Travel reviews by J & H from Hertfordshire

"The views from the terrace and from our room were simply excellent - just what one would want - an awe-inspiring vista of the crater floor. However, the hotel is rather tired and the service slap-dash and rather off-hand. The vagaries of the electricity and hot water supply were a little disconcerting and unhelpful when one has a very early morning game drive.

The requested gluten-free meals were not supplied in the breakfast and lunch packs taken out on all-day game drive.
Our guide was critical of the hotel regarding the accommodation provided for guides; he really did not like being at this hotel at all.

To see the crater was on our wish list - it was great, but probably would not choose to return."

"This place is a gem - we had seen pictures on the internet, but it far surpassed our expectations. Kindness, friendliness, efficiency, attention to detail - it all seemed to come naturally to Pascal and his team. Our guide, Baraka was excellent, informative, inspiring and fun to be with.

Saw so much game and even managed to see a little crossing - little being the operative work - watched and waited for 1000 or so wildebeast to cross from the other side, only to have 30 or so cross over from our side!! Managed to get up-close-and-personal to lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, topi, impala and so many other birds and animals, including the hippos wandering around the camp at night.

The camp was comfortable and beautifully equipped, with so many little touches that made it all work so well. The food was simply delicious and meal times a treat. Our thanks go to Pascal and the team for

(a) providing amazing specially made gluten-free foods, including cornbread and corn muffins.
(b) speaking with Coastal Aviation about the air sickness of one of us, which message was passed on all down the line so front seats were provided and the pilots being attentive.
(c) coping so well with the dripping wet guests when we had an amazing thunderstorm which lasted for 2hrs just as we were returning from afternoon game drives.

Would love to return......."

"A lovely, slightly 'colonial' experience at this camp in the most amazing and awe-inspiring location. Lying in one's banda (we were lucky enough to have the honeymoon one which is a long way from the main camp - a little map would have been helpful!) with the nearly full moon illuminating the river bed, watching elephants walk by - oh what an experience.

The bandas were beautifully presented, comfy and well-equipped, with great attention to detail. The meals were delicious and being served around the campfire and by candlelight created a superb atmosphere. The requested gluten-free meals appeared with no fuss and were excellent.

The game drives and the guiding were superb - we saw so much including leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe (just missed a birth - we arrive about two minutes after the drop) kudu, and everything else. Samson gave us a terrific amount of information seemed to take joy in imparting his knowledge.

This is not an 'all inclusive' camp - and we really did not like the whole ethos of having to sign for our drinks and later to settle up, (incidentally we thought these rather expensive - with prices not easily forthcoming). Shame - it took the gilt off somewhat.

Enjoyed the political discussions with Chris and grateful to Adrian for his advice about green ginger infusion as an aid to prevent air sickness - it worked."

"Fantastic accommodation, just gorgeous, with amazing views. An exceptional place and watching the animals across the river from our banda was fascinating .

Loved everything about the whole place - the friendliness, the obvious desire by all the staff that we should all get as much pleasure and fun out of every moment. The ethos of involving the guides in everything was excellent and rotating them meant one always learnt something fresh.

The food was simply delicious - and so sophisticated for such a remote location. The gluten-free meals were specially prepared and even ran to tea-time cakes and goodies. Loved the secret meal locations - what a fantastic idea and such fun. The sundowners were a real treat (our first safari experience of this) and our thanks to Walter for managing to come up with a properly presented cocktail out in the bush!!!!

The day at the lake and the walking safari were exciting. The camp waterhole was an excellent addition to the whole experience and the sight of an elephant spraying water into the face of an intruding buffalo was certainly a highlight of our whole trip.

Special regards to Sarah Bailey, Walter, Karin, Heribert, Onesmo and Onno and the whole team - you couldn't have done more to make our stay enjoyable and memorable. Oh, to return...."