Cora
Constantly in trip planning mode...I want to go aw
- Joined
- Aug 18, 1999
- Messages
- 842
AMAZING is all I can say. The personal touches were wonderful.
It started Thursday with a call from Alana to wish my DH a Happy Birthday (we were still home)! We arrived Friday am around 11:30. Our room was ready. Watts, the best bellman, escorted us on a mini-tour and took us to our room. But first he took pictures of us on the 5th floor bridge. Our room was lovely, the decor, lighting, etc. Then the balcony...glorious. We had requested Arusha Rock and received it. However, we didn't see too many animals during our stay, but that was ok because it was so peaceful. DH and I loved to sit out there.
From here Watts takes us to the 6th floor...the Kilimanjaro Lounge. Here we check in and are given drinks and an explanation of our package. I couldn't get over all the things there was to do. DS loved the TV and parked himself in front. He was given a HUGE cup of gummy bears...he was lovin' this place too! We stopped and grabbed some munchies. I am now addicted to the terra chips! There were also mixed nuts and trail mix. Also, water is available in plastic bottles...you just need to ask!
After checking in we headed to MGM. We returned later in the day to partake in Chai (afternoon offerings) in the lounge. There were cookies and wonderful golden raisin scones. The best is the $23,000 coffee maker. It makes everything from heated milk to cappucinos to lattes and espressos. Also all day there is lemonade, iced tea and african smoothies (yogurt, honey, mango...I can't remember what else but they are heavenly).
DS and I headed off to the Animal Researcher program. We met our DS's guide by the Uzima Savannah. DS was given a 'reseacher' vest and was told to choose an animal (he chose giraffe) and observe it at one minute intervals. At the end he was asked what he could tell about the animal and was given a pin. After this we headed to the room and watched the antelope and anchole (sp?) cattle roaming.
It was then time for appetizers and wine. The wines are all from Africa and I liked the chardonnay the best. The offerings were morrocan meatballs, chicken on skewers and pork on skewers, veggie wrap and two kinds of foccacia type appetizers...one with tamarind chicken and the other veggie. Also there were pita chips and sundried tomato hummus, white bean hummus, kalamata olive hummus and my favorite, bean and corn dip (I'm waiting for the recipe. These offerings change. We did not make it Sat nite but Sun nite there were the focccias and hummus. But there was also a sweet beef with chili (to die for), salmon on skewers and beef. Every evening there is chicken nuggets and the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Later in the evening there are cordials - Kahlua, Sambucca, Cointreau, Grand Manier and I can't remember what else. I found that if you add Cointreau to the African Smoothie it makes a lovely drink! There were also desserts, many of the same from Boma! The desserts were brownies and cookies to name a few.
In the am we had muffins (I found a wonderful mango and nut one that I love). There are bagels, pastries, cereals, fruit and oatmeal. I found I would go up, get coffee and head back to the balcony to wait for DH and DS to get ready.
We also took part in the Sunrise Safari. If you are staying in concierge this is a must. The animals are right there and the guide is very knowledgeable. The breakfast buffet after is probably the best I've had in the World!
DS also took part, two evenings, in the games held in the Sunset Lounge. The first evening was fun but the second was the best. The guide was so patient and fun! There were also alot more kids. DS and I took part in storytelling around the campfire. This was great. Our guide Jeb was so good with the kids and also so patient. DS and I also tried the matching game, where you match the name with the animal part. This was fun too. All these programs at AKL were fun and educational. And it was a joy to be around these CMs.
Another personal touch was the birthday cake brought for DH's bday. There were hats, horns and streamers! What fun...
The most awesome touch was last nite a note was slipped under our door. It read "Habari za jioni (Good Evening) to the ______ Safari,
On behalf of the Kilimanjaro Club, we would like to thank you for staying with us. Please feel free to contact us at....to make or change any of your departure arrangements.
Your flight to ___________, MASS on Delta Express airline flight #XXXX, is currently departing at 11:40am. Tomorrow, it is expected to be 73 degrees and showers in __________, MASS.
Asante sana (Thank you) and we look forward to seeing your again..."
Everything was great. Other than our home at BWV this is our favorite. We found it to be the most relaxing resort. When you enter AKL you leave everything behind. It's remoteness and ambiance just lend itself to relaxation.
