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Traveller reviews

Travel reviews by Mr Jim from Medford, OR

Review Distribution

Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Terrible

Total number of trips

1

Countries visited

1

Lodges stayed in

5

Excursions taken

0

My 2016 Safari Outing

Kenya between 10 Sep 2016 and 21 Sep 2016

Trip rating: Excellent
"It was delightful! Richard Trillo, who helped us organize the safari, did an excellent job. In the first place, he listened carefully to what we had in mind and very tactfully, made suggestions how to maximize our time within the constraints of our budget (no mean accomplishment).

He very wisely suggested three stops to give us reasonable exposure to what Kenya has to offer without wearing us down. Our experiences at El Karama, the Mara Camp and ending at Totilis were just what we had in mind.

Then, he coordinated the timing, the pickups, the flights so very well that we were never at a loss as to what comes next and will the taxi actually be there at (e.g.) 5:30 in the morning. Very well done!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Simply continue the personal contact!"

Arranged By Richard Trillo


El Karama Lodge

El Karama Lodge

"El Karama Eco-Lodge"

3 nights Arrived 11 Sep 2016
"Truly, a delightful place to begin our Kenya safari.The camp staff was incredibly friendly and helpful which was facilitated by the fact we were the only guests there at the time.

Animal drives were pleasant outings with a skilled and friendly guide who helped introduce us to Kenya and its varied wildlife. We also visited the cattle ranch headquarters and were very impressed with the integration of the cattle operations and the safari activities.

Getting there by vehicle is a real challenge! The bumpy, dusty roads show rural Kenya as it is. However, arrriving at the camp makes it all worthwhile."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Mara Ngenche Safari Camp

Mara Ngenche Safari Camp

"Mara Ngenche Safari camp"

3 nights Arrived 14 Sep 2016
"The trip guide describes the lodge as being tucked into a quite thick indigenous forest which it surely is. Getting here from the airstrip required fording a stretch of the river, challenging in itself. Driving to and from game drives involves really arduous conditions-truly "remote"-but what better way to remain secluded.

The camp is larger than El Karama, a bit less sophisticated but well-run. The cabins are right along the Mara, on a cliff, with many hippos below in the river, grunting away at all hours which makes one feel like being close to nature. With "guards" monitoring the area, especially at night, one feels safe and secure.

Staff were friendly, efficient and readily available. Our animal guide was especially thoughtful, energetic and resourceful. We saw what we came here for: thousands of wildebeest, crossing the Mara, and lions everywhere."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Aero Club of East Africa

Aero Club of East Africa

"Aero Club of East Africa"

1 night Arrived 17 Sep 2016
"This club has seen better days! Chosen, one assumes, for its convenient location and most likely for its price.

The bar is fine; the restaurant closed several months before so we walked to a nearby cafe, about a mile away, a bit scary but the food was very good!

One can't expect much for the accommodations but it is clearly conveniently located."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average

Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Poor
Facilities
Average
Tortilis Camp

Tortilis Camp

"Tortillis Camp"

2 nights Arrived 18 Sep 2016
"As our program guide indicated, Tortilis is a luxury safari camp, well-located on a small rise with views of the savanna and the mountains beyond.

Excellent restaurant, highly-qualified and friendly staff, and pleasant tented accommodations.

Game drives, focused on elephants, were exceptionally well done.

An added benefit here was an opportunity to visit a Maasai village. Just ask, otherwise not scheduled.
Most interesting, heart-warming and very informative Contrasting the village itself with the nearby schools for boys and girls was a bit disturbing but that is life in Africa, so I understand."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Aero Club of East Africa

Aero Club of East Africa

"Aero Club of East Afrca"

1 night Arrived 20 Sep 2016
"Please see earlier remarks [Ed: see below]"
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average

Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Poor
Facilities
Average

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