Gamewatchers Reviews

Our entire vacation far exceeded our expectations. My husband and I love to travel. We have traveled all around the world, by ourselves and with tour companies. Gamewatchers is the most responsive company we have ever worked with. Rick from London, Ontario was our contact and from day one he was on it. He answered all of our questions, gave suggestions and worked out a schedule that met all of our needs. All the staff that we interacted with were friendly, extremely knowledgeable and made our experience the very best that it could be. I can tell you about our day to day experience, but I think from other reviews you also get the idea. The difference I have found with Gamewatchers from chatting with other people who have gone on a safari is that you are on your own safari and experience. We went to 6 porini camps, the Nairobi Tented Camp for one night, and then Amboseli, Rhino, Mara, Cheetah, Lion camps, each for 3 nights. Within that itinerary, we meet up with others for maybe one or two nights, they went on their way and then we meet up with them at another camp. It made it very interesting as we would meet new friends at new camps, old friends at new camps and also when out on game drives. Everyone, commented on how great an experience that was and in fact we have plans to meet up with some of our new friends in the future. We meet fellow Canadians, people form India, New Zealand, England, Australia and the US. A terrific group of like-minded travelers. The day to day experience was the similar and yet different at every camp and every game drive. Let me explain and not in any particular order of importance: You will never leave the table hungry at a Porini camp...ever! The food was fresh, home made and the chefs at all the camps are amazing. The soups all the camps were so delicious - PLEASE - we suggested they make a soup recipe book and sell to make extra money for local programs, we all agreed we would buy that, no problem! The bucket showers are sooo good! The water is hot and as long as you get wet, turn off the water, soap up, and then rinse you should have plenty of water. After a couple of days, you tend to see the same cast of players, elephants, giraffes, gazelle, pumbaas (warthogs), etc. but every day is so different. Maybe some fighting going on, a new born or a family feast with a bit of food fight between, lions, hyenas, jackals etc. You will be awed by the fact that a leopard or lion may only be a couple of feet away from you, or a hyena cub is trying to chew the vehicle's tires. The sunsets in Kenya are the very best we have ever witnessed! The days are long...very long. The Masai people are incredible, not just because of their extensive local knowledge, but they all seem to have a very happy disposition and an incredible dry and quick sense of humor. We had very interesting conversations with them and many laughs. Do go to a Masai village. You won't regret the experience. We always felt very safe. Google translate works with Swahili, so learn a few words. (It would be great if Porini camps had list of 10 common words English/Swahili for everyone to use...send out in email before you travel.) Take more cash then you think you will need...you will likely need it. Easy to get Kenyan Shillings at bank machines. There are 2 banks with machines at Wilson airport, if you need to get cash, just ask to be picked up 15 minutes earlier from the hotel. You are given a reusable water bottle when you arrive at camp - so you may or may not want to take one. Every vehicle has hand sanitizer, bug spray wipes, tissues and toilet paper and warm water proof ponchos to wear if needed by anyone. The term off roading has a whole new meaning in Kenya. The drivers are amazing, but if you have a serious back issue I would think again. There is some clothes washing available at some camps, but if you ask for hot water, not a problem so you can wash your underwear and socks etc. Nobody is concerned with what you are wearing...unless you have spilled something dramatic, you can get many days out of the same tops/pants, so pack light, the airlines at Wilson do weight your luggage. Don't leave your items hanging on a line unattended....monkeys are very clever and you may come back with a sock, or top missing. We thought we would be clever and take a solar charging battery...then we meet the monkeys. We put that one away. Some tents have charging stations in them, but there are always charging areas available at every camp. Some tents you can get wifi, some not, but there is an area at each camp, usually the lounge/dinning or the office tent where internet is accessible. If you enjoy walking...this will be a bit tough. There is no out and about walking. You can walk around the camp in the day time. But as walkers who enjoy long walks daily, it was a little tough, but does not in any way stop us from returning, or enjoying our experiences. Every morning you are woken up by a tent attendant. Typically 5:30 am. The attendant has a tray has hot water for making French pressed coffee or tea, milk and sugar if required, some