A beautiful glamping experience, but guest rules and management need attention.
Kambati is a beautiful place, thoughtfully designed, and you can see that a lot of care has gone into creating the experience. It is a glamping experience and a half, and our family genuinely enjoyed the setting and the break away. However, I do feel that the establishment could benefit from clearer rules and guidelines for guests to ensure that everyone's stay is as enjoyable as it should be.
On our first day, the weather was incredibly hot, so naturally, our first stop was the swimming pools. We were delighted to find lovely pools, including areas designated for children. Unfortunately, this is where some concerns arose.
We encountered children swimming completely naked, without costumes or even underwear. I understand that children should be able to have fun, but some basic guidelines around appropriate swimwear in communal pool areas would help ensure that all guests feel comfortable.
I also noticed adults drinking alcohol around the pool and leaving bottles scattered on the ground. In addition, some parents were openly smoking cigarettes in an area where other families and children were spending time. Everyone deserves to relax and enjoy their holiday, including parents, but this should go hand in hand with consideration for other guests, the safety of children and the cleanliness of shared spaces.
As the evenings arrived, another concern became apparent. It seemed that some families were hosting visitors almost every night, turning what should have been a relaxing getaway into ongoing social gatherings. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying time with family and friends, the noise became intolerable.
The Africamps units are situated relatively close to one another, which means that noise carries easily between them. One evening, the noise was so disruptive that we struggled to sleep. After 10pm, I contacted the reception number and was informed that someone would be sent to speak to the guests responsible.
Unfortunately, the same situation occurred the following evening. I contacted reception again, but this time my concern was met with what felt like frustration rather than a willingness to assist. My message was read but received no response. That was disappointing, as I was not asking for anything unreasonable. I simply wanted my family to enjoy a peaceful night's rest.
This is where I believe Kambati needs to do better. When guests are staying in Africamps units that are close to one another, clear quiet hours are essential, and these rules need to be communicated and consistently enforced. Guests should not have to repeatedly complain to get some peace, and concerns raised with reception should at least be acknowledged and addressed professionally.
Kambati has so much potential to offer an exceptional family getaway. The property itself is beautiful, and the glamping experience is something our family truly enjoyed. However, a beautiful setting alone cannot guarantee a good holiday. Clear guidelines around pool etiquette, smoking, alcohol, littering, visitors and noise would go a long way towards creating a more enjoyable environment for everyone.
We loved the setting and the experience, but the management of guest behaviour and the handling of complaints left us disappointed. With a few reasonable rules, better communication and consistent enforcement, Kambati could be an even more wonderful place to visit.
