Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs H from Norfolk

"Possibly the loveliest hotel we have ever stayed in. Utterly charming in its rustic simplicity without compromising exceptional comfort. Decor most beautifully thought out, down to the last detail. We hugely appreciated that.

The food was excellent: beautifully presented, innovative and irresistible every time.

There are no locks on the doors, and therefore no keys. It felt very liberating, and entirely safe, and thus it proved to be.

Most outstanding for us, however, were the staff. Friendly and efficient managers head up a team that impressed us enormously. Waiters, bar staff, housekeeping, gardeners - all were smiling and cheerful, efficient, unobtrusive, thoughtful, but above all, genuinely friendly without being over-familiar. They introduced themselves by name, whereupon we did likewise, and they never again had to ask us who we were but greeted us by name every time they saw us.

John impressed us particularly. (There are two Johns, but this one has risen through the ranks from gardener to housekeeping and is now a waiter. He also taught us to play Bao, which we are utterly hooked on!)

The staff in general behave as though they have a personal investment in the hotel and I think we have never met this feeling at any hotel we have stayed at before. It is the crowning glory of a beautiful place and we were really sad to leave."

"Fabulous accommodation, carefully thought out, beautifully decorated and complete with every detail, down to the telescope on the verandah, and wooden boxes to protect anything that might appeal to the thieving squirrels!

The food was quite exceptional and very abundant. The service was meticulous, unobtrusive and extremely efficient. We much appreciated the different locations for dinner every night, in different parts of the camp and its environs, and one evening out in the bush. The same for the sundowners which just happened to appear by magic at the end of our afternoon game walks, and still managed to give the impression that it was accidental! Always, the tables were set quite beautifully, with a Masai blanket over each chair in case the evening became chilly. So much real thought has gone into the whole enterprise.

Bush camp was an extraordinary experience: coming upon the lanterns in the clearing at the end of our walk, the sundowners again, the log fire, the sumptuous tents with a Moroccan flavour, the hot showers, the flush loo - and again, the outstanding dinner - produced on site and served, as ever, in great style, apparently from behind a bush! Similarly the extensive breakfast by the lake: again, produced from behind a bush!

We appreciated the flexibility of the place: each day you could walk or drive to see game. Or both. The walks are totally brilliant - quite different from a drive. We found ourselves increasingly alert, observant, and aware of the slightest movement. Our ability to spot game improved dramatically over our stay. On a walk it is essential to feel totally confident in the guide and we did. We walked with both Walter and Onesmo and felt entirely safe with both. They were competent, informed, interesting and entirely professional all the time we walked, and relaxed and entertaining when we had finished. Clearly, they do the same walks, the same drives, week after week with different guests, and yet at no time did they ever give an impression of routine or boredom. They seemed as energised and interested as we were.

This was an outstanding experience and we loved it."

"An extraordinary experience. Arriving suddenly in the clearing to find lanterns, tents, a fire and sundowners waiting was memorable.

The tents were wonderful, complete with hot shower and flush loo. I had just had a shower before setting out, but had to have another just because I could. Beds just a bit firmer than we've been used to, but that's being really picky.

Dinner was fantastic and served in customary Beho Beho style by lantern and candle light.

We were blessed with a spectacular dawn which we could watch from our bed. There were only two guests' tents, both so far apart, that we were unaware of anyone else being there at all."

"Apart from a booklet of Rules for the Swimming Pool in the bedroom, and a sign by the communal downstairs cloakroom, there is absolutely no indication anywhere that this is an hotel. It has all the feel of a beautifully appointed private house to which one has been invited to spend a day or two. Other guests come and go - most seem to stay for quite a short time - and meals are taken together, often with the owner as host.

The service is outstanding - from the iced water and cold flannels produced by the driver at the airport, to Marita (?) who met us at the door, to the delightful and ever-smiling waiters. The food was plentiful and utterly delicious. Decor throughout was perfect: restful, interesting and entirely in keeping with the place."