme coordinator and has been very cooperative. They have taken extra efforts to make our stay and the trip wonderful. It was an amazing experience
Spotting animal is a matter of luck irrespective how big the safari may be. Big Time Safaris has made efforts to be lucky.

I would recommend this safari if you are looking for one.

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12People gave this
a kudu

Thanks to Big Time Safaris for making our tour a memorable one. Our trip was worry free and smooth. Everything went smoothly and we enjoyed the tour. Guide was enthusiastic and took all the initiative to show us as much wild life as possible. Only thing I regret after the tour is that I should have increased the tour to 5 days and include Lake Nakura to see rhino and birds.

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12People gave this
a kudu

I went on a budget safari with Big Time in July and I have already recommended the company to all my colleagues in Kenya! I went on the four day budget safari to Maasai Mara/Lake Nakuru. Saw pretty much everything there is to see, and on the third day heading towards Nakuru, we stopped for a fun boat tour of Lake Naivasha (extra cost Ksh1500). You get your money's worth from the budget camps and hotels - very clean with hot water and comfortable beds. Couldn't have asked for anything more at the price I was paying during peak season.

My guide Antony was very experienced and incredibly knowledgable. Antony knows everything there is to know about game and did everything he could to bring us to see the Big 5. We saw tons of lions, elephants, rhinos, and a cheetah. He worked hard, solved minor logistical problems that came up, and managed our time effectively. Most importantly he was a safe driver over the long distances. Ask for him if you go on a safari with Big Time!

Finally, the service from the Big Time office in Nairobi was excellent. I had already been in Nairobi before booking, but full transportation was provided to and from my hostel, and I was even offered transportation back to the airport. I have to personally thank David at the office for dealing with everything that i asked for and making my booking process so smooth! I recommend Big Time to anyone looking for a safari in Kenya.

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11People gave this
a kudu