Travelled in September 2022
I highly recommend Sikeleli Travel, and Karen Dewhurst in particular, for planning your trip of a lifetime.
We had such an amazing 2022 East Africa trip, and Sikeleli Travel were our partners that made it happen. Our group of 4 benefited from their extensive research for the safari camps and beach resort to meet and even exceed our expectations.
They helped us navigate the uncertainties of COVID and the governmental travel requirements to keep us safe and worry free on this vacation. Their partnership continued during the trip with frequent check ins, advice on local customs, and occasionally jumping in to smooth over the unexpected bumps that inevitably happen on longer trips.
The hot air balloon trip over the Maasai Mara was a highlight of our trip. We were able to view an eagle’s nest at eye level, watch monkeys climb up and down the trees, and then drop to gliding alongside elephants and even catch sight a mother rhino and its calf.
Loisaba
Top notch room, service and food. The tents are spacious, and with decks and chaises that overlook huge vistas. The staff treated us like favorite relatives and made us feel so welcome.
We had a good guide: Solomon, always dressed in Maasai clothing and headgear, he was so knowledgeable, an excellent navigator, and had a wicked fun sense of humor.
There is so much variety of game. With this being a private conservancy, Solomon often went off-road to get us close up views of the animals and plants. On the drives we often never saw another vehicle and felt we had the whole place to ourselves. We appreciated the camp’s conservation efforts, and clean up of the invasive cactus.
The camel ride was a hoot, and the breakfast in the bush afterward was a delightful and tasty surprise. The night in the sky beds was magical, with a full moon illuminating the valley and reservoir below. I could easily have stayed an extra day just to relax and soak up the views.
Il Moran / Maasai Mara
Spacious accommodations in old colonial style. We did not the best guide: communication was difficult. Lots and lots of game; every drive was a novel experience. The balloon ride is a must; I would have loved it for 3 hours long and not just one. The breakfast afterward was a delight, and gave us opportunities to chat with other travelers from Kenya and around the world.
The Highlands / Ngorongoro
The staff put themselves entirely and cheerfully at our service. No request was too small, and they warmly and repeatedly showed how grateful they were for us to be there. Rooms were amazing, with the huge beds, fireplace, and comfort.
The food was top notch: creative and tasty. The library / bar looked cool, but most chairs were not comfortable to linger in. Guide Tosh was amazing, and hands down our favorite of the trip: great communicator, knowledgeable, thoughtful, connected fun, and always helpful. The Ngorongoro crater all-day drive was amazing: the animals had no fear, and the density allowed us to closely o bserve their interactions.
Kilindi / Zanzibar
Hands down the best tropical resort I’ve stayed in. Perfect way to wind down after the safari. Room 15 was a great choice for us — loved the views on the water and yet so private. Unwinding in the reading pavillion with a book and naps was a favorite way to spend the afternoon. Enjoyed many hours on the beach in the canopy beds, with waves lapping up to the edge. Service was excellent: attentive and cheerful