Truly Swahili

Memorable and enjoyable trip to Great rift valley lakes in Kenya (Naivasha and Nakuru)
Planning: Appreciate that the itinerary was tailored to our interests and needs and that our concerns were addressed promptly. Side cultural trips and boat trips were well organized. Virtual video meeting prior to trip was a very nice touch. Fred and Carol did a great job.
Guide/driver: John was amazing- knowledgeable, competent, kind, great driving, flexible, ensured we got to see and do all that we had wanted.
Accommodation: We expected a better level of accommodation at Lake Naivasha. The Muthu lodge was disappointing in quality although well located.
Experience: I was astonished at the abundance of birds and wild animals and terrain we were able to experience in this short (5 day) period of time, and would highly recommend this trip.

Hotel Reviews

Sopa Lodge Nakuru

Nairobi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club

Naivasha

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Evening Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Boat Cruise on Lake Nakuru

Nakuru

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Boat Cruise On Lake Naivasha

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Crescent Island Animal Walk

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided birding and Nature drive

Naivasha

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Truly Swahili planned an incredible trip for us! We could not have enjoyed it more, every day was a truly unforgettable experience. We had the most amazing time enjoying everything Tanzania has to offer, seeing the incredible animals at the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti as well as relax in the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Our kind and knowledgeable guides and drivers made this the trip of a lifetime! Thank you to Melvin, Irene, Walter, Frances, Alawi, Baraka, Angelo and the entire team for every detail throughout our stay, we cannot thank you enough!

Hotel Reviews

Arusha Serena Hotel

Arusha

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Karatu Simba Lodge

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

The most incredible hotel we have ever stayed at! You are truly immersed in nature and are able to appreciate the life of the Serengeti.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Meliá Zanzibar

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Day Hike on Mountain Kilimanjaro

Tanzania

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Safari Experience at Ngorongoro

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Safari Experience at Serengeti National Park

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Snorkeling in Zanzibar

Tanzania

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lake Manyara Cultural Experience and biking Safari

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Evening Game Drive

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

2nd Day Full Day Safari Experience at Serengeti National Park

Tanzania

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hot Air Balloon Safari at Serengeti

Tanzania

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My Uganda trip, booked through kimkim, was an incredible experience overall. The itinerary covered everything I had hoped for: gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and Queen Elizabeth National Park were all absolute highlights, each with fantastic wildlife sightings and well-timed, well-organized days.

A special mention goes to my guide and driver, Steven, who was outstanding throughout the trip. He was knowledgeable, attentive, and brought a level of care and professionalism that made a real difference, from the way he timed the trekking activities to how he handled logistics day to day. He's a big part of why this trip felt so memorable.

I also want to highlight Fred, who checked in with me by phone almost every day to make sure everything was going smoothly. That level of attentiveness gave me real peace of mind traveling alone, and it didn't go unnoticed.

One area for improvement: the overall pricing felt too high, not because anything was missing from the trip, but because it's clear a significant markup was added on top of the actual bookings. This isn't a reflection of Steven's or Fred's work, both of which were excellent; it's specifically feedback on kimkim's pricing structure. If I might book with them again, I'd go in more price-conscious, even though the on-the-ground experience was fantastic.

Activity Reviews

Full Day Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale National Park

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ride 4 a Woman Biking Community Tour

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kazinga Channel Water Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Very nice trip in Nairobi, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar 🇹🇿🇰🇪🦏🐆🦒🐘🦓

We enjoyed our safari tremendously. John, our guide was excellent and we departed as friends would do. We w ere disappointed that in Nakuru there were no flamingos, while the impression had been created. It was a situation going on for some time, based on the extreme high water level nd lack of shallow levels for the flamingos.

Hotel Reviews

Serena Hotel Nairobi

Nairobi

Excellent hotel with very good service. Swimming pool is heated.

Authenticity & Character

Very stylish.

Location

Since we were transported we have no opinion about the location. It was close enough to the airport

Staff

Very personal service.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Egret Savannah Camp

Nakuru

Very nice positioned in a natural environment. Staff is extremely friendly. Accommodation is pleasant.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Well positioned in a natural environment.

