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Traveller reviews

Travel reviews by Gar from USA

Review Distribution

Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Terrible

Total number of trips

1

Countries visited

1

Lodges stayed in

4

Excursions taken

2

My Oct 2023 trip

Kenya between 21 Oct 2023 and 3 Nov 2023

Trip rating: Excellent
"I can not think of one experience or incident that I have any negative input on. The trip was an absolute dream come true. The Kenyan people are so warm and welcoming - and have the most beautiful smiles. :)

Although there were a couple of times that I thought cutting the camp stays short by a day each would have been ok, I wasn't quite ready to leave when the time came. I would, however, like to spend more time at Emakoko - it was the perfect place to regroup and gear up for the long journey home. Another day or two there would have been wonderful.

Overall, I've been very satisfied with the entire trip - Richard's expertise and assistance in planning, Nancie's familiarity and knowledge of the camps - staff and drivers - was hugely helpful to allow us to fully immerse myself into the Safari experience.

I have already made recommendations to others. :)"

Arranged By Richard Trillo


Tamarind Tree Hotel

Tamarind Tree Hotel

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

2 nights Arrived 22 Oct 2023
"Staff, hotel, room, restaurant - all very good.

The buffets had many choices to accommodate any picky eater, as well as the adventurous ones, like myself.

Service was good all around - everybody was polite and helpful.

The pool was wonderful, although there were no pool towels readily available. Perhaps we missed them...?

The elevator got stuck one morning, with only me in it, between floors. That was a bit harrowing, although short lived. When I mentioned it to a staff member, her reply was " it is ok because there is an engineer available if it happens again.""
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Good
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit

Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit

"Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit review"

23 Oct 2023 • Morning excursion

The payment process was interesting - card only now. It used to be cash only, so that was a recent change.

Also, be prepared with your phone to take a snap of the payment confirmation on their computer screen, which is the only way to get through the guard at the kiosk to get into the park.

The park itself was very small, yet amazing - so many beautiful giraffe, up close and personal. The staff was knowledgeable and eager to share information with a group. And they do it so well!
Excellent
Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit

Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit

"Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit review"

23 Oct 2023 • Afternoon excursion

I HIGHLY recommend this visit as a private group. it was well worth the money.
(Disclaimer - I haven't done it otherwise, but can imagine that the interactions may be less with a larger, open group.)

I follow Sheldrick's on social media so I had an idea of what to expect. There is something magical about seeing a line of elephants, of all sizes, coming running in for milk time, at your feet! The keepers are so kind, loving and knowledgeable of each one of them. They encourage interaction with the elephants and are more than willing to take pictures of you doing so. Just be prepared for the heart strings to be pulled a little bit - it is truly a magical and majestic experience.

You'll meet Maxwell the blind rhino. He can have a little bit of an attitude, but is majestic in his own right.

THEN - there is Raja! The baby rhino that was rescued after the hyenas injured her so badly as a newborn. Another magical experience I highly recommend. Don't hesitate to get down on the ground and interact with her - you will be forever changed.
Excellent
Kicheche Mara

Kicheche Mara

"Kicheche Mara review"

4 nights Arrived 24 Oct 2023
"From the first welcome to the final goodbye, this place was amazing!
Everybody was so warm and welcoming upon arrival and throughout the stay.
The food and beverage offerings were excellent - certainly better than one typically associates with 'camp food'.

The tents were very inviting and comfortable - all with a view of the plain below the camp.

The game drives were well executed - morning and afternoon.
(I do have to say that Jimmy's driving was a bit unnerving at times. I nicknamed him - depending upon the situation, it was "Lead Foot Jimmy" (due to excessive speed) or "No Roads Jimmy", which was often times combined with the lead foot. He is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly; I really enjoyed his fun personality, but was a bit nervous at times due to his aggressive driving.)

Breakfast on the plains - WOW! Watching the different animals in the distance, while being pampered by the guides setting up breakfast and making coffee. Such an indulgence!

Then again, during the Sundowner experience. Kenyan sunsets, cocktails, snacks - what could be better?!

Cocktails by the fire upon return in the evening, to talk about what an amazing day it had been - or to quietly reflect on the amazing day on The Mara with the abundant animal sightings.

All the guides were kind, welcoming and knowledgeable. So knowledgeable - and clearly love what they do, which equates to a better experience for their passengers."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Kicheche Bush Camp

Kicheche Bush Camp

"Kicheche Bush Camp review"

4 nights Arrived 28 Oct 2023
"The staff was very warm and welcoming upon arrival. Management often joined us for meals, which I loved having that time to get to know them and visit with them.

The food and beverages were excellent - a variety of choices and excellent food. They made it a point to accommodate any special requests there may have been. Abraham prides himself on his Masai Tea - as he should! Do try it! Many choices available for cocktails and tea time as well.

Tents were comfortable and had all the amenities needed. A bit more rustic than the first camp in Mara North, but still very comfortable.

The last night we pulled into camp, we were treated to a tribal greeting and dance. There really aren't words to describe this warm, enveloping experience they shared with us. A few tears of gratitude and awe were shed that evening - being able to be a part of this was beyond my wildest dreams."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
The Emakoko

The Emakoko

"The Emakoko review"

1 night Arrived 1 Nov 2023
"I could have spent another week at this lodge by myself! My room was spectacular (rm #7). The solitude (it was nice to have some space after sharing a tent the 8 days/nights prior), the view, waking up to a light rain and the sounds of nature were spectacular. The staff was friendly and accommodating.

I was lucky enough to share the lift with Anton one afternoon. He mentioned the baby giraffe 'out back', so I was able to meet Melvin, Nala, and their very kind keepers. That experience was one of the most amazing experiences on the trip.

I often just sat in awe in the truck while on the Mara watching the majestic giraffe; meeting Melvin up close was a dream come true; something I will always cherish. Thank you, Anton!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent

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