Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps Reviews 

We didn't want to go on a standard group "tour" of southern Africa so we hooked up with Gamewatchers, who created a bespoke safari for my husband and I, my daughter, and her boyfriend. Our agent, Wayne Hammond, who is himself a seasoned African safari photographer, patiently assessed our needs and booked us into four venues__Ilala Lodge in Vic Falls to start, then off to the bush and flood plains at Chobe Elephant Camp, Rra Dinare, and Splash Camp, the latter two in the Okavanga Delta. Everything was set up perfectly and each camp had its unique charms and terrain. The small aircraft transfers were right on schedule and we were expected, welcomed, and well cared-for in each camp. A lot of trust is required in booking these trips, and Gamewatchers delivered 100 percent. We felt the warm embrace of May in Botswana, an experience we will never forget.

I don't think you need to spend a ton of cash for five-star luxury. We went for mostly the mid-level camps which were comfortable, charming, and intimate, and which placed us very close to the environment we were seeking. The open-air vehicles were awesome and our guides and trackers, all local villagers, were incredibly skilled and knowledgeable and showed a genuine love for the world we were exploring. We were blown away by all the game we saw, the amazing stars, the vast terrain of the delta and Chobe National Park, and the wonderful people who hosted us. In short, we wouldn't have changed a thing.

Most importantly, Gamewatchers/Porini delivered exactly as set out in the safari itinerary (agreed before the trip with one of the UK based representatives), to include all internal transfers whether by road or air.

Porini staff were welcoming, courteous and helpful. The safari guides and trackers made every effort to 'deliver' exciting and memorable sightings and as a keen photographer myself, they always positioned the vehicle to gain the best shots possible.

Before the trip, I was somewhat nervous about what the Conservancies might deliver in terms of game viewing but these fears were allayed - the conservancies are teeming with all types of predators and game. Furthermore, the limited number of tourists in these areas means that you're are always in pole position at game sightings.

The eco friendly accommodation, although basic was always clean and comfortable. The camp food prepared on site, exceeded my expectations.

If given the opportunity again, I would definitely travel with Gamewatchers/Porini.

Gamewatchers was excellent in all ways.
They created a great itinerary in alignment with my budget and took care of all the details. Our two-country 10 day safari was fantastic without any glitches or missed details. The service providers on the ground in Tanzania and Uganda were all exceptionally friendly and capable.

Our stay at the cottages was indeed very special and memorable. The staff are very professional and friendly. They went out of their way to make us feel comfortable. George and Evalyn were fantastic guides! Evalyn is the first female guide in Porini and a very knowledgeable one too! There was so much game and the conservancy in all its beauty was incredible! The sun downer, breakfast in the bush, the nature walk...all so special! Chef William was amazing too! He made a gluten free cake for our daughter which really was ...the icing on the cake. Definitely a GREAT place!

The accommodation was beautiful and comfortable, it's a stunning camp. The food was great and there was plenty available and good variety. The wildlife viewing was unbelievable, we couldn't tell if we were just lucky, but there was nothing we didn't see! Our guides Stanley and Dalton were incredible, so friendly and knowledgeable, and funny! Them and the staff at the camp made it such a special experience.

Highlights - Other than all the wildlife we saw (including a rare sighting of a leopard and her cub!), the hospitality and service from all the staff/guides was incredible. Special thanks to Joseph! We felt very spoilt. We especially enjoyed the cake and dance we got to celebrate our honeymoon! The bottle of prosecco was also a lovely gift.

Every person we met who worked for Porini made it a tailored and special experience for us - from being picked up to be taken to the airport and thereafter. Everyone was lovely.

We stayed at several camps in Kenya and Tanzania summer of 2023. All were exceptional staff, camps, animal viewing. Porini was a great value and exceptionally run. Great food great trackers, kind hospitality. Going back in 2025 for Rwanda and Uganda with Porini and Game Watchers

Me and my husband had the loveliest time at Porini Amboseli camp. Our guides Daniel and Amos were great and we enjoyed all game drives with them. Our best spotting was definitely a cheetah feasting in Amboseli and two cheetah brothers in the Selenkay Concervancy. Also seeing so many elephants at Amboseli was amazing! Our stay in the camp was amazing, we loved the friendly staff, good food and the surroundings including our bucket showers in the evenings. Our visit to the Maasai village and learning how Gamewatchers are making a difference in the surrounding communities was great! The only thing we would have changed is staying in the camp for longer!

The staff were very helpful and friendly. The facilities were overall impressive . Including the family tent I stayed in and the dining area too. Credit must also be given to the chef as the food they prepared was immaculate. This was an amazing experience with the animals and the campsite.

Overall, a brilliant time over the 3 days My Family and I spent at the Porini Lion Camp. The Facilities were amazing, the staff were very welcoming and the food was well-cooked. Special thanks to Billy and James for an amazing Safari, you really taught us alot and I'll never forget all the amazing views and the exotic animals we saw and special thanks to Albert who looked after myself and my family

Fantastic company Thank you Wayne Hammond for getting us through every detail for a wonderful safari. Each Porini Camp offered great service and over the top guides.

