Dear Lillian,

I just want to tell you what a wonderful time we had last week on our trip with African Spice Safaris to the Maasai Mara with Sammy as our driver and guide. My grandchildren are telling everyone it was ‘awesome’.

Sammy obviously knew his stuff, was always willing to do that little extra for us with a cheerful smile, and I hope that, if we manage to come back again, he’ll be available to take us again.

The accommodations you picked for us were all excellent, and the hot water bottles they provided for those chilly nights were much appreciated! All in all, a memorable trip. Thank you so much.

Marion Moore
[email protected]
Washington DC
15th January 2014

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Dear Lillian,

Thank you so much for arranging such a fabulous trip to Tanzania. We had an amazing fun time and great opportunities not only to see the big five animals but also their babies. I have more to share but I have limited internet access (traveling) and so I shall write you more and share pics by Friday/ next week.

Cheers,

Jay Shah
MS4 SUNY Upstate Medical University
2416 Lynnhurst drive,
Vestal, NY 13850.
[email protected]
607-221-5257
31st December 2013

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Dear Lillian,

I asked my husband, Sath, to forward your email address. I just wanted to let you know that this was the best family vacation we have ever been on. We’re so glad we chose African Spice Safari for our Tanzanian vacation.

We had absolutely no worries, as everything was taken care of from start to finish. Joseph picked us up from the airport and did a wonderful job getting us settled into our hotel. He also dropped us off at the local airport the next day and made sure we were all set for our flight to the Serengeti.

Heff then met us at the Serengeti, and drove us around to so many interesting places for days, including the Ngorongoro crater and Maasai village. Heff is warm and friendly and is very knowledgeable about the animals.

The kids enjoyed the stories he told them. We’re grateful to African Spice Safaris for organizing an unforgettable vacation, and we will surely come again.

Can you please forward this email to Joseph and Heff for me?

Kind regards,

Aarti Shukla
[email protected]
10th July 2013

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Dear Lillian,

This is to thank you for organizing my 3 days tour around Lake Nakuru and Naivasha! Everything was perfect, the safaris, the lodges and of course Sam is a great guide and driver.

I’ll be back in Kenya in October for a conference in Eldoret and I will use this opportunity to book another tour with you.

Please send also my regards to Patrick.

Many thanks, All the best

Miguel Peixoto
[email protected]
1st July 2013

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Dear Lillian,

I just wanted to let you know how our vacation went. I called to speak to you before leaving as I needed the mailing address for Tipilikwani but you were not in.

We had a great time! Everything worked perfectly, the flights were great, and had good fun. The camp was excellent as were the game drives and walk. We had a fantastic driver and guide whose passion happened to have been birds which is what my husband loves! His name was “D”.

The food and hospitality were both excellent as well. We would highly recommend your company and this camp to anyone!

Thanks again. It was a very special trip for me. We saw lots of animals, birds, and nature and the people of Kenya are absolutely lovely and inviting.

Best regards,

Patricia Allen
[email protected]
24th June 2013

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Dear Lillian,

I want to thank you so much for the interesting (albeit freezing) night safari experience. We saw many animals – buffaloes, antelopes, rabbits, rhinos, aardwolf, hyrax, etc.

I would like to point out, especially the professional and friendly services of our guide – Richard, who stood in the safari car in the freezing wind, shining his flashlight, pointing out the animals for us, recognizing each of them from a distance and sharing his vast knowledge with us, and also the punctuality, excellent service quality and pleasant and friendly manners of our driver Joshua, who fulfilled all our whims without letting us feel that we’re putting him through any trouble.

Also please thank Patrick for us and Lucy the park ranger. We had an experience that definitely made our long connection in Nairobi a worthwhile experience, and we’ll sure be coming for more in the future.

Best regards,

Lea and Uri
[email protected]
13th August 2012

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Dear Lillian,

Hereby we would like to let you know that we have enjoyed our trip very very much. It was all well organized and staying in Royal Mara was wonderful. We enjoyed every minute. 3 Days/2 Nights Flying Safari to Royal Mara Safari Lodge from the 1st of July to the 3rd of July 2012.

Thank you for the organization!

Best regards,

Mrs. & Mrs. Tuip and Mr. Bartels
[email protected]
10th July 2012

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Dear Lilian, Patrick, and the African Spice Safaris team,

Katherine and I wish to thank you for the highly professional manner in which you managed our private, customized safari. Our two-week honeymoon adventure in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania is a truly memorable experience due, in large part, to your thorough planning and flawless execution.

Lilian was pleasant and patient as she assisted designing our customized safari during two months of frequent emails. She accommodated the changes I introduced and, in the end, produced an excellent itinerary that included all of the places on our list. We appreciated the detailed safari document sent to us by Lilian once the itinerary was settled.

From the champagne welcome to the champagne farewell, our safari was as effortless as a cruise. The execution was excellent in that we always knew what to expect and we were always on schedule. Our guides, Sammy and Richard (Kenya) and Timothy (Tanzania) were genuinely great people with an incredible knowledge of the flora and fauna we encountered. We are still impressed with their ability to spot well-hidden wildlife where we saw nothing. And we truly appreciated their intense focus on finding the subjects on our wish list.

