Travel reviews by Mr M & Ms O from UK

"Great location for overnighting in Nairobi. Perfect for moving on to a Safari.
Very welcoming and felt very safe lovely helpful staff.
We arrived around 11pm wondered if we could get some food "the restaurant and bar is open 24 hours sir"
So went to our room very clean everything you possibly want inc tea & coffee etc
Went down to the restaurant around midnight had prawns rapped in bacon - delicious for the princely sum of £4!
Overall a well run lovely Hotel.
Did not use any facilities but swimming pool looked inviting."

"Second visit,went last year says it all, thankfully nothing has changed.
We had the same guide Lapion who we have bonded with and is one excellent guide and tracker have a good laugh with him, also lucky enough to have a vehicle completely to ourselves.
Saruni remains in our view one of the best locations in Kenya with stunning views and very friendly wildlife love the resident genet cat who joins you for dinner should you wish to take it in your room!
Nothing is too much trouble here overall a wonderful experience."

"Well very different from Saruni placed in the heart of Samburu right on the rivers edge,beautiful setting have never experienced a tented camp that you have a private plunge pool to yourself !
Food here is exceptional and yes if you are into elephants they abound all around the camp to the hilarious point when you grab your lunch and run to safety! (always safe guards everywhere)
Slight minus point no power at night so it can get a little warm but you always have the plunge pool !
Guides good cannot fault anything about this camp very well run."

"Well this in one quirky place ! ideally located right in the middle of Stone town
We had the Mercury suite (I think due to Expert Africa's influence)
This is one bustling town of many cultures and it is great to go walkabouts and get lost which is easy to do! (felt safe at all times) locals are after a $ but are ok.
The reason I wanted to go to stone town was to see Freddies birth place (Not a Queen nut but he had an influence musically as I was growing up) For us not particularly into culture and lots to do for those that are i.e. slave trade,spice trade etc just not our bag!
Forget Freddies birth place called Mercury house its just a tourist shop with no plaque or anything! Quite disappointing if fact our suite at jafferji was about as good as it gets!
The hotel as such, cannot really fault good place to stay to explore stone town."

"Well Wow, did not realise this place was designed and built for Benny of ABBA as a private residence for him and his entourage!
requested to do a trip advisor by Kilindi so posted as below:

Well I have had the privilidge over the years of staying in some of Africa's finest lodges and camps. This one does not let you down, a stunning location!

You arrive to be greeted by Peter the manager who then introduces you to your own private butler in our case wonderful John. You are then shown around and taken to your private Pavillion complete with waterfall and 2 plunge pools (not every one is the same) we are keeping ours a secret ! The service from all was amazing what ever you want is never a problem.

The surrounding habitat is full of wildlife, chameleon,monkeys,monitor lizards and stunning greater Bush Babies (if you can get a photo you are better than me! they are quick!!)
Food was good but not particularly our bag a little spicy but what do you expect in a spice island! Having said that anything you wish they will cook for you without an issue it is a personal preference.

To sum up major wow factor loved the place vowed to go back one day just need to save up!! Not everyones cup of tea but if you like isolation, away from it all and you can stay here if you wish and see nobody except your butler and cleaning staff (lovely) as all meals can be served in your room Plus a little wildlife then this is the place for you! Its the place for us! Martin & Loz"

"This Lodge is something very special, very special indeed!
The Location is stunning and the vista from your room or indeed from your bed is something to behold.
Food is excellent and Loz, being a vegetarian food can be an issue (see next camp comments) but no worries here!
The hosts James and crew were a delight.
We were offered in room dining every night and took up the option 2 nights out of 3, candle lit and wonderfully romantic nothing too much trouble stunning sky and during dinner both nights a friendly Genet joined us! plus a load of bats!

Our guide Lapieon and Manuel his tracker both Masai warriors where superb we had them and our own truck throughout! And if i can give you an example on one game drive they spotted some fresh Leopard tracks so cleverly drove in a circle spotted tracks coming out the other side so a bigger circle was made - no tracks coming out so gradually they shortened the circle this took about one and a half hours in the end Lapieon says the Leopard is in that bush!! and sure enough one big male Leopard was photographed and videoed amazing! I might add did the same the next day but the Leopard won!
We saw Lion, cheetah, Leopard every day.

