Australken Tours & Travel
Australken Tours & Travel
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Australken tours & travel ltd is a family run company that provides luxury lodge/ tented camp safaris, camping and budget safaris, walking safaris, cultural safaris, mountain climbing, gorilla trekking, special interest safaris, eco tourism safaris, holidays beach safaris, special interest safaris and more ...
Nairobi, Kenya
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
147 reviews
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143
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3
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0
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0
Terrible
1
Anne
16 contributions
Mar 2020
Our experience with Australken was just perfect! We spent amazing 9 days on safari in Tsavo East, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara and Nairobi. We had excellent food, every day freshly cooked by our lovely cook who even stood up at 5am to prepare picnic lunch for us. Moreover we had the most competent driver who safely took us for hours and hours to the best locations and informed us with his huge knowledge about animals and nature. Whatever we wanted to see or do, our guides made it possible. The accommodations were lovely chosen as they were in local ownership , cosy, clean and located very near the parks. The whole organizing of the tour was very professional and created on our wishes. When we told our organizer that we planned to do some trips after the safari, she spontanously organized a 2-nights-trip to the coast for us within one day for an excellent price and with a reliable driver. We thank the whole Australken Team very much for this wonderful journey that we will never forget. We would always choose Australken Tours again!! Thank you a lot.
Many greetings Anne and Betsy from Germany. :)
Many greetings Anne and Betsy from Germany. :)
Written 14 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrampingBroad
Dauphin Island, AL89 contributions
Jun 2022
Australken is an excellent safari company and I'm so pleased I chose them!
I was on a 15 day safari to parks Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Amboseli, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara. I wanted to make the most of the trip since it takes so long to get to Kenya from the States, and I am so glad I chose for a lengthier safari.
After a lot of research, and reaching out to several safari companies for itinerary ideas and budgets, I chose a solo budget safari with Australken. Budget safari means tented camps and basic food, though I was very impressed with the quality of the lodging at most places, and the food as well. It was off/shoulder season (June), so I was often one of very, very few people at each place. Food at lodges is excellent, either buffet style or ordering from a set menu.
I had a cook for about half the trip (and the other half I was eating at the lodges). The food Daniel, my cook, provided was often basic (spaghetti, fish) but always very good. He noted what I liked (mango juice!!!!) and made sure I was happy with the food. I requested Kenyan fare towards the end of the trip and he was very sweet and bought the ingredients to do that for me. He made some fantastic chapati even though he didn't really like to eat it!
I had Symon as driver for the whole trip and was really happy with his skill (especially in the city, and in tricky, muddy roads in parks) - and he did an amazing job spotting animals for me. I did not have a spotter - Symon did both the spotting and the driving. Let my pictures do the talking with what all I saw.
Symon was good about providing conversation when I wanted it, and not forcing conversation. I always felt super safe in all situations and I appreciate the professionalism these guys showed me.
Zippy, the coordinator of the trip, was also very sweet and communicative. I was able to request some changes to a pre-made itinerary (i.e. spend an extra day at Mt. Kenya) and she easily accommodated me wherever possible. She often checked in with me to make sure I was happy. I felt like the price of the safari was very good and most of the places I stayed were better than I even expected (for, you know, budget lodging).
Australken is an excellent outfit. I would absolutely use them again!
I was on a 15 day safari to parks Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Amboseli, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara. I wanted to make the most of the trip since it takes so long to get to Kenya from the States, and I am so glad I chose for a lengthier safari.
After a lot of research, and reaching out to several safari companies for itinerary ideas and budgets, I chose a solo budget safari with Australken. Budget safari means tented camps and basic food, though I was very impressed with the quality of the lodging at most places, and the food as well. It was off/shoulder season (June), so I was often one of very, very few people at each place. Food at lodges is excellent, either buffet style or ordering from a set menu.
I had a cook for about half the trip (and the other half I was eating at the lodges). The food Daniel, my cook, provided was often basic (spaghetti, fish) but always very good. He noted what I liked (mango juice!!!!) and made sure I was happy with the food. I requested Kenyan fare towards the end of the trip and he was very sweet and bought the ingredients to do that for me. He made some fantastic chapati even though he didn't really like to eat it!
I had Symon as driver for the whole trip and was really happy with his skill (especially in the city, and in tricky, muddy roads in parks) - and he did an amazing job spotting animals for me. I did not have a spotter - Symon did both the spotting and the driving. Let my pictures do the talking with what all I saw.
Symon was good about providing conversation when I wanted it, and not forcing conversation. I always felt super safe in all situations and I appreciate the professionalism these guys showed me.
Zippy, the coordinator of the trip, was also very sweet and communicative. I was able to request some changes to a pre-made itinerary (i.e. spend an extra day at Mt. Kenya) and she easily accommodated me wherever possible. She often checked in with me to make sure I was happy. I felt like the price of the safari was very good and most of the places I stayed were better than I even expected (for, you know, budget lodging).
