Kimkim Trip Reviews

We had an incredible stay in Morocco. From the early planning stages with the Kimkim team and Saïd to our arrival in the airport when we were greeted by our personal driver for the week Soufiane. He was a very kind, friendly, knowledgeable and respectful person who we felt instantly comfortable with. He seemed to know everyone wherever we stopped and had great relationships. Our tour guide in Marrakesh on the first day was very knowledgeable and friendly I can’t remember his name.
During our trip to the desert Soufiane stopped in several locations along the way to May our drive more comfortable. The guys at the Luxury Camp were so nice, the food was very good and their service outstanding. We will never forget this vacation.

Hotel Reviews

Palais Sebban

Marrakech

We loved staying at this Riad. It was wonderful. On our first day we had a really large room with views of the inner courtyard. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner that night with a Belly dancer show and singers. An unexpected experience. Everyone at the Riad was super friendly and kind. Even one of the waiters remembered that my husbands stomach was not feeling so good and offered to make him a special tea. On our return from the desert we stayed here again for one night and stayed in a smaller room above the pool area. This one was not as glamorous but everything worked well.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Well located at a close entry to the Medina

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dar Rihana Dades

Douar Aït Ouffi

Nice place to stay. Was really cold but heat finally kicked in. Breakfast was nice and dinner was also very good.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Run by two brothers. They were very friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds were very firm and heat takes a while to warm up but otherwise a nice stay

Tiziri Luxury Camp

Merzouga

T

Authenticity & Character

Location

Luxury camp located in the middle of the desert. Nice view of sunrise from the sand dunes.

Staff

The guys were very friendly, food was good, music and entertainment at night was very nice.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nice touch with the heated blankets to warm you up in the cold desert nights. Heater also was very helpful and the extra blankets.

Riad Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate

This was our least favorite Riad. The staff were very friendly and kind however the food was not good. This is in the middle of nowhere so there isn’t much to do here it was just an overnight stay on our way back from the desert.

Authenticity & Character

Quality of the food

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

Our guide for the half day tour of Marrakesh was great. He was timely, professional, friendly and very flexible to our needs.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day trip from Marrakech to Amizmiz Valley

Marrakesh

This day trip to the Amizmiz Valley was nice. We hiked for about 3 hours and then had lunch at a Berber home. People were all very humble and kind everywhere we went. Our guide was very nice and the meal at lunch was good!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from Marrakech to Boumalne Dades

Morocco

Soufiane was an excellent driver during the entire trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from Dades to Merzouga via Todra Gorges & Erfoud

Morocco

This is a long day overall. Our driver did his best to make it more manageable by making frequent stops for bathroom, looking points, lunch, coffee etc.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sand-Boarding in Erg Chebbi

Merzouga

We never got to do this. We arrived too late at the luxury camp and were never offered to do this activity.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer from Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Draa Valley

Morocco

Parts of this journey were long and boring. The stops in some of these towns were in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do.

Quality of Experience

Food

The food in the last Riad we stayed at before leaving for Marrakesh was not very good.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A Journey from Ouarzazate to Marrakech

Morocco

Uneventful ride back to Marrakesh. Our driver stopped for us in several looking points and for lunch.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Moroccan Hammam at Les Bains De Marrakech

Marrakesh

I had a reservation for this Hammam however at the last minute our driver took us to a different one without telling us. I felt a little uneasy about this change. It decided to just give it a chance. The Hammam we went to was Les Bains de Alhambra and it turned out to be very good service. I’m still not sure why the change was done when I had clearly requested that one.

Quality of Experience

Great massage and Hammam

Guides, Drivers and Staff

It was nice that our drivers

Transport

Organizing this trip was very easy. Vicky responded quick when we had questions or wanted to adjust the itinerary.
We loved the Great Barrier reef tour and spending New Year's eve in Sydney.
Brisbane has a nice relaxed vibe which we loved, whereas Sydney is energizing and vibrant.

Hotel Reviews

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

Brisbane

Lovely hotel, perfect for family with a nice view. Close to South bank. The room has a cozy feel and a nice, playful layout.

Authenticity & Character

Loads of character and cozy rooms

Location

Close to Southbank

Staff

Very friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room was cleaned daily

Alamanda at Palm Cove by Lancemore

Palm Cove

Big rooms, suitable for family, be aware that there are only stairs going to higher level. You need to carry your own suitcases up. Reception seems not to be always attended. Rooms spacious, but not very cozy.

Authenticity & Character

Rooms are not very cozy. It's like getting an apartment and then it's up to you (reception unattended)

Location

Close to the beach

Staff

Handing over keys but that's it

Cleanliness & Comfort

No daily cleaning or making beds

Activity Reviews

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Brisbane River Cruise

Brisbane

Lovely place to go and see koala's and feed kangaroos.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide on the boat had lots of stories

Transport

We went by boat

Dolphin Feeding Day Cruise to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island

Brisbane

This trip didn't meet our expectations. The snorkeling around the wrecks was nice. But there is not sufficient time on the island to do other activities (like atv, sand tobogganing etc). And then there was no dolphin feeding at all, while that's in the title of this cruise.

Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience (departs Cairns)

Australia

Wow! Definitely worth doing this cruise. Clear waters, loads of activities, also for people who don't want to go snorkeling. Food was okay. We just loved it!! Highlight of our trip!!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Classic Kuranda

Palm Cove

We loved the sky way!!! Very impressive! Wish we had taken the sky way both ways!! Train is fun, but less view.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Premium Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tour

Australia

We were a bit disappointed only seeing 1 crocodile on the Daintree river cruise and we expected to see more about the indigenous people in Cape Tribulation. Be aware this trip involves a lot of traveling by van. We loved the place where we had lunch, very good food and lovely place.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Blue Mountains Full Day - Private Tour

Sydney

Impressive to see the nature reserve and especially if you go on a trail to Wentworth waterfall.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our family had an amazing time in Colombia. The four of us have some different interests, but Margarita was able to tailor the tours such that we all had a great time whilst learning about the country along with its history and culture. Margarita was very patient and attentive to our requests, and always responsive from the planning stage until the end of the trip. All the tour guides (Majo, Luis, Jessica, Sofia, Carolina) and drivers selected for us were very dedicated, passionate, kind, helpful and fun! They all definitely went above and beyond our expectations. A special shout out to Jessica, our guide in Medellin - despite running into a personal challenge, she put her focus to take care of us first and maintained a positive atmosphere. This trip definitely left us with nice memories, and we are deeply impressed by how Colombia has evolved from its troubled past into a thriving, beautiful, and enjoyable country.

We have just returned home from our 2 week trip to Costa Rica and we can't say enough positive things about our experiences as well as the expert planning and support from KimKim and Serendipity Adventures. KimKim and local specialists Serendipity Adventures helped plan, organize, and manage our trip every step of the way- Holden, Nancy, Wilman and Mariano among others, worked diligently to make sure everything ran smoothly to ensure we had the trip of a lifetime.

Holden's expertise and knowledge of his beautiful country was invaluable to us for maximizing everyday of our adventure. He planned out a trip for us that was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, customized an itinerary specially designed for our family of 4 (2 teenage kids) and used our input to curate an experience that we would all enjoy. Everything from the accommodations Holden chose (ecolodge, beach stay, rain forest bungalow and a treehouse) were perfect as well as all the adventure activities planned out for us (kayaking, hiking, hanging bridges, zip lining, chocolate making, waterfall swim etc). Every transfer from one location to the next was taken care of which meant zero headaches and stress from when we arrived in San José to when we left. A bit of unpredicted rainy weather meant a few of our activities were cancelled but Holden and Wilman were on it instantly to alter our day with new plans to ensure we didn't have any wasted time.

Trip Highlights: Tortuguero / Mawamba Lodge. This was our families favourite stop of the trip. So much wildlife to see and our experience kayaking though the rainforest canals (tons of monkeys and caimans) was a trip highlight. Mawamba Lodge was top notch in terms of service and amenities and the whole family really enjoyed rustic bungalow living. We all agreed this is a spot we would love to return to on a future visit to Costa Rica.

Best Food: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The bustling little surf town of Puerto Viejo has great food with a ton of Jamaican influence which made every meal super flavourful with just the right amount of spice. Loved the rice and beans down south!

A must do: chocolate making and waterfall swim outside Bribri with Tirza (of Life Culture & Travel). Our visit with an indigenous family to learn about how they grow and process cacao was super interesting followed by a dip in a beautiful waterfall.....great day that we all enjoyed.

Most unique stay: Treehouse @ Maquenque Ecolodge. It takes a lot to impress teenagers and this was it. Like something out of a dream, our treehouse stay will be talked about for years to come. We never thought we'd be sleeping up in the trees amongst the monkeys (very vocal howlers), our treehouse was incredible and even offered a 2 person jacuzzi....we never wanted to leave!

Best wildlife encounter: a sloth wandering though our resort at Puerto Viejo gave us an up close and personal greeting- beautiful (and very slow moving) creatures.

Best relaxation: The hot springs at Arenal Spring Resort and Spa in Arenal/La Fortuna. This portion of our trip ended up falling at the end of our 2 weeks (we were ready for some slower days) and the hot springs was just what we needed. We also got hit by a few days of heavy rain so again, the hot springs were exactly where we wanted to be. The swim up drinks/ sushi bar was well utilized during our last few days!

If we were to do it all again I don't think there would be anything we would change. We certainly wouldn't hesitate to call of KimKim and Serendipity Adventures to plan a future trip for us and we have been telling everyone back home of our incredibly positive experience. Thank-you so much to everyone involved for making this 2 week Costa Rica trip an experience of a lifetime for our family- it was one we won't forget!

Hotel Reviews

Maquenque Ecolodge

Boca Tapada

The deluxe treehouse suite featuring a 2 person jacuzzi was unbelievable. Super well maintained and solidly build, we never wanted to leave this beautiful treehouse. More than enough space for a family of 4 (2 teenage kids). Don't expect super great sleeps however as the rain and howler monkeys on the metal roofs comes though in stereo at night (which we really didn't mind).

