Kimkim Trip Reviews

A Perfect 10 Days in Nepal

I truly had an amazing time. Kirpa organized the perfect trip which included a trek through the Himalayas and a short 2 day visit to the Chitwan National Park. My trek was exactly what I wanted-challenging! I was able to enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. My guide and porter (both named Pemba) were professional, energetic, supportive and kind. I could not have asked for a better team.

I also greatly appreciated Kirpa's agility. She was nimble on her feet when my flight to Chitwan begin was canceled. She quickly arranged for a driver and I was on my way, having lost little time.

Thank you to the whole Himalayan Treks team. I had a trip of a lifetime.

The trip was great and we enjoyed it.
Chio was very good all the way and was very responsive to our needs and did her best to solve any problem we had.
I have an issue, however with the team that designed the trip. Here are some points:
The transport company in Medallin was bad. Out of the three trips with them there were two problems. On the second one, they simply sent the driver with the wrong name, as a result, he ignored our sign and it caused delay.
The trip to Nuqui was good, but we should have been informed in advance that the Nuqui airport may be closed for any period due to simple weather problems like fog, which is very likely.
We were told that we can take a trip to some water falls on the second day, but found out that on that day, which was Jan 1, that trip cannot be taken.
Jacob Tal.

My husband and I just returned from an amazing trip to Morocco. Before planning the itinerary, I spoke at length with Sharon regarding our travel preferences--likes, dislikes, interests, favorite trips of the past and expectations. She listened and put together an incredible adventure. Mobark, our driver, picked us up at the airport in Marrakesh and was with us the next 8 days. He is a GEM! We were safe, comfortable and cared for as he positively--never without a smile--helped us navigate through a country of wonders--from Marrakesh, through the Atlas Mountains to Dades, to the Sahara Desert (for camel riding and camping on the desert under the stars), to Fes, Meknes, many small towns and villages in between and, finally, to Tangier where he deposited us right in front of airport departures! He introduced us to local guides in cities where we learned so much about Moroccan history and culture. Our local guides were kind and genuinely excited to share their knowledge as we walked through miles of markets, palaces and gardens. While in Fes, as we spent an afternoon wandering on our own, our guide from Marrakesh noticed us trying to figure out a map and he embraced us as if we were his long lost relatives--how incredible is that?!

The lodging was truly special as we stayed in top rated riads throughout our stay. The service at each was better than the last!

It is significant to note that, on our tour and understandably given the enormity of the country and the varying terrain, we spent a great deal of time in the SUV each day. This was unavoidable and gave us the opportunity to see as much as possible before departing. Critically, Mobark's driving was impressive. Never once did we feel unsafe as he navigated across some pretty difficult mountain switchbacks.

Finally, we were given the unique opportunity to have lunch with MoBark's family. The day started with shopping in the local market for the vegetables and meats to be included in our lunch. Prepared by his mother, sister and several other women in the family home, we were welcome and given access to a day in the life of a Moroccan family. How will we ever eat American made couscous, olives or tagine again?!

I would certainly recommend Sharon and her team to personally tailor a once in a lifetime adventure in Morocco!

Overall, we were happy with the arrangements of our trip. Tamara was quick to respond and catered to our request. When we canceled our Petra by Night, Tamara immediately refunded the amount to us. In general, the guides hired at Petra and Jervash were knowledgeable and professional except our driver and guide at Wadi Rum. He just drove us to the destination and told us to just read the info and walk around ourselves. We stayed at night at a resort at the Dead Sea which wasn't necessary because we just wanted to see and touch the waters but not stay overnight at the location because there's nothing else to do and you are stuck at the hotel. We went for 3 full days and it's enough to see all the memorable sights.

Our 5-day adventure to Ecuador was terrific. Highlights: historic Quito, Cotapaxi, Banos, the avenue of waterfalls, the eco-lodge in Tena and rafting! Everything made easy on the booking end by Linda and on the ground by guide extraordinaire, Marco.

The local tour guides were fantastic. They took a personal interest in each of us and our needs. That being said, the transportation to and from the airports at some locations was lacking. I felt that Kim Kim should have arranged the various flights from each of the locations. In a country where you don't speak the language it is difficult and frustrating sometime. Some of the locations where we stayed were hostel. We had clean private rooms with private bathrooms. We should have been given the opportunity to stay in hotels. Many of these places were either cold or extremely hot and uncomfortable. The internet was almost non existent. Part of our itinerary we did not receive until three weeks before the trip even though it was book almost 9 months prior. This would have given us an opportunity to discuss our logging.

The trip was excellent! We loved the activities and guides (especially Samuel, Diego, and Manuel). The one day that could be improved was the trip from Cartagena to the island since we did not realize the car ride would be so long and in a group bus (we would have prepared better and brought a car seat).

Tashi, Njima and Mingma all did a fantastic job.

