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From: sasja simons Hi Ed, It was absolutely wonderfull. And Im recommending you to all my doctors (med rep). kindest regards |
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From: Ivins, Denis Hi Ed, We got back and were running from day one. Kaden stated at High school, and there has been a lot of things to do, so we have not had a chance to do anything, even with all good intentions. Malindi was really nice, not that we went into the town at all, other than driving through to Watamu. The hotel mainly caters for Italians and it has a lot more pros than cons, one being the good food, lots of activities to keep one entertained and active. the cons being loud and lots of smoking, but that did not effect us in any way. The hotel staff are extremely friendly and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it, what with archery,beach volleyball, water volley ball etc.. The food was good and the pasta was fresh, lots of fruit and lots of variety! The all in rate is definitely the way to go. We will be recommending a trip to Kenya to anyone who will listen. Lots of beach boys around but we steered clear of walking too much on the beach to stay away form being bugged. the water was warm and the sand was like powder. We had to arrange a taxi from malindi to Watamu for the diving, and that was at 3000 KS a day, 3 days can start becoming quiet expensive. The hassle with the diving was that there was a strike with the local goggle boats , KWS and the other operators, the locals did not want to pay the increased levy for park fees, so we had to travel to kailfi to dive. the operators were great, but it was a schlep. The weather was great.I still need to sort the photos out, but the guides provided were useful. There is one recommendation we would make and that is: we would suggest that if anyone goes up to the north again, that they catch the 7am flight to Mombasa. there are hourly flights out and in from Mombasa. Then either hire a car, or get a transfer from Mombasa to Malindi, this will allow for you to get to the hotel by 10h30, assuming you hit the road at 8am from Mombasa. It was relaxing and a very enjoyable experience. When we went to Watamu, we stopped in at the Ocean Beach and Hemingway's, heard the food was iffy at Ocean sports. both hotels seemed to cater for the British tourist, it was rather pleasant except for anyone to talk to at Tropical, where as at Hemmingway's, there would have been lots of people to talk to, but we would have suffered on other things like activities and maybe even food. The beach at watamu is also great, Karen and I took a walk from Hemmingway's when the children were doing diving lessons, and walked all the way into the town to go to KCB- bank and the the ice cream/gelato shop where we sat outside and savoured the ice cream! Thanks for all the arrangements, and we really had a good time even though both kids got ill! Jaryd had some food poising which he picked up ?? spent the whole day with his head in the toilet, poor chap,we got a doctor in and the next day he was better the next day. Kaden got bitten by a spider, joys of Africa, and we had to take her to the medical personnel at Nairobi, where they gave her a drip with antibiotics and other things, as she had a bad fever. They were also really really friendly and ever so pleasant. kindest regards |
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From: Marcelle Risi Hi Edwina, We had the most AWESOME holiday ever. You can really recommend this resort to other people- it is superb. The hotel is situated on a stunning beach. The hotel itself is lovely - not ultra swanky like some of the Mauritius hotels- but very comfortable,clean, well looked after, fantastic gardens/seaviews, lots of facilities. (You don't have to have a seaview room- all the garden rooms do have a lovely view of the sea). The food is excellent- we never stopped eating (or drinking for that matter). The all inclusive worked very well for us- it was a pleasure not having to carry money around with us. The hospitality of the staff is unbelievable- from the gardeners to the cleaners, chefs, waiters- everybody- nothing was too much trouble- and they have the most amazing outlook on life- they are always smiling and happy. They treat you like royalty- you have no sooner arrived at one of the pools and they are serving you drinks, sorting out cushions, towels etc. My sons really had a ball- Daniel (17 years old) could not stop enthusing over the place- he says it is the best holiday he has ever had! None of us wanted to leave- and we will definately be going there again- it is a bit of heaven on earth. Thanks so much for sending us there- we couldn't have had better. Marcelle. |