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mawamba Lodge

Tortuguero

Loved our stay at Mawamba Lodge. This was our families favourite stop of the entire trip. So much wildlife to see and our experience kayaking though the rainforest canals (tons of monkeys and caimans) was a trip highlight. Mawamba Lodge was top notch in terms of service and amenities and the whole family really enjoyed rustic bungalow living. The staff were excellent and accommodating with anything we needed during our stay. We all agreed this is a spot we would love to return to on a future visit to Costa Rica.

Authenticity & Character

Beautiful pool and lounge area that was comfortable for afternoon relaxing. Not loud or crowded so a really peaceful spot to spend a lazy afternoon post adventures.

Location

Loved that it was boat in only and set in the middle of the rainforest. Made for a once in a lifetime experience.

Staff

Staff (especially dining staff) were excellent and super attentive.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Great little rustic bungalow that was well maintained.

Activity Reviews

Guided Boat Excursion Through the Tortuguero Canals

Tortuguero

A top experience during our 2 weeks in Costa Rica. We especially loved our guided kayak though these canals where we saw more animals and birds than we could have ever imagined (so many caimans!).

Quality of Experience

super knowledgeable guides

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cahuita National Park: Snorkeling & Rainforest Hike

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Super fun day of snorkelling (even though the visibility was poor) and guided walk though Cahuita National Park. Our guide was great and we got to experience and interact with a ton of monkeys, racoons, and birds. Even saw an eyelash viper

Rainforest Hiking in Boca Tapada

Boca Tapada

So many Toucans!

A fabulous trip to Morocco made possible by Said and his team at Original travels.
The accommodation was of a high standard and we particularly enjoyed the stay at the Riads, Riad Al Rimal in Marrakech and Riad Dar Rihanna Dades. The highlight for us was the camel safari and glamping in the desert and being introduced to the Berber culture. Another bucket list tick was our visit to the charming blue city of Chefchouen. Shout out to our guides, Hanan in Marrakech and Azzdine in Fes for introducing us to their beautiful cities and for their patience in guiding us through the wonderful sights. A huge thank you to our wonderful driver Oussama for our safe and smooth journey across Morocco. He was an exceptional driver and very professional, courteous and attentive to our needs including being flexible with start times. His driving skills, knowledge of the land and local people was exemplary. Oussama is a real asset to the company and I am happy to recommend him for future travellers to Morocco.
Shukran!!!

Hotel Reviews

Riad al Rimal

Marrakech

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right in the heart of the Medina

Staff

Mohammed (Night and Day) were very attentive to all our needs :)

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dar Rihana Dades

Douar Aït Ouffi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The chef whipped up some amazing gourmet food that was delicious and visually appealing as well :)

Cleanliness & Comfort

Orient Desert Camp

Merzouga

Authenticity & Character

Loved the Berber cultural experience

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Palais Medina & Spa

Fès

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very comfy beds and great breakfast buffet

Puerta Azul

Chefchaouen

Charming and quaint hotel painted in shades of blue, walking distance to Medina and the blue streets.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Barceló Casablanca

Casablanca

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Marrakesh Evening Food Tour

Marrakesh

Quality of Experience

Food

Loved the Lamb Tangia

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Hanan was a wonderful guide, introducing us to the variety of foods and drinks.

We’ve traveled to many locations around the world and had many different travel groups set things up. No one even compares to the Kim Kim team and the Serendipity group from Costa Rica. Everything was perfect. Did everything we requested plus added many things that were a real bonus. Accommodations were all well above what we were expecting. I couldn’t give a higher rating to this group 10 for 10. Thanks again Kim Kim for your constant correspondence and professionalism.

Hotel Reviews

La Mariposa Hotel

Manuel Antonio

Incredible hotel room overlooking the ocean 180° view all glass windows, beautiful pool credible restaurant. Truly a five star setting.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Mountain Paradise

Fortuna

Had our own separate conceited with two full bedrooms and our own pool. Also a beautiful view of the volcano. Excellent hotel five star.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Private location just outside of town.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Koora Hotel

Monteverde

Incredible room, large two full bedrooms separate unit close to the pool spa. Very secluded beautiful five star.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The staff here couldn’t have been more helpful. And their system to communicate by WhatsApp was very easy to use. Marco, the manager was very helpful as well as Raquel

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Day at Selvatura including Hanging Bridges and Fauna Exhibitions

Costa Rica

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal ATV Adventure

Arenal/La Fortuna

Great terrain from large mud holes through the rivers and also seen sloths and monkeys. Great guides. Very modern machines.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float

Arenal/La Fortuna

Very calm and peaceful float. Saw a crocodile bats monkeys. The guide was very informative and helpful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike

Costa Rica

Very knowledgeable guide with a great personality. Did a wonderful job.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Arenal/La Fortuna

We are senior citizens and enjoyed this tremendously. It was supposed to be a 2/3 class ended up a class 3/4 but Carlos was incredible and was very helpful.. Carlos was the best river guide we’ve ever had around the world

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Experience (English Tour)

Monteverde

Learned a lot about coffee and chocolate. Very enjoyable tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunset Sailing Cruise on the Brisa Elegante

Manuel Antonio

Wow, what a great experience to go out off the coast and such a beautiful boat. Crew was super helpful and enjoyable, friendly.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

It was our first time traveling to Asia, and my husband, 14 year old daughter and I couldn't have had a better time. I cannot overstate how amazing our trip was and it was all because of Kimkim!
Before our trip, our planner, Lacey, made it easy. It was like choose your own adventure where every option was the best!
All of our local guides were friendly and helpful, and always on time. The hotels, the flights, the meals and tours were all wonderful! We had 12 days in Thailand - 4 in Phuket, 4 in Chiang Mai, and 2 in Bangkok (plus travel days). We went on two boat tours, saw islands, kayaked and snorkeled, spent a day with elephants, hiked to a waterfall, white water rafted (with elephants in the river!), toured the floating market, the railway market, night markets, tuktuks, and more. Any question I had was answered promptly by Lacey or a local guide. Absolutely wonderful!!

The local specialist Ravi was amazing. They accommodated every need. They were responsive and planned a vacation that was a once and a lifetime experience. The drivers were amazing. Sheriff in particular was able to give us amazing information and history about each location we were visiting. I don't see how it could have been better.

Hotel Reviews

The Oberoi New Delhi

New Delhi

This hotel needs a few extra stars. The restaurant, the modern facilities, the staff. All amazing

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

I don't think they are allowed to say no to any request. They make everything seem simple and easy. Brilliant service

Cleanliness & Comfort

All of it. Bathroom, bed, facilities...

Taj Malabar Resorts and Spa

Authenticity & Character

Location

The view...

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Oberoi Amarvilas

Agra

It's just special in every way. The pictures don't do it justice, that's how beautiful it is.

Authenticity & Character

Location

You can see the taj mahal from your room, not much else needs to be said

Staff

Just like all Oberai's, they won't say no to any request. Brilliant service

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fragrant Nature Munnar

Munnar

View is amazing. Facilities were fantastic. Staff was great, but the hotel had some strange policies. Getting a second card key was much more difficult than it should have been and there was a lot of reluctance to get a key.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Best View

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Spice Village

Everything was amazing. From the Villas to the restaurants. And the space for children just to play. Staff was amazing.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Experience a different world at Elephant Junction in Thekkady

India

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Enjoy the views of sunset in a Cruise at Cochin sea - A unique family retreat!

Cochin

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kumbalangi Village Walk and Fort Kochi Sightseeing

Cochin

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Heritage Walk through Lodhi Garden

Delhi

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the marvelous and historic monument : Agra Fort

Agra

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A cultural evening of Kalaripayattu (Martial Arts) show

India

Kids will especially love it

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

New Year's Gala Dinner at your Hotel!

Cochin

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Hike to Sevenmalai Hills - Tea Museum Tour

Munnar

The video part of the tea museum can be skipped...rest was amazing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Cruise Aboard Houseboat with lunch

India

Good break to just relax...

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Periyar - Half Day Jungle Walk and Boat ride

India

Jungle walk was great, boat ride I personally wasn't a fan of

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Evening is free to relax at the hotel.

Agra

It's an amazing hotel. One of the best in the world and definitely cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kumarakom: Sustainable Walk

Kumarakom

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Taj Mahal Sunrise Visit

Agra

It's the Taj Mahal...

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Munnar Sightseeing

Munnar

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My trip was amazing! I gave Moonika a list of activities that I wanted to do and she made it happen! There were a few changes from my original itinerary because of my flight changes and some changes with tour companies. I did not realize how touristy the area was, nor did I know about the multiple companies who offered the tours. She selected amazing tour companies and I was not disappointed. However, I had a free evening and booked something on my own the last minute and that particular tour was the only night I saw the Aurora. It was not for lack of trying on Moonika’s part, she selected excellent tours providing the opportunity, it just never came. I highly recommend Moonika and KimKim travel. If I ever have the opportunity to travel to Finland again, I would definitely seek their expertise, I will also review some of the other counties they offer.

Hotel Reviews

Overnight Train

The accommodations were perfect to get me to Lapland and make the most of my time there.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Arctic City Hotel

Rovaniemi

It was a nice boutique hotel in the city center, within walking distance of all of my activities. They even took my clothes for donation.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos

Rovaniemi

This was my bucket list item. I did not see the Northern Lights in the night that I stayed, but it was not for lack of a beautiful view. I saw a beautiful sunset and sunrise, though. It also has heated floors, and adjustable bed to watch the show (if it appears), and an Aurora alarm

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

GLO Hotel Art

Helsinki

This was a cute boutique hotel near the center of Helsinki. I did a city walking tour from here and afterwards found my way back. There is a lot of shopping nearby and it’s close to the train station

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Northern Lights Tour

Rovaniemi

Niko was our Aurora hunter (as well as my transfer driver to and from the train.) The tour was very long, we were out for 8 hours searching for the elusive Aurora, not for lack of Niko’s efforts. This was the first night I crossed the Arctic Circle. Niko provided some juice and snacks. It was my first taste of the hot berry juice and I was hooked. I will learn how to make it.