Tour guide Mr. Vy was very knowledgeable, and very friendly. I enjoyed his company. We were able to interact with the locals through Mr. Vy, particularly at Mai Chau. The bicycle ride at Mai Chau is good. It is unfortunate that we picked the wrong time to come and miss the rice field growing season. It would have been beautiful. At Ninh Binh, I really enjoyed this leg. The hotel was fantastic. Mr. Vy recommended us to bicycle to Hang Mua, and that was great. I totally enjoyed the hike to the top. HaLong Bay was somewhat disappointing because of the weather. I missed the kayak experience because I didn't bring enough or appropriate clothing to the cruise ship, Mr. Vy could have let us know ahead of time. HaLong Bay experience could have been better.

My mother and I really felt like we were being looked after and had a great experience from start to finish in Ecuador.

Marcelo and Iveth greeted us at the airport on our first day and went the extra mile to make sure we felt welcomed.

A real highlight of the trip was the two nights we spend at the Amazon lodge-- the staff there, including Sabino, our guide, were incredible. It made for a great adventure.

Then, we were again put into good hands with Chrisitian, our guide through the Waterfalls route.

Overall, the trip was unforgettable and Iveth and company made it really easy on us.

Randall did an excellent job and listening to what we were looking to for for our vacation. He put together a great vacation for us! We did whitewater rafting, tubing, horseback rides, zip line and repelling, catamaran and hiking tour. These excursions were fun, breathtaking and outstanding. I would highly recommend him for anyone planning a trip to Costa Rica! Thank you Randall!!!

Great driver, guides were good , wonderful tour of interesting palaces, temples. Tag Mahal. Tiger safari

The tour was very well organised. Our driver + tour guide, Amnay, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He’s been very punctual and caring of our needs. Most importantly, he’s a very safe driver, which meant a lot to us because we could spend up to 8 hours on the road in a day. We drove through rain, wind, snow and sands, but we always had peace of mind as we had been assigned with a very sturdy and reliable vehicle, and a very professional driver. It was a memorable experience.

Planning the trip with Kim Kim was excellent. I appreciated the advice that allowed us to customize a tour in a new country to us that allowed enjoyment and comfort for our group from age 12-84. The efforts from our advisor was excellent and the execution of the plans was flawless. We had one hitch that was taken care immediately with our KimKim rep, Yenyi- right away after one email.

We especially enjoyed the Hotel Ficus for its views in Monteverde and excellent staff support. The sloth tour with Daniel at Arenal was a highlight in Christmas Day. And while the rooms are simple at Hotel and Villas Huertes the staff and groundskeeper, Alberto, were amazing. That team and especially the maintenance of the pool, landscaping and environs made that simple hotel an excellent choice.

Surfing with Iguana Surf in Tamarindo was a great experience and introduction to the sport.

Guide at Fez was good !
Guide at Marrakesh was disappointing , was always in a rush , would not give time to take pictures as he said he had another group to take . The trip mentioned was 6 hours , he was gone in less than 4 hours and we had to go on our own to the gardens .
Guide At Essaouira was practically not required , all he did was walk around , said a bit and was keen that we ate at one of the places he recommends and the rest apparently was not good . It was obvious that he had vested interests .
The overall experience was positive especially the trip to Merzouga . The driver was excellent too .
The trip was well planned .

By far, the best travel company i’ve ever dealt with. My wife and I had a really great experience.

Wow, we had such a great time on our trip! Sharon was very responsive to any questions and planning items. Our driver, Hicham, is now a friend for life. He took such great care of us and I hope we get to see him again. I loved having the local tour guides as well, as they add a lot more information about the local area and sites.

Lena was amazing at helping us to plan a trip that perfectly fit our family's needs and budget. A fabulous trip to Jordan with so much diversity. We will recommend to our family and friends.

We had a superb experience with every detail custom-fitted so that we got to see as much as we wanted in the way that we wanted. Perfect in every respect.

We just came back from a wonderful 11 day trip to Nepal. This included the city of Kathmandu and a trek through the Khumbu valley. The trek was the most memorable part of the tour. Walking through these great mountains, meeting wonderful people, sharing their adventure stories and braving the chilly weather made every day enriching. From the evening we landed in Kathmandu to the morning we left our tour guides Nepal Myths and Mountain Trails were with us. Lakhpa introduced us to the nearby dining hotspots and places to go exploring and shopping in Kathmandu. Our guide throughout the trek to Namche Bazaar and back Pengba was exceptional in his knowledge of the trails and the lodging spots. Since we were first time trekkers he helped us in pacing our trek and made sure we were sufficiently hydrated and had on time meals throughout the journey. The lodges that he selected at Monjo and Choplung had all the necessary facilities with great food. Our porter for the trek Ang Babu was extremely helpful. He used to speed ahead with our luggage and then come back and help us through the trek especially the tricky ascents and descents made more difficult by the frost. Thanks to Ngima for all his suggestions during the planning of the trip and it was finally great meeting him on our day of departure. Overall it was a trip to remember and we will come back to Nepal again! Thanks!