Reviews of Suyan Camp
(86%) From 7 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Scintillating setting at luxurious Suyan Camp
having driven for approx 7 hrs accross the flat bumpy never-ending plains in an open jeep, watching the miraculous migration, we finally arrived, dusty, exhausted at the this most magical place. i fell in love with it, as it totally met my expectations. It is set in a soft vallley whch had just turned green thanks to the recent rains, so the view accross the hills and clarity of the late afternoon sun and the laxy zebras, giraffe who were wandereing nearby completed the picture I had in my head.
THe luxury huge suited tent was very stylishly decorated, with cushions and drapes and lovely lights,and great detail. even the bathroom had wonderful beaten brass basins on a rich dark wooden console . The veranda had mosquito net so we really had an inner room (bedroom) and outer room with chaise longue and striped deck chair to relax in and look out from .
The drawing room and dining room were fulsomely fitted out with lots of interesting artifacts, and also afforded a great view. I particularly liked the huge square dining table with the really luxurious and most comflrtable high backed suede covered chairs, we could have been in someones home, unfortunately there was only one other couple staying, the one night (sadly ) that we had there (we should have had 2 but it was full the previous night. they were charming and great company and along with the guides we had a super meal good wine and company. it would have been great to have eaten there when they had a full house, and to hear everyones stories.
we also requested and were taken on a fascinating night drive, and met more Maasi, and lots of nocturnal animals. our driver was very knowledgeable and professional.
I did think that so much care is given to NOT disturbing the animals in the day, and yet on a night drive one is literally hunting them out by searchlight and chasing after them,and it would appear to me they are probably terrrified. have you any comment on that?
I have to say this was my best safari experience, and was sorry that it was only one day.
oh and the breakfast was fantastic.
Suyan Camp review
This camp was quite a contrast from Olakira, and made for a very different experience in several ways.
Firstly the camp itself is in a scenically very attractive area - quite hilly with lovely views from the tents, which were very well furnished, and being well spaced out, felt very private. Staff were very welcoming, helpful and friendly, although we did have a fright when a Masai guard appeared just outside our tent, seemingly fom nowhere, on our first evening - we hadn't realised they are employed to guard the campsite all night.
The food at the camp was excellent, with a really good choice, and all produced in a quite basic kitchen, which we were invited to look round.We loved the sociable dining, with everyone, guides included, sitting around one big table for meals which really encouraged conversation and interaction especially after drinks and snacks around the campfire.
We chose Suyan partly because of the activities on offer, and they really did add to our holiday experience. We went on 2 walking safaris, and really enjoyed being able to be out in the bush, observing wildlife in a more leisurely manner with the excellent camp guides. The visit to the Masai village was memorable, as was the night drive and the wonderful experience of sundowners as the sun set out, just 2 of us with the guides out in the bush, then seeing different animals starting to appear and then a wonderful array of stars in the sky.
The area around Suyan is so much quieter than further South. We saw very few other vehicles. Game was not so profuse, but what we did see was excellent - a lion with a very recent wildebeest kill, very close to the road; lions with cubs; and a family of elephants with a tiny baby, only a day or two old. Also the migration starting to head through, which was a very impessive sight. We stayed 3 days, which we felt was about right, and coupled with the 3 day stay in Olakira, made for a good range of experiences.
Superb!
What more can one say. Food, service, activities. Wonderful. This is what we have come to expect from recommendations and arrangements by Expert Africa.
The highlights were the staff, the food and the migration, which we were lucky to see in full flow! Could do with cake for the morning break. Long time from breakfast to lunch.
Laundry could be ironed as they only wash it.
Suyan Camp review
Arrived in very heavy rain and the weather was showery throughout our stay. This appeared to depress our guide who seemed less than enthusatic. Although he sat with the guests for meals, he seemed uncomfortable with the experience and added little to the conversation.
On first morning we went on walk with 3 Maasai who were excellent and so enthusatic. Certainly the highlight of our stay at Suyan.
The jeeps used for game drives were of poor design when coping with rain, with fellow guests thoroughly soaked. I'm not sure why a plastic cover with windows can not be used, to protect against the elements. Waterproof capes were provided, but of little use in heavy rain.
Standard of food was good.
Suyan Camp review
Was a little disappointed that this camp didn't have an intimate feel to it. Little interaction between Camp Manager/staff and guests. On the plus side they did manage to cater to our request to have private dining on our wedding anniversary in our tent - so much more romantic than dining with a large family of Germans!
They also catered well to our dietary requirements.
Has potential but need to put customer first
Good location just outside Kleins Gate - gives opportunity for walks, night drives & trips into Serengeti. Standard of tent & food excellent & service around camp good.
Real issue is failing to ask what client wants - 1st evening just arranged a walk without asking what we wanted to do. Failed to ask about our level of safari experience / our interests. Arranaged 7.30am start without asking. We wanted to go out at sunrise (6.30) in order to maximise the day & get the best light for photography - we insisted on earlier start but really shouldn't have to.
Then took 25 mins to get through Kleins Gate due to Tanzanian bureaucracy - I can't believe that the camp can't come to a better arrangement with the park authorities. Guide seemed intent on telling us every fact about every animal much of which we knew already.
Expert Africa comments
When we put this feedback, above, to the owners of Suyan Camp, they commented that feedback like this was completely new to them! They regard their camps as being much more flexible than most. They don’t think of their camps as sticking to typical routines at all. No “4 o' clock tea and 4.30 game drives” here!
Because of this, they were quite concerned by this report. They have asked us to contact this traveller for much more information on exactly what happened, and we’re confident that they will look into this issue in detail. We’re optimistic that with such a positive attitude towards problem-solving, that they will solve the issue for future travellers.
Great Time in Serengetti
This place lived up to all our expectations, except the food - which surpassed our wildest dreams. The food and service were just fantastic.
The tents, the location of the tents within the park, the ambiance, the chance to meet other people, the night fire and drinks - all this was great. And especially the surprise Sundowner Event with drink and ambiance with fresh wild flowers.
We also thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the Masai village - a real cultural experience. We deeply appreciated our guide's insistence that as visitors to this camp, we should not be pestered with the sale of beaded objects.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
