Unique Safari Lodges in Northern Kenya for A Family Safari

Northern Kenya is the epitome of rugged and raw Africa. It's vast and beautiful with dramatic views of plains, mountain ranges, meandering rivers and dry river beds. It is truly enchanting.

Views over Northern Kenya from Mount Ololokwe at sunrise

Views over Northern Kenya from Mount Ololokwe at sunrise

Northern Kenya is my favourite place to go on Safari and I have been on many trips up to the rugged wilderness of Laikipia, Samburu and beyond. Often overshadowed by the Masai Mara and Northern Tanzania’s Safari Circuit, Northern Kenya’s Safari scene is under-explored, exclusive and utterly stunning. The charm of Northern Kenya’s Safari scene is that it is largely made up of community run Wildlife Conservancies, Ranches and Private Game Reserves. This means that as opposed to National Parks where night game drives and other activities are somewhat limited, many of these conservancies allow better activities for families and those seeking more active adventure.

Here is a round up of my Top 5 luxury Safari Lodges in Laikipia, Samburu and the surrounding wilderness. These are places I have been to back when I was a child on Family Safaris and recently as an adult so you can get the real low down for both you and your children on the best Safari Lodges for a Family Safari.

 

Sosian Lodge, Laikipia

Sosian is a functioning cattle ranch, and wildlife conservancy giving it a unique ranch house meets luxury Safari feel. As a conservation area for over 70 mammals from big cats such as lions and leopard to huge herds of elephant, you are guaranteed great game viewing. Being in Laikipia means you will see an abundance of rare species from the Grevy’s Zebra (much more beautiful than their common Zebra cousins you will find in the Masai Mara!) to reticulated giraffe (arguably the prettiest of the giraffe species, but thats just my opinion..)

Beautiful cottage room at Sosian. Taken from their website.

Beautiful cottage room at Sosian. Taken from their website.

If you have children, a Safari at Sosian will mean constant entertainment and fun for the kids (and adults!). From heading out to view wildlife on horseback, camping under the stars, hikes and walks, to fishing, kayaking and swimming in the nearby river and waterfall. You can also experience the surroundings from the back of a camel. Camels are and have been a very important part of Northern Pastoralist’s livelihoods, so up North, regardless of which of these stunning lodges you choose, you’re likely to have the option to hop on the back of a camel at some point! Having grown up in Kenya, I was lucky enough to go on a 7 day Camel Trekking Safari up in Northern Kenya and it’s still one of my fondest Safari memories to date!

 

Borana Lodge, Laikipia

Right in the middle of Borana Wildlife Conservancy, overlooking the hyena dam which attracts an abundance of wildlife sits the breathtaking Borana Lodge. Views of Mount Kenya’s snowy peaks, the Northern plains and mountains beyond is breathtaking. As a private owned Conservancy, you are guaranteed an exclusive, intimate Safari Experience where you can experience the surroundings on horseback, traditional game drives, guided walks, or even on a mountain bike! The swimming pool kept me very entertained as a child, as did a swim in the nearby waterfalls!

Borana Lodge. Rustic Luxury in the wild. Taken from their website.

Borana Lodge. Rustic Luxury in the wild. Taken from their website.

 
Stunning bathroom

Stunning bathroom

 

You will most likely share a Family Cottage, with 2 conjoining rooms. Perfect for privacy but still having the kids under the same roof. Another reason Borana has made it onto this list! The activities, luxurious intimate feeling of the lodge that is so beautifully designed makes this a top Family Safari destination. Can’t recommend it enough for a wild and wacky Family Safari in one of the most beautiful regions in Northern Kenya.

 

SARARA, Namunyak conservancy

Further North, situated on Namunyak Community Conservancy is the stunning luxury tented lodge, Sarara. Only 6 tented rooms give this place an exclusive feel, much like all the lodges on this list! The best bit has got to be the infinity pool that looks out over the Conservancy and towards the dramatic Matthews Range. The lodge’s watering hole just below attracts wildlife throughout the day so you can expect to be watching elephants drinking close by as you cool off in the pool - it doesn’t get much better than that..

What heaven looks like. Stunning views from the Sarara main area and infinity pool. Taken from their website.

What heaven looks like. Stunning views from the Sarara main area and infinity pool. Taken from their website.

