Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 11,856 ratings
Read 11,856 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Where To Go in Iceland: the Best Sights and Activities Region by Region
Iceland | May 25 - Jun 5, 2017

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Julie D.
Raleigh, NC | Reviewed on Jun 13, 2017

Thank you so much to the KimKim team for putting together such an amazing vacation for us. Everything was customized to exactly what we wanted. An extra special thanks for working with us through our 2-day flight cancellation/travel delay issues!

Halldor was great!

Local specialist: Halldor Bjarkason

Peru Sacred Valley - Urubamba, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo
Peru | May 31 - May 31, 2017

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Charles M.
St Louis, MO | Reviewed on Jun 08, 2017
The service provided was the best I have ever encountered. I highly recommend using the kimkim service in Peru and particularly Mayra and James MacKender. Mayra was terrific to work with. She was very responsive during a very difficult time in Peru. A strike in the Sacred Valley was announced for the same time I had booked a tour with kimkim. Mayra showed empathy and concern and worked with me to plan alternate contingencies and to keep me updated on the latest news. I heard from her... Read more

The service provided was the best I have ever encountered. I highly recommend using the kimkim service in Peru and particularly Mayra and James MacKender.

Mayra was terrific to work with. She was very responsive during a very difficult time in Peru. A strike in the Sacred Valley was announced for the same time I had booked a tour with kimkim. Mayra showed empathy and concern and worked with me to plan alternate contingencies and to keep me updated on the latest news. I heard from her from late at night to early in the morning. She stayed with me as things changed and I felt like she really cared about me and my trip. She made it happen, and our tour was completed and we arrived at Machu Picchu on time. She followed up afterward to make sure everything was okay.

Local specialist: Mayra Callo
Mayra
Mayra Callo
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on Jun 14, 2017

Thanks, Charles, was a pleasure to have you with us. Glad we finally got the trip together that you wanted all along! Hope to see you back in Peru soon, best Mayra & James

Express Norway
Norway | May 25 - May 31, 2017

Stuart
Stuart N.
Australia | Reviewed on Jun 08, 2017

The Norway Trip that we just experienced was with out doubt one of the best experiences that gave us a taste of everything on a short agenda.

Linda followed me up on every detail and I couldn't be happier with her service.

Local specialist: Linda Veråsdal
Linda
Linda Veråsdal
Local specialist in Norway | Replied on Jul 05, 2017

Hi Stuart, thank you for your feedback. I am very happy to read that you were satisfied with your trip and value it as one of the best experiences! It was a pleasure organizing it for you, and hope to see you back again one day.

Nepal 2017
Nepal | May 15 - May 22, 2017

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Joseph G.
Switzerland | Reviewed on Jun 05, 2017
Our trip to the mountains of Nepal was great. It was well organized by Ngima, who was very responsive to the demands of the schedules of members of our group who were all coming and going from different parts of the world. He worked out a trip that made sense, mostly, and it was well organized, everything was thought out in advance and worked out, nearly, perfectly. The only reason the trip was not perfect was that the weather interfered since we started with a flight to Lukla that was... Read more

Our trip to the mountains of Nepal was great. It was well organized by Ngima, who was very responsive to the demands of the schedules of members of our group who were all coming and going from different parts of the world. He worked out a trip that made sense, mostly, and it was well organized, everything was thought out in advance and worked out, nearly, perfectly.

The only reason the trip was not perfect was that the weather interfered since we started with a flight to Lukla that was weather-dependent, so we lost 1.5 days from our trek and had to shorten it by a destination. This was not Ngima's fault, of course. But, in hindsight, I'd recommend that if one is on a very short trip like we were, then losing a few days to weather (only because of flying, we can hike in rain) is painful and I'd recommend a destination that does not require such a flight if it is going to be vulnerable due to weather.

Local specialist: Ngima Dorji Sherpa
Ngima
Ngima Dorji Sherpa
Local specialist in Kathmandu | Replied on May 24, 2018

Thank you very much Joseph for taking your time in sharing your wonderful trek experience. We are glad that you enjoyed your trip but yes weather was a bit challenging.

We heartily thank you for appreciating our services and we hope to serve you again in near future for your next trip in Nepal.

Best wishes,

Ngima.

Fimmvörðuháls Hike - The Ultimate Guide to one of Iceland's Best Day Hikes
Iceland | May 27 - May 31, 2017

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Linda V.
| Reviewed on Jun 04, 2017

Great facilities. Friendly staff. Flexible about moving us from a rainy day to a sunny one. right. She is delightful and informative.

