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adria711
Atlanta, Georgia

Mixed feelings

Review of Angama Mara
Reviewed 18 Jan 2020
We spent 4 nights at Angama Mara, after visiting Tsavo West and Finch Hattons camp. We had very high expectations that Angama Mara would be similar to Finch Hattons, but were dissapointed. In a few words, I will explain why:
1. After landing at the air strip, I think we were greeted the last ones among all the passengers that arrived for other camps.
2. When we arrived at Angama Mara, we met some of the staff, but no towels or welcome drinks.
3. Our tent had basic amenities, but no safari decor. The furniture looked in need for some care and the flip flops were worn by a previous guest. We called the manager and had them replaced. The tent had whiskey and tequila decanters, but since we did not know who drank from them before and how, we asked to have unopened bottles.
4. On our first day, we were at lunch in the restaurant and met the director of the camp. She came to our table with her daughter in her arms (a beautiful little girl). However, we thought that was thoroughly unprofessional and felt that she just checked a box in her list for that afternoon by greeting us. She did not seem to care too much about us, since we never saw her again.
5. It would have been great if every time we came back from a game drive, we would have been treated with towels and some refreshments.
Although the views from our tent were extraordinary and the animals that we saw in our game drives were amazing (many thanks to Wilson for his great skills and professionalism), we felt like we came back to a Marriott hotel. There was no trace of the luxury safari feel that Finch Hattons gave us. Out of respect for Wilson and our butler Adlight that made us have a pleasant stay by the end, I wrote some nice statements in the camp journal. A special mention also to the gardener that made the best salad for us.
I hope that these statements will not be taken as an offense by the camp owner, but as constructive criticism brought by people that pay a lot of money to visit and expect the highest standards and personalized service. I hope that when I will return, the things we mentioned were improved.
Date of stay: January 2020
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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NickyFitzKenya, Owner at Angama Mara, responded to this review
Responded 21 Jan 2020
Dear Adria

Absolutely no offence taken at all - as disappointed as I am to receive your detailed feedback I absolutely know that without it we will not achieve the high standards to which we constantly strive.

Thank you not only for coming to stay with us but for making the time to send us your impressions. There is always valuable learning in all guest feedback and it goes without saying we have learnt from yours.

Wilson and Adlight asked me to forward their thanks for your kind comments about the way in which they took care of you. And I was also happy to read that you had great game viewing and enjoyed your lunch in our Shamba.

And best of all you mentioned that you might return to Angama one day. We very much look forward to welcoming you back.

Warmest thanks
Nicky
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Reviewed 9 January 2020

This lodge is located in an ubelivable position where you can dominate the Masai Mara triangle, Everithing in the lodge is curated and vary well organized.
The manager is totally dedicated to the guests and during a day appears ebverytime you need him. The tends are large with many amenities and offer a splendid view of the park. In the restaurant, the dedicate butler ensures that all needs are met; the menu offers many choices and all the dishes are delicious.
If you are looking for an uforgettable experience in the heart of Masai Mara Park with a personalized and luxory Treatment, Angana Mara is the place for you.
Cristiano Villa

Date of stay: December 2019
    • Value
    • Rooms
    • Service
2  Thank cristianov433
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickyFitzKenya, Owner at Angama Mara, responded to this reviewResponded 12 January 2020

Dear Cristiano

Thank you so much for coming to stay with us and for posting this delightful review. The team at the lodge - especially the manager and the chefs - is most grateful for your kind words.

Wishing you a joyous 2020 and we very much hope to welcome you back to the lovely Mara one day.

Warmest thanks

Nicky

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 7 January 2020

Words cannot adequately describe how magical this place is. Angama is, hands down, the best safari lodge experience I have ever had. For context, this was my third safari trip to Kenya (fourth overall) and I've been blessed to be able to stay at some pretty amazing lodges, including a lodge earlier on this trip that had just been named the top luxury resort in the world by Conde Nast readers.

Lodging: The lodge's location on the escarpment makes for amazing views (sunrise and sunsets are stunning) and the guest rooms and dining areas are laid out to take full advantage of the view. While this the largest safari lodge I that have ever stayed at, was one of the bigger lodges I have stayed at, but it actually did not feel that as the lodge is set up as two separate camps, each with separate (but equally lovely) dining facilities. Bed was very comfortable!

Food and Drink: Delicious. More than enough variety for me.

Service: While the food and lodging at Angama were stellar, it was the service (from beginning to end, and reflected in things big and small) that made Angama so memorable. I interacted with too many wonderful people at Angama to name them all, so I thought I'd just mention two who were particularly impactful to my experience. Tasmin in reservations helped set the tone for the service I could expect at Angama. She promptly responded to my email inquiry regarding the lodge and to the many, many questions that followed and deftly dealt with the actual reservations and some last-minute changes that were caused by some self-imposed travel snafus. She is a big part of why I decided to stay at Angama and I will forever be grateful to her for that. Tito, my guide, was kind, engaging, funny, an excellent driver and extremely knowledgeable. He consulted with me each day about my preferences for the next ride and made recommendations based on my input. I always went with his recommendations and was glad that I did. Tito was everything that I could have hoped for in a safari guide and he, more than any other person, made this trip for me. So, if you have the opportunity to request a guide, I'd highly recommend him.