Namunyak was once devoid of wildlife, but the local Samburu community have worked together to restore this beautiful part of the world into a flourishing wildlife conservancy that now holds Kenya’s 2nd largest elephant population and on of the largest populations of the rare reticulated Giraffe.

Reticulated Giraffe captured on my last Samburu Safari.

Reticulated Giraffe captured on my last Samburu Safari.

Your days will be spent on game drives with your Samburu guide, and if you’re feeling adventurous head out on foot! One of the best experiences from Sarara is a trip to the Reteti Elephant Orphanage a community run orphanage and rescue unit for elephants and other young animals in the area. You’'ll watch them get fed, and perhaps even get to feed some of the calves yourself! Its a magical experience. Whatever you get up to, Sarara is the perfect place for the Family to have a truly off the grid, remote, luxury Safari Experience.

 

Ol Pejita Bush camp, Laikipia

Ol Pejita Bush Camp at Sunrise with the mighty Mount Kenya towering above. Taken from their website.

Ol Pejita Bush Camp at Sunrise with the mighty Mount Kenya towering above. Taken from their website.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Ol Pejita Conservancy as it is home to the world’s last two Northern White Rhino as well as other endangered species that are constantly monitored and guarded by Rangers. The rest of the conservancy is teeming with game and the activities here are endless and perfect for families.

Oj Pejita Bush Camp run by Asilia, trusty partners of Journey to Africa is situated peacefully beside the Ewaso Nyiro River. A classic luxury Safari Camp made up of seven comfortable, homely canvas tents and a beautifully simple lounge area. From here you can enjoy game drives, bush walks, visit the sanctuary and meet the Rhinos, and even take part in conservation efforts such as Lion tracking. They even have a Junior Ranger Programme to keep the kids busy and thoroughly entertained during their Safari. In terms of Safari activities, Ol Pejita probably comes out on top, but its definitely not as remote and exclusive as the other conservancies on this list. For those who want maximum activities and excellent game viewing, this is your go to.

 

Lewa Safari Camp

Views from your bedroom at Lewa Safari Camp

Lewa Conservancy is another special place for the conservation of Rhinos, and the protection of an array of wildlife. Probably best known as the backdrop of Prince William’s proposal to Kate Middleton, you can imagine its got to be pretty special!

This has made it to the list for its array of activities for adults and children alike and its stunning backdrop. Much like Ol Pejita, but perhaps with a more exclusive, remote feel. The Lodge itself by Elewana Collection has 11 tents, including 2 Family Suites, a cosy lounge area perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the conservancy by game drive, guided walks, or even on the back of a camel. As you can tell by now, Safaris up North go beyond the classic game drives you get elsewhere, and you will always have the option to be more adventurous. The pool is perfect for the hot dry climate of the Laikipia plains, and the cosy lounge area and fireplace for the colder, clear nights of the North.

Your Safari starts here, let’s chat and start planning your Journey To Africa Safari.

We personalize each and every Safari to you, your taste, and what you want to get from your unique Journey to Africa Safari. Email me here, or leave a message below and we can start the exciting process of choosing your destinations, accommodation and everything in between.

How does your Safari make a difference!

The ‘Why’?

I have been thinking a lot recently about my “why”. Why is Journey To Africa different? Why should you come on Safari with Journey To Africa?

The answer is in the places and the people. I will take you to places I love and you will be meeting and supporting people I cherish. As a Tanzanian, the impact of each Safari with Journey To Africa is my biggest passion. I want you to show the Africa I love, whilst making a difference.

I thought I would take you deeper into how a Safari with Journey To Africa actually benefits people and places I know and love. What sets us apart is the personal connection I have with the places and people you will see and meet on your Safari especially in Tanzania.

My friends - When I tell you I am going to send you on Safari with Safari guide Kakae, Michael, Chiedel, Baraka, Bingo, Nathan, etc., I know them. When I say you will meet Lodge manager Mo, Mosongo, Baraka, Alex, Julien, etc., I know them.

I know that by sending you to particular lodges and camps that I have stayed at many times, you will be directly and indirectly supporting the people I have touched - the waiters, cooks, cleaning staff, askaris (guards), rangers, and all their families. Having become friends with these wonderful people over the years, it makes me proud that my Safari business supports them directly.