Our guide Becca was wonderful. She tailored the trip to us just

Local specialist: Midgard Adventure Team

Unique Ways to Explore Iceland in 6 days
Iceland | May 27 - Jun 2, 2017

William
William H.
Breinigsville, PA | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2017

I was very pleased with the work done by kimkim.

My family and I really made it challenging for Chris to arrange our plans: We were located in 3 different cities all giving different feedback. Chris did an excellent job coordinating and adjusting to our {changing} needs.

Local specialist: Chris McCarty
Chris
Chris McCarty
Local specialist in Berkeley, CA | Replied on Jun 20, 2017

Hi William, I'm very glad that you and your family had a nice time in Iceland, even despite some unforeseen obstacles. We're always up for the challenge to help design the perfect trip, and we hope to see you again soon wherever your next travels may take you.

3 days, 2 nights for Petra/Wadi rum
Jordan | May 30 - Jun 1, 2017

Max
Max T.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2017
The trip was more than we could have expected. We had great hotels, amazing drivers and the team did everything to make it easy for us at the border. Platform-wise, I would have liked to select my currency while planning the trip or to have it more obvious than prices were in USD. We are Canadians and used to platforms automatically converting to CAD using cookies. The exchange rate was, therefore, a very bad surprise. Also, a module for the agent to provide local contact details we could... Read more

The trip was more than we could have expected. We had great hotels, amazing drivers and the team did everything to make it easy for us at the border.

Platform-wise, I would have liked to select my currency while planning the trip or to have it more obvious than prices were in USD. We are Canadians and used to platforms automatically converting to CAD using cookies. The exchange rate was, therefore, a very bad surprise.

Also, a module for the agent to provide local contact details we could have downloaded directly would be great (or kimkim app to save them) and the possibility to download the conversations locally for when we do not have wifi once on the trip.

Otherwise, the platform and concept were really good. Already recommended it in a few Montreal newspaper/tv. Good job guys!

Carina was great, always accessible and made all necessary adjustments before our arrival. Amazing job!

Local specialist: Carina Sunna
Carina
Carina Sunna
Local specialist in Amman Jordan | Replied on Jun 13, 2017

Dear Max,

Thank you very much for such a wonderful appreciation towards our services for your trip during your visit in Jordan. we hope to serve you again for your next visit in near future. I will make sure to inform the KimKim team about your notice thank you so much.
Kindest regards,
Carina.

Iceland Trip
Iceland | May 28 - May 30, 2017

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Sara K.
Louisville, KY | Reviewed on Jun 02, 2017
Everything was good and we had a wonderful time on our trip. I do feel like a few things could be improved. Kimkim was not proactive in providing itineraries or details. Everything was booked but I didn't receive confirmation number or vouchers with the tour agency. When I asked about this I was assured that everything was all set and I didn't need any confirmation number or voucher. While everything turned out to be fine I would have felt more comfortable with some sort of voucher. Also,... Read more

Everything was good and we had a wonderful time on our trip. I do feel like a few things could be improved. Kimkim was not proactive in providing itineraries or details. Everything was booked but I didn't receive confirmation number or vouchers with the tour agency. When I asked about this I was assured that everything was all set and I didn't need any confirmation number or voucher.

While everything turned out to be fine I would have felt more comfortable with some sort of voucher. Also, the receipts for payment are not itemized. That would also be appreciated. We did have a couple minor hiccups. Our guide had a hard time locating our snorkel group and the snorkel group had us booked for the next day. It was all worked out and we got to snorkel but there were about 45 minutes of confusion.

On our second day of touring, we had been told that lunch was included. It was not. We had not brought along any food. Luckily our guide shared his extra food with us and all was fine. But had he not we would have gone very hungry as this was an all day tour.

But not to focus on the negatives! We had wonderful and personal experiences with guides who customized our trips. They were all friendly and full of information. We had three days of very rainy weather and they all helped us enjoy ourselves despite that. Booking with kimkim was convenient with the chat function and spread out payment. I would use the service again.

Local specialist: Midgard Adventure Team

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - 5 days
Peru | May 21 - May 25, 2017

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Kimberlee C.
Australia | Reviewed on May 30, 2017
Nicole was excellent at organizing our trip. It was great to talk to a real person on the ground in Peru when I was booking from Australia. At first, our trip seemed expensive but now in hind sight considering everything it included and in comparison to other travelers we met along the way our trip was excellent value for money. Every aspect of our trip was organized we didn't have to worry about a thing. Our guide Josias was absolutely fantastic and really made the trip special. He spoke... Read more

Nicole was excellent at organizing our trip. It was great to talk to a real person on the ground in Peru when I was booking from Australia. At first, our trip seemed expensive but now in hind sight considering everything it included and in comparison to other travelers we met along the way our trip was excellent value for money. Every aspect of our trip was organized we didn't have to worry about a thing. Our guide Josias was absolutely fantastic and really made the trip special. He spoke fluent English and helped us translate along the way and told us fantastic history and facts about the region. The food and accommodation were excellent. After a hard day walking it was great to come home to a real warm bed. I am a coeliac and catering along the way was fantastic! We couldn't have had a better trip. We are so happy we chose to book with KimKim.