Australken is an excellent outfit. I would absolutely use them again!
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel H
Lausanne, Switzerland2 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The whole experience with Australken Tours was wonderful, starting with the initial communication, the exchange and discussion of different travel itineraries and then also the safari itself. We visited Samburu N.R. and Ol Pejeta Conservancy on a 4-day safari, with a private vehicle. Our guide Symon shared so much knowledge and passion about the animals, the nature and Kenyan society, we had really inspiring conversations. We had a cook for the first 3 days, who made tasty meals according to our dietary restrictions.
Samburu and Ol Pejeta are very different and allow to see the special Northern 5, many elephants and rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes and also various birds and we are more than happy. Big thank you also to Zippy for organizing everything so smoothly.
Samburu and Ol Pejeta are very different and allow to see the special Northern 5, many elephants and rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes and also various birds and we are more than happy. Big thank you also to Zippy for organizing everything so smoothly.
Written 28 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaime F
Osage Beach, MO125 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
I highly recommend booking any safari with Australken. At every step we were met with professionalism, kindness, and a desire to go above and beyond by the coordinator, Zippy, and everyone who was a part of our safari.
My husband and I first booked our budget safari for Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara in 2019 to travel in 2020, but had to postpone it for obvious reasons. They were kind enough to patiently await our rebooking and honor our deposit and 2020 prices when we were finally able to reschedule this year. Then we had a family health issue that caused us to need to move our safari by six weeks. They were kind enough to do that for us to at no additional charge, though I offered several times to pay more.
When we finally arrived in Nairobi, a driver was waiting for us at the airport as described and Zippy met us there too. I had wisely requested two nights in Nairobi before departing for our safari to give us a recovery day from our long travel from USA. The Nairobi hotel was well chosen with a great breakfast included. We were able to walk to the CBD to pick up cash and a SIM card, both of which were helpful, though there was also a pocket wifi provided on the safari. Pro tip: if you're like us and enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, pick up a few bottles in Nairobi to bring along because the budget lodgings don't have a cash bar.
We were picked up right on time the day we left for the safari by our driver/guide, Zack, and cook, John. Both gave excellent service throughout the entire trip. We enjoyed John's meals and Zack went above and beyond with his driving to make sure we saw all the animals. We were able to see the Big 5 and so many other animals in enormous quantities. It was really awe-inspiring.
I was happy our itinerary started with Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru NP before going on to the Maasai Mara, which is vast. It felt like the safari just kept getting better and better. We especially enjoyed our accommodations at Lake Nakuru, and the budget tent camp near the Maasai village worked out well for us too. Four days on safari was quite enough for us, though we'd love to do it again in the future. When we do, I will certainly book again with Australken tours. I was very impressed with every aspect of the package that Zippy so thoughtfully put together for us and how well they treated us through the entire process.
My husband and I first booked our budget safari for Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara in 2019 to travel in 2020, but had to postpone it for obvious reasons. They were kind enough to patiently await our rebooking and honor our deposit and 2020 prices when we were finally able to reschedule this year. Then we had a family health issue that caused us to need to move our safari by six weeks. They were kind enough to do that for us to at no additional charge, though I offered several times to pay more.
When we finally arrived in Nairobi, a driver was waiting for us at the airport as described and Zippy met us there too. I had wisely requested two nights in Nairobi before departing for our safari to give us a recovery day from our long travel from USA. The Nairobi hotel was well chosen with a great breakfast included. We were able to walk to the CBD to pick up cash and a SIM card, both of which were helpful, though there was also a pocket wifi provided on the safari. Pro tip: if you're like us and enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, pick up a few bottles in Nairobi to bring along because the budget lodgings don't have a cash bar.
We were picked up right on time the day we left for the safari by our driver/guide, Zack, and cook, John. Both gave excellent service throughout the entire trip. We enjoyed John's meals and Zack went above and beyond with his driving to make sure we saw all the animals. We were able to see the Big 5 and so many other animals in enormous quantities. It was really awe-inspiring.
I was happy our itinerary started with Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru NP before going on to the Maasai Mara, which is vast. It felt like the safari just kept getting better and better. We especially enjoyed our accommodations at Lake Nakuru, and the budget tent camp near the Maasai village worked out well for us too. Four days on safari was quite enough for us, though we'd love to do it again in the future. When we do, I will certainly book again with Australken tours. I was very impressed with every aspect of the package that Zippy so thoughtfully put together for us and how well they treated us through the entire process.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shakthi
1 contribution
Feb 2023
We had a great experience on our safari in Kenya and with Australken tours in particular! Zippy was an exceptional communicator throughout the lead-up to our trip and changed our itinerary details several times to include everything we wanted to see.
