Kimkim Trip Reviews

We did a semi custom trip (11 day) for three with some moderate trekking in Annapurna region, tiger safari in Bardia NP, with some cultural activities in Kathmandu. The trip was well organized and flexible. I only provided some general guidance on my desires and Chhewang made suggestions and tied it all together after some feedback from me. We all enjoyed the trekking and the tiger safari, where we we able to see 4 tigers in the wild over 2 days.
Our trip was interrupted by the covid-19 virus with us being one of the last tour groups. Luckily it was near the end of trip, but there were several scares that the airport would be shutdown to international flights. Chhewang and others were very supportive and helpful in altering the last few days of our trip to try to leave early. We ended up making it out about 36 hrs before the airport closed.
We will consider using the company again for a future trip to Bhutan.

We had a great time in Costa Rica. Carlos did an excellent job organizing our trip. All of the hotels were wonderful and check-in was seamless. I am usually a do-it yourself travel planner, but would highly recommend KimKim for a work free trip if you would like to go multiple places.

We recently returned from an amazing 3-week trip to Vietnam, with a short detour to Cambodia. Ha at KimKim was so incredibly responsive in helping us plan the trip and continuing to customize it for us all the way to the end. She made it absolutely seamless with guides and drivers greeting us exactly as planned, and the hotels she selected more than met our expectations.

Some highlights were riding around Hanoi on a motorbike (driver provided!), biking and cooking classes in Hoi An (and everything about Hoi An), kayaking in Ha Long bay, and a day traveling by boat in the Mekong Delta.

We were also incredibly grateful that we were able to go on our trip and return safely during a time when the Coronavirus was spreading. Vietnam had no active cases when we arrived on 2/27, but infected travelers from Europe began to bring in the virus about a week later. Ha let us know immediately when some potentially infected travelers stayed at a hotel where we were booked, and arranged for us to stay at a different hotel. She also arranged on a moment's notice for us to leave Saigon on an earlier flight to Phu Quoc island so that would could relax and be less concerned about staying in a congested city.

We would not hesitate to recommend Ha and KimKim and to use them again...when everything settles down:)

Our trip was wonderful. We saw heaps of fauna and flora and were well looked after by knowledgeable, friendly guides & drivers.
Randall's activity suggestions were appropriate for our group, we enjoyed all of them.
Thanks Randall.

Thank you kimkim. I had an amazing time in Russia.

The dealings I had with kimkim in planning my trip - 18 days encompassing Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Suzdal and Vladimir - were amazingly efficient. Their responses were quick and detailed. It was great being able to deal all the time with people in Moscow and Saint Petersburg who were on the ground and able to provide quick support in those very rare moments in a trip where something goes off the rails.

Beyond Saint Petersburg, I really had no idea what to expect of Russia, so I really appreciated the exciting options and ideas presented to me, and given I was travelling at the end of winter, choices which took account of the seasons, places being open and tourist numbers.

It was great having local guides. All were good English speakers and all were amenable to adjusting plans on the basis of the things I was really interested in. I particularly enjoyed the company of Victor, Natasha and Alex who were very passionate about their cities and ‘clicked’ with me.

One decision I made early in the planning was to use drivers only when absolutely necessary and, instead, to get around on public transport as much as possible, I think a really good decision to get to experience the surprises which you can get as you’re walking around a city.

As for highlights, there were so many. And it was so wonderful being “low season” to be at places like Catherine Palace and the Hermitage with very few other people. Imagine standing in front of Da Vinci’s Madonna and Child for five minutes - and you’re the only person in the room, or taking photos in one of the State rooms at Catherine Palace and there being no one else in the picture.
Very pleased Sean talked me into visiting Suzdal and Vladimir which were not initially on my list of places to go. It was great seeing some of the smaller medieval towns and experiencing the life outside of the big cities.

