As an ex travel agent of 30 years having travelled all over the World staying in every type of hotel I was a bit concerned to read the many negative comments made about the African Safari Club. Having just returned on Saturday I detail below my lengthy observations
We boarded the aircraft at Gatwick and found the aircraft, staff and food quite acceptable for the long journey-we were booked in basic economy. The flight arrived on time and we were through passport control and customs in no time. We had applied for our visa in advance but found most people were whisked through pretty quickly with or without their visa. Our journey from the airport to the Dolphin Hotel took about 30 minutes. On arrival we were escorted to our standard room, ground floor with a good sea view. Very clean, adequate air conditioned room with mosquito nets. Our air conditioning was replaced midway through the holiday and was lovely and ice cool! Only problem I felt was the lack of a radio or tv in the room but to be honest we were very rarely in our room. People had said previously that the food left a lot to be desired but I can honestly say we loved every meal served up to us. At breakfast there was a chef there to cook your eggs any way you wanted in front of your eyes. At lunchtime you always had a varied choice buffet and again a chef who cooked fresh pasta again in front of your eyes. At dinner you had a superb choice of meals which you choose off the menu and served up by an excellent team of waiters/waitresses.
Other past moans seem to relate to the cost of bottled water but to be honest I thoughty 70p for a bottle of cold water delivered to your table was excellent value. A good range of wine was on offer starting about £11-white wine was always served up in an ice bucket.
I had booked a safari by email before I left and spent 3 great days at the David Livingstone Camp. They even have sattelite tv which enabled me to watch the Manchester derby live! I booked with Biopracade Tours who have an office 25 yards just outside the hotel front gate. I felt it was good to support the local town travel agent. I did not attend the welcome meeting on our first day and can honestly report never once was I put under pressure to book any tours or excursions within the hotel. Evening entertainment was adequate and varied, albeit repeated the second week.
During our 2 week stay which included the Masai Mara trip both my wife and I only had 2 mossie bites each so, as long as you take precautions, the bites should be few and far between.
The beach was lovely although you will be pestered by the beach boys if you wander outside the private part of the beach. Sunbeds were good which cost you 1.5 euros per person per day. Often visited the Flaming Hotel next door which is beautiful and spoke to a few residents there who were more than happy. In the Dolphin Hotel the Manager and his assistant were always around and we found them very approachable and would do their utmost to help if you had a problem.
We did do 2 separate days deep sea fishing and found that the prices and quality of boats are second to none. Prices were about half the price of the equivelent in Florida and you are only 15 mins away from the fishing grounds. The Captain picked us up by car from our hotel before and delivered us back afterwards. Also free soft drinks are supplied onboard. Please contact me if anyone going requires further info.
A room safe is available for the cost of approx. 33 euros for the 2 weeks.
All in all my wife and I were thoroughly delighted with the Dolphin Hotel and African Safari Club. Value for money, I believe is second to none. Anyone disagree then you will find similar holidays will cost a helluva lot more with other tour companies. We will go back to Kenya again and it will be with the African Safari Club!