Travel reviews by Ava from NYC
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
2
Excursions taken
0
My Oct 2023 trip
Zanzibar and 1 other country between 22 Oct 2023 and 28 Oct 2023
"A trip that far exceeded all our expectations. Brilliantly planned by Jessica and everything went flawlessly. I can see now why Africa is addictive and I cannot wait to be back!"
Arranged By Jessica Plumb
Qambani
"Absolutely stunning property "
2 nights
Arrived
22 Oct 2023
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Klein's Camp
"Hands down the most special holiday of my life"
4 nights
Arrived
24 Oct 2023
"Hands down the most special holiday of my life and the finest property I've ever had the joy of staying at. Every aspect of our stay at Klein's was absolutely perfect. The lodge itself is spectacular, situated atop a hill with sweeping views of the concession. It is intimate, beautifully appointed and ultra luxurious.
However, it was the warmth and competency of the staff and service that took the experience to a whole other level. Our guide and tracker Karipoi and Lebo spent hours every day, sometimes 10-12 hours a day, driving us around the Serengeti and letting us in on the secrets of the savanna. They had SO much knowledge on animals and birds and were excellent at spotting elusive wildlife (leopard! lion cubs!). At the start of the trip they asked about our individual animal sighting preferences and customized each drive to try and track down what we hoped to see, always with a smile on their faces. Karipoi also regaled us with wonderful stories from his tracking career over drinks by the fireplace in the 'living room'.
Our butler Reuben was so kind and gentle and adept at anticipating our every need. He was especially attentive to the preferences of my two nieces and they grew to adore him. He also organized the most wonderful surprise bonfire sundowner on our last day complete with a traditional Masaai performance. Elias the chef cooked up incredible meals every day - we were surprised by the variety and freshness of every single dish given how remote the lodge is. His Tanga prawns, pork chops, and beef onion kebabs were a highlight, as was the feast he packed for us for picnicking on the banks of the Mara river. The little lunch bags he packed for us on the day of our departure was a pleasant little surprise. Our Masaai warrior nighttime escorts were so lovely. And of course the manager Ivan who brought it all together by overseeing such a stellar group of staff and telling us some great stories! I honestly cannot think of a single misstep in the service from start to finish. It was perfect.
The hospitality at Klein's far exceeded our wildest expectations. It is truly the jewel of the remote northern Serengeti. I will carry the memories of this place and this trip with me forever. I cannot wait to return to Klein's Camp and to Africa to explore other &Beyond properties. Bravo Klein's and keep up the excellent work!"
However, it was the warmth and competency of the staff and service that took the experience to a whole other level. Our guide and tracker Karipoi and Lebo spent hours every day, sometimes 10-12 hours a day, driving us around the Serengeti and letting us in on the secrets of the savanna. They had SO much knowledge on animals and birds and were excellent at spotting elusive wildlife (leopard! lion cubs!). At the start of the trip they asked about our individual animal sighting preferences and customized each drive to try and track down what we hoped to see, always with a smile on their faces. Karipoi also regaled us with wonderful stories from his tracking career over drinks by the fireplace in the 'living room'.
Our butler Reuben was so kind and gentle and adept at anticipating our every need. He was especially attentive to the preferences of my two nieces and they grew to adore him. He also organized the most wonderful surprise bonfire sundowner on our last day complete with a traditional Masaai performance. Elias the chef cooked up incredible meals every day - we were surprised by the variety and freshness of every single dish given how remote the lodge is. His Tanga prawns, pork chops, and beef onion kebabs were a highlight, as was the feast he packed for us for picnicking on the banks of the Mara river. The little lunch bags he packed for us on the day of our departure was a pleasant little surprise. Our Masaai warrior nighttime escorts were so lovely. And of course the manager Ivan who brought it all together by overseeing such a stellar group of staff and telling us some great stories! I honestly cannot think of a single misstep in the service from start to finish. It was perfect.
The hospitality at Klein's far exceeded our wildest expectations. It is truly the jewel of the remote northern Serengeti. I will carry the memories of this place and this trip with me forever. I cannot wait to return to Klein's Camp and to Africa to explore other &Beyond properties. Bravo Klein's and keep up the excellent work!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
The food taste ranged from OK to great. There were some minor communication issues (such as their brochure listing that you were invited into their kitchen and that the chef would recommend off-menu dishes for you) - but when we asked about this, the staff and chef looked really confused. However, communication improved a lot when we started using their WhatsApp number to ask questions and place orders, so maybe it was just a language issue. We were also able to request a specific off-menu item on the second day and they made it for us.
Overall a wonderful, memorable, relaxing and bespoke experience at one of the most gorgeous properties I've ever seen. Would highly, highly recommend."