Shanzu, Shanzu Beach Dolphin Hotel

This was our second stay on Shanzu beach with ASC and we did not think that our stay in the Flamingo could be bettered but we were wrong. The Dolphin does not have the facilities of the Flamingo but the smaller more intimate atmosphere with its friendly helpful staff make this a wonderful place to stay and you can anyway use the facilities in the other hotel. The food in the restaurant is as good as could be expected for the full board price but you would not go there for a gourmet experience. I have many food intolerances and the chef cooked specially for me every night. If you want something different then there are a number of a la carte restaurants available which you can use if you pay or if you buy a gourmet pass. The pass is good value but you have to buy it for your full stay which makes it expensive.

This hotel has 4 and a half shields but this is Kenya not Europe and it does not equate to our star system so don't expect smelly toiletries of bathrobes. Take your own.

In the village outside the hotel there are a range of shops with local crafts, internet access,excursions, taxis and products to meet most of your needs. If you need a supermarket there is a large one at Nyali on the way into Mombasa.

The people are desperately poor and will really appreciate unfinished toiletries and clothes. The local schools would also be grateful for stationery etc which can be bought cheaply (by our standards) in the supermarket.

And the reason for our return? After a safari in September 2008 we went to visit a small informal school in an urban slum and felt we just couldn't walk away. We are now building a school and helping to enpower a community to make changes.

Just returned from the Dolphin Hotel and the Big 5 Safari. The hotel was idyllic, superb surroundings and food; accommodation comfortable and clean, everything you need. No mosquitoes!

Safari was superb. Saw everything we hoped to see. Fabulous attention to detail, comfort and safety throughout. Not for one minute did we feel any danger or discomfort. Again, apart from Tsavo, there were no mosquitoes!

At every stage of our holiday, from initial inquiries, booking, subsequent questions, journeys, hotel and safari, the organisation was excellent.

Even the 9 hour flights in economy were comfortable with far more legroom than I had expected, I am over 6 foot tall.

Thank you African Safari Club. Full marks for everything.

We have NEVER come across such a cheerful and friendly staff as we met at the Shanzu Beach and on safari. Everyone went out of their way to help and make our stay as memorable as possible.

Overall a wonderful experience and highly recommended.

The rooms were basic but clean, comfortable and with the most stunning views. The staff are friendly and welcoming and provide a 1st class service. The food was excellent, the buffet very varied and there were lots of fans around the salads, fruits and deserts. The Shanzu Beach Dolphin Hotel grounds are gorgeous, and there's a lovely walk you can take through the grounds of the Dolphin Hotel and the back of Flamingo.

All in all, the holiday was fantastic value for money, and I'd go back to Kenya in a heartbeat!

Main areas of the Dolphin hotel are pleasant and comfortable though adequate rather than luxurious.

Food - generous and varied though the standard was a bit 'school dinners' Nice dining room, although a few fans would be good.

grounds - attractive and well-maintained.

Rooms - clean but really shabby - desperately need updating and refurbishment. Beds very hard and towels really, really old and worn.

clientele - about 90% German with a sprinkling of Brits, French and Italians.

Beach/sea - both clean, but swimming was disappointing as the beach is shallow and the tide goes out by about 10 am. There is also an awful lot of seaweed that drapes itself all over you. After about 11 a howling wind gets up that makes the sea choppy and blows you around for the rest of the day.

Massage - look for Lucy who sells sarongs on the beach outside the Dolphin. She wears a red and black check dress and does a terrific massage - about 900 shillings for an hour. (£7/8) Take your own towel to lie on.

Mosquitoes - I only saw one the whole time.

Books - A lot of the staff and the Kenyans in the market outside the gate (good souvenirs) asked me for books. I left 4 behind - try and take some to give away if you can.

Shop - there are two shops at the flamingo hotel next door, including a little supermarket.

There is a bigger supermarket outside the hotel gate by the souvenir shops.

All in all I had a pleasant time but would probably go for somewhere a little more upmarket next time, with no seaweed.

As an ex travel agent of 30 years having travelled all over the world staying in every type of hotel I was a bit concerned to read the many negative comments made about the African Safari Club. Having just returned on Saturday I detail below my lengthy observations we boarded the aircraft at Gatwick and found the aircraft, staff and food quite acceptable for the long journey-we were booked in basic economy. The flight arrived on time and we were through passport control and customs in no time.

We had applied for our visa in advance but found most people were whisked through pretty quickly with or without their visa. Our journey from the airport to the Dolphin Hotel took about 30 minutes. On arrival we were escorted to our standard room, ground floor with a good sea view. Very clean, adequate air conditioned room with mosquito nets. Our air conditioning was replaced midway through the holiday and was lovely and ice cool!

Only problem I felt was the lack of a radio or TV in the room but to be honest we were very rarely in our room. People had said previously that the food left a lot to be desired but I can honestly say we loved every meal served up to us. At breakfast there was a chef there to cook your eggs any way you wanted in front of your eyes. At lunchtime you always had a varied choice buffet and again a chef who cooked fresh pasta again in front of your eyes. At dinner you had a superb choice of meals which you choose off the menu and served up by an excellent team of waiters/waitresses.

Other past moans seem to relate to the cost of bottled water but to be

honest I thought 70p for a bottle of cold water delivered to your table was excellent value. A good range of wine was on offer starting about £11-white wine was always served up in an ice bucket.

I had booked a safari by email before I left and spent 3 great days at the

David Livingstone Camp. They even have satellite TV which enabled me to

watch the Manchester derby live! I booked with Biopracade Tours who have an office 25 yards just outside the hotel front gate. I felt it was good to support the local town travel agent. I did not attend the welcome meeting on our first day and can honestly report never once was I put under pressure to book any tours or excursions within the hotel. Evening entertainment was adequate and varied, albeit repeated the second week.

During our 2 week stay which included the Masai Mara trip both my wife and I only had 2 mossie bites each so, as long as you take precautions, the bites should be few and far between.

The beach was lovely although you will be pestered by the beach boys if you wander outside the private part of the beach. Sun beds were good which cost you 1.5 euros per person per day. Often visited the Flaming Hotel next door which is beautiful and spoke to a few residents there who were more than happy.

In the Dolphin Hotel the Manager and his assistant were always around

and we found them very approachable and would do their utmost to help if you had a problem.

We did do 2 separate days deep sea fishing and found that the prices and

quality of boats is second to none. Prices were about half the price of the equivalent in Florida and you are only 15 mins away from the fishing

grounds. The Captain picked us up by car from our hotel before and delivered us back afterwards. Also free soft drinks are supplied onboard. Please contact me if anyone going requires further info.

A room safe is available for the cost of approx. 33 euros for the 2 weeks.

All in all my wife and I were thoroughly delighted with the Dolphin Hotel

and African Safari Club. Value for money, I believe is second to none.

Anyone disagree then you will find similar holidays will cost a helluva lot more with other tour companies. We will go back to Kenya again and it will be with the African Safari Club