Guest Reviews · In their own words

Twenty Years of Coming Back

The people who travel with us do not tend to write short reviews. They write letters. Every account below is published in full, exactly as it was written — names, dates and all.

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In their own words

Published in full, and unedited.

Average 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google

Every account on this page is published as it was written to us — nothing shortened, tidied, or lifted out of context to serve as a headline. Where a guest wrote at length, the length is theirs. Where a guest wrote in Dutch, the Dutch stands as written.

Have you already travelled with us? Add your voice on Tripadvisor or Google. We would rather the next guest reading this page heard it from you than from us.

01

Fantastic Kenya Safari!

PeterMaryland, USAMarch 2024

In January my family and I had a fantastic 7 day safari in Kenya fully organized and operated by Alex and his company, Inside Kenya Safaris. Alex's professionalism, organization, breath of knowledge, charm, personality, and even driving skills were all a solid 5 stars. For months he patiently helped us plan the safari presenting all the options and pros and cons and in retrospect I'm sooo glad I didn't try to organize it myself. His deep local expertise was irreplaceable.

We have kids ranging 6 to 12 and Alex was great at engaging them at their level and keeping them interested in the safari. I was nervous about traveling with 4 children but he made it a non- issue. From accommodations to meals to bathroom-breaks to interests he always kept the children in mind and it made all the difference.

Personally, I really appreciated his extensive knowledge of wildlife and birds. I lost count of the number of new bird species we saw...I wish we could have kept going for another 7 days!

I could go on and on but it would all be to say I can't recommend Alex and his company enough. God willing, I hope we get to go on another safari some day and, if we do, it will be with Alex and Inside Kenya Safaris!

02

Excellent Expertise

KristiColorado, USAFebruary 2024

We had the pleasure of having Alex King'oo as our tour guide during a 10 day safari in November 2023. Our group was large - 14 - and we were all arriving at different times from different locations. Right from the start, Alex was superb. The care and attention he paid to every single person on the trip was top notch.

The people in our group ranged from early 20s to late 70s, and Alex did a masterful job finding a variety of lodgings, parks, and cultural sites for us to visit which fit perfectly for all ages.

His knowledge not just of the animals and parks but of his country and its people is astonishing, and if he did not know the answer to a question when asked (rare), by the next day he was sharing all he had learned on the subject.

Alex knows so many people - his contacts are extensive and so you always feel that you are in great hands when it comes to adjusting on the fly to find the best photo opportunities or dealing with unexpected weather events.

My parents were lucky enough to meet Alex on their first trip to Kenya nearly 9 years ago, and his constancy of excellence all these years later is a true testament to his character.

You cannot go wrong with Alex King'oo and Inside Kenya Safaris.

03

A Superb Safari!

JosephNairobi, KenyaFebruary 2024

We have just come back from a two week safari, organized and guided by Alex King’oo and his company, Inside Kenya Safaris. My wife and I live in Kenya; my career has been in wildlife management in Kenya. Our son, who lives in Maryland, USA, decided to bring his family for a visit that included a two-week safari.

Our son contacted Alex who did all the groundwork for the trip: suggesting itineraries, lodges and hotels, and transport throughout. In consultation with our son, Alex made all the bookings and confirmed what they needed to bring to be comfortable on the safari.

The safari itself was an absolute delight. It was obvious Alex enjoyed being in the bush and his expertise in spotting and identifying the animals and birds made our game drives very enjoyable.

We visited Amboseli, Tsavo West and East, and ended up in a beach house in Malindi. Our son has four young boys, aged from 6 to 12 years old. It was a tribute to Alex’s ability to engage with young children, that our grandchildren looked forward to each day and especially got involved in recognizing the birds and animals they saw.

Our daughter-in-law is an accomplished photographer. Alex made sure that she was able to get the most amazing photographs by being patient as she snapped away. My wife was particularly pleased with Alex’s competence in driving the Land Cruiser safely at all times.

We highly recommend Alex and his company; his experience and knowledge of the whole tourist industry makes him a valuable asset to anyone wanting to have a memorable safari.

04

An Awesome Team!

Barb and LarryUSAJanuary 2024

We were part of a 10-person group that traveled to Amboseli and Tsavo for 8 days. Alex had every detail organized and planned to perfection. There wasn't one miscommunication with us. We were told when and where to meet each day and what we would be doing.

While on safari, I enjoyed listening to either Alex or James (his associate) tell us about the animals, where to find them, their behavior, predators, etc. His is also knowledgeable about the 400 different species of birds and carries bird books with him.

I also like how he works with the other tour companies while on safari. If someone spots something, they tell the other guides. This is a win-win for all. I was very impressed that they will help out the other tour guides too.

