Masai Mara and Melting Pot Safari... So disappointed! (page 7 of 7)

Let the person who’s never been disappointed by a place or a well-known provider cast the first stone!

It’s her opinion, she didn’t like it, end of story. She’s entitled to it without being labeled this or that.

Just like you can perfectly think Melting Pot Safari is a great outfit even if one person didn’t enjoy it.

That’s life—if one place had to please everyone, we’d be in trouble.

Hello from Switzerland,

It’s indeed hard not to be captivated by the Masai Mara and its impeccable setup.

I’m also a seasoned traveler, which is why after 4 safaris with Tony Crocetta in 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020, I feel compelled to share my thoughts.

I have wonderful memories of the camp, the safari, the guides, the meals, and the warmth of Sylvie and Tony.

After a serious health issue with my partner, they did everything possible to arrange a repatriation with full assistance, professionalism, and kindness.

Claire’s rant might just reflect someone with very high expectations who should probably opt for 5-star hotels instead of the great outdoors.

It’s so easy to criticize without even acknowledging the positives.

For my part, I can only recommend this little slice of paradise—I’ve already booked my fifth safari for October 2021 with Sylvie and Tony Crocetta.

Food for thought…

Marie-Jo

Hello Trisconi,

I think you didn’t read my very first message carefully: this is MY point of view. As a seasoned traveler, especially used to traveling in Africa, it seemed natural to come here and offer a different perspective on this camp, which so far has only been described in ULTRA-positive terms. Maybe I just wasn’t lucky, but in any case, it seems to me that in a democracy, everyone has the right to share their opinion (isn’t that what a "forum" is for?). Besides, you didn’t read my first message carefully either, because I also mentioned the positive aspects of my experience. I invite you to revisit the discussion thread or maybe give your ophthalmologist a call. Food for thought...

Besides, Rotsaka is absolutely right—you can't please everyone, quite the opposite. The main idea is still the exchange between passionate travelers, and I find it regrettable that some take it so much to heart (maybe they have shares in Melting Pot Safari?).

Joking aside, Africa is far too beautiful to dwell on little squabbles like this...

This is MY point of view.

It seemed pretty obvious, though. This viewpoint, along with the ones that followed (which were rather opposed, let's be honest), helps form a well-informed opinion about the service.

Besides, you didn’t actually read my first message properly

That’s possible. But you should be glad to have the opinion of someone who, despite 4 stays there (we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt), never bothered to share a single contribution 😛

I think now that everything has been said, it would be much more positive to reflect on the future of the Camp while COVID-19 is wreaking havoc in KENYA and all employees are unemployed. Four photos in memory and gratitude to three driver-guides, Edward, David, and Ruto (the first guide to have worked with Tony...) and to the chef who treated us to amazing meals throughout our safaris... Food for thought.

But you should be glad to have the opinion of someone who, despite 4 trips there (we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt), never bothered to share a single contribution 😛

fair enough

@Spiderweb: of course, that’s not the point of the discussion, but obviously the Covid-19 crisis is hitting everyone hard, especially the tourism sector (being in it myself, I know what I’m talking about...). Africa’s economy is also heavily supported by tourism, and I’m really thinking of all those who are deeply affected right now, hoping things get back on track as soon as possible so we can visit them in that magical setting and contribute to their economy!

Replying to my point with "that's not what this discussion is about..." just shows you really didn’t understand anything. I SAID EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SAID... Reply again? Good luck with all your future trips... Warm thoughts to all those working in the Masai Mara.

Replying to my point with "that's not what this discussion is about..." just shows you really didn't understand anything. I SAID IT ALL... Replying again? Good luck with all your future trips... A heartfelt thought to all those working in the Masai Mara.

There's no point in arguing in such a dismissive tone, and I stand by it—no, this thread isn't meant to discuss travel during this pandemic crisis. That said, it would be both useful and interesting to talk about it...

Hello,

My wife and I, along with three other people, went on a safari from Melting Pot Safari’s catalog in 2017 (including Samburu, Lake Baringo, and the Masai Mara), and we really enjoyed the whole experience (as far as I know, the other three people did too).

We’re also passionate about wildlife in Africa (and photography). Our first safari in Kenya dates back to... 40 years ago with Nouvelles Frontières. That said, I don’t know *everything*. Except for one thing: We’re ALL different when it comes to travel and safaris in particular. Our expectations and tastes vary. So naturally, there are satisfied people and disappointed ones... in every area. We can share personal opinions, but mine are definitely not "absolute truths"!!

This year, in 2025, we’ll be heading back in October with Melting Pot for a personal project.

Best regards.

(I have no stake in Melting Pot Safari, and I’ve never met Tony Crocetta or Simon Chebon.)

Hi, We recently went on our third SAFARI with MELTINGPOT. We visited three sites: TSAVO WEST, AMBOSELI, and MASAI MARA. We only have one comment that Tony CROCETTA should take into account: the food and its portions at the canvas camp by the MARA. As for the dishes, the quality is excellent, but the portions are really small. The lack is even more noticeable with desserts. For example: just one small slice of pineapple, one small slice of papaya, etc. It’s really too cheap...

Otherwise, everything else is great, and we never went off-road in the reserves. The only place we did was outside the AMBOSELI reserve to see CRAIG... The staff is amazing—super kind and attentive. Just saying...

This year, 2025, we’ll be heading back in October with Melting Pot, for a personal project. Greetings. (I have no affiliation with Melting Pot Safari, and I’ve never met Tony Crocetta, nor Simon Chebon.)

Hi there,

I wrote the above a year ago. And our Kenyan stay/safari took place in October with a purely personal project. When we arrived, we had a big surprise—our driver-guide turned out to be Simon CHEBON himself, stepping in last-minute for an unavailable employee. Plus, the tour was supposed to be in English, but it ended up being in French. 🙂

Then, in the second part, while we were in Buffalo Springs, we were joined by Tony CROCETTA himself. He was scouting another reserve nearby. - And he spent an afternoon with us.

And the "cherry on top"—we also had the chance, on the same occasion, to see "Titus" again, a very pleasant, passionate, and experienced birding guide who works for M.P.S. at the M.P.S. lodge on Lake Baringo. For us, it was a huge pleasure to see him again.

So, I can’t say we don’t know... Simon or Tony! ?? 🙂 😎

The full trip report for 2025 is here: https://voyageforum.com/forum/milieu-faune-kenya-en-octobre-2025-d11077532/

Puma2A

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Hi Alain,

Remarkable travel journal from this SAFARI with MPS—we know them well after traveling with them three times (2020, 2023, and April–May 2025). Your stunning photographs, paired with such delicately descriptive prose... BRAVO...

Just one note: you mention guides Simon, Tony, and Titus, yet there’s NOT A SINGLE PHOTO of them...

Maybe you could add their portraits to your summary?

Attached are photos of RUTO, EDWARD, BENJAMIN, WILSON, the BARINGO manager, and ALBERT.

Best, Bernard

Hi Bernard,

Sorry, but portraits of people aren’t my thing at all! I don’t do them. Sometimes a wide shot where people are unidentifiable, like breakfasts around the vehicle—that’s it for me. Even if someone asks me specifically... no portraits!!

We’re all different....

Cheers.

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Okay Thanks for your feedback

Personally, I feel the need to honor them through their image...

To each their own... Fair enough

Best regards

Stunning photographs enriched with delicately descriptive prose.... BRAVO...

Sorry, I forgot to say "THANKS" for your kind words. Wishing you great future trips/safaris.

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