When we arrived in Nairobi we were pleasantly surprised that Zippy herself met as at the airport! We thought it was an incredibly thoughtful touch. The next morning we left for our safari and our driver, Peter, was absolutely outstanding. He was a very safe driver and thoughtful guide but made it a point to find as many animals as possible and to get us as close as possible to them to ensure we got good photos. There were times when we were satisfied with our views but he was not and found ways to get even closer. He was very knowledgable about both the wildlife and when we had questions about Kenyan culture and politics in general.
On our return to Nairobi it was a very thoughtful addition to see Zippy again and that she had gifts for us prior to our departure. It was not necessary at all but very much appreciated.
Overall, I would encourage anyone who is considering using Australken to go for it! We had an incredible experience! We hope to return with family someday and will definitely reach out to Zippy again (and request Peter)!
When we arrived in Nairobi we were pleasantly surprised that Zippy herself met as at the airport! We thought it was an incredibly thoughtful touch. The next morning we left for our safari and our driver, Peter, was absolutely outstanding. He was a very safe driver and thoughtful guide but made it a point to find as many animals as possible and to get us as close as possible to them to ensure we got good photos. There were times when we were satisfied with our views but he was not and found ways to get even closer. He was very knowledgable about both the wildlife and when we had questions about Kenyan culture and politics in general.
On our return to Nairobi it was a very thoughtful addition to see Zippy again and that she had gifts for us prior to our departure. It was not necessary at all but very much appreciated.
Overall, I would encourage anyone who is considering using Australken to go for it! We had an incredible experience! We hope to return with family someday and will definitely reach out to Zippy again (and request Peter)!
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michala
Brandon, Canada1 contribution
Feb 2023
We chose Australken over other tour companies, as Zippy was super efficient with arranging our safari trip, she was responsive, professional and helpful at all times.
Our safari driver Symon was extremely knowledgable and went above and beyond to ensure that we had an amazing adventure. He was polite and curteous and kept the vehichle clean & tidy. His English was extremely good and very articulate.
His knowledge of the animals and birds was outstanding, and his love for his job shone through.
The trip was excellent value for money, we stayed in 4 of the 5 Sopa Lodges in Kenya and all were excellent and highly recommended.
We travelled to Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Nakuru and Masai Mara
Overall a fabulous tour operator offering more than a personal touch. Highly recommended.
Our safari driver Symon was extremely knowledgable and went above and beyond to ensure that we had an amazing adventure. He was polite and curteous and kept the vehichle clean & tidy. His English was extremely good and very articulate.
His knowledge of the animals and birds was outstanding, and his love for his job shone through.
The trip was excellent value for money, we stayed in 4 of the 5 Sopa Lodges in Kenya and all were excellent and highly recommended.
We travelled to Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Nakuru and Masai Mara
Overall a fabulous tour operator offering more than a personal touch. Highly recommended.
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris W
Crewe, UK60 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
We have recently completed our fifth safari with Australken. We keep coming back because the experience is always a truly memorable and unique one but the company’s attention to detail ensures that every element is enjoyable. We look forward to those few days, not just for months, but for years!
Symon has always been our guide and goes at our pace, providing extensive information when needed, is happy to stay and watch or drive from A to B as our demanding itinerary requires. Some days were very long drives but this was our choice. The landscape is captivating but the driving must be tiring at times and we really appreciate Symon’s stamina on these days. When watching animals, he gets us as close as possible but fully respects the wildlife. He really contributes to the wonderful experience that we have always had.
As we’ve done on previous trips, we brought friends who have never been on safari before. They had a once in a lifetime experience that they will never forget. We can’t choose one favourite place over another. Zippy knows us well and helps us to select lodges and parks that she is confident will suit us and she has never failed. We like to plan our own safaris and she guides us through what is practical, where to stay etc and puts a lot of effort in, our behalf, making enquiries with lodges etc to get us as close to our plan as she can. She also helps to tweak the plan where it is not practical.
This time, our itinerary was six nights on the coast, then we flew to the Masai Mara. We stayed at Mara Serena, Ashnil Mara, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Ol Tukai in Amboseli, Kilaguni in Tsavo West and finally, Satao in Tsavo East. We then returned to the coast for a further seven nights.
Rather belatedly then, thank you so much for yet another fabulous trip. We really do appreciate all of the time and effort that you put in to making sure that we have a wonderful trip and that's why we will keep coming back to you.
Thank you too for the kind and generous mementos.
Please pass on our immense gratitude to Symon.
We hope you are all keeping well.
Chris & Jan Wujiw
Symon has always been our guide and goes at our pace, providing extensive information when needed, is happy to stay and watch or drive from A to B as our demanding itinerary requires. Some days were very long drives but this was our choice. The landscape is captivating but the driving must be tiring at times and we really appreciate Symon’s stamina on these days. When watching animals, he gets us as close as possible but fully respects the wildlife. He really contributes to the wonderful experience that we have always had.