During our safari, we saw all of the African wildlife ones might expect to see, some of it very close. Our guides gave us as much time as we wanted at each viewing while describing the size, weight, behavior, gestation period, time-to-maturity, lifespan, and other facts pertaining to the subject. We saw young bull elephants playfully challenging each other, a pair of ostriches in an impressive mating dance, a lone female lion stalking a warthog, a rhinoceros frolicking in the mud, and scores of other dazzling sights.

In addition to wildlife, we saw and learned much about African plant life including the enormous baobab tree and we visited a Masai village where we participated in a ceremonial dance and started a fire using sticks.

Our safari was everything we expected it to be – and more. In selecting a safari company we first compiled a list of 23 tour operators serving the Kenya/Tanzania area. We evaluated each tour operator by reviewing their website and, for those that appeared to be real tour operators, researching them on independent travel websites. Once the list was reduced to three firms, we contacted each firm for additional information and evaluated the responses.

Our final choice was African Spice Safaris. African Spice Safaris has an excellent website that provides comprehensive information about safari destinations, cultural tours, packing and preparation for a safari, and much, much more. It became clear that experience at African Spice Safaris ran deep.

We also found positive testimonials on third-party travel sites. And finally, communication via email with Lilian was excellent. Katherine and I look forward to visiting Africa again. The next safari will be easier to organize because we already know who will serve as our tour operator.

Asante Sana to the great team at African Spice Safaris!

Don Clark & Katherine Clark
Dallas, Texas USA
[email protected]
Sun, October 23rd, 2011

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Hi Patrick,

I am not sure if you remember us. We visited Kenya last month. We booked a safari to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru with another company and at the last minute we decided to take a one-day safari to Amboseli N.P and we chose African Spice Safaris.

It was a great choice. Our one-day safari will be remembered forever. We saw lots of wild animals in the beautiful scenery of Amboseli in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. We didn’t see so many elephants in any other place.

Thank you for so a beautiful experience and for all the interesting information about animals and about Kenya also, the information we can share now with our friends when we show them our amazing photos. We want to thank you also for urging us to visit Masai Village. You are right, this village looks so real and the villages in Masai Mara are
commercial and overcrowding.

Thank you so much and best wishes to all African Spice Safari workers.

Anna & Stanislaw Zawartka
Amityville, NY
[email protected]
Tue, September 6, 2011

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Dear Lillian,

I thought that you might appreciate a follow-up mail with my thoughts on the April 12th full-day Private Excursion.

As you know I found that your pre-April 12th organization was very good – you responded promptly and informatively to the emails wherein I was trying to formulate the days sightseeing.

On the day of April 12th, your company’s administration continued to be very good. Your guide, Patrick, arrived a few minutes early and your office rep arrived on time to collect the Excursion monies as we had agreed. Patrick was an excellent guide. He was amenable to a change in the itinerary and embraced my suggestion with ideas of his own.

Throughout the day, as far as possible given the horrible Nairobi traffic, Patrick’s timings were very good. It was a shame that we could not accommodate a visit to the Museum BUT then we did try to include a huge amount into our one day. When we visited the Bomas and were enjoying the show, Patrick arranged for a guide to lead us around the Huts themselves. Between the sights, Patrick gave us interesting information about the recent history of Kenya and some of the current issues within the country in general and within Nairobi in particular.

The car was clean and comfortable. In summary, we found Patrick to be an excellent guide and also a fine ambassador for your company and we will not hesitate in recommending your company to our friends. In our conversations, Patrick mentioned 2 other points that would be of interest

1. A possible tailor-made Safari maybe in 2012 to view the migration
staying reasonably close to the Mara river

2. Some possible contacts to help me in building a vacation in China from previous e-mail contacts of Patrick.
any follow-up on these would be appreciated

Regards,

Keith Rudderham
United Kingdom
[email protected]
18th April 2011

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Hello African Spice Safaris,

I hope you are well. Sorry for the delay in writing, it has been so busy since we returned, but we wanted to write to say that we had an amazing time on our Safari. We haven’t stopped talking about it since we got home and all our friends and families have been looking at the hundreds of photos we took…!!!

We would like to say a big thank you to you and everyone at Africa Spice for arranging such a brilliant and comprehensive tour that suited and exceeded all our expectations. I must also say that Joshua Munene was a credit to your organization. We cannot praise him enough. He was courteous, funny, reliable and knowledgeable and had an insight into where we needed to be to see every animal available, even leopards & cheetahs. Please pass on our special thanks to him. He made a fantastic safari even better.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and we will definitely be in touch for our next Safari.

Kind regards
Barry & Diane Ingate
[email protected]
England
16th December 2010

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Jambo,

I apologize for being so late in writing this. Three friends and I went on a 2-day African Spice safari to the Masai Mara in June 2010 and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. It started with Karen who helped us with our reservations and continued when we were greeted by Patrick in the parking lot of our guest house before we left. He introduced us to Sammy who was an absolutely exceptional guide, very knowledgeable and respectful of the animals…and a great driver.

Even though we didn’t get to see all of the Big Five due to time limitations, we were able to watch the wildebeest migration and got wonderful pictures of giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions, and other wildlife. Our only regret was that other obligations only allowed us two days for a safari. However, we are talking about doing a longer trip if we ever have the opportunity to travel to Kenya in the future.