Staff

All staff deserve the credit.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mara serena lodge

masai mara

We enjoyed this hotel very much. The cultural aspects of it were very special.

Authenticity & Character

Cultural aspect. Friendliness of staff.

Location

Quite far, but that is the whole idea of the National,park.

Staff

Friendliness

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Sunrise Boat Cruise on Lake Nakuru

Nakuru

There were no flamingos, which was a disappointment.

This was a bucket list adventure and our bucket overflowed from beginning to end. Melvin and the Kimkim team put our safari together exactly as we requested. We were in very good hands with our driver, John, at the helm. He is knowledgeable, caring, funny and a master at spotting animals we could only have wished to see. He shared stories and culture and local customs. We felt safe at all times. We parted in adoring friendships. We already have a plan to return. Thank you all!!

Hotel Reviews

Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Nairobi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sarova Lion Hill Hotel

Nairobi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Skynest Residences by CityBlue

Nairobi

Just a bit loud at night because of street music.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Evening Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park

Kenya

Game drive in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunrise Boat Cruise on Lake Nakuru

Nakuru

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hot-air Balloon Safari above the Mara

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

2nd Day Full Day Safari at the Maasai Mara

Kenya

Transfer from Nairobi to Naivasha via the Rift Valley View Point

Kenya

Relax at leisure

Nairobi

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Elephant Orphanage Visit

Nairobi

Full Day Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park

Kenya

Evening Game Drive at the Maasai Mara

Kenya

Full Day Safari at the Maasai Mara

Kenya

Hiking / Biking at Hell's Gate National Park

Kenya

Crescent Island Animal Walk

Kenya

There were several nice ostrich meandering about. One walked past me and brushed her feathers with my arm. How fortunate I was to have such a personal encounter.

Melvin was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating during the process of developing our ideal itinerary from the start. We did everything we wanted to and nothing we didn't!

Overall, our trip was incredible. I wouldn't change a thing about it from the activities to the lodging to the individuals on the ground that made everything happen. The whole experience just exceeded my wildest dreams!

Hotel Reviews

Skynest Residences by CityBlue

Nairobi

Would gladly stay here again. It was clean, check-in was easy, and the suites were huge. There was some noise from the nearby city but the hotel offered earplugs. Also very nice to have a washing machine in the suite!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Nairobi

The rooms seemed slightly dated but the experience with the animals up close more than made up for it. I would gladly stay here again!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sarova Lion Hill Hotel

Nairobi

Was under construction when we were there. Our room was pretty small but we still had a great stay. I believe the new lodges will be larger.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Wow Wow Wow!!! Absolutely the best stay of our trip. I would highly encourage anyone to stay here!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Safari at the Maasai Mara

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hiking / Biking at Hell's Gate National Park

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Joseph, our guide in Hell's Gate, was not my favorite. Kind of pushy with reviews/sales at his private shop.

Transport

Evening Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park

Kenya

This was my favorite game drive of the whole trip!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Crescent Island Animal Walk

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from Nairobi to Naivasha via the Rift Valley View Point

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Relax at leisure

Nairobi

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Elephant Orphanage Visit

Nairobi

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Game drive in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi

This was such a fun way to kick off our trip. Our guide, John, was incredible and we saw many animals due to his knowledge and skill.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunrise Boat Cruise on Lake Nakuru

Nakuru

This ended up not as sunrise but midday with lunch. Regardless, it was amazing! The food was incredible, the staff fantastic, and the drinks were flowing. It was a really relaxing experience nestled between game drives.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hot-air Balloon Safari above the Mara

Kenya

Wow! I'm so glad we did this. Absolutely a highlight of the trip!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

2nd Day Full Day Safari at the Maasai Mara

Kenya

Just amazing!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Evening Game Drive at the Maasai Mara

Kenya

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

very responsive both before, during and after the trip and great selection of activities and hotels. Something we should have asked at orientation, but was not as clear that we would have the same guides/vehicle throughout which was a nice pleasant surprise, but went in not knowing how the actually safaris/ guides would work. Also was mentioned would be more comfortable flying back, but was not told upfront that it would be transfers back in the Safari Jeeps and bumpy roads which is why we originally did not opt to fly as assumed would be an easier drive to airport. Also had to ask several times about a refund for one activity but eventually was resolved.