cookies and a medium size jug with hot water to wash your face and get started. The morning game drive starts around 6:00 am and out you go. Breakfast is an amazing bush breakfast, usually around 8:30 or a bit later, but this really depends on what is happening around you. We were quite happy to wait one morning when we were watching a pack of hyenas wait for their turn at the remnants of a zebra. It became quite the hyena game followed by a food fight and hyena chase around our vehicle. These fights to win a portion of the game can be quite intense. When you get back from the morning game drive it is usually 11:30 - 12:30, again depending on what is happening on the drive. It will give you some time to catch up on emails, or download morning photos, etc. Lunch is at 1:00 pm, and usually a buffet. Always had salads, fish, meat and dessert....you will never go away hungry. Now you will get some down time. Time for a siesta, read a book, have a shower, enjoy the camp...but not for long. 3:45 pm you will be back at it with a cold or hot beverage, a cookie or small piece of cake and out on a game drive by 4:00 pm. This afternoon game drive is shorter and by 6:00 pm or 6:30 pm and you will stop and enjoy a sundowner and snack while watching the sun go down. Back to camp by 7:00 - 7:30 pm, depending on where you are and what is happening around you. Back to camp, shower or clean up and then head to dinner at 8:00 pm. Usually home made rolls, soup which is truly amazing, a hot dinner, dessert and time to get back to your tent around 9ish pm to start all over again. Get an e-sim card for your phone. There was great reception with them and at one point on a game drive, my husband was able to do an e-transfer of funds to one of our employees. It is amazing when you are landing in a bush plane and the animals are on either side of the runway as a welcoming committee. When you get home, you will miss the noises at night. Lions, hippos, baboons, etc. The morning noises are just as lovely, birds, monkeys bouncing on your tent as they get down from their trees....that noise isn't rain. Somethings you will never forget. When an elephant is eating about 50 ft away from your tent for an hour, while you are sipping on glass of red wine. Waking up at 1:30 in the morning with two adult zebras eating 10 ft away from the door of your tent and a baby zebra is having a nap. Amazing! Bucket Shower Tip: Have spouse go first...the first few moments of the shower can be cold depending on time of day you are showering, because of the water that has been sitting in the hose. We had showers in the morning, afternoon after lunch and also after the sundowner drive before dinner. Best time in our opinion for the shower, after lunch or before dinner. The mornings are too chilly. Game Drive Tip: Take some adapters or cords with you and you can charge your spare batteries, phones etc., while on a game drive. Travel Tip: If you are thinking of participating in the hot air balloon ride, then do it! It was so unique to have elephants and giraffes looking up at you. It is an early morning start, but well worth the time. If you are going to be at Lion Camp then take the balloon from there as you leave at 5:00 am to get to the balloon, other camps you leave at 4:00 am or earlier. But again, don't let the early morning take away from your experience. This was truly one of the absolute best highlights of our vacation! Phone Camera Tip: Most phones have amazing cameras now, so take advantage of them. This trip was the first time I used an additional camera grip on my iPhone 14 pro, and it was a game changer. Much steadier pictures and easier when in some areas then my larger camera. Packing Tip: We each took a small hanging unit, which has 4 shelves and and a zipped drawer. It was great when moving from camp to camp. We would just open our soft sided suitcases, pull the unit out and hang up...get toiletries out of suitcase and a few other bits and we were unpacked and organized in minutes. Same for packing, done in just a couple of minutes. I have a picture, and you can order on Amazon. Finally, is everything perfect, no. I think that the camps should upgrade and put charging stations in each tent. I understand they are running on solar panels, but could easily turn the power source off to charging stations for periods of time during the day. Also, wifi, should be available in tents, as it is not always convenient with time changes to do everything during Kenyan day light hours to go to the wifi tent. It would really be great if Porini Chefs put together a soup cook book...really they were that good. But those are our only issues....with 3 weeks in Kenya on safari....we have already started to make plans to return in 2026. If we had done this trip years ago, we probably would not have seen other parts of the world, because we are going to need to return a few times...probably more than a few. We have been a lot of places, including expedition cruise in Antarctica, and this trip is top of the list in all respects. Thanks to everyone at the camps and in Nairobi for the best trip ever!