Asante Sana for giving us a breathtaking experience.

Sarah Lookabill
[email protected]
26th October 2010

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Jambo Karen & Patrick

We all got home safely to England. Thank you for organizing a marvelous safari. Everything went to plan. James is superb at his job, he exceeded our expectations. He was extremely knowledgeable about the animals and was able to anticipate where the game could be seen.

He even made sure he stopped the bus in the best place for the photographs. He is a credit to African Spice Safaris. The lodges we stayed at varied in style and service, to help you in deciding whether they should be used in the future, I have listed our thoughts on them below. (Please note this is not a criticism of African Spice)

Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Lovely place, with comfortable tents, good food, and very good staff and service

Samburu Sopa Lodge
Seemed very run down, and very poor service from the staff, they did not seem to want to be there to serve the guests.
Food was average.

Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Nakuru
Nice hotel, ideally situated overlooking the lake, nice rooms, good food and service

Mara Sopa Lodge
A bit better than the one at Samburu, food was a bit better and staff’s attitude was a bit better, but a long way to go to match the other lodges we stayed at.

Thank you again for a wonderful safari.

Kind regards,

Peter Wadlow
West Sussex England UK
[email protected]
Mon, September 6, 2010

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Jambo African Spice Safaris,

We arrived safely back in England yesterday morning to a temperature of 2 degrees Celsius which was a bit of a shock after the heat of Mombasa. We had to scrape the frost off the car before we could drive home!!!!! The whole purpose of this email is to give you a big Thank You for the safari you arranged for us. First of all, it was so nice to see Sammy’s smiling face when we emerged from customs and immigration at the airport in Nairobi. We knew then we would be in safe hands.

The itinerary was superb: but your roads take some getting used to and we are both still feeling a little saddle sore!! You do at least get a flavor of the country. Samburu was excellent and having the Sopa to ourselves for the last night made us feel like Royalty (how did you arrange that?). Sitting there having our evening meal and watching the animals come to the water hole really was a bit special.

Sweetwaters is something else. Talk about “Out of Africa”; you could really imagine it being used as a film set. We were a bit apprehensive about sleeping under canvas (after Patterson’s camp) but sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp was an entirely different experience. Again it was fantastic to look out of the tent and see the animals at the water hole.

Suffice to say ‘Bwana’ Sammy went more than the extra mile to make sure we enjoyed our safari and get the most out of it. He really is an excellent guide. We have seen lots of animals and birds but sadly did not manage to get a glimpse of a Leopard this time. Can’t have everything but Sammy did try very hard and was probably as disappointed as us that this elusive animal did not appear.

It was our 5th time traveling with African Spice and it’s always been wonderful! We would love to have Sammy on safari with us again. Once again thank you for arranging a superb safari. It was far better than we could ever have hoped for.

Kind regards,

Richard & Chris
[email protected]
12th March 2010

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Dear African Spice,

Never, in all my Wildest Dreams, would I have expected such wonderful and amazing things as I recently experienced on safari in Kenya and Tanzania with African Spice Safaris. All my life, and that has been a very long one, I have yearned to travel to Africa. There could not possibly be another way any better than to do it with this company.

In the beginning, my daughter and I met with our agent, Ann Owens. She listened carefully to our thoughts and ideas for our trip. Then, she and African Spice planned everything to fit that itinerary exactly. Nothing was missed. Everything was perfectly on schedule, nothing was omitted, and even a few pleasant surprises were added. The hotels and camps were beyond description. Our guide for the entire two weeks was Patrick, who obviously has been created for this very job. Then, in each location, we had the most amazing drivers we could have asked for. Truly, walking encyclopedias.

All along, not even considering the beautiful land, and astounding animal and plant life, they continually surprised us with quality time visiting with the people. Absolutely beautiful people! And, there always seemed to be a special surprise waiting for us at the end of each day.

This was a dream come true without any doubt. Truly wonderful with the memories.

Bob Waters,
25th August 2009
[email protected]
Georgia, USA

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Dear African Spice,

We all enjoyed an excellent organized Safari. The welcoming, the hotels & lodges, the transport, the safaris, and of course the personalized service are top-notch. We will certainly recommend you to our friends and relatives in Belgium.

Kind regards,

Mark Butinck and family
Friday, July 10th, 2009
[email protected]

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Dear Diane and Spice Team,

I am very sorry for the late reply. We hope that all is well with all of you. All is well in England, the weather is not too good, and we had a rather bad winter this year. A very BIG thank you to all the staff who we dealt with – for making our safari one of the best – ever!

We really enjoyed it and had a great time! Especially the game drives with Simon! What an experience!! The chats we had about the wildlife and interesting facts Simon shared with us, will always be remembered! Please say hi to Simon for us-please could you also enquire as to if he got our gift that we sent to him in November on our return from Kenya, and let us know if it was ok. We hope that the travel business has improved in East Africa and will of ‘course recommend your business to our friends!

Please let us know how you all are doing!

Carmelah and Daniel
[email protected]
Date: Friday, June 12, 2009

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Jambo Spice Team,

Our trip was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and beyond every expectation. You and your staff, especially Fred, our guide and driver made our trip the most amazing adventure we have ever been on. Your country, Kenya, is absolutely beautiful and made us most welcome everywhere we went. Tanzania was also fabulous and provided us with additional adventure time beyond our beliefs.

