Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs S from Hassocks

"We'd met the Childs' back in 2006 when they were running Elsa's kopje in Meru NP, and it was good to see them well settled 6 years into their new venture.

We were looking for an unwind after a hectic time in Nairobi and a short safari and the setting is ideal. The rooms are well appointed and spacious though ours was starting to look a little tired (an observation, not a complaint). We went up to the upper level and the views from the cottages up there are excellent. However, as we were round about the lodge for a full day and a half and going to/from the mess area/room/pool regularly I'm very grateful that Richard at Expert travel suggested the lower level!

We were there for a relaxing couple of days rather than the tourist bit but we did take one game drive. Elizaban our guide was very good (ex Elsa's Kopje). We saw a male and female lion, rhino, and many plains game. Just a couple of vehicles seen in the distance so we had that part of the park (the SW) to ourselves. In camp we had the resident hippo strolling across the grass in front of the room one morning, a couple of bushbuck nipping about in the thickets and a wealth of birdlife. Elizaban drove us in to Karen to a very new and impressive mall for some shopping, and later to the evening sponsor's session at Daphne Sheldrick's Elephant orphanage.

We also took an hour or so's morning walk with a guide, from the lodge along the river bank and then round up onto the top.

The food is first class, as is the service all round, staff friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Anton and Emma are hands on owners, relaxed and knowledgeable hosts and very good company. We had a very pleasant stay and unwind away from the traffic and hubbub of Nairobi, and are happy to recommend Emakoko as an ideal starting and/or departing point for a safari holiday in Kenya."