Kenya Travel Agents

It is going to be hard to fit all of the great times we had in this review. Stephan was amazing in helping plan. Meeting him was a great time and I am glad we got to. Truly Swahili and Stephan did an absolutely perfect job. I so appreciate them.

The trip started with us getting picked up at the hotel by John (our driver, guide and now friend). He was absolutely the best guide I have had on any trip. He knew everything (but we will get into that). I found out that he really enjoys peanut butter cups as we found out with the candy we brought for the trip.

We started in Amboseli National Park and stayed at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, This was my favorite place we stayed during our trip. The animals and accommodations were great but the people were incredible. We felt so at home there. We met Roger, a security guard, who talked about saving these places for future generations. We met Gerald who was a self taught guitar player and singer and Vincent who helped us during our meals in the dinning room. He was awesome and so friendly. The entire staff was really wonderful. We also saw so many animals but I wont list them all here :)

Next, John drove us to Giraffe Manor....this place lives up to its reputation. From the moment you pull up you will be treated like family. The food and drinks are amazing. Cynthia took care of us for meals and she was also great! Walter the bartender was a great guy and made amazing drinks while have some really good conversation. The place is expensive but if you are traveling all the way there and can stay a night (2 would be perfect) you should. It was a magical lifetime experience and worth the money if you can afford it.

Next, John drove us to the Ark which was absolutely my friend Cindy's greatest place to stay. If you are in love with elephants this is the most amazing place. They have an elephant blind and you are able to watch them from ground level as they interact. The sounds they make.....so cool. She was in heaven. Julia helped us with meals and drinks here and she was so cool. She would find me downstairs to make sure I didn't need anything. She really was great. We also met David who worked there and went and got eggs to get the serval cat to come up the stairs. If you have never seen one of these they are very cool. Cindy loved it and it was kind of him to do. Also, on safari here you will see elephants on road and other animals. The Ark is a great place for what it is. It is not the most fancy place but the food and service were very good and the animal viewing from so many places in the hotel make it amazing. There are so many levels of viewing.

Next, John took us to Samburu Sopa Lodge. We saw so many animals and birds here. John knew the name of every bird. We are the type of people to stop and see everything (even a turtle and small birds). John was loving it and at one point I asked him if he was making these bird names up. He actually had a book that him and Cindy would look together at and start to mark down what we saw. We saw a cheetah as well which was very cool. The entire staff was friendly and great place to stay. We were gone a lot of the time there but the place was really a great place to stay

Next we went to Sweetwaters Serena Camp. This was a great place. David was our dinning person and he was great. he has such a great smile that you couldn't help but smile when you saw him. We again saw all kinds of incredible animals but the people here made the trip. The entire staff here really went the extra mile for each guest. The chef came out and was serving as we went. He was proud of the food and we enjoyed talking to him. We also had the end tent so we got to really enjoy the animals and the quiet at the end of the property. bush bucks were out there and we could watch animals just walk past the property. We also got to visit the Ol Pejeta. This place is home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos (Najin and Fatu). This was a highlight of the trip. You can get up close and really learn about the efforts going on at this conservation place.

Finally in Kenya we stayed at Sarova Mara Game Camp. We visited the Maasai village and we were the only 2 there. We got to interact on a wonderful level visiting houses, talking to all the folks, purchasing items from them and just learning about their way of life. It was really a great couple hours. I got to dance with them and appreciated that (for an old guy I can jump pretty high) LOL. Everyone is aware of the animals in Maasai Mara so I won't spend a ton of time on that but we did see a Leopard that left a kill in a tree and lions stalking prey. When we saw the lions we were practically alone. It was amazing. Buffalo, Crocodile, Hippos, etc...We visited the border with Tanzania as well. We had lunch under a tree in the park with John and talked about his mom, wife and son. Just an amazing experience. The hotel was wonderful and friendly and the staff went out of the way to make you feel welcomed. This is the place to come if you want to see animals in layers like you always dream it will be. Also, we got to see the black rocks and the black rock boys...you can view it on Youtube.