The lodges and meal accommodations were 5-star all the way!!!!!!!! beyond what we expected. The broad smiling faces of all the local village folks made us feel right at home and most welcome. This was truly a trip of a lifetime and one which we will always remember for the rest of our lives. Anyone wishing to contact us for additional reference information may do so.

Nancy Balaban
[email protected] – email
(917) 344-3781 x4509 – voicemail/fax
June 6th, 2009

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Dear Spice Team,

My love of Africa was part of me long before my two feet ever touched down on the rich African soil. I have been dreaming of the day when I would see the animals of Africa walking freely in their natural habitat. I arrived in Tanzania in October 2004 with 19 college students anxious to go on Safari. We were greeted by Patrick who proved over and over again what an expert safari guide he was.

I am a good judge of character and Patrick was a knowledgeable guide and I could tell he was a truly kind and good person. He did not smoke, use foul language, and had the patience of a saint being constantly tested by the 19 college students that were part of this expedition. His skill with the English language was superb and he told me he graduated with honors from the prestigious college nicknamed ‘The Harvard of Africa’…. Kenya Utalii College with a diploma in Tour Guiding and administration.

My second visit again was with African Spice Safaris where I traveled throughout Kenya and Tanzania with Richard as my guide. “The ‘spice’ safari was more than I expected. It was a total immersion in two wonderful counties with great hospitable people. Richard was a true professional in every way. He was always available, knowledgeable, and entertained us every evening with his many adventurers’ safari tales. There were many special touches that I loved in our tour, including learning and discovery opportunities, visiting local markets, villages, and rural schools to fully experience the true flavor of the East African culture.

One other reason why I choose to travel with African Spice Safaris is that being a locally owned company by indigenous Kenyans all profits generated would stay in Africa to benefit its people. This afforded me the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution directly to the locals.

I have traveled the world and Africa tops the list and is always close to my heart. African Spice Safaris offers a level of expertise simply unmatched in the industry. You get true value for your money and relish the peace of mind that professionals are with you all the way!

Kathleen Forsythe
[email protected]
May 4th, 2009

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Dear Patrick and the Spice Team,

I don’t really know where to begin to thank you and your staff for the trip of a lifetime! I know everyone in our group will be talking about this trip for years to come, and several have already expressed an interest in the return trip for 2010!! Everyone on your staff was so helpful from the very beginning. I appreciate your patience during the whole planning of the trip to make all of my special requests happen!

Your professionalism is unmatched. You were able to make each of us feel so special almost as if we were the most important people you had ever worked with!! We loved all of our gifts and have been working to find the perfect spot for each in our homes. Our bush dinner in the Mara will always be high on my overall list of best memories in my life! I feel privileged to call you all my friends and look forward to planning a return trip for 2010!

Thanks again,

Ann Owens
Travel Service
1806 Frederica Rd
St. Simons Is, GA 31522
912-638-6888
Email: [email protected]
Friday, July 18th, 2008

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Dear Spice Team,

We have returned from our trip to Kenya and Tanzania and have still not absorbed all that we experienced. Africa is a land of stark contrasts. The beauty of the landscape and animals and then the poverty, civil turmoil, and tribal influences. So much to see and learn. We are still on overload. The group we traveled with (12) were all previous African Spice travelers. Some were on their 3rd and 4th trip.

They won’t travel any other way and voiced their pride in being associated with the philanthropic work of helping a hand while on safari. We were the neophytes, and now we understand their allegiance. The guides, drivers, and accommodations were all superb. (I never thought I’d say that about a tented camp, especially with a huge male lion roaring out front!) It was everything the pre-trip itinerary said it would be, and more. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, it did! We now have a better appreciation for the world.

On the third day of our trip, we went to AIC Kajiado School and I met a 12-year-old girl whose name is Aida. I will never forget her. Aida is a runaway who has boarded at the school since she was 8. She could speak perfect English, and to our surprise, was very adept with the drafting tools that James brought with him. She wants to be a lawyer and help women in Africa. Lending a hand on safari is providing funds for the new dorm which they desperately need. They are two in a bed and the conditions are deplorable beyond description.

Yet, what drew me to Aida was her smile and bright eyes – so full of hope. I cried myself to sleep that night. I can’t possibly put all my thoughts into this email it would be an epic. To say this was the trip of a lifetime seems almost trite, but there are no other words. I always had great respect for the work of the helping hand while on safari, and now having traveled with African Spice Safaris, I can see the masterful way you have combined the two. Once again, I have to say that I am proud to be associated with both of you, and so very blessed to have been given this opportunity.

With love and gratitude,

Christine Pudney
1405 Xenium Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441USA
Email Address:[email protected]
Phone: 763 212 2626
Fax: 763 212 5711
April, 14th 2007

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Dear Spice,

Where do I begin? I can’t begin to express my gratitude for this wondrous trip. This trip was once in a lifetime event, that changes your life in many ways. I’ve had some life-changing experiences, especially in the service of my country; however, this trip ranks up there. The people we traveled with were fabulous and completed devoted to African Spice Safaris. After this experience, I can understand their loyalty. Everything was 5 stars the guides, people, and the accommodation. I did not know what to expect; but when I saw the tented camps I was amazed, these camps are better than most hotels.