We were taking a road from one national park to another and part of the road was washed out. Another tour company vehicle was stuck in the mud and the traffic backed up. James carried chains and pulled the other vehicle out of the mud because it was the right thing to do.

Alex and James are an awesome team!

05

The trip of a life time!

RebeccaConnecticut, USANovember 2023

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say that Alex King’oo has been our guide twice for our safaris in Kenya.

We have been on other safaris in Tanzania and Namibia and neither of those guides came close to Alex. He knows and fully understands the animals he exposes you to throughout your stay with him and can answer any questions you have in an instant.

He's also a fantastic photographer and can assist you using YOUR camera to get that perfect shot be it animal or sunset. The camps he set us up with were always grade A and he made sure we were satisfied in every way with them.

If you're thinking about booking with Alex at Inside Kenya Safaris DO NOT HESITATE. You will have the trip of a life time! Thank you Alex for two unbelievable safaris.

06

Our guide for our Kenya Safaris since 2008

ClaireUnited KingdomNovember 2023

We have had the honour of having Alex as our guide for our safaris since 2008. You could not be in better hands!! There is nothing Alex cannot tell you about his beloved country.

We have travelled on 4 safaris travelling from Nairobi and visiting Amobseli, Masai Mara and witnessing the Great Rift Valley. We have stayed in Tsavo East and Tsavo West which is close to our hearts.

We have travelled and stayed in Voi and then Watamu for a wonderful beach holiday. Our visits have included the Aberdares, travelled to the beautiful Lake Nakuru. One of our favorite adventures took us to Samburu National Park.

I could go on but without a doubt the scenery on all our journeys has been breathtaking. The animals have been incredible and Alex has given us a personal insight into every bird, animal and insect we encounter. You will never tire of seeing the majestic lion or wild elephant in their natural habitat.

We have had the honour of meeting and dining with Alex and his wonderful family. Our four children have been blown away by Kenya and its amazing people, we are in the process of planning our next trip which will be with Alex and hopefully this will include climbing Mount Kenya and on our wish list is Shaba National Reserve too. There is still so much of Kenya we can't wait to explore.

You always receive a very warm welcome from Alex and there is always an adventure to have with Alex at the helm.

Thank You Alex for everything!!

07

Totally Awesome Safari

SteveColorado, USAOctober 2024

Our family of four (including a 14 and 16 year old) plus two friends went on safari with Alex in 2016. The experience was so good my wife and I returned in 2024, and brought four new friends along for their first safari. They were totally blown away by how many animals were seen close up.

We saw many animals and large birds in the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru wildlife reserves (averaging 25 species per day) and Lake Naivasha. One of many highlights was seeing lions, cheetahs, and a leopard in one day!

The up close looks at the big five (Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros, Cape Buffalo and Leopard) plus many others (including but not limited to wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, impalas, Thompson's and Grant's gazelles; topi, eland and water buck antelopes; meerkat, mongoose, warthog, hyena) were spectacular and Alex always found the right places to stop for the best photo opportunities.

He constantly shared information with other guides for real time animal viewing opportunities, which ensured lots of animals were seen. Alex' knowledge of Kenya's animals, geology, ecosystems and cultures is superb, as are his communication style, English and driving skills.

Alex also knows which curio shops are best for shopping for not just typical souvenirs but beautifully and locally made basketry, carved stone and/or wood bowls and animal artwork, and jewelry. These shops are a great way to support local Kenyan artisans, at prices which are a fraction of what they would be in Europe or the USA.

Alex did a great job planning our safari, from start to finish, starting and ending at the Nairobi airport. All transportation, excellent lodging, and meals were included. You won't go wrong booking a safari with Alex and Inside Kenya Safaris.

In addition to Alex' experience and knowledge, he is meticulous about all the details, both during planning and while on the actual safari. Finally, his high integrity and warmth make him a joy to be with.

Alex will make you fall in love with Kenya!

08

Great safari experience!

An Unforgettable Safari Experience with Alex and Inside Kenya Safaris

JenniferMassachusetts, USAAugust 2025Kenya Highlights Safari

Our family of five (two adults and three teens aged 13, 15, and 17) just returned from an extraordinary safari adventure with Alex and Inside Kenya Safaris - and we can't recommend it highly enough!

From the moment we began planning, Alex took care of every detail with precision and care. He tailored the entire itinerary to meet our family's needs and preferences, even accommodating last-minute requests and unexpected changes to our flight schedule with ease and professionalism.

Over the course of nine days, we explored four stunning parks, each offering its own unique beauty and wildlife. The camps Alex selected were exceptional - comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and prime tent locations with breathtaking views of waterholes and sweeping landscapes.