Nicole looked after all of our needs. She was very patient and always helpful. She helped us booked our salkantay trek and gave me information about other trips and options available.

Local specialist: Nicole and Bill Koch
Nicole and Bill
Nicole and Bill Koch
Local specialist in Cusco, Peru | Replied on Dec 21, 2017

Thanks so much Kim! We loved getting to know you guys. I am so glad you liked it. We love creating amazing memories for people. Keep in touch and take care.
Bill and Nicole

The Real Colombia - 9-day Cultural Adventure
Colombia | May 12 - May 22, 2017

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Catherine L.
Littleton, CO | Reviewed on May 30, 2017

Nathalie was awesome and she gave us everything we asked for and the price was perfect!!! We had an awesome time and a lot of that was KimKim making all our arrangements!! It is so nice to get off a plane tired and just see s sign with your name on it!!! Love it!! And even my friends said we will use KimKim again for future travels!! Thank you so much for a great trip!!!

Local specialist: Nathalie Clavel
Nathalie
Nathalie Clavel
Local specialist in Colombia | Replied on Jun 23, 2017

Hello Catherine,

Thank you for your comments!
Best wishes and more wonderful trips to come for the three of you!

Nathalie

Explore Iceland
Iceland | May 19 - May 27, 2017

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Amol L.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on May 29, 2017
Chris had very good suggestions and advice during the planning stages of the trip. His experience was very valuable in customizing the trip. Everything went on smoothly. We had no trouble finding accommodations. The places were comfortable and as cheap as one could get in Iceland. The places were also located strategically such that we could get to the attractions reasonably quickly and before it got completely mobbed. Chris also provided detailed recommendations for each day for... Read more

Chris had very good suggestions and advice during the planning stages of the trip. His experience was very valuable in customizing the trip. Everything went on smoothly. We had no trouble finding accommodations. The places were comfortable and as cheap as one could get in Iceland. The places were also located strategically such that we could get to the attractions reasonably quickly and before it got completely mobbed.

Chris also provided detailed recommendations for each day for places to see, hikes to take, and also restaurants. We fully followed those recommendations and were rewarded. remember that in Iceland, every attraction is not marked 20 miles ahead. Therefore, it is easy to miss some. Having a local expert is priceless.

Overall, booking with kimkim was an excellent decision.

Local specialist: Chris McCarty
Chris
Chris McCarty
Local specialist in Berkeley, CA | Replied on Jun 20, 2017

Hi Amol, thank you for your review and your photos (they look great!). I'm glad that you had a smooth trip and enjoyed the places we recommended. Hope to see you again soon!

-Chris

Ecuador with Brayden
Ecuador | May 16 - May 27, 2017

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Brandt R.
| Reviewed on May 29, 2017

KimKim did a great job customizing the trip for my son and I. I couldn't have put a trip like this together myself. It was more than I was promised and I highly recommend their services. Thanks again

Gabor did a great job coordinating all aspects of this trip!

Local specialist: Gabor Csizmadia
Gabor
Gabor Csizmadia
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on May 29, 2017

Dear Brandt,

first of all, thank you very much for your feedback!

We are very happy to hear that you had such a great time in Ecuador and hope to be able to help you again in the future whether you would like to return or plan a trip to Bolivia, Chile or Peru.

Until then, best wishes from Quito!
Gabor

Iceland 101
Iceland | May 13 - May 18, 2017

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j b.
Washington, DC | Reviewed on May 22, 2017

The north and east was great, the south was so-so. Some of the hotels were passable. The food was good but outrageously expensive.

