Hotel 2-Star di Narok, Kenya

We had the most amazing, authentic safari experience in Masai Mara staying at Julia’s River Camp. We stayed in the VIP Camp for 4 days and their service was excellent. The staff were friendly and helpful, and attentive to our needs. The tent/room was clean and was newly renovated (just middle of this year, I heard). It is right in front of the river so it has the best view, especially during sunrise. I already miss the sound of the hippos in the morning. The game drives were excellent. It exceeded my expectation, thanks to our very experienced driver. The only down side is the food. Sometimes the chef’s cooking is bland, sometimes too salty, but I appreciate that they try to mix their menu with different dishes per meal for variety. Overall, Julia’s River Camp offered great value accommodations for the budget-friendly fees they charged. If you want better dining experience and fancy camp facilities, then choose the more luxury camp options. But if you’re looking for an affordable yet comfortable glamping experience, I’d say Julia’s (at least for their VIP Camp section) is a great choice.

Friendly and local are the two words I would use two describe the Rhino Tourist Camp. Camp boss Jackson is helpful, caring and friendly. He will also teach you a few local Kenyan sayings. The cook, George, is caring and always asking for feedback. A real highlight was the bon fire on our first night where we met fellow travelers. This time, a group of Kenyan friends that we shared stories and life insights. On the second night, we had a similar opportunity to meet with a local Kenyan tour group who we ran into earlier in the day but the sun had taken its toll so we turned in early. A real feel for the local Kenyan community at Rhino Tourist Camp with Jackson and his team. I would highly recommend for those looking for a unique experience.