My first time in Africa (Kenya) and gamewatchers porini camp was TOP!! Especially because of the EXPERT experience of guides Julius and Wilfred we saw AMAZING wildlife and even a kill upclose by a lion. Wonderful experience to witness and experience nature up close. I will come back as soon as possible.

I waited 63 years to go on Safari and am so lucky to have chosen Gamewatchers Porini camps. Steve set it all up for us and we visited 3 camps - Amboseli, the Rhino camp and the Bush camp. All were absolutely fantastic and my daughter, who has been on Safari elsewhere could not believe the amount of wildlife that we saw. We took binoculars but didn t really need them as we were right next to the animals and we saw all of the big 5, the Ugly 5 (although they re not) and the small 5! When compared to the Maasai Mara park, the conservancies are sooo much better - only two trucks at a time and so much closer to the wildlife. Can t fault our guides who were all amazing - Wilson, Shadrak and of course Jackson! And Joseph, who took us on an amazing walk. The tents were great and the food - all freshly prepared - was delicious and we didn t have the same thing twice! I would love to go again and the best thing was that we were helping to conserve the wildlife and helping the Maasai people themselves. Saving the pennies and maybe one day....

No words can actually describe our experience at Porini Lion Camp! I’ve always dreamed of visiting Kenya and a great airfare deal accelerated my journey. Upon booking, my husband and I extensively researched safari companies and immediately were impressed with Gamewatchers. From the moment we stepped off the plane in Nairobi, we were well taken care of each step of the way. Upon arriving in the Mara, we were surrounded by all of the wildlife around — elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, leopards, warthogs, hyenas, zebras, impalas, everything! The staff at Porini is five star and we didn’t want for anything when we were there! From the early morning wake up calls for game drives to the sundowners in the most amazing places, it was beyond our wildest expectations. To top it all off, I celebrated my birthday while we there and I was totally surprised by the staff who made me a gluten free cake and performed the Adumu dance! It was mesmerizing and so special. Porini gives you an experience you will never forget from the wildlife you will see to the ultimate customer service you will feel. We can’t wait to return!

I just booked my 5th Safari with Julie Roggow from Gamewatchers Safaris. I particularly love Porini Camps in the conservancies. Their excellent guides provide up close, animal encounters without the crowds of the National Parks. The tents are well outfitted with comfortable beds. I so enjoy going to sleep with the comfort of the hot water bottle listening to the night calls of the animals. If you are looking to book your greatest adventure, make sure to contact GameWatchers and make your dream come true!

Gamewatchers have arranged our last three safaris and another coming up next month. Their service is excellent, and the Porini camps offer comfortable accommodation, good beds, en suite facilities, and good food. The qualified guides know where to find the wildlife and know many of the elephants and big cats by name.
Gamewatchers were instrumental in setting up the Conservancies around the National Parks in Kenya, leased from the Maasai owners, providing employment and a wonderful experience for travellers who prefer to escape crowded areas. The wildlife is flourishing in these areas.

My wife and I have been on safari in Kenya, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. We returned to Kenya in November 2019 to stay at Porini Amboseli, Porini Mara and Porini Lion camps. This was our second visit to Mara And Lion camps.
The game viewing and guiding was excellent. The camps were very comfortable with great food and outstanding hospitality.
In our experience Gamewatchers Porini provide works beating safari experiences for anyone serious about African wildlife viewing. Many people return again and again.
Thoroughly recommended.

Kevin and Anne Mills

I have been reading the many positive reviews of Gamewatcher Safaries and Porini camp and could write pages with the same superlatives.
The last 10 + years I and my sister have made at least yearly trips to one or more of the Porini camps from out first visit to Poroni Amboseli 2007 to our latest, but I hope not last, 10 days in Porini Lion October 2019.
We love it all! Every year we say we are now too old for this kind och safari (now 84 and 80years old) and every year when the time approaches we change our minds and start planning a new trip. The extremely helpful staff does everything to make life as easy as possible for us treating us as favorite granmothers and sparing no trouble to see that we are comfortable, So here we come agin this autumn!

What an incredible experience. I had been on several safaris but this one was the very best. Gamewatchers and Porini Camps exceeded my expectations. The eco friendly camps are situated in conservancies which means that there are fewer vehicles on game drives. The animals aren’t threatened since there are so few vehicles. The camps are very well run, the food wonderful and the staff outstanding. I would recommend this company for your safari experience.

A piece of my heart is still in Africa.
This is a place you’ll never forget, the people you meet, the wildlife you see, it’s truly beautiful.

An incredible trip to Africa made even more memorable because of the folks from Gamewatchers & Porini camps! Everything was handled, from gourmet meals to the fellow who was able to gerry-rig an electrical outlet to keep my camera charged when I lost my adapter. No other research into safaris is necessary. Truly, they are one stop shopping.