There is however a slight issue but not to us in that it is a hour game drive to the river where most of the game can be found so you do travel 2 hours in and out not ideal for some! if an issue stay at elephant lodge highly recommended by our guides and Expert Africa!! Having said that being in a conservancy you are afforded night drives (not allowed in the park) and here I got to see a rare one and got video only seen once before in Zimbabwe some 25 years ago a beautiful Aardwolf special for me!
The Pangolins however (seen one once about 25 years ago) still elude me!

To cap the whole Saruni experience on our checkout day we were on our way to breakfast came out of our room (no camera sadly) and a Leopard walked past loz and myself 10 feet away on the path to the main area completely ignored us, had his sights on some Dik Dik further down on the rocks! WOW!

IMPORTANT FOR THOSE WHO KNOW SAMBURU THE WASHED AWAY BRIDGE AT BUFFALO SPRINGS IS NOW REPAIRED (as we arrived) finally after 2 years!

Just to sign off we saw all the unique 5 Samburu creatures : BEISA ORYX,SOMALI OSTRICH,GREVYS ZEBRA,GERENUK (love them when they stand on hind legs) and the most beautiful Giraffes in the world the RETICULATED.

Will definitely be going back but maybe in the rainy season (to get a different perspective ) because a lot of the animals move away from the river and up into the conservancy at that time. Start saving the pennies i guess!"

"This camp is very different to Saruni being a proper tented camp with a big Eco theme.

So it is solar everything and lovely bucket showers etc. The camp managers Colin and Chala were a delight as was our excellent guide Andrew.

One thing in particular we liked is being invited behind the scenes for a tour of how the camp is run, you have no idea how much work goes on just to live day to day! At peak times they employ 36 staff for just 12 tents!
The location is good with Zebra etc munching away right outside your tent and indeed a very pregnant Cheetah! but being quite low down on the plain views are not stunning.(Re Cheetah see their Facebook page)

There were a few minor niggles the Vegetarian food for Loz was not good (They have since been in contact and are getting in outside advice, so they are on the case) Other silly things we would ask for some beers to be sent to our tent no problem just no bottle opener like wise a bottle of wine and no corkscrew! Bless em!

But lets no forget what we are there for, the wildlife and it was very good. Overall would recommend."

"Oh dear, this is very sad Hemingways has long been one of my favourite hotels anywhere and this I think was my 7th visit over the years since it opened in 1988. The travesty of Kenya's coastal tourism is very apparent what with the governments travel advice against part of Mombasa, Lamu and other parts coupled with most if not all charter flights being withdrawn from the UK with mass cancellations from the Americans because of Ebola (the fact that if you live on the eastern seaboard of America you are closer to Ebola than you are in Kenya they do not see it that way!)

AT ALL TIMES DURING OUR TRIP WE FELT VERY SAFE NO PROBLEMS AT ALL.

Back to Hemingways: The newer Left wing of the hotel where I usually stay is completely closed down due to lack of business. Miranda one of the managers (known her for years) tells us things are not good with a hotel of guessing 70+ rooms and at times less than 25 guests she also said they are doing better than most! As a consequence standards are slipping probably due to minimal staff and the hotel is looking tired and in desperate need of refurbishing as nothing has been done since she opened (This is happening this year so lets hope!)

The staff are keeping their chins up and are a delight nothing being too much trouble and always jovial and fun!

This is our experiance with no holes barred!

On arrival (evening,dark) taken to our ground floor room not my favourite choice but popular with the elderly (whom there are many) fortunately the door would not open so I went back to reception and got a room on the second floor we stayed there that night in the morning we complained to Miranda the room was dirty (blood on the shower screen and poo on the toilet roll holder not good!) We were immediately moved to probably the best room in the hotel on the 3rd floor with lovely views across the bay and the room was immaculate we were more than happy. Did no more complaining as loved the room however for the first 4 days the shower just dribbled cold water let it run for 15 mins and it got tepid so ok on the 5th day someone occupied the room next to us and all of a sudden we had hot water still at a dribble but hot it was! very hot only problem no cold! even with the hot off still scorching through the cold tap! We managed and had to smile.

