In message <18671-3F14C8F6-367@storefull-2233.public.lawson.webtv.net>
jenniferfite@hotmail.com (Blondie) wrote:
Jenn -
The Kitale Club wasn't anything like the RG made out, and in fact if newer
editions of the RG are still printing this stuff, they must be liable for
libel laws! It's really weird, since you wouldn't send your worst enemy to
some places the RG recommends (see "Swahili for the Broken-hearted").
We were booked to stay at Barnley's House, which was recommended by the RG.
We arrived, as is usual in Kenya just before lunch. The proprietress seemed
to be genuinely surprised to see us, saying she didn't think we'd be
arriving before dinner time. The room she led us to was so damp that she
couldn't get a fire to light. We sat on the bed, and within a few minutes
our trousers were wet. We went into the Saiwa Swamp reserve (missed the
Sitatunga, saw the deBrazza's Monkeys, before anyone asks!) then our guide
took us into Kitale to look for other accommodation. Kitale isn't on the
general safari circuit, and he hadn't been there before (this was our
routing, not the company's). First of all, he went into the best looking
hotel in the area. He came out saying it was not good. A cynic might think
that he was maybe miffed at not getting a commission, but while parked
outside, I had formed the opinion that the hotel doubled as a knocking shop.
Then he asked around some locals and took us to the Kitale Club, and
negotiated our stay, coming out and informing us 'he is a good man'
(whatever that means!). We really had no problems with our stay. Perfectly
clean and safe. Nice grounds. Clientele appeared to be all members apart
from us, all wazungu and wahindi. Lunch and dinner were surprisingly basic,
but maybe your hosts will know other places to eat???
As long as you don't expect an American-type stay you'll be just fine.
Liz
--
Virtual Liz at http://www.v-liz.co.uk
Safaris; India; Seychelles; image-manipulation
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