Client Reviews

Holiday to Kenya
Susan Frampton
January 20, 2026

Overall Rating:

I could’ve easily played the role of Carl Pilkington—Ricky Gervais would’ve had his work cut out for him! But thanks to Mahlatini, our holiday went nearly flawlessly. In the 1950s, NASA sent chimps into space and got them back happy and healthy—but honestly, NASA could take a few lessons from Mahlatini after our seamless Kenya trip.From departure baggage check-in in Charleston, SC, to baggage claim on our return, we were taken care of every step of the way. Special, heartfelt thanks to Donna Armstrong, who expertly helped us navigate a massive documentation hurdle with our Kenya e-Visas. Without her, we’d have been looking at someone else’s photos instead of our own amazing memories!Our Delta ticket agent, along with the rest of the airline team, went far above and beyond expectations to get us on board comfortably. Customer service is very much alive—thanks to teams in both Belfast and Charleston. And the meet-and-greet at NBO was an absolute lifesaver.From wheels up in CHS to wheels down back in CHS, we had the time of our lives. Mahlatini didn’t just meet expectations—they smashed them.

Accommodation Visited

Saruni Wild
“Though the bar had been set very high by Samburu and Mara, Chris, William, James (our watchman) and staff made the Wild tent camp as luxurious and comfortable as Ole Sereni. William arranged for a Kenya night menu for me and it was delightful. Daniel and Joshua delivered us from Mara to Wild and continued their fatherly care their babes in the wild. If there is a better ONE-TWO team in Kenya, I don't think I shall ever meet them. We were immediately friends and we all miss them as the parts of our day they became.”
Saruni Mara
“Straight out of Out of Africa. A stunning harmony of native wood, imaginative architecture, and exceptional hospitality. Cicely, James, and the entire staff made us feel completely at home, while our chef kept the Saruni standard impressively high. They even helped us with tech issues, lending us a current converter—thank you again! Special kudos to the masseuse at Mara for a truly relaxing experience. Our Guide and Spotter duo, Daniel and Joshua, deserve a place in the Hall of Fame. They tuned into our specific interests, put us in the perfect spots for viewing and photography, all while answering our endless questions about animals, their behavior, and Maasai culture. Their patience and expertise know no bounds.”
Saruni Samburu
We could not have asked for a better experience. The staff was warm, welcoming, and treated us like honored family. Our villa was spacious, and the views from the 180-degree deck were absolutely priceless. The walk up the hill to our villa offered a wonderful vantage point to reflect on the day’s adventures—though it was a bit more exercise than some of our party had anticipated! Villas 5 and 6 might come with a gentle warning: a little fitness prep is advised. The pool at the top of the hill was perfect, though a splash or two may take some getting used to! Reports on the massages by Wicki were unanimously five-star. Food and service throughout our stay were exemplary. Special thanks to our Samburu hosts Yousef, Kennedy, and Benson, and to Emma, our fantastic driver and guide.”
yEmara Ole-Sereni
“Though our stay was only from the wee hours of the night, to early morning of the next day, it was a welcome and comforting break from the 20 hours or so of transit. The accommodations were excellent and the breakfast we had was just what we needed. A smooth transition into Kenya, for all.”