Quality of Experience

It was a bit of a long, uneventful night.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Family Husky Safari

Rovaniemi

This was so much fun. I have had dogs and I know how much they like to play. I had my own sled and 4 dogs who wanted to do nothing but pull and play. They were having as much fun as I was. Afterwards, I gave them some loving and my lead girl was very affectionate.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure

Finland

This was a very active tour as well. You know they mean business when they hand out spikes for your shoes before you get started. It was very scenic and COLD. But you are going to see frozen waterfalls. I had an “influencer” or “Instagramer” in my group and we were always waiting for them to finish their pictures.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dinner at Ice Restaurant

Sinettä

This was an interesting experience. It was not as cold as I expected or as cold as some of my other activities. They had a vegan option, which I had. I could not eat all of my food because I had a sausage on the previous tour. It’s really interesting how the snow hotel and ice restaurant are built.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Snowshoeing Adventure at Night (Aurora Tour)

Rovaniemi

This was also an Aurora hunting experience, but no Aurora. Still, the snowshoeing was great. It had been a long time since I was on snowshoes. The snowshoeing was fresh, so it made the trek much better. Of course there was excellent hot berry juice. This was the “gloggi” version with the extra spices.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Northern Lights Safari by Electric Snowmobiles

Finland

I paid extra for the single supplement, so I had my own sled. I had never driven an electric snowmobile, but have experience with a gas powered one. It was hard getting used to the lack of noise. The tour itself was great, partially on the frozen lake and a good path through the woods. We stopped at a cabin for a fire, sausages, hot juice and dessert pastry. We did not have to cook our own sausages this time, however by this time I was a sausage cooking pro!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Helsinki City Walking Tour

Helsinki

This was a private tour and a bit pricey for what we did. Ainhoa (sp) did a really good job telling me about the city and country even though she is not Finnish or a native. Since it was a private tour, I asked all the questions, we got sidetracked on multiple conversations, but it was still informative. The second part of the tour was on Suomenlinna, which I took the ferry to get there. The ride was cold, but the view was amazing. The tour of the fort was a bit short because the sun was going down and there was no lighting. The tour started late in the day, 1:30 pm (1330 hrs), if it would have started earlier, we could have seen more, especially at the fort.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit

Rovaniemi

I learned a lot about reindeer on this tour. They are very docile creatures. Also, the females have antlers, albeit not as large as the males, just like certain bovine breeds. They need to keep their numbers at a certain level, so some are used as meat. I did not try any because I am a non-meat eater.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Anita planned us an excellent trip in Spain. She saved us hours of planning time and eased the stress of travel days with thoughtful instructions. We particularly liked the H10 hotel in Seville, and had fabulous tour guides in all of the cities we visited. Barcelona was our favorite, and Anna, our guide to Sagrada Familia was a particular treat.

KimKim planned an incredible trip to Japan for my family. We (me, my spouse, my son (11) and daughter (8)) spent 12 days total in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hakone. KimKim took care of all the details for us, from planning the itinerary to arranging transportation to finding lots of fun activities for my kids. The real highlight of the trip was a last-minute food tour we threw on the itinerary in Osaka. The guide was incredible and so great with the kids. We went to phenomenal little holes in the wall to try local foods, and visited interesting sites along the way. My kids, both of whom are fairly picky eaters, said the food tour was their favorite part of the trip.

Overall, just a fantastic experience. Everything worked perfectly, the KimKim team was responsive and helpful. I just can't recommend KimKim enough. I'm looking forward to the next trip I can book with them!

Amazing experience in Chile! We had great advice and support from Tamer, Camila, and Angel from Responsible Travel. They were available via WhatsApp during the trip, were attentive to our needs and very responsive. We had some minor travel snags, which is to be expected with so many flights, hotels, transfers, etc. Camila and Angel in particular were always there to make sure we were safe, comfortable, and all of our needs were met. My only suggestion for improvement was the tour selected for Rapa Nui (Easter Island) didn't include the most famous Moai sights of the island (Rano Raku and Ahu Tongariki), so we had to make our own arrangements on the island to see those sights.

Hotel Reviews

Mandarin Oriental, Santiago

Las Condes, Santiago

Very modern and luxurious hotel, with fantastic restaurants and a very nice and accommodating staff. I would love to return and stay here again.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Cumbres San Pedro

San Pedro de Atacama

Beautiful hotel, comfortable rooms, helpful staff. The restaurant was so-so. Also, it was located far from the main town so you have to rely on their shuttle service (which stops running at 9:30pm).

Authenticity & Character

Location

Far from the main town

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Hare Nua

Hanga Roa

Really nice and comfortable hotel. The staff was the highlight, they were so nice and caring. You almost felt like you were staying at your grandmother's home (in fact, the translation of Hare Nua is "Grandma's house").