The food was good but not as good as it used to be but no complaints.

So there you have it! if you are reading this and have booked or thinking of booking I still implore you to go you will have a wonderful time just do not expect a 5 star hotel (by todays standards) more like 3 but at 5 star prices. It still remains one of the if not the best location of any hotel on the Kenyan coast the staff are lovely and you ultimately will have a good time We did! Plus you have the option of some of the best Game fishing in the world (not cheap!)"

"Nice place to stay if in Lusaka only 30mins from the airport and easy to get a taxi if needed.

Very clean, friendly staff and good food. Drinks reasonably priced.

No activities on site apart from a bit of bird watching not an issue as generally used as a stopover. Having said that the owner Paul would organise anything you would like to do even down to an escorted safari in little known areas but you would have to e-mail him first."

"Top notch bush camp everything you could possibly want is available. Your wish is their command. Possibly one of the finest bush camps in Zambia.

Also the best place to see leopard (realise wildlife sigthings can be unpredictable) but we saw them on virtually every game drive.

Just for good measure we saw an Aardvark others saw 4 in one night!

Pangolins are around but you would have to be very lucky we were not!!"

"Another superb camp very well run,good staff etc

See overall trip comments"

"The most luxurious of all the places we stayed further upmarket compared to sister camp Old Mondoro
Run exactly the same
Very nice indeed
See whole trip comments"

"As before because we stayed at this camp twice"

"Welcoming staff, nice accommodation.

Would recommend the game drive. Sadly cheetahs only kept as a tourist attraction but they are well looked after.

Look out for the friendly springbok around the lodges. There is also an oryx which likes to say hello but he was off on his wanders."

"Great location for wildlife viewing - saw red hartebeest fighting, mongoose, wildcats and all the usual antelopes.

Functional and comfortable accommodation but looking a little tired."

"Whistling rats sing to you on the way in up the bumpy 4 x 4 track.

Excellent location for viewing wildlife - even got to see a brown hyena.
Basic but lovely accommodation, more than adequate - great viewing platform.

Loved our little mouse in the tented lodge!"

"Watch out for the electric fence at the entrance!

All san parks accommodation need a revamp - this place was looking tired - but still comfortable.

Very busy camp but fine, only stayed there to get access to Bitterpan."

"Nicest san parks accommodation and location. Lovely room but didn't really like the shared kitchen - no saucepans left for us!

Two black maned lions strolled across the pan in the morning, amazing!

Lovely fire pit in the middle of the accommodation for some evening socialising."

"This accommodation is a good stop over mid way through your journey. Waiting staff and chefs were very helpful in accommodating our needs.

Pool was green, wouldn't recommend a dip!

Room was nice."

"Stunning place, like no where else in the world. A must have stop off if you are travelling in Southern Namibia.

Lovely staff, great breakfast, love the toilets - make sure you open Pandoras box!!!

Pool is gorgeous and accommodation is lovely!"

"Amazing accommodation - eagles nest is a must. Pure seclusion and amazing views.
It has changed but it still one of Africas finest escapes!

Look out for the wild horses - they are beautiful.

Friendly staff and a lovely vista."

"Great base for exploring the dunes. Food at desert lodge was outstanding - went out of their way for vegetarians.

Superb location and the pool and bar are simply beautiful.

Were not told that utensils were at reception though so missed our morning coffees!!!

Decided to go hot air ballooning over the dunes - would highly recommend - this is a must - beautiful sights and lovely champagne breakfast!"

"Sam's a great caring host. Less eccentric than we remember - loves his classical music! No longer has the St Bernards have been replaced by one very large Bernese dog!

Lovely gardens! Definitely the place to stay in Swakopmund.

Ate out at the Tug, on the pier - fantastic restaurant, superb food.

Went sand boarding too - highly recommended for all ages as long as you have good underpants - reached up to 72kmh."

"Excellent setting, beautiful accommodation.

Loz and Mart knew the hosts from previous encounters - they used to run a lodge in Zamibia.