Chris was very responsive to the wide range of questions. Response time varied a lot depending on his schedule or travel

Local specialist: Chris McCarty

northern vietnam
Vietnam | May 10 - May 17, 2017

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melanie j.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on May 22, 2017
Really impressive timely response and really appreciated the flexibility to make changes to accommodate different dates. Having now visited Vietnam our only comment would be that it would perhaps have been good to get more and wider suggestions to choose from to tailor the trip e.g. a cooking experience or an interesting stop on the car journey from Sapa to Hanoi. it did feel a bit as if we were on the 'standard' tourist circuit that could have been booked fairly easily locally - although the... Read more

Really impressive timely response and really appreciated the flexibility to make changes to accommodate different dates. Having now visited Vietnam our only comment would be that it would perhaps have been good to get more and wider suggestions to choose from to tailor the trip e.g. a cooking experience or an interesting stop on the car journey from Sapa to Hanoi. it did feel a bit as if we were on the 'standard' tourist circuit that could have been booked fairly easily locally - although the service level we got from having booked with you ( guide, driver) was excellent

The guide Ngoc was really excellent. very knowledgeable, helpful, punctual and happy to move things around ( e.g lunch booking when we opted to leave Sapa early because of the rain) . A great guy we'd be happy to recommend to friends.

Local specialist: Andy Carroll

AA-Bahir Dar-Gondar-Simien Trek-Lalibela-Trek-AA
Ethiopia | May 5 - May 15, 2017

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Jeff D.
Bellefonte, PA | Reviewed on May 18, 2017
The trip allowed us to visit many exceptional sites accompanied by professionals, exploring and learning as we went. We especially appreciated the attention to our interests and the design of a trip that met our needs. Highlights were too many to mention but included - great visits to the Blue Nile, the Simien Mountains with opportunities to visit with the Gelada, Lalibela, and Addis. The guides were consistently pleasant, knowledgeable, and helpful. Marco has a great understanding of the... Read more

The trip allowed us to visit many exceptional sites accompanied by professionals, exploring and learning as we went. We especially appreciated the attention to our interests and the design of a trip that met our needs. Highlights were too many to mention but included - great visits to the Blue Nile, the Simien Mountains with opportunities to visit with the Gelada, Lalibela, and Addis. The guides were consistently pleasant, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Marco has a great understanding of the country and opportunities to both see and experience it and an excellent ability to recruit team members across Ethiopia to support the trip.

Local specialist: Marco Degasper
Marco
Marco Degasper
Local specialist in Addis Ababa | Replied on Aug 02, 2017

Thanks a lot Jeff!
I hope to have you back in Ethiopia soon...

AA-Bahir Dar-Gondar-Simien Trek-Lalibela-Trek-AA
Ethiopia | May 5 - May 15, 2017

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Janet S.
Bellefonte, PA | Reviewed on May 17, 2017

Really enjoyed our trip and our experience with the guides was fantastic. The whole experience went smoothly and SimienEcoTours and their guides are a large reason for our ability to immerse ourselves into the Ethiopian natural and cultural environment.

Marco was very responsive before the trip, kept track of our experience to make sure all was well along the way, and served as a local guide in Addis as well.

Local specialist: Marco Degasper
Marco
Marco Degasper
Local specialist in Addis Ababa | Replied on Aug 02, 2017

I'm glad to hear that you and Jeff have been fully satisfied with our services.
All the best for the future, Marco

Upper Mustang Trek
Nepal | Apr 28 - May 15, 2017

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Thomas P.
Denmark | Reviewed on May 17, 2017
This was a very expensive trip and several things could have been done better. I had payed for a full package but even then had substantial expenses towards drinking water 1-7 USD per liter depending on where on the trek, battery charging 4-6 USD per battery, hot shower 8-9 USD, WIFI 7 USD per day. These extra expenses are very particular to the area. I have never before experienced having to pay for all these things and. I am surprised that no-one has thought of informing of these extra... Read more

This was a very expensive trip and several things could have been done better. I had payed for a full package but even then had substantial expenses towards drinking water 1-7 USD per liter depending on where on the trek, battery charging 4-6 USD per battery, hot shower 8-9 USD, WIFI 7 USD per day. These extra expenses are very particular to the area. I have never before experienced having to pay for all these things and. I am surprised that no-one has thought of informing of these extra costs.

Meals were provided but I was always only allowed to order 1 item per meal. This was really not enough when trekking for long hours every day.

Also tipping of guide and porter was a substantial extra expense - 250 USD shared among them. As a lone traveller this has been an extremely costly affair. The guide and porter I was happy with though.

I was overall very pleased with Ngima but I would have appreciated the information I have mentioned previously.