Activity Reviews

Tanzanian Inspired Flavours

Tanzania

Was a great cultural experience, but was quit long for one day right after travel.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hot Air Balloon Safari at Serengeti

Tanzania

highlight of the trip!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided visit to the Birding Sanctuary in Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro

was not a guided visit, but the hotel was nice and there were a lot of birds to observe just walking alone in hotel

Full Day Safari Experience at Ngorongoro

Kenya

Saw so many animals and great guides.

Evening Game Drive

Kenya

same as before great guides and lots of animals seen

Half Day Safari Experience at Tarangire

Tanzania

same as before great guides and lots of animals seen

2nd Day Full Day Safari Experience at Serengeti National Park

Tanzania

same as before great guides and lots of animals seen

Full Day Safari Experience at Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park

great park, was long day having a travel from Arusha then full day safari so maybe some preparation ahead of time about options for a break etc.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Long trips and vehicle was very bumpy with bad suspension so was tough for person who has to urinate frequently or for my elder mom with back issues.

Coffee Tour in Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro

was a nice cultural experience but was less about the coffee, was assuming was a larger plantation/farm that focused on coffee.

Simba, our guide, provided us with limited information about our destination, expected sights, return time, and lunch schedule. He rarely checked in on our well-being or preferences. The 10-11 hour days on bumpy, dusty roads were excessively long. Simba took numerous personal photos and videos, which often delayed our progress. He promised to share them, but didn’t. I feel taking photos is a personal experience and don’t desire anyone else’s photos. Kaka, our guide, was entertaining, but after the fourth day, his inaccurate animal facts became annoying. I prefer truth over myths. KaKa’s body odor was overwhelming, so I sat in the far back.

Hotel Reviews

Serengeti Sametu Camp

Camp was authentic with all modern convenience, and comforts.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Location was great for touring the Serengeti

Staff

Staff was pleasant and accommodating. David, who served us daily, was a very attentive and kind.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nice pool area to relax after a dusty bumpy game drive.

Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Resort was well laid out with lots of pool area. The restaurants open at 6:30 or 7 PM with only one location to get food during other time a day.

Authenticity & Character

Location

I would skip Zanzibar in the future. It’s nothing like the pictures in the traveling magazines. The hotel was a diamond in the rough literally. Hotel was nice with surrounding areas was extremely poor, dirty and run down.

Staff

Hotel staff was good

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel was clean and comfortable. I have to carry around a big block of wood with a your room key all day.

Ngorongoro Lions Paws Camp

Accommodations were lonely. Service was top-notch. Helen made the food memorable with her and gracious personality. Overlooking the crater from the hill was beautiful. The sunrises and sunsets were incredible.

Authenticity & Character

I called quality accommodation that the vet was a little hard

Location

For visiting the crater, this is the place to stay.

Staff

The staff was warm and accommodating, making us feel at home. Helen made every day more memorable.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bed was a little too big and too hard

Activity Review

Full-day Prison Island, Nakupenda and Stone Town Tour

Tanzania

Not with visiting

we traveled from may 24th 2026 to June 6th 2026 to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Melvin team is amazing as we have welcome call 1 month before with us and they are helpful in getting visa and working thru all details. Guides in each country -Norman ( Kenya) , Simba and Kaku ( Tanzania) and Nelson ( Rwanda) are very friendly, professional and caring. trip was amazing memorable and without any hick ups. Thank you whole team ( Caroline, redo and Irene). Thank you thank you for providing amazing experience.

Hotel Reviews

Fairview Hotel, Nairobi

Nairobi

they have restaurant 24 hours and they serve hot food anytime. location was very peaceful, convinent, safe and rooms are cleaned and comfortable. Staff was amazing

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge

Musanze

very friendly service, feels like home, they wash your shoes after you come back from trekking, food was amazing, they did bon fire at our request just for us that was very kind .

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Coffee Tour in Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro