REVIEW · NAIROBI TOURS

Jontas Travellers

★ 5.0 · 25 reviews From $106 Operated by Jontas Travellers · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Safari options start at the airport. That is the appeal of Jontas Travellers: you can build affordable, weather-flexible Kenya outings that pair Nairobi city time with game viewing, starting from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. From there, the day can run simple and close to Nairobi, or stretch into multi-day circuits across the country.

I especially like the customized planning. They ask what you want to see and how many days you have, then line up options like Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, the Elephant Orphanage, Naivasha, and the bigger-name reserves. The second big plus is the human side, including reliable communication, on-time pickup style, and help when plans need adjusting.

One consideration: excursions depend on the weather, and there is no restroom on board. So you will want to plan for long drives and bring your patience, especially if rain changes the day.

Key reasons this Nairobi-based safari setup works

Jontas Travellers - Key reasons this Nairobi-based safari setup works

  • Airport start point makes it easier to begin straight away from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Embakasi
  • Small groups up to 4 keeps things flexible and more personal than bigger bus tours
  • Nairobi National Park is built in for a true city-to-safari feel without leaving town
  • A menu of wildlife stops (Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage, Naivasha, Nakuru, Masai Mara, Amboseli)
  • Mobile ticket convenience for a smoother handoff on the day
  • Good guide support when plans shift, including fast problem-solving if a hotel or schedule is blocked

How Jontas Travellers customizes Kenya in 1 to 11 days

Jontas Travellers sells one clear idea: affordable Kenya sightseeing that you can shape to your time. The experience runs from about 1 day to up to 11 days, so you can do a short Nairobi hit, or build a longer route that reaches further reserves and even Mombasa.

This matters because Kenya trips often fail on planning. People arrive with a wish list and limited time, then waste energy trying to fit everything into rigid fixed itineraries. Here, the approach is more practical: you tell them what you want to see and how long you have, then they do the rest. That flexibility is a real value, because it helps you avoid the classic problem of paying for stops you do not care about.

You also get a structure that is mostly “options with logic.” Nairobi day activities tend to cluster around the city. Game parks tend to cluster as longer drives. Then the bigger changes, like moving toward the Masai Mara or heading to Mombasa, happen as part of the longer-route plan rather than random one-off jumps.

A few more Nairobi days worth pricing up

Starting at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and what it changes for your day

Jontas Travellers - Starting at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and what it changes for your day
Your trip begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Embakasi, Nairobi, and ends back at the meeting point. That is a comfort factor, especially if you are trying to coordinate arrival time, jet lag, and first-day plans.

It also helps that the operating window runs from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. So you are not guessing whether pickups happen late at night or with a wild schedule. Plan your day around that daylight window, especially when the itinerary includes wildlife viewing, which is typically more rewarding earlier in the day.

The “near public transportation” note is also useful. Even if something unexpected happens with your transport connection, you are not completely stranded. For many visitors, that reduces stress on day one.

Nairobi National Park: the city-based safari you can actually fit

Nairobi National Park is one of the most interesting items on the menu, and for a simple reason: it is the city-based national park. In plain terms, you get a safari feel without spending your whole trip just on long road transfers out of town.

In practice, this stop works well for two types of travelers. If you have only 1 to 2 days in Kenya, it lets you see wildlife quickly and still leave room for the rest of Nairobi. If you have a longer itinerary, it functions as a high-energy opener. You start seeing animals right away, so the rest of your parks and reserves feel like a natural extension rather than a sudden leap.

There is also a “timing advantage.” Nairobi National Park is closer to where you are staying, so you can keep the day moving. That reduces the odds that you lose half your day to transit and leaves more time for additional Nairobi stops like the Giraffe Centre or a city tour.

The only caution is the usual one for wildlife areas: your experience depends on the day’s conditions. Since excursions are dependent on weather, be ready for changes if visibility or road conditions get affected.

Giraffe Centre and the Elephant Orphanage: practical, not just scenic

Two of the standout add-ons are the Giraffe Centre and the Elephant Orphanage. These are very different experiences, but both add meaning beyond looking at wildlife from a distance.

The Giraffe Centre is popular because it lets you get close to giraffes in a controlled setting, making it easier to connect with the animals even if your schedule is tight. If your Nairobi portion is short, this is the kind of stop that feels efficient, because it delivers a specific animal encounter without requiring a full-day drive.

The Elephant Orphanage is the emotional counterweight. If you want your Kenya trip to include an element of heart, this stop is built for that. It can add perspective, and it often helps visitors understand that conservation in Kenya is not only about big parks. Still, keep expectations realistic. Your comfort will depend on how the day is operating at the time you visit.