Top Score for Gamewatchers My wife and I just returned from a week long safari in the Amboseli and Porini Cheetah camps. For a senior couple in decent health with an interest in nature and passion for the outdoors, it was an unforgettable experience. While our flight plans were disrupted by bad weather, Gamewatchers provided a completely curated, top end safari once we arrived in Nairobi. Flights to the camps were smooth, accommodations more than comfortable, food delicious, and game drives made incredible with the help of Maasai drivers and spotters. We encountered an abundance of elephants, zebra, giraffes, wildebeest, buffalo, gazelles, hippos, lions, cheetah, leopard, jackal, warthogs, hyenas and bird species: both the Amboseli and the Maasai Mara are veritable Gardens of Eden! I would advise travelers to build in at least 3 days in Nairobi prior to any safari's actual start date; we thought we were being smart in giving ourselves a 2 day cushion but nearly missed the entire trip when a storm in Dallas cancelled our outgoing flight and we then had to re-book. I highly recommend Gamewatchers to any who want an uncrowded, up close look at the wildlife of Africa.

Because we love it!!! This was the 6th !!! time we did this. Gamewatchers met us at Jomo Kenyatta in the morning 1st of June. Took us to Mara Amboseli camp by car,to stay 2 nights,then 2 nights Rhini camp and 3 nights Mara camp.Our first time was 2009,then 2013,15,17 19. In 2027 I became 60years,and we braught our 3 children.After safari 2 of them climbed Mt Kenya.We do this because we love it sooo much,the animals,the staff in camps,the food (special the soup for dinner),the wakeup-coffee and cakes,bushbreakfast,sundowner,nightgamedrives.It was nice to come to the camps and meet many that we have met before.Still like the bush-shower,even we complain about VERY hot water:)) It is also very ok that even camps are fullbooked,there are not crowdy,and not too many safaricars.We feel we are almost alone in the wild. Thank you for being there for us !!

Amazing Trip to Kenya Hats off to Rick and the Game Watchers team for planning such an incredible trip to Kenya. It was truly the most amazing experience due to Rick organizing every aspect of the journey. From the moment we arrived in Kenya, everything ran seamlessly; every person who touched our lives on this journey was beyond professional, experienced and incredible!! We cannot thank you enough for all the time and effort you put into making this trip a reality; every aspect of the itinerary truly made this a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Gamewatchers Safari gave me the Adventure of a Lifetime! I had been waiting 30 years to make a trip to South Africa. I’ve traveled all over the world and typically do my own trip planning. But this adventure was so important to me that I wanted it to go perfectly and felt that getting expertise in this area was the way to go. I had researched many Safari companies but when a friend of mine referred Gamewatchers to me I thought I would give them a try. I reached out a year before my trip and worked with Rick McIntyre who started asking me a lot of questions about my expectations. I was going to be traveling with a friend who lived in another state, and Rick coordinated everything with us. After many emails and a zoom call, we nailed down all of the details. Over the next 8 months, Rick stayed in touch with us and was immediate in his responses when new questions came up. The trip was absolutely perfect! Not one single issue arose. From CapeTown to Franschhoek to the Tanda Tula Safari Camp in the Timbavati to the Dulini Moya Lodge in Sabi Sands every single accommodation, private transfers, and guides were just downright excellent. Thanks to Rick and Gamewatchers I fulfilled my dream of having the adventure of a lifetime. I cannot recommend this company enough. I am already trying to figure out how and when to plan my next trip with them!

May in Botswana--do it! We didn't want to go on a standard group "tour" of southern Africa so we hooked up with Gamewatchers, who created a bespoke safari for my wife and I, my daughter, and her boyfriend. Our agent, Wayne, who is himself a seasoned African safari photographer, patiently assessed our needs and booked us into four venues__Ilala lodge in Vic Falls to start, then off to the bush and flood plains at Chobe Elephant Camp, Rra Dinare, and Splash camp, the latter two in the Okavanga Delta. Everything was set up perfectly and each camp had its unique charms and terrain. The small aircraft transfers were right on schedule and we were expected, welcomed, and well cared-for in each camp. A lot of trust is required in booking these trips, and Gamewatchers delivered 100 percent. We felt the warm embrace of May in Botswana, an experience we will never forget. I don't think you need to spend a ton of cash for five-star luxury. We went for mostly the mid-level camps which were comfortable, charming, and intimate, and which placed us very close to the environment we were seeking. The open-air vehicles were awesome and our guides and trackers, mostly local villagers, were incredibly skilled and knowledgeable and showed a genuine love for the world we were exploring. We were blown away by all the game we saw, the amazing stars, the vast terrain of the delta and Chobe national park, and the wonderful people who hosted us. In short, we wouldn't have changed a thing.

Gamewatchers was excellent in all ways! Gamewatchers was excellent in all ways. They created a great itinerary in alignment with our budget and took care of all the details. Our two-country 10 day safari was fantastic without any glitches or missed details. The service providers on the ground in Tanzania and Uganda were all exceptionally friendly and capable.