The animals were greater than I expected to see their real size was extraordinary to say the least. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat was wonderful. Most people never get a chance to drink this all in. Not only does African Spice Safaris offer these trips, but its people also make them something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Every detail is covered, and the friendships developed will last from a trip to a trip many of these travelers call the group they traveled with to plan another trip. Sheila and I will start saving to go to the Nile, we think that trip will be awesome.

Our trip leader Anthony Wachira was the very best. He covered every base and helped everyone. His knowledge of the plants, birds, and animals of Africa is without peer. He made all of us feel comfortable and created an atmosphere whereby we could all gel as a group. The group was really great fun. I wish I had the words and ability to express my gratitude properly. God bless you all without you I would not have had such an experience.

The schools we attended were an eye opener; these children are bright and articulate. They all seem to get on very well and the teachers seem dedicated to their success. The children were excited to see and use the simple supplies we brought them, they have so little. I totally enjoyed the entire Safari experience. Keep up this work African Spice! You are making a difference in the lives of people worldwide every day. This must give you great pleasure. I love you all and I am there for you whenever you may need me.

Yvonne Thompson
Executive Travel and Sales Manager – Destination Planning
640 Canoe Drive
Ludz Florida 33559- USA
Email Address:[email protected]
Tel: 813-909-4422
20th March 2008

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Jambo Patrick!

Sorry, this has taken so long to “Thank You” for such a wonderful adventure but I have been working on the 2,800 pictures I took on our safari. This was my third safari and definitely the best. I wanted to send this letter to your website to let the world know what a professional job you and your crew, Hillary, Ann, and all the safari drivers you used during our spectacular trip. Let me start from the beginning…

My niece, Peggy Clifton, and I went on a safari two years before and met Patrick Masila, who was working for a well-known company. We were very impressed with his professionalism and knowledge. Peggy kept saying, “I want to bring Corey (her 13-year-old son, who always wanted to grow up and become the Crocodile Hunter) back, he would just love this. So, after a few weeks after returning home we decided to start planning a trip with Corey.

We emailed Patrick and asked if we could design our own safari and he said “yes”. He was starting his own company and said that he would love to help us out. Then we thought maybe if we got enough people together we could bring Corey free! Well, that put us in gear! We contacted every relative and friend who would be fun to travel with, (we did have a prerequisite that no one would be allowed to complain-if so go to Patrick, not us!) We wanted our trip to be the best experience in the world. Well, we had so much fun planning, having parties, and getting together. We ended up with 9 people total, not quite enough to bring Corey free but well worth the effort. This safari could not have been any better!

Peggy and I are designing another trip in three years!!! Everyone who went with us in 2007 would like to go again and bring their family! Safaris are expensive, but I assure you that you will have the best time of your life booking with “African Spice Safaris”-they are truly the “Best of the Best”. If anyone is serious about planning “the Most Exciting Adventure you’ll ever go on” and would like to talk with me, you can contact Patrick for my phone number I would love to share my opinion with you.

Donna F Cox
Address: 77892, COTON WOOD COVE
INDIA WELLS, CALIFONIA 92210 USA
Email Address: [email protected]
February 16th, 2007

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Dear Spice Team,

My love of Africa was part of me long before my two feet ever touched down on the rich African soil. I have been dreaming of the day when I would see the animals of Africa walking freely in their natural habitat. I arrived in Tanzania in October 2004 with 19 college students anxious to go on Safari. We were greeted by Patrick who proved over and over again what an expert safari guide he was.

I am a good judge of character and Patrick was a knowledgeable guide and I could tell he was a truly kind and good person. He did not smoke, use foul language, and had the patience of a saint being constantly tested by the 19 college students that were part of this expedition. His skill with the English language was superb and he told me he graduated with honors from the prestigious college nicknamed ‘The Harvard of Africa’…. Kenya Utalii College with a diploma in Tour Guiding and administration.

My second visit again was with African Spice Safaris where I traveled throughout Kenya and Tanzania with Richard as my guide. “The ‘spice’ safari was more than I expected. It was a total immersion in two wonderful counties with great hospitable people. Richard was a true professional in every way. He was always available, knowledgeable, and entertained us every evening with his many adventurers’ safari tales. There were many special touches that I loved in our tour, including learning and discovery opportunities, visiting local markets, villages, and rural schools to fully experience the true flavor of the East African culture.

One other reason why I choose to travel with African Spice Safaris is that being a locally owned company by indigenous Kenyans all profits generated would stay in Africa to benefit its people. This afforded me the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution directly to the locals.

I have traveled the world and Africa tops the list and is always close to my heart. African Spice Safaris offers a level of expertise simply unmatched in the industry. You get true value for your money and relish the peace of mind that professionals are with you all the way!

Kathleen Forsythe
[email protected]
September 4, 2007

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Dear African Spice,

I had the pleasure of traveling to Kenya and Tanzania this fall with Patrick Masila as my trip leader. For anyone who hasn’t visited these countries, my advice is to go. The scenery and wildlife are incredible, and the people are warm and welcoming. My biggest surprises were the quantity and variety of animals and birds we saw each day and the beauty of the lodges. And if you can travel with Patrick Masila, you will be even more fortunate.

