Travel reviews by Ms H from Maida Vale

"Apparently was upgraded to larger room - not clear if that was because I’m a repeat guest but it was welcome!"

"Camp was lovely and as I remembered it.

I am probably a bit spoiled but did find the days when it was full, inc with families or seemingly large groups, mealtimes were a bit hectic."

"Covid protocols well established. I also had a room here before my international flight leaving the country. All fine but request to print out PCR test was not handled as well as could have been wished, with a long delay at reception and then they charged me for one piece of paper despite paying for a room for the whole night and not using it. Disappointing."

"KBC remains a favourite. A 2 week trip turned into something quite a lot longer (why rush back to lock down UK when I was free in the Africa wilderness?) and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful and welcoming. All Covid protocols handled well but without “intruding”. Highly recommended"

"Another wonderful camp from the Kicheche family. Fabulous staff who couldn’t do enough for me. Great wildlife sightings including from the deck of my room."

"In these new Covid times, hotel and staff very welcoming, clean.

Recommended"

"After over 40 trips to Africa this camp goes into my top 5 places to stay.

Travel in the time of Covid is possible - with a little more planning and paperwork but rich rewards are waiting.

If you are considering a trip to Kenya don’t miss this gem."

"Aero Club was a great recommendation and although I arrived there very late (11ish) they didn’t fuss, showed me to my room and didn’t have me hanging around doing lots of paperwork to check in.

I didn’t have breakfast the next morning, just coffee, but they were helpful and had pre-organised a driver to take me to the Safarilink departure "terminal" and it was reassuring to know that I didn’t have to worry about Nairobi traffic to get to my internal flight (every other person, guest etc I spoke to over the 3 days and overheard at various airports mentioned how bad the traffic is, how people miss flights because of it)"

"Encounter Mara was a great camp; some Asilia touches are starting to be developed but my sense is that they are not changing too much because they don’t need to

Staff, the tents, the f&b were all superb and the vehicles they use are proper landcruisers with open sides. My only gripe is that the landcruiser hadn’t had the windscreen removed or like a landrover was one that could fold down so you had to look out through glass at the front

The Naboisho conservancy is very different to the main reserve and although more bushy I had some great wildlife sightings – leopard, lion, cheetah and hyena cubs all featured together with lots of birds and other more “usual” mammals

We did a half day to the main reserve which was perfectly doable and even at this non-peak time of year (November) we saw a big zebra crossing at the main crossing point – without all the cars!"

"Just as good as ever - a fantastic camp"

"All fine, and wasn't bumped from this hotel as I was last year which was a relief..."

"My third trip here and even better than before.

Fabulous guiding resulting in wonderful sightings. This must be the best place to see lion in Africa."

"Little gem of a camp and a great recommendation. Fantastic guide Pietro - one of the best guides I have ever had in 30+ visits to Africa. In 3 full days had 3 cheetah sightings (including hunting), 3 leopard sightings, and too many lion sightings to remember including one day with 5 separate sightings and a 19 strong pride with 6 clubs. The guides treated the animals with respect and as a result the animals were very relaxed around vehicles.

The camp was beautiful and well set out with great staff. Mealtimes were relaxed and flexible to accommodate longer morning drives and evening meal taken under the stars. Only minor criticism was that food was less varied than at similar camps and could have benefited from more salads / fresh fruit etc.

Overall a lovely camp and one that I have no hesitation in recommending highly."

"A high end luxury camp which for levels of service and accommodation (I stayed in a suite which was fabulous) can not be faulted. However I go to Africa for the wildlife and I'm afraid I found this disappointing. I don't know whether this was typical of this time of year (mid Sept) and where the camp was sited but I ended up agreeing with the guide that our drives should be centred on the lakes and we would birdwatch. (He supplied me with a bird book for my length of stay which was very welcome and I added about 10 new birds to my rather long list of birds I have already seen.)

However mammal sightings were relatively rare and the animals were considerably more skittish than at other places I have been (I am a seasoned safari goer).

The river trip to Stieglers Gorge was also eventful as the water level was dropping considerably and we hit a hippo - I decided to stay on dry land after that!

The camp managers Chloe and Mark were lovely and made me feel very welcome. However unlike other camps the guides do not sit for mealtimes and the bonhomie around the bar in the evening felt rather like "us and them". I stayed for 5 nights (1 night fly-camping) and overall this felt like 2 nights too many here."

"A fabulous experience, and the poshest fly-camping I have done. Beautiful location on the edge of Lake Tagalala, fantastic facilities including separate loo and shower and a 3 course meal.

All visitors should do this!!"

"See previously"

"Didn't get to the hotel until quite late due to the infamous rush hour Dar es Salaam traffic (1 and a half hours in traffic jams) so barely saw it.

The room rate purchased included breakfast which was not served until 630 and I left the hotel at 545 - I'm not sure that this therefore makes much sense!

Would like to comment that Kearsley Safaris who took me to and from the airport were very good."