Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs B. from Canada
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
5
Excursions taken
3
My Oct 2022 trip
Kenya between 29 Oct 2022 and 13 Nov 2022
"While a return trip anywhere provides lofty expectations to meet the fond memories of previous journeys, our second adventure to Kenya under Richard's experienced guidance through Expert Africa not only satisfied these expectations, but exceeded them.
Our accommodations in the conservancies balanced comfort with an authenticity you would expect from being in the heart of the Maasai Mara wilderness. Food and beverages were wonderful and catered to every dietary requirement. The wildlife sightings were abundant and we enjoyed all manner of behavior… the majestic presence of elephants, the playful whimsy of lion cubs, the drama of a leopard protecting its kill… and countless times the camera was put aside in favor of the cell phone for photography, as the animals were too close for the zoom lens!
Bottom line, whether you choose to go with family, friends, your partner... or alone... you must simply go! Your only disappointment will be the realization that your time in Kenya has come to an end...
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No further suggestions! Richard was a proactive and enthusiastic member of this team, and his continued correspondence and quick replies to any queries provided continued reassurances throughout this process.
Thank you, Richard!"
Our accommodations in the conservancies balanced comfort with an authenticity you would expect from being in the heart of the Maasai Mara wilderness. Food and beverages were wonderful and catered to every dietary requirement. The wildlife sightings were abundant and we enjoyed all manner of behavior… the majestic presence of elephants, the playful whimsy of lion cubs, the drama of a leopard protecting its kill… and countless times the camera was put aside in favor of the cell phone for photography, as the animals were too close for the zoom lens!
Bottom line, whether you choose to go with family, friends, your partner... or alone... you must simply go! Your only disappointment will be the realization that your time in Kenya has come to an end...
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No further suggestions! Richard was a proactive and enthusiastic member of this team, and his continued correspondence and quick replies to any queries provided continued reassurances throughout this process.
Thank you, Richard!"
Arranged By Richard Trillo
Tamarind Tree Hotel
"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"
2 nights
Arrived
30 Oct 2022
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit
"Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit review"
31 Oct 2022 • Morning excursion
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a wonderful organization and a visit to the elephant orphanage is an experience that everyone will enjoy. The only complaint here is that the one-hour public viewing at noon is packed with visitors, which does tarnish the experience..
In comparison, we were fortunate enough to have a private tour of the orphanage a couple of years ago, and understandably the more intimate setting and opportunity for interaction is well worth the extra cost. As such, we would not return to Sheldrick for another public viewing...
In summary, if you have the opportunity to choose between Public and Private, I would encourage Private... If you have never been and are unable to do Private, then certainly the Public is worth a visit.
In comparison, we were fortunate enough to have a private tour of the orphanage a couple of years ago, and understandably the more intimate setting and opportunity for interaction is well worth the extra cost. As such, we would not return to Sheldrick for another public viewing...
In summary, if you have the opportunity to choose between Public and Private, I would encourage Private... If you have never been and are unable to do Private, then certainly the Public is worth a visit.
Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit
"Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit review"
31 Oct 2022 • Morning excursion
The Giraffe Centre provides an opportunity to learn and view the endangered Rothchild's Giraffe, for which this sanctuary is a breeding centre.
They have made substantial renovations to the facility, which make it feel bigger, however they have also expanded the barriers between the viewing platform and animals, resulting in a less-interactive opportunity than existing a couple of years ago.
You can feed the giraffe, and listen to the presentation on the animals... but ultimately an hour is more than enough time to cover everything.
Fortunately the cost is minimal... although at the time of our visit, note that they were not accepting cash.
They have made substantial renovations to the facility, which make it feel bigger, however they have also expanded the barriers between the viewing platform and animals, resulting in a less-interactive opportunity than existing a couple of years ago.
You can feed the giraffe, and listen to the presentation on the animals... but ultimately an hour is more than enough time to cover everything.
Fortunately the cost is minimal... although at the time of our visit, note that they were not accepting cash.
Nairobi Full-Day Excursion
"Nairobi Full-Day Excursion review"
31 Oct 2022 • All-day excursion
We popped in at a bead factory (Kobetough), which was fine... and stopped for lunch somewhere.
Ultimately if were to return to Kenya on Safari, we would bypass all of these various mini-excursions in favor of simply resting at the hotel in anticipation of the trip into the bush.
Ultimately if were to return to Kenya on Safari, we would bypass all of these various mini-excursions in favor of simply resting at the hotel in anticipation of the trip into the bush.
Kicheche Bush Camp
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
4 nights
Arrived
1 Nov 2022
"Kicheche Bush camp was great.
The lodging, food, service and game-drives all met our high expectations as return visitors, and we would be happy to return."
