Fabulous Trip!
My African Safari experience started on June 10th 2024 with Mat Dry- tiasafaris.com and Simon Kagiri -Safaris without Borders. I was not prepared for this out of the world experience. From the moment I arrived in Nairobi I knew it was going to be special. I met the most hospitable and polite people – the Kenyan people. Though Mat and Simon were not bad too (haha). They both were very caring and nurturing.
We went to the Nairobi National Park where I was jolted by what I was seeing, wild animals roaming freely in wide open spaces.
At the Daphne Sheldrick Orphanage I actually was able to touch elephants and a rhino!
My god, I even got to feed a giraffe! At the Giraffe Centre. Mat is a walking encyclopedia, He knew every bird species and animal, the scientific as well as the common names – though I am not sure I can tell you the difference (haha).
Simon knew exactly where to take us to get the best views.
We visited the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseil and Tsavo National parks. I literally had a dance with the Masai tribe. It was joyful.
On the game drives in the national parks, seeing elephants with their babies, Zebras, giraffes, the hippos, and lions having their buffalo meal on the road…who knew there were so many types of deer! I was in a living dream come true. We spent many evenings after the drives, having a drink and sharing laughs – with Mat and Simon. I told you they weren’t so bad too.
Oh and all the accommodations were top notch.
The food was ample and delicious.
I was so happy.
I would highly recommend tiaSafaris Mat Dry for an adventure of a lifetime.
-Sylvia Muse
We can’t say enough good things about our Safari trip to Kenya and Tanzania with Mat. It was truly spectacular! We were fascinated by his incredible knowledge of African society and animal behavior (and by his sense of humor, too!). He knows the scientific names for absolutely everything!! You’ll learn a lot on this trip, take great pictures and have a lot of fun. The visit to the Masai village was particularly interesting, as were visits to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (an orphanage for elephants and rhinos), the Giraffe Centre, and Shanga (an organization where people with disabilities create beautiful art and homeware). You’ll get to touch a rhino! The attention to quality in local food and bush lodge accommodations, along with the excellent support from our superb drivers Simon, Sam, Danny, and Saidi, really made this an unforgettable journey. You’ll never find a better guide or one with such extensive experience. Once you’ve gone on Safari with Mat, you’ll want to come right back!
– Alison and Roger Grey
I’ve had the pleasure of traveling with Mat Dry and TIA safaris twice – first to Tanzania and most recently across Southern Africa. Both trips were amazing! Mat and his team are friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making sure that everyone gets the most out of their time in Africa. Mat is a walking, talking encyclopedia of all things wildlife in Africa. His expertise made all the difference in spotting animals and understanding their behaviors, as well as sharing insights into the local communities and histories of the countries.
Both trips included visiting some of the most iconic national parks and regions. The itineraries were designed to get the most out of the time we were in Africa. It’s hard to describe how much we saw, did, and explored in such a short time…all without feeling overly rushed. Each destination offered unique experiences, adventures, incredible scenery, and the opportunity to see magnificent animals up close in the wild.
The diversity of landscapes, the abundance of wildlife, a knowledgeable and entertaining safari guide, and the friendliness and professionalism of the rest of the TIA Safaris team made both trips truly amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
I would highly encourage anyone looking to explore Africa travel with Mat and TIA Safaris. You won’t be disappointed!
-Corey Bleich
If you are looking for the total African immersion, highly recommend Mat Dry and TIA Safaris.
My daughter and I booked the 15 day Kenya/Tanzania trip that he recommended for first time or only time you will be in Africa. The best chance to see the Big Five, which we did in the first 2 days!
Mat and the drivers were knowledgeable in all areas from the animals, birds (perfect trip for bird lovers), plants, geography, culture and on.
The Toyota Land Cruisers are comfortable and allow you to stand and easily take in all the sights.
After 17 years of doing safaris, Mat is still so enthusiastic, a cheerleader for all things African, and determined that all of his travelers come away feeling the same.
Thanks Mat, for a fabulous experience of a lifetime.
-Susie Duhe