Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Elephant conservation and beaches, Kenya, independent reviews
 Reviewed 22 Oct 2007 by Sheree Baseley |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The two most memorable parts of my holiday were visiting the local school and meeting all the children and seeing the work being done there by volunteers, and watching five cheetahs playing together in Tsavo East. The planting of the seedlings at the elephant sanctuary was very hot, hard work but very rewarding. Its a good feeling knowing you are doing something to help the local community and we'd like to go back in a couple of years to see how they've grown.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We found we did not need pillows and sheets/sleeping bags. The best currency to take is Kenyan shillings, we found we needed approx 5000 shillings each for tipping kitty, books and pens for the school, visit to a locals house, taxis to and from restaurant when staying at beach and transfer to airport for departure, this is in addition to money for drinks and meals. Beer and water tended to be 100 shillings each. A pair of binoculars is a good idea too and also ladies will need either a cap sleeve t-shirt or shirt for visiting local villages. Don't be afraid to try anything; we survived Morris's palm wine, so just close your eyes and enjoy. Be prepared to have cold showers behind plastic sheets out in the open.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I hope the trees we planted will survive; they will be a natural barrier to stop elephants escaping and damaging the locals’ crops, the locals will also be able to harvest the berries and extract the oils for lighting in their homes. So yes, I think our visit has been beneficial, it also gave us the chance to help local children by providing books and pens. The trees being a natural living barrier will help the environment, while having no detrimental impact on it.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had the most fantastic holiday you got everything, you saw just how people live and did something to help them - that’s the most wonderful feeling, time to relax at the beach before going on safari which was great. We were looked after fantastically, we'd do it again and recommend it to anyone. We meet some great people and have wonderful memories.
| Reviewed 30 Jun 2008 by Claire Williamson | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The sheer number of elephants that we saw at such close range. The camp in Mwalunganje elephant sanctuary - the location is fantastic, and the staff are brilliant.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
There is no need to take sleeping bags or pillows. Make sure you have a lot of memory for your camera. Binoculars are invaluable.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we planted a huge number of Jetropha trees which will help to reduce Human-Elephant conflict and provide a source of Biofuel for the local community.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was amazing - one of the best holidays I've ever been on. The holiday was made all the more enjoyable by the excellent camp staff. We were very sad not to have seen any big cats, but that's a good excuse to go back again!
| Reviewed 15 Jul 2007 by Simon Ilyushchenko | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing a lion chasing zebras in Serengeti.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring picture or photo books to show to schoolkids and villagers.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The tour includes a charity donations and some construction work, so the benefit is there. No environment has been hurt.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great staff and interesting activities, but the quality of the hardware, like the cars and the tents, could be better. Hotels are of varying quality.