African Spice Safaris
Sep 28th, 2005, 08:06 AM
#2
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We had Patrick Masila as our guide in Kenya last year and he is by far one of the best guides I have ever had on any of my trips. He has the perfect combination of knowledge, humor, and enthusiasm. Highly recommended.
Sep 29th, 2005, 03:34 PM
#4
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had booked a tour with a company that Patrick no longer works for (Micato).
We took their 15 day Grand Safari and had Patrick as our guide for the part in Kenya.
We stayed at the Norfolk and Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, The Mount Kenya Safari Club, and Bateleur camp in the Masai Mara.
The prices with Micato were steep, but once there, I could understand why(I've discussed this elsewhere on this board).
If I were to go again, I would definitely stick with Patrick (he smoothed our path in innumerable ways) and customize the trip to my specific tastes.
We took their 15 day Grand Safari and had Patrick as our guide for the part in Kenya.
We stayed at the Norfolk and Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, The Mount Kenya Safari Club, and Bateleur camp in the Masai Mara.
The prices with Micato were steep, but once there, I could understand why(I've discussed this elsewhere on this board).
If I were to go again, I would definitely stick with Patrick (he smoothed our path in innumerable ways) and customize the trip to my specific tastes.
Sep 29th, 2005, 03:56 PM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Femi so not sure what you mean You did book with African Spice or Micato? African Spice is not ATOL or ABTA so a little leery about going with them. Even though they have been most responsive. But most people on this board say we should go with a company that is ATOL in case they go out of buisness
Sep 29th, 2005, 04:15 PM
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I booked with Micato. I had similar reservations about booking with a company outside the US.
Patrick was the guide assigned to us by Micato.
He left Micato to work for/with African Spice.
After having developed a personal relationship with Patrick, I would feel comfortable making arrangements for a future trip with him.
Patrick was the guide assigned to us by Micato.
He left Micato to work for/with African Spice.
After having developed a personal relationship with Patrick, I would feel comfortable making arrangements for a future trip with him.
Mar 22nd, 2007, 06:30 AM
#7
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i have a safari booked with african spice for June of 2008. I too had experience with one of the guides prior and this is how i was led to them. So far they have been extremely easy to work with and professional.
Apr 7th, 2007, 03:14 AM
#8
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi everyone,
I am new and just thought I would add my opinion about the African Safari experience. I have traveled to Kenya and Tanzania twice, using two different safari companies, Micato safaris in 2004 with actress Tippi Hendren’s group and most recently with African Spice Safaris in September 2006. Both companies delivered excellent service. Both safaris lasted about 12 days, they all provided exceptional accommodations, clean and efficient transportation, excellent organization and very knowledgeable guides.
My preference though would definitely be African Spice Safaris and these are the reasons why. First, African Spice Safaris turned out to be a few hundred dollars cheaper with quality and amenities being equal. Secondly, Spice is a local indigenous company which was important to me as I have done volunteer nursing work within Africa and realize the value of helping and supporting the local peoples.
For me the difference came from the extra creative effort provided by African Spice Safaris. Our safari group was small (12 people) making it private and fun. The safari director was always available and willing to answers our endless questions. He ate all meals with us and most evenings entertained us with very interesting stories about his extensive bush experiences. Most of these stories were funny, a few serious, but all very informative giving the group a better understanding of the people, history and culture of East Africa. The emphasis on “learning and discovery”, added a new dimension to the primary focus of wildlife viewing. This component is unique to African Spice Safaris. It provided us the opportunity to spend some quality time at a local food market and a women’s handcrafted bead factory. We also took an impromptu escorted nature walk to a local Maasai village and participated in activities such as bead making and Maasai cooking in addition to the usual village tour. These special activities were very pleasurable and had a positive direct impact on us as well as all the locals.
Lastly, African Spice Safaris planned some amazing evenings which were always a surprise. For example one late afternoon, following our regular game drive, we were driven up to a hill top where cocktails, food, and lounge chairs were waiting to treat us to a glorious sunset over Mt. Kilimanjaro. My favorite surprise was the beautiful candle light dinner at the hippo pool in the bush which would culminate our last evening on safari. What a perfect ending! I have traveled to many countries and have had many beautiful experiences but my vacation in Kenya and with African Spice safaris in 2006 was the most memorable and rewarding trip I have taken thus far in my life.
Seeing all the big five animals, watching the wildebeest cross the Maasai Mara river, great herds of Elephants and zebras, and the many lions, cheetahs with cubs will never be forgotten from this trip. I do highly recommend a Kenya safari vacation and African Spice Safaris is a safari company you should consider.
I am new and just thought I would add my opinion about the African Safari experience. I have traveled to Kenya and Tanzania twice, using two different safari companies, Micato safaris in 2004 with actress Tippi Hendren’s group and most recently with African Spice Safaris in September 2006. Both companies delivered excellent service. Both safaris lasted about 12 days, they all provided exceptional accommodations, clean and efficient transportation, excellent organization and very knowledgeable guides.
My preference though would definitely be African Spice Safaris and these are the reasons why. First, African Spice Safaris turned out to be a few hundred dollars cheaper with quality and amenities being equal. Secondly, Spice is a local indigenous company which was important to me as I have done volunteer nursing work within Africa and realize the value of helping and supporting the local peoples.
For me the difference came from the extra creative effort provided by African Spice Safaris. Our safari group was small (12 people) making it private and fun. The safari director was always available and willing to answers our endless questions. He ate all meals with us and most evenings entertained us with very interesting stories about his extensive bush experiences. Most of these stories were funny, a few serious, but all very informative giving the group a better understanding of the people, history and culture of East Africa. The emphasis on “learning and discovery”, added a new dimension to the primary focus of wildlife viewing. This component is unique to African Spice Safaris. It provided us the opportunity to spend some quality time at a local food market and a women’s handcrafted bead factory. We also took an impromptu escorted nature walk to a local Maasai village and participated in activities such as bead making and Maasai cooking in addition to the usual village tour. These special activities were very pleasurable and had a positive direct impact on us as well as all the locals.
Lastly, African Spice Safaris planned some amazing evenings which were always a surprise. For example one late afternoon, following our regular game drive, we were driven up to a hill top where cocktails, food, and lounge chairs were waiting to treat us to a glorious sunset over Mt. Kilimanjaro. My favorite surprise was the beautiful candle light dinner at the hippo pool in the bush which would culminate our last evening on safari. What a perfect ending! I have traveled to many countries and have had many beautiful experiences but my vacation in Kenya and with African Spice safaris in 2006 was the most memorable and rewarding trip I have taken thus far in my life.
Seeing all the big five animals, watching the wildebeest cross the Maasai Mara river, great herds of Elephants and zebras, and the many lions, cheetahs with cubs will never be forgotten from this trip. I do highly recommend a Kenya safari vacation and African Spice Safaris is a safari company you should consider.
Dec 23rd, 2013, 06:24 AM
#12
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sandi - true - this is very old - but I will say I still use them on a regular basis for Africa and they still do an outstanding job! Patrick and the Spice Team are professional and fantastic to work with and I am proud to call them my friends! Not to say you were implying any different - but just want to validate that while this may be old, still a great company.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ledc
Africa & the Middle East
11
Mar 19th, 2010 04:13 PM
