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 the 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.
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 55441
USA
Email: cpudney@carlson.com
Phone: 763 212 2626
Fax: 763 212 5711
Date: April, 14th 2007.
Dear Spice,
Where do I begin? I can't begin to express me gratitude
for this wondrous trip. This trip was once in a life
time event, that changes your life in many ways. I've
some life changing experiences especially in the service
on 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 they're loyalty. Everything was 5
star 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 there
real size was extraordinary to say the least. Seeing
these animals in they're natural habitat was wonderful.
Most people never get a chance to drink this all in.
Not only does African Spice Safaris offer these trips,
its people make them something you'll remember for
the rest of your life. Every detail is covered, and
the friendships developed will last from trip to trip
many of these travelers call the group they traveled
with to plan another trip.Shiela 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
world wide everyday. 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 Manger- Desitination Planning
640 Canoe Drive
Ludz Florida 33559- USA
Email: destinationsplanning@gmail.com
Tel: 813-909-4422
Date: March, 20th 2008.
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 that 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 get
together. We ended up with 9 people total, not quite
enough bringing 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! Safari 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: Donnafcox@gmail.com
Date: 16 February 2007
Dear Africa Spice
I had the pleasure of traveling in 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 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 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: beichel40@earthlink.net
November 15, 2006
San Francisco , California
94104-1004
Tel: 415-222 8129 or 415- 626 2 531 U.S.A.
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 some day. 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: Sharikayb@aol.com
September 15, 2006
I have watched the movie OUT OF AFRICIA several times
since I have been home - I understand the movie in
a different way now.
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 were 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
Email Address: mivibo@yahoo.com
USMIL GP UNIT 5240/CSS
APO AA, 34038
USA
MICHEAL VILLEGAS
CL.70A NO.1-78 Apt 201
Bogota Columbia
South America
Tel: 571-321-1673
October 16, 2006
Patrick:
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, 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
garryjohnson@wydebeam.com
SEPTEMBER 7TH 2006
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 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: annevent@iglide.net
September 10th 2006
African Spice Safaris
September 5, 2006
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 to
say good-bye 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 her 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
shmakawao@aol.com
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 the week long.
We wish him all the best for the future.
Best regards.
Jean-Marie BEAUFILS
E-Mail: Jean-Marie.Beaufils@alcatel.fr
Date: 3rd August 2006
Dear Patrick,
We got home about 6:30pm 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: lizrfleming@sbcglobal.net
March 14th 2006
Jambo Patrick and African Spice Safaris!
Your new web site 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 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
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, rafikis!
Susan Healy
Salinas, California
Shmakawao@aol.com
Tuesday 6th December 2005
I just got back from 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 there 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
aready booked another safari with his company for
augst of 2005 and I can't wait! Around each new corner
of his land are more surprizes...The lodges, food,
people and wild life are all more amazing then 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 with 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: dleland@netzero.com
Date: 24th August 2005
My family and self did enjoy the safari and the entire
set up 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: christopher.fernandes@emirates.com
Web site: www.sky-cargo.com
Jambo!
I want to start by thanking you all for an amazing
three Days. I know that I speak for both Brittany
and I 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, 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 with 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 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 meet 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
Semeter at Sea, Spring.
jhroman85@mac.com
On Sat, 26 Mar 2005 12:33
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,
food was sumptuous on the most part and we were treated
royally everywhere we went. You have made this trip
especially enjoyable by 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 its natural habitat
and living among them for two weeks was the biggest
thrill for us all. We will return to Africa in a heart
beat 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
Antoniatu@aol.com
July 2004
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 game 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 no where to be seen. Patrick is extremely
knowledgable 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 spottings, but we also gained
an amazing friend.
Love,
Ali Strauss
California, U.S.A
Semester at Sea, Spring
April 2004