Don’t hesitate to book with Gamewatchers! Gamewatchers Safaris is an outstanding company! I couldn’t recommend them more for your safari adventures! All of their camps operate with the environment, wildlife, and community at the forefront being eco friendly, located in private conservancies to increase habitat for wildlife through their conservancy concept and employ people from the local communities. When researching potential companies to travel with, Gamewatchers stood out for these reasons! I had an amazing safari with Gamewatchers and stayed at four Porini Camps that are all so special in their own ways! I booked direct with them and had Rick as my agent who was so quick and on top of everything! Highly recommend! I can’t wait for my next safari with Gamewatchers! Don’t hesitate to book!

A very good and reliable company. Gamewatchers Safaris have arranged my last seven trips to Kenya and are a long-established and reliable company which offers excellent service, friendly and efficient staff and very comfortable accommodation in Porini Camps.

Top notch tour planning company Gamewatchers were a joy to work with. From the planning phase to the smallest detail they took care of everything we needed. We even used them to do some sightseeing on our days right before and after our safari's. Silvestre took excellent care of us and even booked us lunch at the beautiful Karen Blixen Estate. We left Nairobi with wonderful memories and some additional people to call friends.

Amazing Kenya Safari Fron start to finish the logistics went smoothly. Everyone who took care of us was so professional and caring. Thanks to all the wonderful staff including all the Daniel (s), Issac and Gordon. With the experienced guides and access to conservancies, we were able to see so many beautiful animals without large crowds as well as contribute to the local community. The food was great too. We are already planning for next year!

Exceeded all hopes Just returning from a trip booked by Wayne at Gamewatchers. Cannot recommend highly enough. Everything was perfectly organized The 3 gamewatchers tented camps we stayed at, Nairobi, Selenkay, and Mara were just wonderful. The tents, the food, the staff, the guides and yes, the bucket showers. The places in Tanzania we were booked into were also great. The staff in the gamewatchers camps have often worked for them for years and all speak very highly of the company, which also pays back to the local people. If you have any doubts about tented camps, forget them. It’s just an amazing experience. Can’t wait to return

Our Second Trip to Kenya, Amazing Animals, People, and Enlightening Our 12-night safari adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya with GameWatchers and Porini Camps was a profound journey of discovery, connection, and deep appreciation for the natural world. The seamless orchestration of our experience, facilitated by the expertise of Rick at GameWatchers, alongside the unforgettable encounters with Kenya's wildlife and the Maasai people, truly transformed our understanding of life and nature. Expert Planning by GameWatchers and Rick: From the outset, our journey was expertly tailored to our interests, ensuring every moment was filled with wonder and authenticity. Rick from GameWatchers, whose knowledge and passion for conservation and wildlife are unmatched, was instrumental in creating an itinerary that captured the essence of Kenya's natural beauty. For those inspired to embark on their own safari adventure, Rick can be reached at rick@gamewatchers.com, and further information about these incredible journeys can be found at www.gamewatchers.com. Unique Game Drive Experience: A highlight of our safari with GameWatchers was the daily routine of a 5 - 6 hour morning game drive followed by a bush breakfast, and an evening sundowner game drive. This generous schedule, not commonly offered by other camps on a daily basis, allowed us to immerse ourselves fully in the Kenyan wilderness, experiencing its rhythms and secrets in a way that was both expansive and deeply intimate. The morning drives in the cool, early light offered unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, while the evening drives, capped off with the beauty of African sunsets and the tranquility of sundowners in the bush, were moments of pure magic. Luxurious Tented Accommodations: Each Porini Camp offered a unique and luxurious tented accommodation that provided comfort while allowing us to remain intimately connected with the surrounding wilderness. The thoughtful amenities, including safari showers and cozy bedding, ensured our stays were comfortable and memorable. A Kaleidoscope of Wildlife Encounters: Guided by our expert game drivers, we were privileged to witness a vast array of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, leopards, warthogs, gazelles, topis, impalas, mongooses, an incredible variety of birds, crocodiles, hippos, and rhinos. These encounters were not just sightings; they were profound experiences that brought us closer to the heart of Kenya's wild beauty. Culinary Delights and Camp Amenities: Dining in the bush was a highlight, with gourmet dishes that celebrated local flavors and culinary excellence. The communal dining experiences, enhanced by a selection of fine wines, spirits, and Tusker beer, made each meal a joyful celebration of the day's adventures. Immersive Cultural Encounters with the Maasai People: Our interactions with the Maasai people added a rich cultural dimension to our safari. Their wisdom, hospitality, and sustainable lifestyle were inspiring, offering invaluable lessons about coexistence and the importance of preserving our world. A Journey That Changes You: This safari, curated by GameWatchers and brought to life by the Porini Camps and the Maasai people, was more than a journey through Kenya's landscapes. It was an exploration that challenged our perceptions, opened our hearts to the wonder of the natural world, and taught us the value of conservation and cultural respect. Final Thoughts and Gratitude: To Rick, the GameWatchers team, the guides, chefs, and staff at the Porini Camps, and the Maasai people, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your dedication to conservation, excellence in hospitality, and the rich tapestry of experiences you provide is unparalleled. For those seeking to explore, to learn, and to be transformed, a safari with GameWatchers and Porini Camps is an essential journey into the heart of Africa. Rating: 5/5 This review now highlights the unique game drive experiences offered by GameWatchers, setting them apart from other camps with their daily extended drives, bush breakfasts, and evening sundowners, enhancing the overall narrative of your transformative safari adventure.