I was very impressed with Stephanie. She was wonderful and i would reccommend her and book with her again. We were loving our trip but then the Government of South Africa declared a national disaster and the Canadian Government ordered all Canadians abroad to come home so we needed to leave our trip early and forego our 2 nights at Addo Elephant park, our 3 night safari at Hlosi and our flight on safair back to Cape Town. Given the circumstances, I am extremely shocked and upset that we have not been refunded for the portion foregone. I am also still waiting on paperwork to show what we lost having to leave early so that i can at least try to make a claim through travel insurance. Please advise. Thank you, Brianna Davies

Our first driver Otto with Desafio was great! He practiced Spanish with us the whole time so we could converse better the rest of the time. Loved our white water rafting with Steven as our guide. Then Otto safely got us to the Baldi Hotel with s restaurant recommendation in LaFortuna—LaStreet—which we tried one night—wonderful. Really enjoyed the Hot Springs at the hotel! Had a nice hike on the lava flows of the volcano and then a nice dinner at Tabacon Springs and enjoyed their springs for an hour—not as hot as Baldi and more crowded. Crowded bus to Monteverde and very bumpy !! But got to Fonda Vela Hotel and enjoyed our Noctural Hike—didn’t think we got to see as much as we expected after we compared our evening with other at our hotel that had done a hike with another company, Really enjoyed the zip lining and since we were the last stop for the bus driver he kindly drove us another 1.5 km to the entrance to the Cloud Forest so we could see it and get a hike in. Were sad to have to head home—but in light of COVID-19 we timed our visit perfectly.

so here we are
not yet home
but almost with these strange circumstances..........
a big thank you to Vi for organising this trip already last summer
long before Corona hit while we were in Chile
how shall i start
good things first
txs for the arrngments and the support
pucon was good
the climbing was though and guides ( Eduardo ) very helpfull and comprehensive
HuiloHuilo was super
puerto varas was not so good as hotel .... but the Corona was laready there
chiloe we missed ( and this would heve been very far away of Puerto varas to get back on the plane)
but Vi made it work
we stayed one day longer and the left for Santiago just to make shure
we could change the flight tickets with the help of the hotel and backed up efficiently by your emergency nr personel
txs again
renting the car in Europ car is always somehow a desilusion
the car promised was ( of course...) not available
the altenative was not what we had expected
these companies always flaw you one way of the other !
the highway billing system is somewhat crazy
we had no cash when leaving Temuko
so the billed us 5€ for the first 500 m highway as we had to get on the usual way tp Pucon
and around Puerto varas one had to pay every single time we hit the highway
not so expensive but not fair i felt ! at least unexpected
but then again chili is super scenic and very friendly and helpfull people
just this coronoa infection busted it up
txs for having us here
thank you for your dedication Vi !
rgds
rene and chantal on our way out tomorow we hope

Our guide in Yangon, Linn Linn and our bike guide Nay (apologies for spelling) were both excellent, well informed, helpful and pleasant to be with. The transfers, accommodation, food and cycling were great. The amazing temples in Bagan and the view from Popa Mountain were beautiful as were the sunsets and the river cruise.

Everything Adriana planned was exactly what we were looking for - we somehow managed to zip line, snorkel, go rafting, AND lay around on the beach. Schedules went smoothly, and when there was an update to our excursion (because of the tides), a new voucher was delivered to our hotel and we didn't miss a beat.
This was an incredible vacation. The transportation was great, the hotels were lovely, and the activities were perfect. I can't imagine planning another trip like this to Costa Rica without Adriana's guidance.
I cannot recommend this service highly enough.

Kimkim made my trip to Costa Rica a dream come true. I will be using them for my next trip—for sure!! My transportation, hotels and activities were first class, and they were not possible without Kimkim’s guidance and expertise.