His deep expertise and passion for Kenya's wildlife and ecosystems were evident in every moment. Whether identifying animals, explaining behaviors, or sharing insights into the culture and history of each region during our overland drives, Alex made us feel informed, engaged, and truly cared for.

One of the most unforgettable highlights was witnessing a dramatic Mara River crossing. Alex's strategic positioning allowed us to capture incredible photos and experience the moment up close. His dedication to ensuring we had the best vantage points - even negotiating with other guides to make space - was just one example of how he consistently went above and beyond.

Thanks to Alex, we saw a cheetah on the hunt, lions with a fresh kill (and hyenas lurking nearby!), countless elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, wildebeests, and so many adorable babies. Every day brought new wonders, and Alex's enthusiasm made the experience even more magical.

If you're considering a safari in Kenya, look no further than Alex and Inside Kenya Safaris. His knowledge, professionalism, and genuine love for what he does shine through in every aspect of the journey. It was truly the trip of a lifetime.

09

Awesome safari with Inside Kenya Safaris!

PeterMaryland, USADecember 2025Kenya Highlights Safari

Our family just got back from our second safari with Alex at Inside Kenya Safaris. This time we headed north and explored Samburu, Ol Pejeta and The Aberdares Mountain Range.

The scenery, flora and fauna were fantastic but I really wanted to call out how great it was to have Alex as our tour guide. He seems to know everything about everything we see, both in nature and Kenyan culture. And learning about what we see opens up a whole new world beyond the visuals.

For all those out there planning a safari, take my word that having a great tour guide makes a world of difference, and Alex is top notch.

Alex, thank you for another unforgettable journey through the wilds of Kenya!

10

A friend for Life!!

Ko en Ria AugustijnOud Beijerland, NetherlandsMarch 2026

EEN VRIEND VOOR HET LEVEN.

Alex kwam in ons leven vanaf 2003, toen hij voor Pollman's werkte. Vanwege de unieke ervaringen met Alex reisden wij in 2005 weer wekenlang met Alex en deden wij in 2006 zelfs een privé reis met hem door Kenia. Vanwege zijn enorme kennis, ervaring en prettige omgang ontstond al snel een hechte band.

Wij bezochten Alex bij hem thuis in Nairobi en deelden het geluk van zijn jonge gezin kort na de geboorte van zijn eerste dochter. Meest recentelijk ontmoetten wij Alex en zijn kinderen kort in 2018.

Vanwege onze gevorderde leeftijd reizen wij niet meer, maar onze ruime ervaring om het ECHTE Kenia te leren kennen was niet in de laatste plaats te danken aan ALEX KING'OO.

De beste driver/guide die men een ervaring voor het leven kan wensen.

Maisha Marefu!

Augustijn Video Productions (AVP)

Translated from the Dutch — by us, not by the authors

A friend for life. Alex came into our lives from 2003, when he was working for Pollman's. Because of the unique experiences we had with him, we travelled with Alex again for weeks in 2005, and in 2006 we even made a private journey with him through Kenya. His enormous knowledge, experience and easy company soon formed a close bond.

We visited Alex at his home in Nairobi and shared the happiness of his young family shortly after the birth of his first daughter. Most recently we met Alex and his children briefly in 2018. Because of our advanced age we no longer travel, but our broad experience of coming to know the REAL Kenya was owed, not least, to ALEX KING'OO. The best driver/guide one could wish for — an experience for life. Maisha Marefu — long life.

11

Superb safari with Inside Kenya Safaris!!

DavidSanta Barbara, USAMarch 2026

Alex is such an amazing guy. I spent a week with him in February 2026 and everything was top notch.

He is not only a wonderful guide, he is so knowledgeable on everything you can think of when it comes to Kenya culture and history. He is particularly good at interfacing with local people, particularly children.

We were on a Rotary Club trip to visit the schools and villages that we have drilled water wells for and although not part of our Rotary entourage, he made several inspiring speeches to the schools and villagers we help.

I have been on 5 safaris and Alex was without a doubt, the best guide!

12

Great safari with Alex!!

JoeSanta Barbara, USAFebruary 2026

Alex is a fantastic guide! He is not only very knowledgeable about everything in Kenya, but his attention to detail and follow through on all matters related to our trip made everything seamless.

I highly recommend him and his company to anyone considering a trip to Kenya!

Where these safaris went

The ground behind the letters.

Between them, the guests on this page have travelled most of the country — the Migration in the Mara, elephants under Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, the red earth of Tsavo, the rare species of the northern reserves, and the coast at the end of it.

Let's plan together

Write the next one.

The next letter, the next family that comes back. It starts with a single message to us.