Local specialist: Ngima Dorji Sherpa
Ngima
Ngima Dorji Sherpa
Local specialist in Kathmandu | Replied on May 17, 2017
Hi Thomas, I am so sorry that there came a huge lot of misunderstanding although we tried to be much clear in informing all the aspects to you. Apologies for my late reply as I was waiting for your trek guide to come in contact with me since he was in the mountains for trek. I guess you did not refer to the cost include and exclude part described in the program itinerary sent to you in the link : https://www.kimkim.com/tp/m2MLa7bk If you see, the program states below mentioned include and... Read more

Hi Thomas,

I am so sorry that there came a huge lot of misunderstanding although we tried to be much clear in informing all the aspects to you. Apologies for my late reply as I was waiting for your trek guide to come in contact with me since he was in the mountains for trek.

I guess you did not refer to the cost include and exclude part described in the program itinerary sent to you in the link : https://www.kimkim.com/tp/m2MLa7bk

If you see, the program states below mentioned include and exclude parts :

Price includes
- 13 days lodge trek on full board twin sharing basis. (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/ coffee )
- Domestic airport pick up and drop in private vehicle.
- Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu Airfares* and domestic airport tax
- Trek permit fees and NP fees.
- English speaking local expert guide and porter on the trek.
- Equipments, clothing, salary and insurance for staffs.
- Trek guide's airfare* and kitbags
- All government taxes

Price excludes
- Accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Soft Drinks and Alcoholic bevarages like Coke, Beer, etc.
- Entrance fees for monasteries and museum
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Personal natured expenses like phone, laundry, gratitude, etc.
- Your personal trekking gears and equipments.
- Hot shower and hot drinking water during trek.
- Your insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Any items not mentioned in "Service included section"

* Note : Airfares are subject to change without prior notice.

Regarding your comment on drinking water, hot shower, wifi and battery charging cost, please refer to the 5th and 7th points on "price excludes" section which clearly defines that hot shower and drinking water is not included in the given cost. Also your personal expenses like wifi and battery charging related to phone are also not included in the given cost. I hope you realize that we had informed everything in advance before you book your trip.

Regarding meals, I had a long meeting with your trek guide Mr. Mingma Gyaljen Sherpa regarding this issue and he informed me the exact scenario on what actually happened. I hope you are well known about the fact that breakfast, lunch and dinner are given one time each per day and is also mentioned in the cost include section. Tea/ coffee is provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner (which comes out to be 3 tea/coffee per day) but I suppose you were served tea/ coffee more than 3 times a day. Your trek price was also budgeted based on 1 time breakfast, lunch and dinner per day. Any extra expenses besides these three meals should be born by trekkers themselves which is obvious. The guide informed me that he had informed everything regarding your meal plan on trek briefing after you reach Lukla.

And lastly about tipping, gratitude is also mentioned in cost excluded section. Tipping is a private matter and decision based on your level of satisfaction. The tip of $250 shows that you are very very happy with the trek and services of our staffs and our company.

I hope my above clarification is now able to erase all your confusion and assure you that you were in the safe hands during your visit in Nepal. I appreciate your honesty in placing forth your feelings and experience without any exaggeration besides the confused points.

Thank you for travelling with us.

Best wishes,

Ngima.

Iceland trip
Iceland | May 9 - May 14, 2017

Mitchell
Mitchell H.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on May 15, 2017

Small hiccup that was weather related. Could have been more responsive during the planning period. Itinerary was outstanding and the way that it was adjusted when the weather threw a monkey wrench was great. Otherwise, we loved it.

Timing of responses could have been better. When I started directly emailing him and calling while in Iceland, communication was much better

Local specialist: Halldor Bjarkason

Ethiopia
Ethiopia | May 8 - May 13, 2017

Jonny
Jonny P.
Canada | Reviewed on May 15, 2017

Really loved using kimkim. Made everything really simple and convenient. All aspects of the trip were great. The highlights of the trip were the guides - both Bekele and Tadele were awesome to hang out with. I liked pulling over to talk to random people on the street and going on spontaneous adventures. It felt like a bunch of friends hanging out rather than a guided tour.

Local specialist: Marco Degasper
Marco
Marco Degasper
Local specialist in Addis Ababa | Replied on May 17, 2017

Hi Jonny and Rio,
it's great to hear that you fully enjoyed the tour. Don't forget to promote Ethiopia abroad...
Best for you and Rio,
Marco, Tadele and Bekele

Colombian Adventure from Summit to River (9 days or 12 days)
Colombia | May 1 - May 13, 2017

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Ralph A.
Canada | Reviewed on May 15, 2017

Suggest that the trip summary include the start times of tours.

Nathalie was great

Local specialist: Nathalie Clavel
Nathalie
Nathalie Clavel
Local specialist in Colombia | Replied on May 17, 2017

Thank you Ralph, I hope to see you again in Colombia in the future!
Best regards,