Date of stay: November 2019
    • Location
    • Rooms
    • Service
1  Thank homewheremyheartis
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickyFitzKenya, Owner at Angama Mara, responded to this reviewResponded 8 January 2020

I just love the way that your reviewer name echoes that of the lovely title you chose for your post. If home is where your heart is and you left it at Angama then Angama surely must be your home? That thought makes us all so happy. Our home is absolutely your home.

Firstly thank you so much for choosing to come time and again to Kenya. We are totally unbiased of course but the Angama family firmly believes there is no other African safari destination quite like it. And as for Kenyan hospitality that surely has to be in a league of its own?

Your wonderful review lifted our hearts and Tamsin is sitting across from me with a smile stretched from ear to ear. And I know Tito feels exactly the same delight at hearing your kind words about him.

Thank you too for raising the point that Angama on one level could be regarded as a lodge somewhat on a larger scale than most of the other camps in Kenya but as you so rightly noted, it is spilt into two completely separate camps of just 15 tents each. Over and above that our team is trained to regard every booking as the only guests in camp and to personalise and tailor make their stay to the highest possible standard.

From us all wishing you a joyous and adventure-filled 2020 and sending our heartfelt thanks for coming to stay with us

Warm regards

Nicky

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Reviewed 5 January 2020

Angama continues to be the standard by which all other African safari camps are measured against. The ability of the staff to create a feeling of relaxation, comfort, and accommodation is borderline magical. The tents are very posh, the linens are soft, the beds are enormous, the food superb. Things that I have found true at other lodges seem to be extra true here- the staff, the guides, the amenities, and the architecture are all a level above. Plus it has the best view of any camp I have ever been to. I have been twice now, and will go again.

Date of stay: December 2019
    • Value
    • Rooms
    • Service
1  Thank Daniel A
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickyFitzKenya, Owner at Angama Mara, responded to this reviewResponded 7 January 2020

Dear Daniela

What a great start to the year - thank you so much for this wonderful review. The title you chose made me smile.

As you might know Angama Mara was the 60th property that my husband and I built and operated over many years and all the learnings (successes and mistakes - many of the latter) were distilled into the design and training of the staff for Angama. It's great fun having an 'only child' now and I am delighted that this appeals enormously to our guests and travel partners.

Thank you for being such a loyal guest and we eagerly await your return to this lovely corner of Africa.

From us all at the lodge our heartfelt thanks and wishing you a great 2020

Warm regards

Nicky

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Reviewed 26 December 2019 via mobile

I am not sure where to start from, but it was a perfect experience from start till end. As I arrived, my guide was waiting for me at the air strip, gently introduced me to the place and to the animals that were gracious enough to welcome all the visitors. My tent had all the needed amenities and overlooked the Masai Triangle. Occasionally, I did have visitors, such a cuddly hyrax that allowed for a selfie. The electric blanket provided well desired warmth while lying in bed gazing at the twinkling stars or silently listening to the thunder and gushing rain. The laundry service was a great plus and my house keeper, Violet, did a great job taking care of the place. My guide, John, was also considerate and experienced such as our gracious butler. Finally, my hike guide, John, was extremely knowledgeable and taught me much about the plants and Masai heritage and culture. I would love to visit again and would recommend everyone does so as well!

Date of stay: December 2019
Trip type: Travelled solo
2  Thank mohammadasfour
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickyFitzKenya, Owner at Angama Mara, responded to this reviewResponded 28 December 2019

From the title of your lovely post all the way to your desire to return filled our hearts with pride. Thank you for this lovely review. It could have been titled The Three Johns. Together with Violet they all asked me to forward their heartfelt thanks for your kind comments about the way in which they cared for you.

And now for some happy news. I am sure you noticed that Violet was expecting a baby - well, as soon as you left she surprised us all by having her babe two and a half weeks early. Babe and mother are both well, I am happy to add.

We all look forward to welcoming you back to the beautiful Mara soon

Warm regards and a happy New Year

Nicky

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Reviewed 4 December 2019

Well what can I say!!
I was lucky enough to be taken to Kenya by my fantastic company.
We stayed at the Angama resort in the Masai Mara. Definitely the most amazing nature experience of my life. Stunning scenery and spectacular animals all around you.
I do have to add that the experience was completed by our guide. Onsongo or as we knew him Doug is full of knowledge on the region and animals. He's able to spot the animals at great distances and get you right into the action areas whilst balancing your day with quieter locations which have outstanding beauty. Let's just say I took a few thousand pictures in just 3 days.
Thank you Angama and thank you Onsongo

Date of stay: November 2019
Trip type: Travelled on business
2  Thank RoyTr4vel
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickyFitzKenya, Owner at Angama Mara, responded to this reviewResponded 23 January 2020


Dear Roy

Douglas joins me in thanking you not only for coming to stay with us but for this lovely post on your safari at our lodge.

Douggy has a keen eye for spotting great game and for ensuring his guests have a wonderful time whilst out on game drive with him. I do hope you have managed to edit your thousands of photos? The Mara delivers over and over 12 months of the year and the only setback is when to put your camera down :)

Warmest thanks and kind regards

Nicky


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