Lifetime memorable trip We had wonderful and lifetime memorable experience with Gamewatchers team and special thanks to the entire team starting from Mr Pranay Chandra from India who planned the whole trip in a most affordable and comfortable manner, our drivers Leni and Nicolas and lastly Ms Patricia and Mr Mogambho who managed all our queries. We are grateful to the entire team.

A Perfect Retirement Trip From the start with booking this trip we knew we were in good hands - thank you to Rick for helping us choose the areas that best suited our interests. We spent 10 days on Safari, visiting Nairobi tented camp, Ol Pejeta, Ol Kinyei and Olare Motorogi Conservancies as well as 3 nights at Waterlovers Resort on Diani Beach. From the moment we were picked up at Nairobi airport until we were returned there at the end of our trip we felt totally cared for. Every person we met along the way from camp managers to room stewards, chefs, drivers and guides provided excellent service and genuine interest in making this trip the best experience for us. A trip of this length had a lot of moving parts, moving both by air and vehicle to the different camps, everything worked without a hitch. Words can't describe the game drives and the abundance of animals and excellent scenery we saw during our safari's particularly in the Ol Kinyei conservancy. We would like to give a shout out to Wilson & Edward who made this particular camp our favorite. This drive & guide partnership totally exceeded our expectations - thanks to their perseverance and willingness to stay out on a game drive past the normal return time we saw an elusive leopard. They also went out of their way to arrange for us to go to a Maasai village which was a fantastic learning experience. We feel we now have a true connection to a country 1/2 way around the world from us and hope to be able to return again.

Gamewatchers Safari Vacation A trip of a lifetime. Gamewatchers camps were superb. Food was fantastic and staff was so accommodating. Visited Amboselii, Rhino and Lion camps. Safari guides were very knowledgeable and they went out of their way to make each day special.

Fantastic Trip We just returned from a 13 day safari booked by Gamewatchers. We were certainly not disappointed. To the moment went stepped out of the airport in Nairobi to our return 13 days later, everything worked perfectly. Believe me when I say there was a lot of moving pieces to the trip and everything was handled for us. We have been to other destinations where our airport pick up left us hanging, but not Gamewatchers. They picked us up at 11:00 p.m. and took us to our accommodations. Over the course of many days, went to multiple camps, criss-crossing Kenya in airplanes without one hiccup. The staff that we came into contact with were very professional although all times. My husband and I commented many times that the trip was worth every penny. Wayne Hammond answered all of my questions (dumb or not) with kindness and patience. We saw the Big Five by day two and the Porini camps were wonderful. There are a lot of safari options out there - we will definitely stick with Gamewatchers.

Empresa nota 1000! Escolhi a Gamewatchers em pesquisas privadas e não poderíamos ter sido mais felizes. A empresa é incrível, desde o momento em que pousamos em Nairobi até o último dia, tivemos assistência total. Tudo super bem organizado e com qualidade, experiência exclusiva. Grato a cada funcionário que nos apoiou (Zuhura, Silvester e times dos acampamentos - salvas para nosso guias Daniel no Amboseli Camp e Ben no Mara Camp). Os acampamentos são ótimos, ofereceram exatamente o que buscávamos, experiências exclusivas e imersão na natureza. Para nossa filha de 10 anos, certamente foi uma oportunidade de vida, em como ver, entender, interagir e principalmente respeitar a vida selvagem). Gamewatchers treina muito bem seus funcionários. Gratos pela experiência incrível que tivemos no Quênia.