Travel reviews by The Golden Monkeys from UK

"Qualified rating, owing to the barest of time spent - predominantly sleeping between connecting flights via Nairobi. Never saw the place in the daylight, so difficult to provide overall assessment.

Place was clean and nicely decorated - bed was mercifully comfortable. Owners had waited up and were welcoming and attentive - even at delayed 1130 pm arrival owing to diabolical road transfer (appaling road conditions and traffic jam). On reflection, the place is a little too far removed from Nairobi Airport to provide a relaxing short stopover between flights.

Breakfast choice was varied and good standard, given the early hour. It was always going to be a night-stopover, but in the circumstances perhaps an airport-adjacent room would have sufficed. A shame we weren't able to enjoy more of Macushla."

"Again, a qualified rating, given that we were actually accommodated in the Jack Hannah Cottage at Mountain Gorilla's Nest Lodge (MGNL) for the first two nights, owing to a Primate Safari's 'upgrade', for what they informed us was a result of overbooking (and no room available) at Virunga for the nights of 5th and 6th.

Although situated in the grounds of what is now a tired and largely unoccupied lodge complex, the Cottage was absolutely fantastic. We had three permanent staff - chef, waiter and housekeeper - and lived in sheer opulence for the two days and nights. The MGNL is a very short drive to the park HQ, so was actually better situated and convenient than Virunga, at approx 0.75 hour. It's fair to say that we lived very well at the Cottage - absolutely no complaints whatsoever - but then again, it wasn't part of the original package.

Virunga Lodge - for the night of the 7th & 8th only, was very comfortable and, rather spookily, largely unoccupied for our limited time there. The service was excellent and the location breathtaking - the rooms and facilities extremely comfortable.

Our evening meal (served in the main dining room) was very good for the 7th and superb for the 8th, by which time we were the only guests in the whole Lodge (!) and were able to dine and subsequently breakfast on the 9th in the central lounge area next to the fire. Again, a unique experience brought about by circumstances.

The Gorillas themselves defy description. The organisation by Primate Safaris seamless and without fault. Rwanda is stunning in its scenery and vibrancy. This will not be our only visit to the country, although from what we learn (the Jack Hannah Cottage is available for rent at $2000 per day??), we would certainly revisit Virunga Lodge in view of our experience."

"A good standard chain hotel - ideal for our night stopover between the Gorillas and transfer to Tanzania.

Clean and efficient, with good rooms and very reasonable buffet-style menu. Vast amount of choice & well cooked. Pool looked clean but we didn't avail.

Spent an early evening through to an 0500 departure - which just about satisfied all our needs for a 'regroup' between experiences. Very handy for Kigali airport and stacks of electrical sockets for recharging various batteries!"

"As with any safari camp, Nomad had actually moved the camp northwards to catch the by then all but completed migration - happening some 5-6 weeks previously we were told - leaving a good few thousand game lagging behind in a state of confusion / reverse migration owing to the rains and continuing unsettled weather.

The move resulted in a long transfer / extended game drive of some 6 hours, leaving us pretty whacked out following such an early departure from Kigali that morning - we didn't get to camp much before 4:30pm so weren't in much of a state for any evening activity save for a sundowner.

The rest of the time was, however, fantastic. All clients enjoyed the sole use of a private safari 4x4 and guide, which was just what we wanted and made the whole experience more rewarding. The staff were among the best we have experienced and the level of service and food quality, given the mobile nature of the camp and its support, were exemplary.

The camps are relayed between sites - the next passed us wrapped up in the back of three trucks one afternoon - but from the quality of the fixtures and the time taken in presentation, the tents and recreational areas would rival many permanent sites. You just can't beat a hot bucket shower at the end of a packed game drive. It felt like, indeed was, an authentic bush camp. A top experience."

"It's a pity that your classification - and the English language - only goes as far as 'excellent', as Pole Pole ticked the top boxes for everything and made Steve's 50th a truly memorable experience. Pole Pole is exemplary - for us, just the right combination of small resort, beautifully designed & furnished 'barefoot luxury'. The diving activity / snorkelling is of a professional standard and other activities are conducted effortlessly and by friendly staff.

Of particular mention is the food, which excels at every meal in quantity and diversity and is THE best we've eaten anywhere on our travels. The team, under the managership of Maura, are at the top of their game and a real asset to the resort.

The team's efforts on the night of Steve's 50th - the wine, service and the birthday cake - showed a true attention to detail and a natural friendliness, which made the day so special. We're so pleased we stayed for 6 nights - it gave us the chance to totally relax after such an exciting travel experience in perfect surroundings.

A 5-star resort worthy of the highest praise."