Why I Would Never Go on a Group Safari Again – My Experience with a Private Safari in Kenya
Before my husband and I decided to start our own tour company, we traveled through Kenya many times as regular guests. We wanted to truly experience the country, not just see it. And one of those trips changed everything for us.
I’ve been to Africa a few times and joined group safaris – riding in a minibus with eight people, fixed schedules, set routes, and not much flexibility. It was nice, no doubt. But nothing excited me as much as my first private safari in Kenya with a small, personal tour operator.
And let me say it upfront: I would do it the exact same way again.
The Moment I Knew: This is Different
It all started before the trip. I had a few questions – about the lodges, the route, the itinerary. And within 10 minutes of sending a WhatsApp message, I got a reply. Personally. Not from a bot, not some standard travel agency response. Directly from someone who loves what they do and takes it seriously.
Back then, we were still traveling with other tour operators – today, it’s us: John or I are always available for our guests. Because we know how important trust is when booking such a trip.
Just Us, the Driver – and the Wilderness
On the first day, we set off early: picked up from the hotel, just us and our driver in the jeep. No waiting for other guests, no detours to other hotels, just straight into the adventure.
Our guide wasn’t just super friendly, but also highly experienced. He knew exactly where to go for the best chances to spot animals – and all without any rush. We could stay as long as we wanted. No time pressure. No “move on, the others want to see something too.”
I felt like: This is our safari. Just for us.
The Lodge in the Middle of Nowhere – But in Style
We stayed at the Ashnil Aruba Lodge in Tsavo East. It’s nestled right in the park, by the Aruba Dam. In the mornings and evenings, we watched animals come to the waterhole from our terrace – all with incredible peace and seclusion. The perfect place to relax after an exciting day in the park and enjoy the beauty of nature.
And How Much Does This Cost?
Honestly? I thought a private safari would be unaffordable. But it wasn’t. On the contrary: For what we got – a private vehicle, a personal driver, a beautiful lodge, everything organized – the price was actually very fair.
And that’s exactly why we started Jungle Roar Safaris: To make these personal safaris possible – away from mass tourism, but still affordable.
My Conclusion
If you’re wondering whether a private safari is worth it – YES. YES. AND YES AGAIN.
It’s a completely different kind of travel experience. Personal. Flexible. Immersive. And with the right people by your side, it’s not just a safari, but a memory for life.
So, forget the minibuses. Get your own adventure.
We’d love for you to experience it with us.