Next we had to say goodbye to John. This was a bitter sweet moment as I knew we would be friends for a long time. I cannot tell you how much he enhanced our trip. We laughed so much over so many things. We ate ice cream, I paid to much for sodas and we just had the best time. I cannot thank him enough for the time he spent with us. I know he missed his son but we truly enjoyed the time with him. Now on to Uganda

In Uganda we stayed at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge. This is probably the most complete place I have ever stayed. The view, the staff, the food, the environment were incredible. The road getting there is long and rough but it is absolutely worth it. The next morning we hiked in to see the mountain gorillas. They were amazing. Truly incredible. James our porter was so good and attentive. We learned a lot about his family and living in Uganda and I appreciate his openness. The gorilla experience itself really leaves you speechless. They are such powerful, gentle and wonderful creatures. The silverback is huge. He is not like you see in the zoo.

We also went on a canoe ride and got to visit the Rwanda border both of which were great. We did spend a lot of down time at the lodge. It was that good. the view, food and just place is somewhere only in your dreams. Amos was our room attendant and he did a great job and really was fabulous for anything we could have needed. Isaac was our dinning person and he was absolutely perfect as well. We missed him on the day we left so I hope everything is ok but it was great to get to know him. Isaac gave us Gorilla key chains with our names and I thought that was very nice. The first day here we were the only people in the lodge (we went during slow time and there are not many rooms). I made good friends with Beno and Edward at the bar. i sat in the beautiful bar area and had a few beers and just learned about their culture and country. It was perfect. The entire time it was never crowded. Cindy got massages and I relaxed. The place is truly incredible. Thanks to Rogers the manager as well. He runs a great place and it is truly one of a kind.

To sum this trip up I would say...you guessed it INCREDIBLE truly Swahili did an absolute wonderful job. When I take these trips I want to be able to learn about local culture and immerse myself in their lives as much as possible. This was the trip of a lifetime and every person at every stop had a role to play. I have been to 37 countries and this is probably the most incredible trip I have taken.....thank you to everyone. Ed and Cindy

This was our second trip with Kim Kim. We are equally pleased with the outcome. Great service while planning with Joseph and great execution from our driver/guide Michael on the trip. Highly recommended!

This was the trip of a lifetime. I would recommend anyone to book using Nariku Travel Experiences and Joseph could not have been more accommodating or helpful. He put thoughtful intention into every detail and made every request of ours come true, making our ability to be present each moment of our trip. We stayed in some incredible places - I couldn't recommend them enough. Attentive staff, lovely accommodations, wonderful food, and thrilling sights. I especially enjoyed Naivasha Sopa Resort where zebras and giraffes were right outside my door. The Neptune Palm Beach Boutique Resort & Spa was another favorite of mine in Diani, and then the cultural enrichment of spending time in Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp was one of the most special experiences. Joseph found another winner in Maasai Mara at the Mara Kimana Luxury Camp. There is not anything we could change except go back and do it all over again. Thank you to Joseph and team for a most incredible and unforgettable time in Kenya.

This is my 4th trip with Kim Kim and have loved everyone of them. I thought Truly Swahili to be fantastic. All their drivers and guide were outstanding. Duncan our driver in Amboseli was incredible and went out of his way to give us an amazing experience in Kenya. Anthony had a tough act to follow because Duncan was so amazing but he held his own.
In Tanzania, Kaka and Simba went out of their way to make sure we completed the 5 and made us laugh tons. The professionalism and customer care of the truly Swahili team showed all the way to the end when Irenemical came to say hello and good buy on our last day.
Highly recommend the whole team from planners to guides and driver!!

Hotel Reviews

Villa Rosa Kempinski

Nairobi, Kenya

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Elephant Gorge Camp

Nairobi

Loved the elephant gorge… the location of the property is incredible. True immersion. The place, the team, everything!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Loved being in a conservancy. The grounds are beautiful

Staff

Super helpful and attentive

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Nice to be on the tend and all but felt more like a more commercial property than some of the boutique places that we were at. Still nice but not as great as elephant gorge which was the highlight property of our trip

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp

Arusha P.O. Box 14529, Arusha. Tanzania.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Lo

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp

Arusha

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Safari Experience at Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Evening Game Drive at the Maasai Mara

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Safari at the Maasai Mara

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Evening Game Drive

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Safari Experience at Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Duncan was simply wondrrful. Great driver!

