Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs H. from Bucks

"Small, intimate and very welcoming, Offbeat Ndoto was everything we had hoped for. Set in a tranquil location within the Mara North Conservancy, it felt wonderfully private, yet with open views across the valley. Lying in bed, the huge mesh 'windows' of our tent deliberately left uncovered, it sounded as though lion and hyena were very close - as was the buffalo that we watched grazing in the moonlight.

Our Maasai guide was very good, with huge knowledge of the mammals and the environment, if not so interested in birds. We enjoyed a leisurely walk across an open plateau near camp, and a night drive after dinner, too. Even unseasonal rain didn't stop play, with cheetah continuing to hunt, though hyenas bolted for cover when hit by a particularly torrential downpour!

Meals at Ndoto were a further highlight, from dinner in a quiet glade to bush breakfasts in scenic locations such as a shallow river crossing or alongside the Mara River itself."

"Almost seamlessly fronting the soft white sands of Diani Beach, Water Lovers feels almost part of the beach itself. Shaded by plenty of trees, from coconut palms to a giant baobab, it feels more like a lodge than a hotel, with genuinely friendly staff, plenty of places to while away the hours with a cool drink and a book, and the warm inviting Indian Ocean just a few paces away.

We particularly enjoyed kayaking out to the reef at low tide, and borrowing masks and snorkels to explore beneath the waves. The fish life here isn't plentiful, but it's there to be found if you're prepared to look.

There's no chance of going hungry, either, with an exceptionally good breakfast selection and a varied dinner menu that includes a catch of the day and plenty of vegetarian/vegan options."