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The women who worked at the front desk were extremely nice and helpful. They recommended some wonderful restaurants and helped us make reservations.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Santiago Walking City Tour

Santiago

Jose was a wonderful guide! We learned so much about the culture of Chile and the history of Santiago with him as our guide!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jose was great! Very nice, knowledgeable, great command of English.

Transport

Wine Tasting, Valparaiso and Viña del Mar- Private Tour

Chile

This was a really fun day. We visited a winery in the Casablanca Valley, did some wine tasting. Then we visited Valparaiso, a beautiful port city with lots of amazing street art. And finally, we walked around the city and beach of Vina del Mar. We had Jose again as our guide, he was superb again!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jose was amazing!

Transport

Astronomical Tour - Atacama Desert

San Pedro de Atacama

Wonderful experience, we got to see so many stars and constellations, as well as 4 planets. The transportation was great and the guides (astronomy experts) were engaging and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Full Day Trip- Red Rocks, Lagunas Altiplanicas & Atacama Salt Flats

San Pedro de Atacama

This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Pierre (our guide) was very kind and knowledgeable. The Salt Flats are very beautiful and unique. We started by visiting Salar de Talar, then we visited Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miniques. On the drives, we spotted a lot of native wildlife and were able to see llamas and vicunas up close. Our final stop was the signpost for the Tropic of Capricorn.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Pierre was wonderful, we learned so much about all of the natural wonders, the history of the Atacama desert. Also about the people in the region. He was great!

Transport

Visit the Tatio Geysers - Private Tour

San Pedro de Atacama

Another major highlight of our trip. We loved seeing the Tatio Geysers, you can get really close to the geysers. This is the 3rd largest geothermal site in the world (behind Yellowstone and a site in Russia), and the one at the highest altitude. We had a delicious breakfast at Geyser Blanco. On the drive back, we saw a flamingo reserve and visited the Atacama Wetlands.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We had Pierre again as our driver and guide. He was spectacular!

Transport

Afternoon Visit to "Valle de la Luna " - Private tour

Chile

The Valle de la Luna is an incredible experience. We loved it! Otherworldly landscapes, including sand dunes, craters, cliffs, and bizarre rock formations. We learned that the movie Dune and the TV series Mandalorian had scenes filmed in Valle de la Luna. The sunset we experienced was truly unforgettable!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer to the Airport for your Flight to Easter Island

Chile

Ahu Akivi & Tahai - Visit a Ceremonial Site - Private Group

Easter Island

Ata, our guide, was incredible. Very enthusiastic, and he shared so much knowledge with us about the culture and history of the Rapa Nui people. The Moai sites themselves were really beautiful and incredible! Ahu Akivi was my favorite. My only suggestion for improvement was that this tour did not include Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki, which are the most famous Moai sites on Easter Island! The only reason I know this is because I researched the island ahead of time. We had to make our own arrangements to see these beautiful sights. They should be included in the tour!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ata was superb!

Transport

Beach Day! - Spend Your Day in Anakena Beach

Easter Island

Anakena Beach was wonderful. Pink sand beaches, clear blue water, Moai statues, delicious food (tuna empanadas and shrimp empanadas), and pisco sours. What more could you wish for??

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Orongo Volcano Hike & Visit the Village of the Birdman Ceremony - Private Tour

Easter Island

Ata was excellent again as our guide! We loved learning about the Birdman culture on the island and seeing the houses from the Orongo Volcano village. We also did a guided hike down from the volcano down to the town which was very nice.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Good Bye Easter Island - Transfer to the Airport for your flight to Santiago.

Chile

We want to express our deepest gratitude for the outstanding service we received during our tour of Morocco. Karim, our guide, and Ikhelf, our driver, not only fulfilled their duties but consistently went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience.

Tangier was our first stop, and Karim introduced us to the city’s rich history with great enthusiasm. He guided us through the Medina, Cape Spartel, and the Hercules Caves, sharing fascinating anecdotes and historical facts that brought these places to life.

In Fes, Karim led us through its impressive Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, helping us appreciate the city’s ancient traditions. His patience and attention to detail were remarkable, especially during our visit to the Chouwara tannery, where he explained the intricate processes of traditional leatherwork.
Chefchaouen felt like a dream in blue. Karim not only showed us the city’s iconic spots but also took us to local artisans’ workshops, allowing us to engage with their craft and learn more about their work. This personal touch made the visit even more special.

At the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Karim amazed us with his knowledge of ancient history. Every mosaic and column had a story behind it, and he ensured we fully understood and appreciated them.

In Casablanca, we visited the Hassan II Mosque, and thanks to Karim’s explanations, we were able to grasp both its architectural brilliance and its cultural significance. We also enjoyed a stroll along the Corniche, where he shared excellent local recommendations.

Rabat allowed us to discover landmarks such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Karim highlighted the historical significance of each site, connecting the dots of Moroccan history in a clear and passionate way.