Pairing these with Nairobi National Park is also smart. You go from “wildlife in the park” to “wildlife-focused visitor experiences” in the same general timeframe, so you get variety without constant bouncing around.

Same trip, a different part of the country:

Nairobi city tour: a fast way to get oriented

Not every day in Kenya has to be about a park gate. A Nairobi city tour helps you get your bearings in a place that feels busy and unfamiliar for first-timers.

This kind of stop is useful if you want context for what you are seeing later. Even if the big safari moments are your main goal, a city orientation can make the rest of your trip feel less random. It can also help you handle practical travel stuff, like understanding where key landmarks sit and how to pace your days.

If your schedule is packed, consider a city tour as an “energy management” tool. Instead of driving for hours, you do something that helps you reset and observe the city’s rhythm.

Naivasha by boat: changing scenery on the water

Naivasha is one of the options that adds a different flavor to the itinerary: a boat ride on the lake to see animals and birds.

The reason this stop is valuable is simple. It breaks the road-only pattern. If you are bouncing between parks, boat time gives you a calmer change of pace while still delivering wildlife viewing potential. It is also a good fit for visitors who want more birds and shoreline scenes in addition to classic big-game safari.

One thing to remember: this is still part of a weather-dependent experience. If conditions are rough, the day may shift. So I would treat it as a “good-weather” highlight, not an absolute guarantee.

Nakuru National Park and the flamingo opportunity

Nakuru National Park is famous for flamingos, and the itinerary includes the chance to see millions of flamingos along with other game.

If flamingos are on your Kenya bucket list, this is the obvious place to prioritize. It also gives you a different kind of wildlife scene. Instead of one animal focus, you get huge numbers of birds in a concentrated viewing experience.

For photographers and nature lovers, it can be a turning point day. For families or groups, it can be a great “wow” moment that feels different from typical safari spotting.

The only realistic drawback is that big wildlife moments depend on conditions. Since excursions are weather-dependent, build in some flexibility if your trip days are tight.

Masai Mara and Amboseli: when your route turns into a real safari journey

The menu also includes the world-famous Masai Mara game reserve and Amboseli, plus other game reserves.

These are the days where the trip really earns its label safari. If you are planning a longer outing, these stops tend to be the main attractions. They also usually change how you pace the rest of your itinerary, because they are typically the longer, more effort-intensive days.

How you decide between Masai Mara and Amboseli depends on what you want your Kenya story to feel like. Masai Mara is the big-name safari reserve. Amboseli is another major game reserve option in the same overall circuit style. With Jontas Travellers, you are not locked into one single route, so you can shape the balance based on your time and what you care about most.

One practical tip: if you have limited days, think hard about the travel tradeoff. The longer you stay in fewer areas, the more time you have to enjoy the reserve. But if your goal is to “cover Kenya,” longer itineraries are where the customization becomes especially useful.

Getting to Mombasa by road, rail, or air: a Kenya switch-up

The experience can also move from Nairobi toward Mombasa, by road, rail, or air. That is a big shift in scenery and vibe, and it makes sense for travelers who want more than one side of Kenya.

This part of the plan matters because it affects comfort and time. Road travel takes time. Rail or air can shorten the day, but you still need to plan around schedules and how the rest of your itinerary fits.

If you are doing Kenya as a full journey, combining safari time with a coast change can prevent your trip from feeling like one long stretch of the same kind of day. Just remember: whatever route you choose will interact with your overall days count, which is why the “how long do you have” question is so important.

Price and value: what $106.67 per group really means

The price is listed as $106.67 per group, up to 4 travelers. That is a key value detail because it means the cost scales with group size.

But price alone does not tell the whole story. Here is what makes it feel fair for many visitors:

  • You get a small-group maximum of 4, which tends to improve flexibility and reduce waiting time.
  • You get customized excursions rather than a single fixed plan, which can save money by avoiding irrelevant stops.
  • You get mobile ticket convenience, which typically reduces hassle on arrival or pickup days.

Included in the price is WiFi on board. That may not sound like a safari essential, but it can be practical. You can use it to check maps, coordinate timing, and keep plans organized while you move between stops.

What is not included is also important: there is no restroom on board. That is one of those details you only appreciate once you are in transit. If you are sensitive to long drives or you are traveling with kids or anyone with limited mobility, this is worth planning around.

Also, keep the weather dependency in mind. If rain changes routes, you might need to adjust expectations and be okay with a different schedule within your trip plan.