The lodging, food, service and game-drives all met our high expectations as return visitors, and we would be happy to return."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Cheetah
5 sightings
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
9 sightings
Hippo
2 sightings
Leopard
3 sightings
Lion
9 sightings
Spotted Hyena
8 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Kicheche Mara
"Kicheche Mara review"
4 nights
Arrived
5 Nov 2022
"Wonderful camp and location. Views from the tents are captivating, and the camp being spread out provided a nice sense of openness. Food and accommodations also met our expectations.
A bit sensitive, but we didn't like that the camp manager, "Mama Rachel", talked down about the staff while in their presence! This happened more than once, and it was rude and felt awkward. Unfortunate given how incredibly friendly, respectful and polite all of the staff were.
While all aspects with respect to the camp and facilities were slightly preferable here to Bush Camp, the one limitation was that the wifi was limited to the main camp area... a small thing, but when you are confined to your tent at night, having that access to be able to catch up with loved one, etc., was an appreciated convenience at Bush Camp."
A bit sensitive, but we didn't like that the camp manager, "Mama Rachel", talked down about the staff while in their presence! This happened more than once, and it was rude and felt awkward. Unfortunate given how incredibly friendly, respectful and polite all of the staff were.
While all aspects with respect to the camp and facilities were slightly preferable here to Bush Camp, the one limitation was that the wifi was limited to the main camp area... a small thing, but when you are confined to your tent at night, having that access to be able to catch up with loved one, etc., was an appreciated convenience at Bush Camp."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Feedback response
We were delighted that these guests enjoyed Kicheche Mara so much, and particularly its setting and hospitality. Regarding the WiFi, the camp responded by saying they recognised the inconvenience and would definitely have it working in the guest tents by 2023/24. They explained it had taken longer than the other camps to install because the guest tents by the stream need more repeaters. On the issue of the manager's remarks in front of staff, Kicheche reported back to Expert Africa that the manager was shocked at this feedback and apologised profusely. They said that while the manager's job is demanding, there was no excuse for this lapse and they were confident it would not happen again.
East Africa Manager
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Cheetah
5 sightings
Eland
5 sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
4 sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
9 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Lewa Safari Camp
"Lewa Safari Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
9 Nov 2022
"Fabulous camp! Definitely a different experience to Kicheche; this felt more resort-like; an oasis bubbled within the conservancy as opposed to blending in amongst it.
The lodgings and food were great, and the facilities around camp provided a sense of luxury. The safari guides, Daniel and Tom, were outstanding... while they lacked the photographic awareness that some of the Kicheche guides have as photographers themselves, the breadth of knowledge and information was unparalleled.
Driving through the conservancy itself was a different experience... roads, farming, animal feeding... Lewa is specifically a rhino sanctuary, and many practices are about the conservation of those species. It was wonderful to also see the "Northern 5"; Grevvy Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx and Gerenuk!
In addition of course, to many many rhinoceros!"
The lodgings and food were great, and the facilities around camp provided a sense of luxury. The safari guides, Daniel and Tom, were outstanding... while they lacked the photographic awareness that some of the Kicheche guides have as photographers themselves, the breadth of knowledge and information was unparalleled.
Driving through the conservancy itself was a different experience... roads, farming, animal feeding... Lewa is specifically a rhino sanctuary, and many practices are about the conservation of those species. It was wonderful to also see the "Northern 5"; Grevvy Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx and Gerenuk!
In addition of course, to many many rhinoceros!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Black Rhino
10+ sightings
Buffalo
6 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
7 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
White Rhino
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
The Emakoko
"The Emakoko review"
1 night
Arrived
12 Nov 2022
"As a post-safari stop to refresh prior to the journey home, the Emakoko provides an opulent environment to reflect and unwind.
Rooms feature large balconies overlooking Nairobi National Park, which are shared amongst the many resident Hyrax and Sykes Monkey! Dinner was equally superb; the only complaint here was having to depart for Jomo Kenyatta and the long voyage home!
Note that we did not opt to partake in a game drive.. as a result of the current drought, the conditions in the park were arid; we spotted a few impala on the way to the Emakoko but other than that, the wildlife was less abundant than our previous experience and we chose to take advantage of some needed downtime at the resort."
Rooms feature large balconies overlooking Nairobi National Park, which are shared amongst the many resident Hyrax and Sykes Monkey! Dinner was equally superb; the only complaint here was having to depart for Jomo Kenyatta and the long voyage home!
Note that we did not opt to partake in a game drive.. as a result of the current drought, the conditions in the park were arid; we spotted a few impala on the way to the Emakoko but other than that, the wildlife was less abundant than our previous experience and we chose to take advantage of some needed downtime at the resort."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Lesser grade for the dining service staff... while everyone was friendly, some of our dinner offerings were not accurate per the menu, and the quality of food was only average. While the breakfast buffet service had a wide selection of offering, the dinner we had was 'fair' at best... We ate on site out of convenience but would head out to try something new in the future; we understand that Carnivore is only a few minutes away and in hindsight we should have done that."