We booked a four night safari for the start of our honeymoon and could not have chosen a better place to go. We were met off the plane by Simon and Jackson who were to be our guides for the next few days and they were incredibly friendly and helpful. After they loaded our bags in to the land rover, they then offered us a choice of water, soft drinks and a local beer for journey back to the camp. Shortly after leaving the air strip we saw the first of so many animals and were blown away by Simon and Jackson's knowledge of them all.
On arriving at the camp we were greeted by the camps manager Marie-Chantelle and other members of staff who produced refreshing cool towels and a welcome drink. We were then taken to our 'tent' by a butler. The photos on the website are exactly what you get. The butler briefly explained a few things about the 'tent' and allowed us to settle. The 'tent' was just stunning with flowers in a heart shape on the bed and champagne in an ice bucket.
We went and had lunch in the garden and from where we sat we had a perfect view of the hippos resting on the riverbank. The lunch was served by our waiter called Peter, who looked after us perfectly during our stay.
Later that day I went to meet our guides and had a private dusk safari drive. I saw lions chasing a warthog (they missed!), elephants, giraffes including a baby giraffe who was born that morning and many other animals. We had dinner on my return which was fantastic with so much choice and again the service could not have been better.
The following morning we had a whole day safari planned through the national park. We saw so many animals including very full crocs resting on the bank of the river after gorging on wilder beast and zebra that didn't make the crossing, cheetahs, lions and a newly born elephant calf. The guides took us to a masai village and we were greeted by dancing and singing. The masai villagers showed us aound their homes and explained how they lived and then invited us to purchase some of their crafts. The Masai women can certainly haggle! (The villagers charge 30US dollars per person to enter their village and at first we thought it was just a tourist scam, but after talking with them they informed us all the money goes in to providing education for all the children, which was reassuring. The guides showed the school after we left and assured us that the money is invested in to education.
Simon and Jackson prepared lunch for us on the Masai plains and as we ate and sipped our wine we watched thousands of wider beast, zebra and gazelles come past. We returned to the camp late where we were again greeted by Marie-Chantelle and her staff with refreshing warm towels and drinks.
The morning after we opted for the balloon ride. It means a very early start (4am), a ride through the Masai plains in complete darkness for an hour or so and parting with 900 US dollars, but it was worth it all. It was a great way to see so much that you would not see from the land rover. After landing, we were picked up and taken to a nearby table where a champagne breakfast was served, again first class service and food. After the breakfast we were taken on a safari drive back through the national park and saw some amazing moments with a lioness and her three cubs after just killing a wilder beast.
I could go on and on, but I just can't find the words to do this camp justice. Everything was thought of from the morning wake up call at whatever time you wanted with whatever drink you wanted, to the amazing adventures that the safari guides took us on, to the hot water bottles (yes it got very cold at night, make sure you take warm clothes for the evening and early mornings)being placed in the bed just before you retired for the night. The camp provide escorts for you to ensure you get back to your 'tent' safely at night after having dinner in the main lodge, which was very reassuring for my wife.
There is a review earlier about somebody's wife crying when they left the camp, which I thought was pretty impressive. After our goodbyes with Marie-Chantelle and so many of the staff, Jackson drove us back to the airstrip. We chatted with him, not wanting the plane to arrive, but sadly it did. We had a big hug and photo with him and then he left. As we taxied down the runway and turned at the end we looked out and they was Jackson parked at the end of the runway, waving goodbye - my wife just burst in to tears and I think that just sums this place up!
Marie-Chantelle is one of nicest lady's you could meet, she runs an amazing camp with some great staff. Peter looked after us impeccably during our meals and Jackson and Simon were just the best guides we could have wished for. All the staff were incredibly helpful and welcoming, but I just can't remember all their names.
All I can say is don't hesitate GO AND BOOK IT, you will not be disappointed.