Safari experiences like no other
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We had a safari on our bucket list for years and finally pulled the trigger after talking to my friend Liz about her connection to Kenya. I usually organize our trips but put this one in Liz’s hands and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m not sure what we expected from our first trip to Africa or what we thought Kenya or safari would be like, but literally everything exceeded our expectations. Liz’s expertise, attention to detail and special touches gave us a trip during which we didn’t have to navigate airports, traffic or transfers, didn’t have to make a single decision except how we wanted to use free hours, and didn’t worry about how we were going to get from one point to the next. We simply went where we were taken and marveled at the ride.
We stayed at five different absolutely incredible lodges, starting with the most animal centric where we saw the big five and then some, finishing with lodges offering incredible extra experiences like camel breakfast rides, treehouse sleeps and helicopter rides to the Rift Valley. Each lodge was unique, run by the most amazing people I hope we can now call friends, and offered a special look at African life and the incredible conservancy work they’re doing in that beautiful country.
Kenya is a special place and the trip Liz designed for us made it clear why it holds such a special place in her heart. Thank you, Liz and Archer Safaris. It was worth every penny.
- Mark & Terri S.
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My absolute trip of a lifetime to Kenya was as a result of the outstanding planning and expertise of Liz Crookston, nonpareil travel agent.
From the moment I stepped off the plane in Nairobi, I was instilled with the confidence that she would ensure every step of the way would be taken care of. The lodging, the scrumptious food, staff, game drives and wonderful guides, the beautiful Masai and Samburan people, the list goes on. I stopped writing down all the animals I saw because I couldn’t keep up!
I took the helicopter ride at Ol Malo through the Rift Valley, the pinnacle of my existence. Liz even coordinated with Ol Malo’s owner a chance for me to see the Lake Turkana people dancing on my return ride. This was a most moving experience.
The only downside to this whole trip was returning to reality in Atlanta, but my memories will sustain me. I would go anywhere Liz has her name on it.
- Nanette H
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Kirsten and l would like to thank you for making our trip to Kenya our most memorable trip to date. We have travelled extensively over the years however this was our first trip to Africa with our safari to Kenya.
The trip itself was wonderful but what made the trip outstanding was YOU!!! The time you spent with Kirsten and I organizing the trip and adding all of the personal touches you did was outstanding. The lodges, the internal flights, the itinerary, the folks you arranged to meet with us was PERFECT. You made us feel at ease and at home and we knew if we had to get in touch with you for anything we could count on you.
It is difficult to put into words how grateful we are to have Liz in our lives. So maybe this will put it in perspective, if Kirsten and l could use Liz for all of our trips in the world going forward, we will be.
- John & Kirsten W
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With Liz’s guidance and expertise, she directed us to Kenya, the epitome of what you dream and hope a Safari experience will be. Each of the four geographic locations in Kenya Liz recommended did NOT disappoint. We were able to experience all of Kenya’s vast wildlife in differing landscapes and have the most welcoming hosts, guides and pilots at each stop. We started at the Emakoko, then onto the Masai Mara, Laikipia, and ended up North at Ol Malo.
The four lodges we were privileged to stay at were hand selected by Liz. They are owned and operated by families she’s worked with for many years and has close personal relationships with. Each experience was unique and wonderful, and we felt completely pampered each day on our two-week journey. Some days we had to pinch ourselves to make sure we weren’t living in a dream.
We have never been as prepared for an international trip in all our years of travel and working with agents. Liz covers everything in great detail and leaves nothing left to question or worry about. We cannot thank Liz enough for what was truly the trip of a lifetime. It will be hard for us to ever top this experience, unless we do another African trip that we have Liz plan for us!
- Holly & Paul E.
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“Thank you for the most epic family trip of a lifetime to Kenya! Every part of the process was so enjoyable, even the planning phase. Liz was always ready to answer our questions, no matter how insignificant they might have seemed.
“Africa was on our bucket list and with Liz’s guidance, we chose to go to Kenya. We are so happy we listened to her. The places we stayed, experiences we had and people we met were life changing. All the properties were different, but each has their own unique beauty and offerings. The common thread was everyone was so kind and welcoming. We truly felt a part of the family at each property we stayed at. I don’t even think any of us could pick one favorite...it was all our favorite!