Patrick is a wonderful leader and planner. He is very knowledgeable about the two countries and is a wildlife expert. And he really takes care of people on their tour, ensuring individual needs are met and managing every detail. He not only ensured everyone in my group had a good time; he also seemed to genuinely enjoy our company and have a good time himself. My entire group enjoyed his expertise, constant good cheer, and excellent sense of humor.

I highly recommend a trip to East Africa under the leadership of Patrick Masila to any active traveler who loves beauty, wildlife, and interacting with welcoming people from another culture.

Sincerely,

Bettina Eichel
Email Address: [email protected]
San Francisco, California
94104-1004
Tel: 415-222 8129 or 415- 626 2 531 U.S.A.
November 15th, 2006

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Hi Patrick,

Just wanted to send you a personal THANK YOU for a fabulous vacation. I am sorry it has taken me so long to email you, but lots of problems when I came home. I guess that is why we take wonderful vacations. I had an absolutely marvelous time in Kenya. You and your staff treated us like queens. Each and every day was filled with wonder. It was like no vacation I have ever been on. I will remember it forever and hope to return to Kenya someday. I want you to know that you are a fabulous guide and I love your sense of humor and the way you made us feel so protected and comfortable. We laughed our way through Kenya. Our group is meeting at Donna’s house in October to share pictures and relive our trip.

I hope you can make it to the U.S. one day with your wife and we can show you our country. We would love to have you. I have been sharing your email address with a few friends that are thinking of coming to Africa in the future. Hope it will bring you some business.

Take care,

Shari Bjorkqvist
Email Address: [email protected]
September 15th, 2006

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Jambo African Spice Team,

Claudia and I wanted to once again thank you for the wonderful two weeks we spent in Kenya and Tanzania. This was undoubtedly one of the best vacations we have ever taken. Your staff did a great job in securing exquisite accommodations. They were always communicating with our guide in order to ensure that all was going well. The gifts you left in our rooms at each of the locations where we spent the night were beautiful and extremely kind. Overall we must say that your company provided a great service.

Please give our warmest regards to all your staff and express to them our deepest gratitude.

Asante Sana,

Mike, Claudia Villegas, and the future little Villegas

MICHEAL VILLEGAS
USMIL GP UNIT 5240/CSS
APO AA, 34038
USA
Email Address: [email protected]
CL.70A NO.1-78 Apt 201
Bogota Columbia
South America
Tel: 571-321-1673
October 16th, 2006

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Patrick and the Spice Team,

To say thank you for the two weeks Anneli and I spent with your firm, African Spice, in Africa is totally an understatement of our appreciation. You and your guides and drivers are without question some of the very best in the business. Anneli and I have traveled all over the world and have seen many things, and stayed in a lot of fancy hotels and facilities, and yet our trip to Africa and the time spent there will be NUMBER ONE in our memory book for years to come.

When we were planning this trip, we did not know what to expect so we were somewhat concerned. Our concerns were quickly laid to rest upon arrival. Jackson met us at the airport, Ann met us at the hotel and we could see from the very beginning that only the very best was prearranged for us. The safari time was great and we took over 1100 pictures to prove it. We saw many things that most people will never have the chance to see Because of Jackson and Charles and the way they handled the trip. The tented Camp you arranged was totally the best. We loved it and hated to leave.

However the time we spent visiting with the people, going to the orphanage, and getting to understand Africa and the situation there was the most touching. It is difficult to comprehend how one might make just a little difference with such severe economic problems. If only the good people of the world could see Africa as it is, hope would be increased for many special people.

Thanks, Patrick for arranging such a special trip and allowing us to become acquainted with your country, your culture, and the wonders of nature that abound in Africa. This trip will be remembered and shared with our friends for years to come as the best trip of our lives.

Most Sincerely,

Garry and Anneli Johnson Gilbert,
Arizona USA
Email Address:[email protected]
September 7th, 2006

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Dear Spice Team,

My love of Africa was part of me long before my two feet ever touched down on the rich African soil.  I have been dreaming of the day when I would see the animals of Africa walking freely in their natural habitat.

I arrived in Tanzania in October 2004 with 19 college students anxious to go on Safari.  We were greeted by Patrick who proved over and over again what an expert safari guide he was. I am a good judge of character and Patrick was a knowledgeable guide and I could tell he was a truly kind and good person.

He did not smoke, use foul language, and had the patience of a saint being constantly tested by the 19 college students that were part of this expedition.  His skill with the English language was superb and he told me he graduated with honors from the prestigious college nicknamed “The Harvard of Africa”…. Kenya Utalii College with a diploma in Tour Guiding and administration.

My second visit again was with African Spice Safaris where I traveled throughout Kenya and Tanzania with Richard as my guide. “The Spice Safari was more than I expected. It was a total immersion in two wonderful counties with great hospitable people. Richard was a true professional in every way. He was always available, knowledgeable, and entertained us every evening with his many adventurer’s safari tales. There were many special touches that I loved in our tour, including learning and discovery opportunities, visiting local markets, villages, and rural schools to fully experience the true flavor of the East African culture.