Aside from directly supporting the people who work in the Safari industry, I use lodges and camps and Safari Partners who have a focus on both the conservation of Africa’s wild places and the development and empowerment of local communities. From providing education, changing life trajectories from being a poacher to now a farmer or mechanic, to medical assistance provided for the village, etc. I can talk in-depth about this if you lend me your ears. So important to me! The future of what we do have to be protected and I want to work with people who care.

I think that it is important to know that your Safari is an incredible experience for you, and it goes beyond what you see and do whilst you’re there. Your Safari will be impacting local communities, the wildlife, and the people I care about. And my biggest hope is that you will come back invested too.

Let’s get you on a Safari where you will come back being friends with my friends.
- Mefi

My buddies in Greystoke Mahale, one fabulous place to visit for chimp trekking on Mahale Moutains.

My buddies in Greystoke Mahale, one fabulous place to visit for chimp trekking on Mahale Moutains.

Types of Safari Accommodation - What are Camps and Lodges?

Learn the Safari lodging lingo…

When you hear about Safari accommodation, you will often hear “Camps and Lodges”. If you haven't been on an African Safari, you probably associate the word “camp” with a small tent, and basic facilities, or perhaps even some kind of army setup with ration packs! The word “Lodges” probably conjures up images of dimly lit old cabins. Both of these are very wrong when it comes to Safari lingo! I will take you through the different types of accommodation on Safari and what to expect! Keep in mind that I work with destinations ranging from mid-luxury to upscale luxury from anywhere between $400- $1,800 per person per night.

Classic Tented Camps

This is your old Africa, “Hemmingway Style” accommodation. Expect big canvas tents furnished with beautiful fittings and often more outdoorsy ensuite bathrooms. This is the closest you can feel to the wild whilst still in luxurious comfort.

The Lounge tent refers to the communal area where you’ll find stunning views, delicious food, books, games. This is the “chill-out” area where you’ll spend your time when it’s too hot to be on a game drive in the heat of the day or when you’re having your evening drinks watching the sunset!

The Tented Camps will either be permanent or mobile.

Permanent Tented Camps
These camps will not move season to season and will be located in great locations year-round. When staying at a permanent camp, you will usually have larger rooms, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, more space in the lounge area, and have amenities like a spa, etc.

Kuro Tarangire, Tarangire, Tanzania

Kuro Tarangire, Tarangire, Tanzania

Alex Walker Serian, Masai Mara North, Kenya

Alex Walker Serian, Masai Mara North, Kenya

Namiri Plains, Serengeti, Tanzania

Namiri Plains, Serengeti, Tanzania

Mobile Tented Camps
There are small tented camps that are semi-permanent or move season to season. They might sound simple but these more intimate camps are perfect for an exclusive Safari feel and a proper Safari bush experience.

Alex Walker Serengeti Camp, Serengeti, Tanzania

Alex Walker Serengeti Camp, Serengeti, Tanzania

Safari Lodges

Safari Lodges are usually more permanent structures built into the surroundings and have a more homely feel. With more amenities such as bigger bathrooms, larger dining areas, and indoor fireplaces, lodges are a step up in comfort and luxuriousness whilst still keeping that feeling of being in the wild.

Lamai Serengeti, Serengeti, Tanzania

Lamai Serengeti, Serengeti, Tanzania

Singita Sabora, Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania

Singita Sabora, Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania

MalaMala Main Camp, MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa

MalaMala Main Camp, MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa

I recommend staying at a mix of Tented Camps and Lodges to get the most from your Journey To Africa Safari.
Let’s chat and start planning your Safari of a lifetime!

Let's get going already! What to pack on your African Safari?

They say that the anticipation phase of a trip is just as exciting as the actual adventure.
I agree! Even with new rules and regulations, and butterflies that go with traveling, going on a Safari is just thrilling. The wildlife, oh the amazing range of wildlife, the people - my friends, the landscape, and the life-altering conversations that you are about to experience. Goosebumps.

Okay, here's something about Africa - it is large. Africa has 54 countries, 11.5 million miles with a range of temperature. Yes, it does get cool/cold. We're talking 40s during the evenings if you are in areas like Ngorongoro. [Weather guideline]. This is true even if the day is warm/hot especially if you are going during the cooler month. Open vehicles and wind also make it cooler. You knew? Awesome. A fleece or sweater is a good idea. Scarfs may be necessary as well for those like me who get cold faster.