“The family bonding experiences we had on this trip was beyond anything we could have hoped for. The term “trip of a lifetime” may be somewhat overused but, having traveled quite a bit as a family, we would all agree that it applied to this trip like no other.
There is no doubt that after such an amazing time, we will go back to Kenya and have Archer Safaris take care of us again. Thank you Liz!”
— Marcy & Jon B.
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“You took care of EVERY detail, Liz, and made it so easy for us. You organized all the right activities and little surprises and delights — it was really great. The ‘order’ of the trip (starting at The Emakoko, then the Mara, Laikipia and ending in the north) was perfectly timed. We got to see all the ‘big’ animals within the first 10 days and enjoyed seeing more animals and the local cultural side for the remainder of the trip.
“We can’t thank you enough, Liz, for the care you took to create such an outstanding experience for us. You were with us every step of the way, during the planning, arranging, packing, pre-departure and most especially DURING (loved the surprise visit 🥰 — so special) the trip. It was a great comfort having you watching out for us throughout the journey.”
— Trish & Jim C.
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“Thank you so much for the framed picture you sent us, it is awesome! Our trip was absolutely unforgettable. We still cannot believe that we were just recently in Africa, it seems so surreal! You nailed everything to a tee. We felt so prepared for everything the second we left the airport. It was a trip of a lifetime, and we can’t wait to go back.”
— Kash & Shivani S.
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“In 2018, my dad and I had decided to go to Kenya and Liz presented us with a safari package that was incredible! Everything was taken care of from the staff meeting us at the airport in Nairobi, to the accommodations, to all of the internal flights. We were in four separate areas of Kenya on our trip and each one was so varied from the next! I never would have dreamed that I would have the opportunity to be so close to lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, and even the elusive leopards! My dad and I left so happy!
“In February 2024, I returned to Kenya for 18 nights, this time solo. Again, everything was coordinated flawlessly! Liz also arranged for a special tour of the Reteti Elephant Orphanage! It was a totally different time of year and gave me a more in-depth Kenyan experience. I was asked repeatedly if I was nervous about doing this trip alone. My answer is NOT FOR ONE MINUTE! The amount of care and dedication given to this experience by Liz and her partners in Kenya takes away any doubt of my safety. If you want a trip of a lifetime, get in touch with Liz. I'm already planning my next one! Thank you Liz for helping me to live my dreams!”
— Karen S.
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“Well, what can we say? I don’t think we can put into words what a wonderful, fabulous, good job you did of ensuring we had a “once in a lifetime” trip. Everything went smoothly like a well oiled machine. Even when the itinerary didn’t quite go as planned (no balloon ride due to the weather) you went above and beyond for us … organizing a helicopter ride with Andrew at Ol Malo. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
— Rita & Dilwyn T.
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“After my divorce in 2007, as a single mother I immediately wanted to start making happy memories with my two boys, ages 13 and 15. I connected with Liz and began to plan our African safari. As a traveler, that trip had been my #1 trip of all times. Liz planned the complete trip, from our arrival in Nairobi until we ended up home two weeks later. We were always taken care of, felt welcome and safe. She sent us to camps that fit our needs. Each camp was exceptional and unique. We met all the camp owners and they became friends before we moved onto the next camp.
“In 2021, with my boys now adults, we decided to go back. We reached out to Liz and once again she planned the trip of a lifetime. Different camps, different experiences, different owners that again became friends. I encourage everyone who tells me they are interested in going to Africa to reach out to Liz. I personally guarantee the African safari planned by her will be their #1 trip of all time.”
— LuAnn R.
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“Liz, thanks so much for organizing our trip-of-lifetime! From your thoughtful pre-trip gifts to the detailed itinerary to the perfect transfer greetings at each airport, it was magical.
“Your help on the ground was also invaluable (my malaria pills and rescuing Gary and Cheryl from the hide!!).
“We had an amazing trip and appreciated the variety of resorts, terrains and activities. We felt safe and covered a lot of ground!”
— Laurie L., Chery L. & Gary G.