Transport

Full Day Safari Experience at Serengeti National Park

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Maasai Culture and Heritage Tour

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Safari Experience at Ngorongoro

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

When we began to look for a safari, and there are many companies, we were fortunate to communicate with Joseph at Kim Kim. I had never heard of them but boy did they please us with a terrific safari. First they customized the trip based on what we wanted not a set plan. Second we had George Ke (ask for him) as our diver and host. That's right. We paid less than we did for a 4 day shorter trip 2 years ago and had a private driver. He is wonderful. Beauty of Kim Kim is that no matter what or how many questions I had Joseph always responded positively and helped us get the most. If you see something you like give Kim Kim a chance to bid and design a plan and you will pay less and get so much more. Our tirp was 14 days long ( short), we visited 7 Game parks ( no fences just reserved lands that animals could wander in) and saw 54 different species of animals of course including the big 5 plus so many more. George our guide has amazing et=yes to see then when we never would. By having a private driver you could stay longer at the filed where we found 30 (thirty) giraffes or move quicker if we didn't find what we wanted. We saw dozens of lions and Rhino. A few Cheetahs and Leopards; Hundreds of Zebra, Wildebeest, elephants ... the list keeps on going. We were 10 to 50' from all of the animals. They will provide an experience you will talk about to your friends for the rest of your life. Check them all out but if you give Kim Kim a try you will be so happy. One of our must do's is to go on safari in September/ October in the dry season. The animals must find water daily so they move around. Be sure and do a night drive to see animals that don't come out until after dark. What ever you do GO. We have been to 102 countries and the safari beats them all hands down. We can't wait to use Kim Kim for our other trips now. If you want to talk more tell joseph to give you my email address and I will

Hotel Reviews

Fair Acres Boutique Hotel

Karen, Nairobi. P. O Box 1121 – 00208 Nairobi.

One a piece of Paradise in the middle of a huge city. It's like having your own oasis. You will love the setting and the people and it's near the Nairobi game preserve.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sweetwaters Serena Camp

Nanyuki

An amazing facility with tent camps ( just a name as they are very nice with all the facilities you need in your room)that face the animals. Don't come out at night as you may meet one but very safe and tons of animals. Food is fabulous and staff will meet your every need

Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Nairobi

This was quite a surprise and an elegant place to stay. Waking the grounds next to you are Zebras, Water Bucks, giraffes and Hippos come into a protected area at night but fenced off. Food spectacular. The nearest park is Hells Gate reserve and t had limited animals but take the boat for an 45 minute cruise to the island and walk beside a number of animals. Worth the experience. The hotel was special

Sarova Lion Hill Hotel

Nairobi

This was a huge surprise as when we arrived we thought it a very small park. Food and entertainment excellent. We found a mile square filed with 30 giraffe. Lions and cubs, and miles and miles to drive. You will love thsi area

Olive Bush Camp

Your tent cabin is on the Mara River and you feel like you should being on safari. Never met more friendly and accommodating staff and they made the stay special. The Mara is huge so a lot of driving to do but you are rewarded with an incredible number and kinds of animals. Don't miss the Olive

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

When you go on safari this is what you hope your accommodations will be like. We saw 12 different species of animals and all of them, in large quantities, visited the two water ponds right outside the lodge. Every animal species we saw cam to drink during the day. While it sits in the second largest game reserve in the country somehow the animals know it and love to come. 50 elephants, zebras, Cape buffalo and so many other animals came each night to drink and bathe. Food was great and as in every place we went in Kenya the people were incredible

Activity Reviews

Ol Pejeta Conservancy Game Drives

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

worth a couple of days at most but quality place to visit and stay

Lake Nakuru Full Day Game Drives

Nakuru

Nice park, a lot of animals and worth 2 days

Nairobi National Park

Kenya

It is right beside the city but no fences and animals stay at will. Our first stop and we saw 18 different species of animlas including many Rhino. Amazing start to a terrific safari time

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lake Naivasha Hells Gate National Park

Kenya

after all we had seen this was a bust. Very few animals and very small. Not worth the time and distance compared what we had seen on our safaris

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Kenya

Nice concept to save some abandoned elephants but you will be as close on your game drives so not a must for us

Maasai Mara Game Drives & Hot Air Balloon Ride

Masai Mara

Balloon was a great experience. Short trip but over hundreds of animals and the breakfast was to die for

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara

It is sooooooo big you have to drive a lot, over very rough roads to see animals but this is where you will find Cheetahs and leopards

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park

Holy smoke it was like driving into the Sahara desert the roads were so dry and deep with sand. Certainly not worth the 5 mile entrance to find a few animals. Our least favorite stop