When my husband and I volunteered for a Habitat for Humanity project in Kenya, Aramati Safaris was the designated transportation for our group. John and his staff at Aramati are great to work with. The driver/guides are friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, people, wildlife and history. Our project site was a day’s drive outside of Nairobi, and they planned the best route, found good places to stop along the way for meals and breaks, and made the trip really enjoyable and very easy. Aramati also provided our group’s transportation in and around the village throughout the project, and even pitched in with sincere hearts to help build with the rest of the volunteers. Afterward, back in Nairobi, John arranged a day trip for us to see the sights in the area before our trip concluded. When my husband and I return to Kenya for a vacation and safari, we will have John make all our arrangements with Aramati for our driver and safari guide.

John Ndegwa is eager to serve, tireless in his service to clients, and totally trustworthy. He is also smart and able to negotiate on clients’ behalf. He knows East Africa and has a great sense of humor. His advice on travel and culture is five-star.”
Service Category: Travel Agent
Year first hired: 2008 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

John –

I want to say thank you for a wonderful weekend at Maasai Mara. The transfers to and from Wilson were prompt and efficient. Mara Intrepids is a wonderful facility with excellent staff. My safari driver (Joseph) was outstanding. I was able to enjoy six game drives over the course of Friday – Sunday. Each was different, but all were outstanding. A mother leopard with her cub, lions and lionesses with cubs, elephant, giraffe, impala, topies, gazelle, warthogs, mongooses, wildebeest, zebra, ostrich, hyena, jackal, buffalo, crocodiles, hippos, monkeys, baboons, eland… truly a once in a lifetime experience. The natural beauty of the Mara is truly breathtaking.

Thanks again for your assistance in arranging the trip, offering alternatives, and providing great, prompt responses to my questions.

Whenever I have groups, teams or individuals coming to Kenya who need any travel assistance, I always refer them to Ndegwa, Aramati Safaris. He is knowledgeable, dependable, trustworthy, personable, and always goes the second (third, fourth) mile to make it a great experience.

John has been a critical component to the success of multiple trips to East Africa. I have worked with John in both Kenya and Uganda bringing college students to dozens of urban and remote sites throughout the country. John is a trusted resource and goes beyond every expectation. I cannot give a strong enough endorsement of his character, attention to detail and willingness to serve to ensure a memorable experience.

I have been able to use John Ndegwa’s services as director of Aramati Safaris a couple times now and both times, the service has been dependable and excellent. I first heard about John via a fellow professor who used his services with his students and recommended John. I took the chance and wasn’t sorry. If I go back to Kenya again with students, I’ll be calling John.

Last September we had the privilege of working with Sr. Safari Advisor John Ndegwa.  He was most patient with us as we knew we wanted to travel to the Maasai Mara but were not sure of how many days or what to expect.  He gave us a couple of scenarios with our schedule and budget and went the extra mile to get us the lowest cost so that we were able to see the Maasai Mara without a huge expense.  We had the very best driver, George, who had years of experience.  He picked us up from our guest house in Nairobi and got us safely and in good time –4 ½ hours to Oldarpoi Camp Mara, which is two miles from the Maasi Mara National Reserve.

The camp Oldarpoi, itself, is beautiful. We loved waking up to the sounds of many birds and critters. Our accommodations were a luxury tent. We had each requested a twin bed but we got a king bed which was wonderful and so comfortable! We had a private bathroom too which was a great blessing.  The food at the camp was very tasty and the staff very accommodating. There was also a lovely swimming pool nearby. We enjoyed the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen.

  Our day out on the Maasai Mara game drive was so memorable.  George our driver and tour guide, told us so much about all the animals we were seeing and went the extra mile to get us better views of them. He deserves five stars! While we didn’t see the wildebeest jump in the river, we certainly saw the huge migration across the Mara.  I will never forget the graceful giraffes, elephant hurds protecting their young, gorgeous zebras and so many other creatures we were privileged to see on this trip.  It was a trip of a lifetime. I would not hesitate to recommend Safari Tours.  They are not only knowledgeable but have the best guides ever.

Now that normal services have resumed, I have had a chance to reflect on our safari experience. What a priceless experience. A time was definitely had…we started the expedition with a meet and greet where Ndegwa introduced David, our driver and guide and oh my goodness, we could not have asked for a better guide. David was engaging, respectful, accommodating and knowledgeable. I have done Mara a few times, as the wahenga say, this was not my first rodeo, however, I learned that made me question what was I engaging in at my previous tours? They say when the student is ready, the teacher will come…karibu teacher David. The depth of knowledge was impressive, from animal facts to Maasai trivia and updates…phenomenal…asante David, I’m still blown away by how much I learned and I’m passing the knowledge forward. Interestingly  I hadn’t appreciated the pressure I felt about this trip because I had made the pitch to use Aramati with Ndegwa being a childhood school mate….I tell you, my streetcred is solidified🦁thanks to Ndegwa, David and the superb services of Aramati. So, please run to Aramati for any Kenyan experiences you want to engage in…safari, nature walks…run, don’t walk…and thank me later for the joy and pleasure you’ll experience. From mine to yours Ndegwa…asante sana… I’m so proud of you as a friend and a fellow keeper and champion of our beloved Kenya.🫶🏿👊🏿

Chris and I would like to thank you for a memorable trip to Kenya.  I have been working in Kenya for the last 9 years and I have never had the opportunity to visit.  I am glad I waited and was referred to Aramati Safaris to plan our vacation because it was perfect.  Although I know the country well, I would not have been able to pick and choose the “right” safaris and hotels among all numerous options without your assistance.  We visited the Mara, Samburu, Ol Jepeta and Amboseli.  Each was unique and special and exceeded our expectations. And the accommodations were spectacular. Thanks again. I would not hesitate to work with you and Aramati Safaris to plan my next vacation to Kenya.

I just wanted to thank you for putting together such a wonderful safari! This was my first trip to Africa and your safari definitely was the most memorable part of the trip. The Amboseli National Park with its multiple herds of elephants was definitely a sight to see. Our driver was very knowledgeable about the park and was very pleasant to get to know. The Ambroseli Sopa Lodge where we stayed had amazing accommodations and we could even see Mount Kilimanjaro from our room!

Thank you again for putting together such an amazing trip.

John Ndegwa is an extremely helpful and efficient professional. During my visit to Kenya, John not only booked me on a safari of a lifetime, he was an excellent source of reference while staying in Nairobi. He understands his customers expectations and will do whatever he can to ensure that they are completely satisfied with their experience. I look forward to dealing with Ndegwa on future visits to Kenya and I would strongly recommend other
travelers to utilize his services as well.”