One other reason why I choose to travel with African Spice Safaris is that being a locally owned company by indigenous Kenyans all profits generated would stay in Africa to benefit its people. This afforded me the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution directly to the locals.

I have traveled the world and Africa tops the list and is always close to my heart. African Spice Safaris offers a level of expertise simply unmatched in the industry. You get true value for your money and relish the peace of mind that professionals are with you all the way!

Kathleen Forsythe
[email protected]
September 4, 2007

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Dear African Spice Safaris,

Thank you for an amazing safari! My experience with your company was incredible because you took care of everything from start to finish. Kenya is an amazing place, but its even more wonderful when you are with a great team whose guides and drivers love what they do and an experienced staff that truly cares about your safari and pays attention to every detail.

As an event manager, I’ve come to expect high quality and great service. African Spice Safaris exceeded my expectations! An African safari is life-changing, but using it with a company you can trust makes it the trip of a lifetime. I will return to Kenya with African Spice Safaris. Patrick, Hillary, Anne, Michelle, Richard, Tony, Silas, and everyone else who made our trip so memorable thank you!

Sincerely,

Annette Griffin
Tel: 1 208 534 2032
Idaho Falls, Idaho USA
E-mail Address:[email protected]
September 10th, 2006

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Dear Spice Team,

I have been fortunate to travel to Africa several times doing medical aid work. It was during one of these trips that I met and traveled on safari with Patrick Masila and the very special staff of African Spice Safaris. This year, I had the opportunity to return with my brother and my sister-in-law to safari with this wonderful group again! I always think that when I return to Africa-it can’t possibly be better than the last trip. However, Patrick and his staff made sure that we truly did have another journey of a lifetime!

On this trip, we traveled through Kenya and Tanzania. Everything that we needed was taken care of, we saw everything that we wanted to see and we traveled as friends with our driver, Charles-and our safari guide, Jackson. The hardest part of the trip was saying goodbye to the “Spice” staff. I haven’t been home a full week yet, but I am already planning for when I might be able to return to safari with African Spice.

I have traveled with other companies, but I always remind my friends that are planning a safari that there is only one way to see East Africa, and that is with Patrick and the staff of African Spice Safaris. These special people love Africa -and it shows in the tremendous respect and knowledge they have regarding their land and its people.

Asante Sana Patrick, Ann, Hillary, Michelle, Charles, Jackson, and all of the staff and associates of African Spice Safaris!

Asante Sana to you all for your warm hospitality and your friendship.

Until we meet again, kwaheri Sana,

Susan Healy
Salinas, California
Email Address:[email protected]

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Dear all,

Thank you for your letter below. We are all very happy with the safari and so lucky to have seen the big fives! We would like to congratulate your team who did a great job in organizing our trip. Everything was perfect to our expectations. Surely we shall recommend your company to our friends.

Please thank again our driver, Simon, for his kindness, sense of humor, and good knowledge of the animals. We all enjoyed having him with us all week long. We wish him all the best for the future.
Best regards.

Jean-Marie BEAUFILS
E-Mail Address:[email protected]
August 3rd, 2006

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Dear Patrick,

We got home about 6:30 pm Sunday our time – 11 hours behind you, I believe – so it was a long journey. Today I am up and running – was a bit off kilter for the first couple of days but after 3 good nights’ sleep, all is well. I still cannot believe that we were in Africa just last week and that we had such a marvelous trip. We are fiddling with our pictures trying to decide what to keep and what to delete – you would think with 1200 of them it would be easy but not so! I am sure everyone else is in the same position.

Again thank you for making our trip extraordinary.

Most Sincerely,

Liz and Ken Fleming
29 Avalon Ct Chico,
CA 95926
TEL: 530 342 9312
E-mail Address:[email protected]
March 14th, 2006

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Jambo Patrick and African Spice Safaris!

Your new website design is wonderful! Very nicely done!! I hope that everyone interested in visiting East Africa will find their way to your website and consider traveling with African Spice Safaris. After 3 trips to Africa, I know that you and your staff provide unmatched service, courtesy, and fun! Everyone on your team made a point to know us by name and they seemed to know where we were going, where we had been, and what we still hoped to be able to see on a daily basis! If there was paperwork to be done or hotel rooms to be obtained, your staff was there making sure that it went smoothly. From the early morning pick-up at the airport to our sad departure Days later, everything was perfect!

No matter what we asked of you, you made it happen! George even found a leopard for us to photograph despite the pouring rain at Lake Nakuru! It was beautiful! We felt safe, pampered, and best of all; we felt that we were among friends. The Big Five? We have seen them all. Every trip to Africa has been wonderful, but the time we spent with you and your team was very special! We saw even more of the beauty of Africa and her people and, most importantly, we made wonderful friends! We can’t wait to return to Africa and travel with you to trek the gorillas!

Asante Sana, Rafiki’s!

Susan Healy
Salinas, California
Email Address:[email protected]
Tuesday 6th December 2005

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Jambo Friends!

I just got back from a safari in Kenya with African Spice Safaris and Patrick and all I can say is how wonderful it is to be in Africa, because of this team. These beautiful people treat you with such caring attention. They love their land and it shows. This is now my second safari with Patrick and what a great man!… His laugh and ease are infectious…He takes care of you so well it seems as though no effort is made…..but he works so very hard. It is just that he loves his work and it shows.