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From: Estelle Alexander Hi Edwina, Jotting down a few "hints" and comments. On arrival, all went very smoothly at customs, the taxi was waiting for us and a welcome drink at hotel. To our surprise, the only time we paid for drinks was at dinner, lazing around the pool having tea, etc, was on the house. At 4pm tea and coffee/pancakes/pizzas were served at the Karibu next to the other pool and again on the house. We had room No 201 - I would recommend that if you do have a res there to ask for 201 - 209. These are also furthest away from the "dj" area - at night it could be a bit noisy as the music stops at 11.30 and most guests seem to drift off after dinner and a 15 - 30 min show every evening. Our room also had a bath and shower, the others only have shower. Could not complain about the food at all - I do not eat garlic and one evening they had a lamb stirfry, when I asked the chef about the garlic, they kindly offered to make one for me without it - in no time. Had dinner at Fishermans' Cove which was also outstanding - the whole way - hot cloths, warm bites to nibble on and I mean warm - straight from the pan - almonds, coconut, crisps. The room was clean, spacious and tea/coffee/bar fridge provided. We both had a back massage for R50 each - very good but I felt like a real grease pot afterwards - don't know what they use!! Southern Cross safaris are good - the tour guides very informative - one thing though - do not buy tea or coffee or spices from the guys they take you to in the town at the market - we bought for half the price at the airport and a supermarket. Took a taxi to a "mall" one day (4km) - what a delight it was to shop in the supermarket - selection, selection, selection - from made in Kenya to Taiwan, to England...... the choice is endless - bought some groceries there! (Mad??) All the toilets we used were clean - even the ones at the woodcarvers and curio shops where the tour groups are taken. I did take wet wipes though and this came in so handy, dished them out everywhere - so bear this in mind for tips to Mombasa. The Tamarind dhow full day Mombasa tour is worth every dollar, shilling whatever. Did the 1 day Tsavo East tour - saw plenty animals. The guys on the beach can be a bit of a nuisance, but you know what - that is part and parcel of Mombasa and the holiday. We actually had some good chats to them and found out things about the country etc. Bamburi beach is full of "sea grass" when the tide goes out but apparently this is not all year round. We did a "sea safari" as the locals call it - walked far out and they pointed out the sea cucumbers, etc to us and then eventually they tried to sell us some key rings - but as they were so helpful, Clyde just paid them. Nino's tours they sell from the beach and we spoke to some guests who had used them and they could not complain about them at all - cheaper than the other guys. At the hotel, they also have tours every day - which they arrange and there is a minimum travel cost and then of course the entrance fee - so Perfume is much cheaper at Mombasa duty free than Jan Smuts!!!!! Never did we feel "threatened" when we walked to the bank or the mall - felt much safer there than here. Crazy. So, hope this bit of info helps. Give us a call when you are in CT. Regards, |
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From: Kerry Ho Hi Edwina, Our holiday was fantastic. The people at Mnarani were absolutely fabulous and couldn't have asked for anything better. It was a pitty that Kenya was in a political riot as we could not do any of the tours the hotel offered and we were not allowed to leave the hotel. So we were under 'hotel arrest' but the holiday was still very relaxing. I will send you pictures some time this week :-) Regards, |
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From: Cathy Pauley Hi Ed, Amazing, amazing, amazing is all we can say about our trip. It was absolutely wonderful!!!. To discribe our trip would not do it any justice. We were spoilt from the begining to end. Cottars was fantastic with the most amazing views of the planes. We think it is surely the most beautiful accommodation in the Mara with the best staff. Their guides are truely the best in the world and they can really can be proud of them - making it a truely memorable stay. The food was 5 Kiwayu - well untouched paradise of note! It is breathtaking!! Once arriving you actually stand still and look around to take in the beauty of the surroundings. Food top class - consist of seafood. We had crayfish, lobster, oysters, mussels, fish....in abundance. We were spoilt with a picnic lunch on a nearby island with our own butler waiting on us hand and food to serve us with drinks and prepare our lobester lunch!!! Our accommodation is 2 steps away from the sea and truely beautiful - you lie in bed and look at the ocean! Ed and Alan, we would like to thank you both for all the effort you put into arranging an amazing, memorable and special trip for us. Words are not enough. From beginning to end we were taken care of like royality with no detail spared. We have already started planning our next trip to Kiwayu in April with our daughters and friends - will be in touch. Thank you, thank you for making our 25th wedding anniversary special - we will always treasure the memory. Best regards, |
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