Julia's River Camp

Loved Julia’s. Dennis, our driver, was exceptional.

This is a tented camp. The size of the tents are smaller than most camp but comfortable. The food service was pathetic. They have buffet service but the food served is not even sufficient for 30% of the residents. The rest of the guest were left with the crumbs. We were a family of 6 adults and for breakfast we were served a total of 2 slice of bread (cut in half) 6 spoons of Baked beans and 4 sausages. So we had to figure out how do we distribute this amongst us. We contacted our Tour agency who then sorted out the food issue and then sufficient quantity of meals were served. The quality of meals also improved. I am giving the 1 star rating because the Camp played around the quantity and quality for the first 3 meals and only after the intervention did they improve.

Very basic tented accommodation even in Buffalo camp. Food also very basic and monotonous. Over priced comparing other camps. Location is OK. Cleanliness average. Service average. The Manager is not bothered to meet guests even when asked for.

With the family, from Barcelona, we spent Christmas at Julia's River Camp and the stay was really amazing. We had the driver "Lion" (I don't know if I'm spelling it right) as our Safari guide in Masai Mara for three days, and I think he was the best thing that happened to us during the whole trip. A very kind and nice guy who made us see everything we wanted to see during the safari. If you go there, ask for him, he will make you live the best experience possible.

We have just stayed here for 3 nights as part of our month long Kenyan self drive. We are hardened African Safari guys, who have done ground tents in remote locations with no water (and dig your own toilet) to similar camps like this so not writing as novices. Having read some of the great reviews before booking, we had high hopes for this place - unfortunately we were disappointed. Whilst the camp is in a truly great location on the Talek River that’s where the word great ends. There’s a big difference between eco /authentic and dirty and forgotten! For starters it isn’t actually in the park despite their assurances it is - it isn’t!!!! The Talek Gate is a good 35 minute drive away or it’s a 2 hour drive out past the air***** where you can cross the river into the park. Chairs around fire are old and torn. Cleanliness is generally lacking throughout the camp - see pics. Whilst the staff are really friendly and helpful, there’s a lack of supervision or management I feel that means there’s more listening to mobiles than cleaning etc. Food was average to very poor and the first nights dinner was freezing cold! They don’t cook the food at Buffalo Camp so it’s brought over from another camp so this probably explains the coldness. Tents are outdated, look old and tatty and you can’t lock. Beds are small and sheets and pillows were dirty. Basics like hand soap bottles by the hand basin were dirty and empty. We had no cold water in the shower so it was scalding and we had to use bottles of cold water to rinse down. Toilets don’t appear to be fixed to anything so when you sit down they almost fall over - it’s all a bit cheaply done. Cracked toilet seats and generally dirty bathrooms aren’t a great look for over £300 per night. Loud music and general noise from staff quarters isn’t in keeping with the signs around the camp asking guests to keep their voices down and isn’t great when you are trying to relax on the balcony! Also staff listening to stuff on their phones whilst you are eating breakfast and trying to enjoy the views is particularly annoying. We’ve stayed at numerous similar camps and lodges over the years and most are half the price of Julia’s and a whole lot better. Someone’s making a lot of money for nothing sitting in Barcelona. Disappointing considering the high price charged.

Julia's River Camp was fantastic. They communicated well with us prior to our visit and made us feel at home right away. The entire staff was helpful, from the manager to our wonderful chef/waiter George to the night security who gave us a nice fire to enjoy in the evenings and helped us see the hippos down in the river after dark to the various support staff. We had a nice walking tour when we arrived to see hippos and a croc and game drives with our very experienced guide, where we saw everything we were hoping to. Cheetahs, male lions, crocs. and leopards were the ones missing from my list and were able to see cheetahs and male lions feeding, 2 crocs. and a lazy leopard, along with close encounters with elephants, giraffes, and many more. The tent was comfortable with good amenities. I would absolutely recommend Julia's and hope to return myself.