Kidani Village or Jambo House

[rgf207]

I just booked 8 nights with our points at Kidani Village Savannah view. I have the option of going with Jambo House too

Since Kidani village isn't open yet, noone can tell me how it is but I was wondering if I can get some opinions of what you would have booked and why.

I'm going back and forth about whether I should book Jambo or Kidani

 

[kristenrice]

What size unit did you book and how many are in your group?

We are taking my parents on a trip in 2010 and we're going for a 2BR. I thought about Jambo since I could book standard and have a pool view. Then, I remembered that Kidani will have the extra bathroom, larger rooms and the new water play area. So, we'll use the extra points and get the savanna view at Kidani. Even though I'll be in a studio at Jambo in less than 6 weeks, I cannot wait until 2010. That will be the first trip "home" for DH and I'll get to show off AKV to my parents who have never been there.

 

[rgf207]

It's just 2 in our party and we are booking a studio savannah view

 

[TenThousandVolts]

It's just 2 in our party and we are booking a studio savannah view

i would go with Jambo if it were a studio.

 

[rgf207]

i would go with Jambo if it were a studio.

Is there a reason why you would pick jambo over kidani

 

[Inkmahm]

Is there a reason why you would pick jambo over kidani

I would do the same. Reason? Studios are pretty much the same between Jambo and Kidani and Jambo is near Jikos etc. Also more established savannas.

For 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom in the future I will try Kidani. The floorplan is much better at Kidani and there is an extra full bathroom in Kidani for 1 and 2 bedrooms.

 

[hellerjw]

If it was a studio or 1BR I would probably go with Jambo House, unless the 2nd bath in the Kidani 1BRs is a deal breaker. Also if you are looking at some of the non-standard booking categories (value & concierge) your only option is Jambo. You would also be closer to Boma & Jiko, which are established restaurants with very good reputations. Nobody knows what the new restarant in Kidani will be like yet.

When you get into the 2BRs Kidani is supposed to have 2 queens in the 2nd bedroom and a 3rd bathroom. These will be dedicated 2BRs, where Jambo has lockoffs (1BR + studio). Since we needed a 2BR for our next trip we chose Kidani this time for the room features, as well as, the newness factor.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

Is there a reason why you would pick jambo over kidani

I like the hustle and bustle of the lobby just steps from the room. I am not sure about counter service options at Kidani-I heard they may be limited to non-existent- the Mara is good and it would be nice to be close to that.

I think the pool will be better at Kidani, though- so you may want to weigh that into your decision.

 

[LisaS]

When you get into the 2BRs Kidani is supposed to have 2 queens in the 2nd bedroom and a 3rd bathroom. These will be dedicated 2BRs, where Jambo has lockoffs (1BR + studio). Since we needed a 2BR for our next trip we chose Kidani this time for the room features, as well as, the newness factor.

Kidani will have both dedicated 2BRs (with 2 queen beds in the second bedroom) and lockoffs (1BR + studio). If you want a 2BR with 2 queen beds you must book a "Dedicated 2BR" since it is a separate booking category. Your confirmation should state whether you have a Dedicated 2BR or not.

All of the 1BRs in Kidani will have a second bathroom so both the 2BR lockoffs and the dedicated 2BRs will have an extra bathroom (three in total). One other difference between the villas in the two buildings is that the master bathroom in the Jambo House 1BR/2BRs has a combined whirlpool tub and shower. In Kidani, there will be a whirlpool tub and a separate shower stall.

 

[holcomb-mania]

I originially booked Jambo at our 11mo window, and switched to Kidani in Aug when avail.

I'm questioning that call now. Mainly because of Victoria Falls, the arcade, Mara, and possibly better savannas (June is kinda close to the projected completion date, and the savanna at Kidani may not be as "mature" if that makes sense; then again, who am I kidding, it's just animals walking around finding food). Those first three are the kickers. Closeness to Boma and Jiko doesn't matter, cuz you can't just pop in there for the most part.

Really wish Kidani was going to have a Mara-level place and lounge. Maji at the pool prolly won't have similar hours.

 

[rgf207]

I think I"m going to switch to Jambo House. We just loved it so much when we were there before. I'll most likely stay at Kidani when I take my folks in 2010

 

[rgf207]

I just changed our reservation to Jambo house today. Got a dedicated studio savannah view. The lady on MS said the 2 resorts will be attached. Is this true? from the drawings, it didn't seem like it

 

[LisaS]

I just changed our reservation to Jambo house today. Got a dedicated studio savannah view. The lady on MS said the 2 resorts will be attached. Is this true? from the drawings, it didn't seem like it

The drawings do not show any connection between the buildings. There is supposed to be an outdoor walkway. It is about 1/2 mile between the main entrances.

 

[rgf207]

The drawings do not show any connection between the buildings. There is supposed to be an outdoor walkway. It is about 1/2 mile between the main entrances.

That's what I thought too

 

[Debs Hill]

Can anyone tell me what will and won't be complete at Kidani in August 09?!! Animals, restaurants and pools/water play area! Thanks!
Debsx

 

[rgf207]

Can anyone tell me what will and won't be complete at Kidani in August 09?!! Animals, restaurants and pools/water play area! Thanks!
Debsx

I would like to know this also. They say they will be complete by April 30, 2009 but a lot of time construction runs over. I would imagine if they say complete, they mean the entire resort will be complete and functional minus some details like landscaping of certain areas.

That's one of the reasons why I switched to Jambo house. When switching resorts the lady at MS still reminded me that there will be construction which I was confused about.

 

[LisaS]

That's one of the reasons why I switched to Jambo house. When switching resorts the lady at MS still reminded me that there will be construction which I was confused about.

When the first part of Kidani opens on May 1, 2009 they will still be working on the part of Kidani furthest from Jambo House. That part ("Phase 2") is scheduled to open in Sep 2009.

 

[rgf207]

Thank you, that clears it up. I'm glad we switched to Jambo House

 

[Goofy4]

When the first part of Kidani opens on May 1, 2009 they will still be working on the part of Kidani furthest from Jambo House. That part ("Phase 2") is scheduled to open in Sep 2009.

You mean farthest from the entrance of Jambo, correct? So the end of the pool-side 'wing' of Kidani will still be under construction? I would guess that the exterior would be pretty much completed?

 

[LisaS]

You mean farthest from the entrance of Jambo, correct? So the end of the pool-side 'wing' of Kidani will still be under construction? I would guess that the exterior would be pretty much completed?

Yes, that's a better way to describe it -- the upper part of the pool-side wing of the building is Phase 2. I agree with you that the exterior should be done by that point.