As we’ve done on previous trips, we brought friends who have never been on safari before. They had a once in a lifetime experience that they will never forget. We can’t choose one favourite place over another. Zippy knows us well and helps us to select lodges and parks that she is confident will suit us and she has never failed. We like to plan our own safaris and she guides us through what is practical, where to stay etc and puts a lot of effort in, our behalf, making enquiries with lodges etc to get us as close to our plan as she can. She also helps to tweak the plan where it is not practical.
This time, our itinerary was six nights on the coast, then we flew to the Masai Mara. We stayed at Mara Serena, Ashnil Mara, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Ol Tukai in Amboseli, Kilaguni in Tsavo West and finally, Satao in Tsavo East. We then returned to the coast for a further seven nights.
Rather belatedly then, thank you so much for yet another fabulous trip. We really do appreciate all of the time and effort that you put in to making sure that we have a wonderful trip and that's why we will keep coming back to you.
Thank you too for the kind and generous mementos.
Please pass on our immense gratitude to Symon.
We hope you are all keeping well.
Chris & Jan Wujiw
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sulkhan Latsabidze
Tbilisi, Georgia2 contributions
Jul 2022
To put it mildly the trip was fantastic, starting from pick up at Nairobi airport, ending with the drop off 7 days later. Also it is important to notice that Zippy from Australken was extremely helpful during the planning part.
It is very important to mention that 50% of that delightful trip was due to our Driver/ Guide Simon – he was immensely competent. He was helpful, calm, communicative, diligent and had expert knowledge of savannah and its inhabitants.
It is very important to mention that 50% of that delightful trip was due to our Driver/ Guide Simon – he was immensely competent. He was helpful, calm, communicative, diligent and had expert knowledge of savannah and its inhabitants.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
11 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Australken was the perfect choice for our 5 days Safari, starting in lake Naivasha, then lake Nakuru and finishing with 3 days in Maasai Mara. What an amazing experience. Zippy is unbelievable, answering to our emails in less than 1 day and always with all the info required and necessary to go forward. Thanks also to our amazing driver and cooker, Peter and John, without them it wasn't the same experience.
Australken is the right choice ;)
Australken is the right choice ;)
Written 18 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Njeri K
1 contribution
Mar 2021
We planned a short honeymoon to Osero Camp with Australken and it was perfect.
The whole trip right from pick up to drop off, was exquisitely planned and ran smoothly and without any issues. Our last night was especially special as they organised for my husband and I a private dinner under the stars with a bonfire to keep us warm.
My husband went on early morning drives, while i stayed behind at the camp to work. Our driver Simon was fantastic especially in tracking the animals he made sure that my husband had seen all the big 5 backed with some insightful info about the wildlife, it made for great convo.
Our last night also happened to be Simon's birthday and his employers organised a small celebration with a delicious cake and maasai dancers. To see a company take care of their employees is always a good sign of a well run company.
I will certainly be booking with this company next time i need a safari.
Thanks Alot Australken.
The whole trip right from pick up to drop off, was exquisitely planned and ran smoothly and without any issues. Our last night was especially special as they organised for my husband and I a private dinner under the stars with a bonfire to keep us warm.
My husband went on early morning drives, while i stayed behind at the camp to work. Our driver Simon was fantastic especially in tracking the animals he made sure that my husband had seen all the big 5 backed with some insightful info about the wildlife, it made for great convo.
Our last night also happened to be Simon's birthday and his employers organised a small celebration with a delicious cake and maasai dancers. To see a company take care of their employees is always a good sign of a well run company.
I will certainly be booking with this company next time i need a safari.
Thanks Alot Australken.
Written 31 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI! i want to know about the low-level price for safari in Amboseli from Nairobi for two persons for 1 night. We only want to see Kili and few animals without luxurious. Thank u.
Written 25 October 2019
Hello Astakhov92 Please note that if your travel dates are from 1st November to 19th December,2019 then the cost for 1Night/2 days Amboseli safari will be U.S.D 285 per person sharing based on private safari just for 2 of you only with accommodation at Amboseli Sentrim camp.
Please let us know if you need any further clarification.
Thanking you in advance, Zippy
Written 25 October 2019
Jambo everyone,
I messaged a couple of the reviewers directly inquiring about price ranges. It's my understanding that it can vary depending on the package and lodging preferences. I'm just looking for a ballpark figure at the moment for a 5-7 day safari trip for 2-4 people. Nothing luxurious at this point, just the basics. Thank you for your response.
Written 19 July 2016
Please disregard. Zippy replied to my email much sooner than expected and supplied all I need to know. Already a good sign.
Written 19 July 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.