Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

Excellent location, nice animal orphanage ,

It's difficult to know how to start to review the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. Our 9-night stay has been a simply magical experience. My wife and I have been fortunate enough to stay in many outstanding hotels across the world. Without doubt, this has gone straight to the top of our list. From the moment we checked in, we were made to feel like VIPs! Our room, a Lodge, was in a wonderfully leafy location overlooking one of the lakes. The lounge area was very comfortable, moreso in the evening when the open fire was lit, creating a special ambience. The fire is double fronted and also serves the bedroom so the room was always a perfect temperature, despite the chilly evenings. Outside, a generously sized balcony made the most of the natural beauty of the surroundings. The Mount Kenya Safari Club offers many activities and day excursions. We were able to sample horse and bike riding in the nearby Conservancy, as well as a day trip to the Samburu National Park - a 2 hour drive but definitely worth it. The restauraunts are all exceptional - we chose to dine in the main Tusks dining room where tables indoor and outdoor are available. The menus are extensive as is the wine list. My wife has certain special dietary requirements yet nothing was too much trouble to accommodate her needs. Breakfast in Tusks is a delight, watching the birds and monkeys being fed on the lawn. The hotel gardens were extra special - they could justify a separate entrance fee in their own right! As keen gardeners ourselves, we recognised (surprisingly) many of the plants that also grow in our garden in the UK. The huge team of garden maintenance staff never seem to stop in ensuring everything looks immaculate. All of this would not be possible without the outstanding Fairmont staff. They were the most dedicated, hospitable and friendly set of people we have ever encountered, always going the exrta mile. It is difficult to pick out specific individuals but special mentions must go to Kelvin (our Samburu guide who we leant so much from), Nuno (our Conservancy walking guide) and Michael (our horse riding tutor). And an extra special mention should go to Murugi in the restaurant - we were so touched when she presented us with a leaving card signed by all the staff. Also Lincoln (Concierge desk) was an enormous help in planning our activities - his knowledge and attention to detail was so much appreciated. There were so many names to remember but special thanks should all go to Agnes, Lavender, Hannah, Moffat and Samuel. If we have forgotten anyone we apologise. A huge credit should go to the General Manager, Veronique, who was kind enough to introduce herself early in our stay - our experience of most GMs is that they like to hide in their offices, away from hotel guests! You and your team have created something very special and I can only encourage you to keep up the fantastic work. It is little wonder that the hotel has won the accolade of the best hotel in Afri