We had a wonderful time until Corona19 came. Pleased with the the way our change was handled. Our driver Samir was wonderful and so kind.. Loved the 3 cities we were able to visit. Did not like the accommodations in Fes but the food was great and the staff were spectacular. Would recommend the company to anyone( very efficient)

We were soooo impressed with the trip. Everything went smoothly. All guides and drivers were early and eagerly awaiting us. ALL Colombians were so friendly to us.
We felt safe and well taken care of the whole trip. We had a pretty aggressive agenda but enjoyed discovering beautiful Columbia visiting many different regions. The trip to Chingaza was a great last minute addition and our guide Juanita was fabulous. We LOVED Medellin region and especially the commune 13 visit- our guide Marcel was full of information, enthusiasm, and energy.
Our coffee tour was awesome - suggest including lunch (as some groups had - we had coffee and a snack). Cocora was great but our guide Juan was very average - didn't really want to take us on the full loop were had arranged for???? turns out the wilder part of the loop that he didn't want to take us on initially was the best part of the hike.
The 4 day lost city trek was hot, humid, steep and challenging but sooooo worth it - we had great guides and were surprised at the comfort (and bed-bug proofing) and food at the facilities along the trek. The fresh fruit along the trek was soooooo awesome.
Tayrona was beautiful - we skipped the lines into the park as our guide knew people which was awesome - apparently the park had just re-opened after being shut down for a month and people were waiting hours and were even being turned away.
We spent 6 hours in San Andreas waiting for our flight home and it would not have suited us - we did a tour by cab and then walked the malecon / beach . Enjoyed Providencia much more - 4 nights was perfect there. We dove only one day as the reefs are not in great shape. We rented a side by side vehicle to tour the island one day which was great -beautiful beaches. I would highly recommend to others as an activity going to the Lighthouse theatre that shows the black crab migration and culture of the island to everyone- also has an awesome view of the sunset with drinks and decent food. The hike to the peak and meditation rock was so awesome. Deep blue accommodations were awesome but the restaurant was just slightly above average. The food and service was much better at Caribbean Place Donde Martin.

Cartagena was interesting but too hot and busy for our liking - that's just us. We know people who loved staying there because it was sunny, hot, busy, with lots of places to shop and eat - we much preferred Bogota and especially Medellin as far as cities go. The market and cooking class were super interesting.

Overall we were very pleased with our visit - the itinerary suited us and really allowed us to experience as much of Colombia as possible in 3 weeks. We were so impressed with how smoothly everything went and how friendly and helpful Colombians are. This was also a reasonably priced holiday as far as eating and drinking once you are in Colombia.
We will definitely be recommending Colombia to our friends.

We had an amazing family trip to Colombia thanks to Margoth and her team. We were a party of 7, including children and grandparents, and we wanted to get a taste of everything that Colombia has to offer in an 8 day trip. Already at the planning stage Margoth completely understood what we were looking for in terms of activities, culture, nature, hotels and comfort. She put together a great trip for us and we just had to click “yes” and everything was booked and organised for us. Our trip took us to the coffee region, Cartagena and the Rosario islands.

Here are some of the highlights of our trip:

Coffee region:
- Cócora valley; a fantastic nature experience and hike with a private local guide and a visit to the beautiful village of Salento.
- Interesting visit to a coffee farm with a private guide including a coffee tasting.

Cartagena:
- Amazing city and great food. All the restaurant bookings that Margoth and her team had prepared for us, were great!
- Bovedas de Santa Clara: Super charming hotel with apartment like rooms fitting up to 6 people with a great location in the old town.
- Entertaining chocolate making workshop (particularly fun for the kids).
- Highly recomendable private cooking class for the whole family in an authentic French-Caribbean food restaurant in Getsemani.

Rosario islands:
- The trip out to islands was fun for everyone
- The natural aquarium is a “must see” for adults and children
- A nice bike ride and kayak trip with the children on isla grande

The colours, the food, the people and the service in Colombia are all fabulous.

We were so well taken care of by Margoth and her team and felt very safe throughout our whole trip. She contacted us every day to make sure we were happy. At every turn we had someone waiting for us to take us to our next activity and adventure. All bookings were made for us, and when we decided to change one night on the islands for one night in Cartagena, Margoth and her team did everything in their power making it happening for us on a few hours notice.