We hope to be able to do this again...
Cora
It started Thursday with a call from Alana to wish my DH a Happy Birthday (we were still home)! We arrived Friday am around 11:30. Our room was ready. Watts, the best bellman, escorted us on a mini-tour and took us to our room. But first he took pictures of us on the 5th floor bridge. Our room was lovely, the decor, lighting, etc. Then the balcony...glorious. We had requested Arusha Rock and received it. However, we didn't see too many animals during our stay, but that was ok because it was so peaceful. DH and I loved to sit out there.
From here Watts takes us to the 6th floor...the Kilimanjaro Lounge. Here we check in and are given drinks and an explanation of our package. I couldn't get over all the things there was to do. DS loved the TV and parked himself in front. He was given a HUGE cup of gummy bears...he was lovin' this place too! We stopped and grabbed some munchies. I am now addicted to the terra chips! There were also mixed nuts and trail mix. Also, water is available in plastic bottles...you just need to ask!
After checking in we headed to MGM. We returned later in the day to partake in Chai (afternoon offerings) in the lounge. There were cookies and wonderful golden raisin scones. The best is the $23,000 coffee maker. It makes everything from heated milk to cappucinos to lattes and espressos. Also all day there is lemonade, iced tea and african smoothies (yogurt, honey, mango...I can't remember what else but they are heavenly).
DS and I headed off to the Animal Researcher program. We met our DS's guide by the Uzima Savannah. DS was given a 'reseacher' vest and was told to choose an animal (he chose giraffe) and observe it at one minute intervals. At the end he was asked what he could tell about the animal and was given a pin. After this we headed to the room and watched the antelope and anchole (sp?) cattle roaming.
It was then time for appetizers and wine. The wines are all from Africa and I liked the chardonnay the best. The offerings were morrocan meatballs, chicken on skewers and pork on skewers, veggie wrap and two kinds of foccacia type appetizers...one with tamarind chicken and the other veggie. Also there were pita chips and sundried tomato hummus, white bean hummus, kalamata olive hummus and my favorite, bean and corn dip (I'm waiting for the recipe. These offerings change. We did not make it Sat nite but Sun nite there were the focccias and hummus. But there was also a sweet beef with chili (to die for), salmon on skewers and beef. Every evening there is chicken nuggets and the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Later in the evening there are cordials - Kahlua, Sambucca, Cointreau, Grand Manier and I can't remember what else. I found that if you add Cointreau to the African Smoothie it makes a lovely drink! There were also desserts, many of the same from Boma! The desserts were brownies and cookies to name a few.
In the am we had muffins (I found a wonderful mango and nut one that I love). There are bagels, pastries, cereals, fruit and oatmeal. I found I would go up, get coffee and head back to the balcony to wait for DH and DS to get ready.
We also took part in the Sunrise Safari. If you are staying in concierge this is a must. The animals are right there and the guide is very knowledgeable. The breakfast buffet after is probably the best I've had in the World!
DS also took part, two evenings, in the games held in the Sunset Lounge. The first evening was fun but the second was the best. The guide was so patient and fun! There were also alot more kids. DS and I took part in storytelling around the campfire. This was great. Our guide Jeb was so good with the kids and also so patient. DS and I also tried the matching game, where you match the name with the animal part. This was fun too. All these programs at AKL were fun and educational. And it was a joy to be around these CMs.
Another personal touch was the birthday cake brought for DH's bday. There were hats, horns and streamers! What fun...
The most awesome touch was last nite a note was slipped under our door. It read "Habari za jioni (Good Evening) to the ______ Safari,
On behalf of the Kilimanjaro Club, we would like to thank you for staying with us. Please feel free to contact us at....to make or change any of your departure arrangements.
Your flight to ___________, MASS on Delta Express airline flight #XXXX, is currently departing at 11:40am. Tomorrow, it is expected to be 73 degrees and showers in __________, MASS.
Asante sana (Thank you) and we look forward to seeing your again..."
Everything was great. Other than our home at BWV this is our favorite. We found it to be the most relaxing resort. When you enter AKL you leave everything behind. It's remoteness and ambiance just lend itself to relaxation.
We hope to be able to do this again...
Cora