I have already booked another safari with his company for august of 2005 and I can’t wait! Around each new corner of his land are more surprises… The lodges, food, people and wildlife are all more amazing than you can imagine …please if you have ever wanted to travel to Africa, this is the company you want to travel with….for one thing they are an intimate safari, and they support their country…I have gone with the bigger companies and have found that they don’t support the people that need our money the most.

I was amazed at the bigger companies as to where they took us shopping….to the people that already had a great living going in Africa….but then I learned and saw that we should have been supporting much needier people and their businesses …..Patrick will give back to his people and help them…so this is where i choose to give my support.

Thank you again Patrick for showing me the wonders of your world! I can’t wait for August!!!!

Dawn Leland
Home Phone: 1 508 832 0393
Address: 71 Rockland rd auburn ma
01501 or P.O. Box 5239 Wayland ma 01778
Email address: [email protected]
August 24th, 2005

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Jambo my new Rafiki’s,

My family and I did enjoy the safari and the entire setup was well arranged. I did mention to Patrick and Ann that I would try and sell your services to my friends in Kuwait and I am sure that you will give them the same service.

Thanking you for the safari and services extended to us during our stay in Kenya… Note I must say you have a good team working for you and rest a sure I will do all possible to promote “African Spice Safaris” from Kuwait.

Wishing you and your team a Blessed Easter for tomorrow.

Christopher Fernandes
Cargo Manager
Emirates | SkyCargo
Tel: 965 4316824 / 4316590
Fax: 965 4347692
Email Address: [email protected]
Web site: www.sky-cargo.com

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Jambo!

I want to start by thanking you all for an amazing three Days. I know that I speak for both Brittany and me when I say that we had an amazing time. Our guide, Joe, was hilarious and was so knowledgeable, he definitely made the trip. The lodges were amazing, we absolutely loved Siana Springs, and both Brittany and I want to go back. It made the trip more interesting and will make a great story.

Sorry, it has taken us so long to get back to you all; we have been busy with school work. We did make it in time for the flight and we were actually pleasantly surprised to see that we were flying first class. If you all had anything to do with that, thank you! I can’t imagine doing a safari with anyone but African Spice, we will be sure to spread the good word.
Brittany and I were talking on the flight back to Mombassa and we couldn’t think of one complaint. Everything that you all did was amazing. The van was comfortable and it was nice having just the two of us in it. Joe was very attentive and knowledgeable and seemed to know exactly where to go to find the animals. The lodges were impeccable and absolutely blew us away.

What impressed us the most and what we appreciated the most was the airport pick-up and drive to the hotel as well as you all taking your time to meet us and ensure we made our flight on time. Knowing that transportation to the hotel was taken care of was a huge weight off our shoulders, especially in a foreign country where we tourists don’t know the ins and outs of the cab system. Being met at the hotel with our room already having been inspected and being checked in was also extremely nice and nothing neither Brittany nor I ever expected.

Your staff is amazing and so hospitable. You all are an amazing company and I hope you’ll be around for a while because I’ll be back in Kenya one of these Days. Brittany and I would love to do an air safari into the Mara in the future. Do you all do safaris into the Serengeti? Thanks again for all of your work and hospitality; you definitely made a lasting impression. We send all of our best and hope all is well in Kenya, we miss it already. We hope to be seeing you all again soon, maybe twenty years from now when we are parents and have kids of our own on Semester at Sea.

Jesse Roman & Brittany Cunningham
Semester at Sea, Spring.
Email Address:[email protected]
Saturday 26th March 2005

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Africa was the trip of a lifetime for all of us!

We thoroughly enjoyed The Kenya and Tanzania Wing Safari this past July. As you know, we had a marvelous time traveling in Kenya and Tanzania with you and your colleagues for 16 Days and wished it was longer. The Spirit of adventure followed us wherever we went and wherever we stayed.

Our accommodation was first-rate, the food was sumptuous for the most part and we were treated royally everywhere we went. You have made this trip especially enjoyable with your enthusiasm and vast knowledge of Kenya. We brought back many mementos of your country which will remind us of the wonderful time we had on this trip. Seeing animals in their natural habitat and living among them for two weeks was the biggest thrill for us all. We will return to Africa in a heartbeat and look forward to joining you on another African safari in the not-too-distant future.

Best Wishes,

Norman, Antonia, David, and Leslie Tu
Los Altos Hills, California
Email Address:[email protected]
July 2004

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Patrick is one of the best Safari guides I have ever had! Ever! you may ask. Yes, I have now been lucky enough to have been on three different safari experiences and Patrick was the best! He has the best eye for spotting games and I think the best part is that he is so funny and has such interesting jokes and stories to tell you during the parts of the drive when the animals are nowhere to be seen.

Patrick is extremely knowledgeable not only about the animals and how to find them but also about his people and about the land. He has amazing people skills and is so much fun to hang out with. With Patrick as a safari guide, we not only gained so many amazing pictures from the trip due to his great spotting, but we also gained an amazing friend.

Love,

Ali Strauss
California, U.S.A
Semester at Sea, Spring
April 2002

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