We will definitely use KimKim again and we warmly recommend Margoth and her team for anyone looking for a special and tailor made trip to Colombia.

Ahh we had such a fantastic time in Jordan and the tour was great! It covered everything we wanted to do and more. Margherita was super helpful and organised our trip very efficiently. Our driver was lovely and made sure we had a good time. When there was extra things we wanted to do, it was never too much trouble. Highly recommend KimKim and will definitely be using them again in the future. Thanks to all the team,
Kate and Rich (UK)

Erin was wonderful to work with for this trip! She was extremely helpful with planning everything and making a trip that included what I was looking for and in the budget I was working with. She was very patient with me and answered all questions that I had along the way.
The times in Torres de Paine was amazing, with great weather and beautiful views. Perito Moreno glacier was also amazing!
I was thrilled with my trip. Thank you again to Erin for all your work in helping to make it happen!!

Not sure where to start but this trip was pre-planned way ahead of time to accommodate our vacation and kids spring break for 2020! And NOT to forget our 15th wedding anniversary.
Liz! You have just been awesome through past 5months beginning with planning in mid November from Dallas, TX till completion of our tour in March & send us off safely back home town. Thanks for that awesome resort @ Paracas & amazingly beautiful views at tiny hotel @ Ollantaytambo.
Alexandria was the best guide we had through the tour. Regardless of us having altitude sickness we made an attempt to take the tour later than the usual time in Cusco. The moment we met her she made us feel at home through the day & tour. She is just amazing, left us with beautiful memories.
Gabriel was equally good at Agus Calientes and up until Machu Picchu! He made sure kids were comfortable & answered every bit of those silly questions they had.
Gloria was too good during our stay at LIMA hotel. Took us around the city & gave us a tour around the musical water fountain. Kids had a wonderful time
And all of this wouldn't have been possible without you Liz & team kimkim amidst the virus fear. I would highly recommend and in future would travel the world with you all!!

We had a wonderful trip to the Galapagos! the trip went smooth and we always had a guide to meet us at different islands upon arrival. Our guides were helpful and great at rectifying situations. For instance, my boyfriend and I were going to go on a snorkel/dive session. He was going to dive while I snorkeled, but we were going to be on the same boat. For some reason, I was instructed by one of the boat companies to go on a different boat. I assumed we were meeting together but thought it was odd. Our guide Darwin recognized this and called the guide on my boat and asked them to turn around so we could be on the same boat. Darwin was great at looking out for us! Our flight also got delayed and he was able to change his schedule so that we could walk around the island more instead of wait for several hours in the airport. Also, I had left my phone charger on a different Island and Karina, our guide from that Island, had it sent to Darwin! I figured it was gone forever! All in all, the Galapagos is a wonderful place and we would love to return!

Kimkim (through Hakim) provided excellent overall service, coordination of the total trip in Morocco and in their choice of Riads (hotels) in Fes and Marrakech. Hakim was particularly helpful and kept us informed at each step of the planning phase, working with us through several iterations

Local drivers arranged by Hakim were on time and courteous. Guides were also very good and informative. One minor delay was resolved promptly by Kimkim and Hakim.

We loved our Morocco trip from the mosque at Casablanca to the overnight stay in the desert and the palaces. And the medinas in Fes and Marrakech. Lovely country with a lot of history. Wish we had more days to also visit the rest of the country.

Local Green Season travel lead by Jack came up with a suggestion to an itinerary for a private 1 person 7 days tour visiting Mandalay, Bagan, Kalaw and Inle Lake. I had a few tweaks and wishes he accommodated. I booked and he set the whole thing in motion. There were no glitches and everything went as I hoped for. Without fail I was collected , driven around and had the most wonderful expert guides where I arrived. I saw a lot and learned a lot about amazing Myanmar. I private tour expertly organised is definitely the way of travel for me in the future. Kimkim.com and Jack can be highly recommended.