Not a lot going on, wouldn't recommend the game drive - didn't see anything!"

"Loved catching up with Bruno - it was a total delight. He still remains to me one of the best guides in Africa. Sadly it poured down with rain for 2 days but it did not in any way dampen the experience - we thought it was great.

No, we did not see a pangolin and for 95% plus travellers there is no chance, however Chris, as you already know, be very selective about the clients that you send there.

We loved it and have promised to go back. We love Bruno and his knowledge and experience of life in the bush. Could you please forward us the details of the Pangolin Trust as we want to get involved and Pete is going to work on a game for the website to promote the plight of Percy the Pangolin."

"Probably best food on trip.

Only downside poor game viewing and bloody red covers on spotlight for night drives, understand their ethics but impossible to photograph, video or see properly.

Other lodges/guides cope fine with white light (you just do not shine in animals eyes)."

"Superb but and it's a big but! Garth brilliant as long as you can guarantee that he will be there because without simply would not be the same, don't get us wrong other guides more than capable but not in the same league. And as Garth often does private guiding he's not always there.

Need to make sure he is there when you wish to go."

"Bit of a snotty lot bit too old boy network for our liking but Harriot (camp host) was great.

Wildlife best on trip.

Other major downside Mosquito city got bitten to death! zzzzzz"

"Lovely lovely hotel.

The concept and artifacts amazing well theamed.

loved it"

"Ok going to be a long one!
Arrived at Thawale after along drive please note whatever distances/time you are advised be it google local people etc forget it took us a good eight hours from Africa House check point charlie and village speed restrictions (well needed) also had to make a detour for fuel (more later)

Met by the lovely Albert to be told "ah travel Africa honeymoon suite" (Thanks Claire nice one)
Amazing location simply the best shitter i've had the pleasure to use (shame about the resident frog)
Loved our self drive in Majete wealth of wildlife amazing sightings of Sable and Nyala, Leopards being introduced upon our arrival.

Dinner at night met the minister of wildlife lovely guy told him what a smashing job he is doing.
We think this park has massive potential and Mr Pope has been very cute in opening Mkulumadzi the place is simply stunning."

"After two night's at lovely Thawale moved on to Mkulumadzi beautiful place Mark the host excellent, total luxury slight downside the food was pretty naff. Cannot understand why these upmarket lodges go out of there way to supply super posh nosh that basically is crap.

When in Africa after a hot day, with early starts etc you just want a hearty meal not unedible nouveau cuisine. Crispy lasange wings or what!
For that reason much preferred Thawale."

"The room needed a good clean inch of dust is not good. Food was good as long as your waiter understood you when you ask for butter the tomato sauce arrived! But the place was lovely the best bit for us was walking down the empty beach and visiting the local village catching up with the chief a lady (surprised).

Swimming in fresh water lake Malawai was surreal."

"OK PLACE NOTHING SPECIAL NICE LOCATION"

"BLOODY COLD!"

"TOO COMMERSIALISED FOR ME BUT USEFUL STOP OFF POINT"

"NICE PLACE, GOOD LOCATION FOR MATA-TWIN RIVERS GAME DRIVES SUPPOSEDLY THE BEST IN THE PARK (NOT MY EXPERIANCE)"

"Nice location not a lot going on!"

"Bloody awful place too crowded lots of kids enough said!
Night hide good available on net nossob webcam!"

"without doubt the very best camp in the park by miles!

access to polentswa,l angklass, bendinkt, kwang waterholes in my view the best! mata mata twin rivers have more sightings but fives times the traffic no wonder

Saw Lion,leopard,cheetah and a cheeky african wild cat who came to our door every evening magic!"

"Nice camp didnt get on with guide! (strange lad) and beware on exit route 4x4 only Its a bastard! toughest trail encountered unless you have a bit of 4x4 experiance gve this one a miss! if you have the lata you will definately enjoy!"

"Nice place not a lot going on!"

"as before"

"stayed at canyon lodge instead but called in for a beer enchanting"

"Quite one of the most amazing places i have ever had the pleasure! amazing"

"wierd! soss lodge heaving this place empty and beautifu,l great!"