Timing, weather, and how to avoid day-one disappointment

This experience runs Monday through Sunday from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with long validity across years. The timing window is broad, but the spirit is the same: mornings and daylight are your friend.

Because excursions depend on weather, you should treat your itinerary as “weather-smart” rather than “weather-proof.” That means you may get a smoother day if you build your trip so you have some breathing room for adjustments.

If the provider has to cancel due to poor weather, they offer a different date or a full refund. That is a comfort factor, because it gives you a safety net.

And one more practical note: travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. That does not mean extreme fitness is required, but it does suggest you will be walking, getting in and out of vehicles, and handling outdoor conditions during wildlife stops.

What you’ll actually experience day to day

Because the itinerary is customizable, your exact day-by-day outline can vary. Still, most Kenya plans built from these options follow a clear pattern:

  • A Nairobi start with close-in wildlife or city stops
  • One or more half-day or full-day wildlife experiences (park or lake based)
  • Longer reserve days for Masai Mara and Amboseli when you have enough time
  • A possible coast shift to Mombasa if your trip extends beyond Nairobi

You also get consistent logistics points: airport pickup at Embakasi, and returning to the meeting point at the end.

For me, this kind of structure is valuable because it reduces the mental load. You are not constantly re-planning pickup points or changing transport plans every day. When you travel, that mental energy is often more important than saving a few dollars.

The guide factor: reliability that makes the trip feel effortless

The best praise you can take seriously from this experience is about the guide. The standout feedback focuses on a guide who is on time, reliable, and proactive with communication. There is also an example of support when plans at a hotel got blocked, where the guide helped arrange another guide for a safari.

Even without knowing every detail of each trip, that kind of problem-solving matters. Safari and transfers are high-stakes for timing. When something shifts, having a guide who stays engaged helps prevent your day from turning into stress.

So if you are choosing this provider, look at it as a setup for smoother logistics and better on-the-ground coordination, not only as transport between attractions.

Should you book Jontas Travellers?

I would book this if you want a customizable Kenya trip that starts at the airport and keeps group size small. It is a strong fit for first-timers who want a smart Nairobi base, plus visitors who know they want more parks but do not want to fight the planning.

You might skip it if your schedule is extremely tight with no flexibility for weather changes, or if the idea of long transit without an on-board restroom would be a dealbreaker. Also, since the experience is designed for moderate physical fitness, be sure everyone in your group is comfortable with outdoor movement and time in transit.

If you want an affordable way to mix Nairobi highlights like Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, and the Elephant Orphanage, then add lake and reserve days when you have time, this provider matches that style well.

FAQ

What is the starting meeting point?

The experience starts at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Embakasi).

How much does it cost?

It is $106.67 per group, up to 4 travelers.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as 1 to 11 days (approx.), depending on what you choose.

What is included in the price?

WiFi on board is included.

Is there a restroom on board?

No, restroom on board is not included.

What activities can be included?

Options can include Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage, Nairobi City Tour, Naivasha boat ride, Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara, Amboseli, and travel to Mombasa by road, rail, or air.

Does the tour run every day, and what are the hours?

It runs Monday to Sunday, from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Is the experience weather dependent?

Yes, excursions depend on the weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on local time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

More like this

Nairobi Tours, compared.

The full Nairobi Tours list →
Nairobi National Park Half-Day Tour; Free Wi-Fi connection
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 878 reviews· from $45

Nairobi National Park Half-Day Tour; Free Wi-Fi connection

Read our review →
National Park & Optional Elephants & Giraffe Center
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 874 reviews· from $80

National Park & Optional Elephants & Giraffe Center

Read our review →
NAI NAMI: Nairobi Storytelling Tour with Street Children
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 792 reviews· from $45

NAI NAMI: Nairobi Storytelling Tour with Street Children

Read our review →
Nairobi National Park Half-Day Game Drive
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 738 reviews· from $36

Nairobi National Park Half-Day Game Drive

Read our review →
Historic and Modern Highlights Walking Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 703 reviews· from $23

Historic and Modern Highlights Walking Tour

Read our review →
Safari Tour; Nairobi National Park
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 594 reviews· from $43

Safari Tour; Nairobi National Park

Read our review →
3 Days Masai Mara Group Joining
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 486 reviews· from $540

3 Days Masai Mara Group Joining

Read our review →
Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center Tour with Options
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 457 reviews· from $35

Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center Tour with Options

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Every way to see Kenya

Plains, lakes, city and reef — and the best of each.