Luggage:
My advise is to stick to a soft, carry-on bags [they need to squeeze bags sometimes in the luggage compartment in the small bush planes] during your travel that has been used for years; no pangs when it comes with extra scratches or dust. If you can only use one carry-on bag while keeping with your airline’s check-in policy [please check as each airline has different weight limits], more power to you. Otherwise, one carry-on bag/back-pack to keep essentials, clothing for a day or two [should your bags not arrive on time], and the other carry-on bag to check-in.

The thing to keep in mind is the approx 35 lbs weight limit for the bush planes on Safari.
Do not pack more than that if you can. If you can’t keep with the weight limit, tafadhali [please] let us know in advance. We can buy you freight weight which costs a little extra but at least you have more weight to work with. Photographers, we hear you! We do this often.

What to pack on Safari :
– A warm sweater and/or fleece for the evening. If going in cooler months, June to September/October, both would be a good idea. Always check weather.com before you leave. They have temperatures for Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
– 3 pants. If they that zip off to become shorts may work especially during the hot season.
- 3-4 short sleeve tee for the day time which you can rotate. Layering is key as it will be cold in the morning and evening but warm up during the day.
– 3 long sleeve shirts to layer for the mornings and evenings time. Mix and match is the way to go. Ladies, sneak in a light necklace for instant glam or get one at your Safari Lodge.

Colors - neutrals are recommended because you are blending in the environment but if you do wear black or blue, like me, it’s all good. Comfort is more important as you will be sitting for a long time.


* Evening dressing:
Sometimes in the evening, you end up wearing what you wore on the game drive - no worries. No one is looking. Enjoy the sunset if it mean staying as long as it is allowed by park authorities and rushing back for campfire drinks instead of going for your shower and missing the light.

– Scarf or bandana. The scarf/bandana can be used as a mask again dust, protecting your neck from the sun, keep you warm during the windy drives, and those times you need a wipe. If small, sneak in another one so it can stay clean. 
– Closed-toe shoes. There will be some sort of walking on every Safari - even from your room to the dining tent. Closed toe shoes also to keep anything from biting you.
- Socks. Add a pair [or two] of warm socks especially during the cooler months. Remember - reduce. reuse. recycle - unless you think you need more than two pairs because only you know your body well enough. 
–  Sandals. I have my Birkenstock which I like as sometimes I can wear these during game drives. A good idea to pack for the comfort in your tent.
– Wind-jacket. Highly recommend this especially since a lot of the vehicles on Safari are open. The morning and evening wind does get chilly. If it is also rain-proof, even better. Kuhl, Patagonia, Athleta, etc. have choices.
– Sun hat and sun glasses of course. We do give you a Journey To Africa baseball cap either in the US or on arrival.
– 4-5 undergarments preferable quick dry ones so you can wash overnight. In most of the lodges, they will provide soap to wash. Ladies, undergarmets will not be washed by the lodge crew.
- Ladies, sports bras are good option here as the roads can be bumpy. I have had a few guests appreciate this advise.  

* One thing to note is that most lodges we recommend have laundry included or if not, there is a nominal fee for laundry. Take advantage of this service.

Personal notes:
- I have loved having a fanny pack on my Safaris recently. I always carry my documents and money with me and this has been the best hands-free option for me. My back-pack with my camera, etc. can be left behind, but my valubables go with me at all times.
- I love the efficiency of my IPhone. I purchased a lanyard from Amazon and I must say, this has been a game-changer for me. The phone does not accidently drop on the hard surfaces when I am shooting with my camera. I used to rely on pockets but with the new ‘large’ phones, they fall off so this is an un-safe option. I met a lady on Safari who lost her phone on Safari and I was so thankful for my lanyard as my phone was on my for the whole time.

Guys, there are a few modification you would need to make but you get the idea of what is necessary.

