Papillon Lagoon Reef and Ngutuni Safari Lodge

This is a large 3 star property, it has quite a large pool that has a swim up bar, so when it’s really hot you can cool down and have a drink at the same time.  The rooms are basic and have a balcony or terrace and offer double beds with nets. The food is served buffet style and is a suitable standard, you do need to be aware that gentlemen are required to wear long trousers at dinner.

You need to make sure that you have insect repellent, because the hotel has a lot of water features they do get a lot of insects. The hotel itself was comfortable and clean and for what you pay it is good value for money. You do need to pay for bottled water here as the all inclusive is only on water by the glass. Also if you want to make any long distance calls then it is worth doing this outside the resort as the charges are quite high.

This Hotel chain also has a safari lodge called Ngutuni that is in Tsavo. The hotel offer 3 departures a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, it is important to also remember that when you do your 1 night safari that you check out of your room. You are picked up around 5 am and it takes about 4 hours to get to the gate at Tsavo Game reserve and then a further 2-3 hours to get to the lodge as you have a game drive on your way through. This lodge I thought was very nice, it is in it’s own sanctuary outside of the Tsavo reserve and sits around a small watering hole. The service form the staff was really good and food is served by waiter if you are in a small group or buffet if the group is over 10 people. The food I thought was very good. The rooms do not have air conditioning but do offer a fan and their are mosquito nets on request. Overall I think for a first time safari this is a great option.

The Papillon is on the south coast of Mombasa and is reached by road and car ferry and takes +/- 2 and a half hours to transfer or 20-30 minutes from Ukunda.