Finally, Marrakech was a vibrant burst of colors and culture. From Jemaa el-Fna Square to the Majorelle Gardens and Bahia Palace, Karim made every corner meaningful. He even took the time to personalize our experience by suggesting additional activities and places based on our interests.

Ikhelf, on the other hand, was an incredible professional. He always greeted us with a smile and ensured that our journeys between cities were smooth and safe. His kindness and willingness to assist us at every moment were truly exceptional.

What truly impressed us was how both Karim and Ikhelf exceeded our expectations at every turn. Whether it was sharing personal stories, offering local insights, or ensuring every detail of the trip was flawless, they were always one step ahead.

We are deeply grateful for their dedication and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking to explore Morocco in an authentic and enriching way. Thank you for making this journey truly special!

We (my fiance and I ) just returned to the U.S. after spending 12 amazing days in Kenya. Joseph did a great job at organizing our trip and ensured we got what we desired out of our visit, which included cultural immersion, safari drives, and a relaxing stay at the beach. Joseph was communicative and provided all of the details for our trip a few days before our arrival date. (I am very organized and thrive on details so I appreciated this very much.) Our driver, Eric, was amazing! He was knowledgeable, professional, and always prioritized our safety while exploring the country. We recommend Joseph and the rest of his team and will use them again in the future. Thanks for everything!

We had a truly wonderful and unique experience in Sri Lanka. This is largely thanks to the country’s inherent beauty, rich culture, and remarkable charm. However, we feel that the planning of the trip did not fully align with our preferences and expectations, which required some on-the-spot adjustments during our journey.

Roshan, our guide and driver, was exceptional. He consistently went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our trip. His flexibility and willingness to adapt plans were a significant reason why our experience turned out as well as it did. However, it seems that the information and guidance we provided to Rikaz during the planning stage were not fully communicated to Roshan, leading to an itinerary that didn’t fully match what we were looking for.

We had made it clear during the planning process that we were not interested in spending time relaxing in hotels, no matter how lovely they were. Instead, we wanted to immerse ourselves in the culture and explore the country with activities that felt authentic and avoided commercialized, "hop-on-a-bus" experiences.

That being said, the hotels selected for our trip were all very good and comfortable. However, the service at the hotel in Ella was inefficient and slow. For instance, when we asked if it was possible to have a yoga mat brought to the room, the staff assured us they could, but it was never delivered, nor did they follow up to inform us it wasn’t available. Upon arrival, we were also promised a welcome drink, but after waiting for 30 minutes, we decided to forego it and head out to explore Ella instead of waiting any longer.

In contrast, our best hotel experience was at Ginganga Lodge. Both the place and the service were exceptional, and it was a real highlight of the trip!

As for the itinerary, there were moments where the planning fell short of our expectations. For example, the plan to visit Rawana Falls as the only activity after a long drive to Ella did not align with what we had asked for. The itinerary described it as a place where we could bathe or climb the rocks in the dry season. However, upon arrival, we found clear signage prohibiting both activities due to safety concerns, and Roshan had already informed us these were not possible. The stop ended up being little more than a photo opportunity crowded with tourists—exactly the type of experience we were hoping to avoid.

In hindsight, there were more fitting options nearby, such as walking to the Nine Arches Bridge from Ella or visiting hidden waterfalls in the area, which Roshan suggested after understanding what we were looking for. Unfortunately, by then, there wasn’t enough time to adjust.

To salvage the day, Roshan suggested taking the train to Bandarwela, which turned out to be a highlight. In addition, he made thoughtful adjustments to the plans for the last three days, optimizing the itinerary to give us more meaningful experiences and less time on the road. He also included special stops, such as visits to local markets and less touristy spots, which made a huge difference for us. These efforts reinforced how committed he was to ensuring we had the best possible experience.

That said, we believe his level of English, while sufficient for general communication, was not quite strong enough for tasks like giving a detailed guided tour of Galle. As a result, we opted to explore on our own, which worked out well for everyone.

In summary, while the planning stage left much to be desired, Roshan’s exceptional efforts and flexibility, along with the quality of most of the accommodations, ensured that we left Sri Lanka with incredible memories. We hope this feedback helps improve the planning process so future visitors can have an even smoother experience.

Hotel Reviews

Koragaha Lodge

Tissamaharama

The service was wonderful, but breakfast was limited selections

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hide Ella

Ella

Service was slow and felt they didn't really care

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ginganga Lodge

Bope

If I could give them more than 5 stars I would

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Jetwing Lake

Dambulla

Even though it is a big hotel and part of a chain, it had it's charm and the service was lovely. The best was that on our last day they allowed us to stay until 18:00 in our room as our flight from Colombo was at midnight, which was a life saver

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guided Tour of Galle

Sri Lanka

Visit the Ravana Falls

Sri Lanka

It's a tourist trap!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Safari at Yala National Park

Sri Lanka

It was a typical safari, but it felt too crowded. There was a traffic jam of nearly 40 jeeps to see one leopard (sleeping) and each time there was sighting fo elephants the first jeeps could get a good look at it, but all the Instegram people created a traffic jam and didn't move to give a chance to others. Not the best experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ritigala Forest Monastery

