Travel reviews by Mr F from Cheltenham

"This hotel was fine for its purpose.

Fairly near to the airport; OK room and food perfectly acceptable. One night is surely enough!"

"Ikuka is clearly a new operation. The location and the views are stunning and the lodge is certainly near to the game. Safaris really do begin as soon as you leave the lodge. The rooms and beds are excellent and the bathrooms are a joy, with constant and consistent hot water for showers whenever required. The public areas too are excellent with a terrific swimming pool.

Staff were,to our eyes,on the amateur side. This is really not a criticism but the waiters and bar staff still carry an air of innocence. Still loved them nonetheless.

Food was good throughout and they were very helpful when my wife was feeling somewhat queasy.

Do I have any reservations? Well perhaps one, though again this was a product of over enthusiasm. Our guide ( who was first rate) was so eager to ensure we saw every possible animal, constantly overran his timings. We were arriving back from our morning game drives at shortly before 1.00 i.e. Just minutes before lunch and after a 6.30 hour drive; the same happened on our evening drives: back at 7.30 for dinner at 8.00. As a result ,there was really no "down time". Great for the young guests but less so for me. This is an issue easily corrected and,as I say, was only a product of an endless wish to please. So I would not wish any prospective guest to be deterred.

All in all, a fabulous lodge, super comfortable, and game of every variety just nearby.

Super new land cruisers and guiding; and Mark is an impeccable host whose company we greatly enjoyed"

"Sand Rivers is clearly a well established and slick, professional operation.

The rooms maybe are becoming just a tad tired but not to any significant extent.

Superb guiding (Edward) and such a pleasure to have the option of river safaris too. The trip to Stieglers Gorge is unforgettable with so many hippos and crocs, lions on the banks etc etc.

Having been to Beho Beho some years ago, Sand Rivers for me rates much higher."

"Kilindi is a perfect ending to the rigours of safari. Perfect rooms and views, lovely staff and, certainly in our case, a wonderful butler (Daudi).

Criticisms? We didn't feel the food was that wonderful.
We would have loved the sea food more simply cooked but I accept that is a personal view.

I recommend Kilindi unreservably."