Sri Lanka

Explore the Nine arch bridge

Sri Lanka

Village Tour at Hiriwadunna followed by cooking demo and lunch

Sri Lanka

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak

Sri Lanka

It's a touristic walk and you'll find many people on this trail

Whale Watching Tour in Mirissa - Shared Boat

Sri Lanka

Explore the Dambulla Cave Temples

Sri Lanka

We were lucky to do it on a Full Moon so teh experience was special

Afternoon Safari at Minneriya National Park

Sri Lanka

After Yala - this was redundant even though the scenary was different

Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress (F)

Sri Lanka

Overall a great trip! Emilia, our guide with Cusi travel was lovely and patient, especially with out two kids (6 and 3). It was a good mix of activities, although the climbing in Ollantaytambo was too difficult for the 3 year old.
We loved the farm lunch and Machu Picchu (obviously). And I am glad I requested to go to the weaving village because the girls loved it!

All reservations Emerson made were exactly as promised. Every guide showed up on time, and they were all friendly and very helpful. Activities were wonderful, with well-planned times and downtime in between. Overall fantastic experience and will be using this platform for our next trip!

An absolutely fantastic trip. All our accommodation and guides were wonderful. Not one single complaint.

Hotel Reviews

Ichumbi Gorilla lodge

If I could give it more than five stars I would. David and his staff are amazing!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp

Maji Moto

We loved this camp we stayed at!

Ashnil Mara Camp

Maasai Mara

This was another of the camps we stayed at, and we loved it as well! Recommended!

Activity Reviews

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Kenya

It's a great place where you can see plenty of elephants and see them being taken care of!

Maji Moto Maasai "Olpul" Bush Camp

Maji Moto

Very cool experience and wonderful camp!

Amazing experience would definitely recommend. Our driver Ilyace has been amazing and made our long drives fun and interesting. I love the tiziri camp amazing food indeed and the whole experience. The local family has been so hospitable as well and we felt at home. The food tour is a must for sure Said has been amazing to feed us and made sure we enjoyed it. Fatima is amazing as well sharing her knowledge about Fez. We also enjoyed the food indeed Dar Rihana, still craving of the food and the presentation of the food is amazing.

Hotel Reviews

Barceló Casablanca

Casablanca

They went over and beyond to make our stay amazing and a birthday surprise for my hubby

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lina Ryad & Spa

Chefchaouen

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Salam Fes

Fes

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed smells like something foul i dont know if its from The rest room or something

Dar Rihana Dades

Douar Aït Ouffi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tiziri Luxury Camp

Merzouga

From start to finish a luxury in the desert indeed. The best sleep we ever had and the food is amazing. The staff are all truly hospitable

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Palais Sebban

Marrakech

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half-Day Guided Sightseeing in Fes

Fes

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer to Dades Valley via Todra Gorges

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Architectural Elegance: A Journey through the Hassan II Mosque

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dine with a local family

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hammam & Spa Experience Marrakech

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Quick Tour of Casablanca with your Driver-guide

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Chefchaoeun to Fez via Volubilis, Moulay Idriss & Meknes

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Marrakesh Evening Food Tour

Marrakesh

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer from Fez to Merzouga Desert

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sand-Boarding in Erg Chebbi

Merzouga

We didn’t get to experience this

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer from Boumalne Dades to Marrakech via the Atlas Mountains

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bea was amazing. She came up with several itineraries- adding/subtracting excursions based on my feedback. She had too pivot on one accommodation because it wasn’t available at time of booking and gave clear information. The services were spot on! All transfers very smooth and we can’t say enough about our driver Alberto who transferred us to Granada and was also our driver to Ronda and El Torcal park. Our excursion to El Torcal was prohibitive due to dense fog- that was a disappointment but Alberto was such a good driver he still brought us to the top and 2 of our family braved the weather for a short hike. Our guide at the Ahlhambra was also Alberto and he was so knowledgeable and engaging. All our drivers were friendly, prompt and communicated status and directions well. Our street tapas tour in Madrid was a highlight- our guide and the group became fast friends quickly. The entire Espíritu team was tremendous including a beautiful table of snacks at our last destination. That was a great final touch and a credit to their personal commitment. We will use KimKim again and refer anyone to Bea- she really created the most memorable trip.

Hotel Reviews

Melia Barajas

Madrid

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Intelier Casa de Indias Sevilla

Seville

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Palacio de Santa Inés

Granada

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

H10 Villa de la Reina

Madrid

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Tapas Culinary Experience

Madrid

Highlight of Madrid- our guide was engaging and fun - the choice varied and all the people in the restaurants were friendly

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Visit of Alhambra & Generalife Gardens

Spain

We had to change the date and time of the tour and the support person at KimKim was right on it and made it happen. Our guide Alberto was thorough

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ronda Wine Experience

Spain

Because it was winter there was no one at the winery which made it special. Our guide was so knowledgeable and gave a good history of the area. Wines were superb!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Alberto is the best!

Flamenco Show in a Sacromonte Cave

Granada

Quality of Experience