Personal items:
– Hand wipes. For those times when you have to eat lunch after your game drive and you need to wipe off the dust. Dispose of them properly in the camp.
– Shampoo + conditioner travel size. Though I have to say, I used the lodge-provided shampoo + conditioner the past couple of Safaris, and my hair and I survived. 
SPF 30+ is a must on Safari.
- Lotion as it can be dry air on Safari. Our preferred lodges usually offer this but a compact one in your hand luggage may be a good idea. I speak from cracked hands experience. 
- Nail cutter. If you are like me and want short nails so they look clean. Plus, if you are going to be on Safari for longer than 2 weeks, this may be an overlooked item. 
– Flashlight - for walking from your room to the mess tent or should you need to go to your enclosed restroom at night, this may come in handy. Most lodges turn off their lights after a certain time. Most of the camps we suggest will have this but not a bad item to have. OR, use your IPhone flashlight option if you have an IPhone.
– Mosquito repellant wipes.
– Medical first-aid kit. Take your prescriptions as a carry-on. A must!!
Then you have band-aid, Neosporin, cortisone cream, Immodium [you never know], Pepto-Bismol [read this article and decide if you want to do this on your Safari], Advil or Tylenol, muscle relaxing balm +. This is just a sample.
– Contact wearers, there is dust on Safari. I always have my glasses as backup. I take extra contacts in case I need to put on a fresh pair mid-day. Remember to clean your hands first.
– For those who need a little make-up to feel put together, go ahead, take a small pouch. If you feel good, you enjoy yourself more. Keep strong perfumes/colognes at home. An insect magnet.

Extras:
- Consider a white noise app in your phone for the light sleepers or those who would like to sleep in a bit - birds especially don't know you are on holiday.

And then if you forget anything, you can always on arrival in the towns before you head on Safari [except prescriptions please], re-wear as no one is really looking or ask the lodges if they can help.

The most important packing tip – your sense of adventure! 

What type of Safari vehicles will you ride on your wildlife Safari?

When on your Safari, you are going to enjoy game driving for at least 8-10 hours a day, sometimes more, sometimes less - you get to choose in most cases and sometimes your guide/weather. You may start early around 6:00 a.m. and end as late at 6:30 to 7:00 p.m when the areas close. You may even go out at night on your night game drives from certain lodges.

During this time, you will learn to appreciate your work-horse - your Safari vehicle.
Your 4×4 vehicle expertly maneuvered by our experienced knowledgeable Safari guide is your safe house. It will keep you cocooned from the wildlife, the rough terrain bumpety bump ride, and the range of weather elements you will encounter. The vehicle will act as your photography hide, breakfast and/or lunch table especially the bonnet/hood, your napping spot - happens to the best of us, your evening ride home.

In conclusion, where you will spend a lot of your waking hours. For this very reason, I take my vehicle selection from my Safari partners very seriously as it will be a big part of how you will enjoy your Safari!

Safari Vehicle and Sunset
Safari Vehicle

So, what type of vehicle(s) will you have on your wildlife Safari?
Depends on which area you on Safari.

For Tanzania and Kenya, when you fly in an area, like Northern Serengeti or Masai Mara from a city like Arusha or Nairobi, you will hop into an open vehicle. South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, where you mostly fly into an area; open vehicles are your go-to ride.

The open vehicles here will have a roof on top and plastic canvas on the sides should you need to protect yourself from rain. The open vehicle may look different in many areas in South Africa like MalaMala Game Reserve or Sabi Sabi Lodges where they will have open vehicles with no roof giving you a completely open feel.

If you are driving from the city to the parks, especially in Tanzania, you may be in a closed vehicle because doing a drive through the main-road in an open vehicle is not advisable. Going down Ngorongoro Crater is recommened in a closed vehicle.

The closed vehicles that we like, and chose our Safari partners accordingly, have to have large unobstructed windows and a pop-up roof so you can have shade and a panoramic view to enjoy the magnificient scenery.

Regardless of what type of vehicle you will have, your vehicle will have lots of amenities.
A cooler with water, soft drinks, wine, beer, etc., plugs to charge your spare camera batteries or iPhone, bean bags for your camera - big or small, binoculars for spotting, lots of guide books, snacks – you do get hungry on Safari,  blankets to keep you warm from the wind, and raincoat/poncho for the expected or unexpected rain.

If you have any special requests such as need a step stool to get on board, pillow for your back, extra water, etc., we can cater to that as well.

All in all, your vehicle with our professional guides will be ready to show you a great time on Safari with Journey To Africa. Now let’s get you on your Safari.

Top 3 Reasons to Visit the Serengeti in the Green Season

“A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step” - Lao Tzu

Giraffes on the plains of the Serengeti, Tanzania.

This is one of my favorite quotes and especially apt for 2020 when every step is a bold move.

I looked up the distance from Houston, Texas to Arusha, Tanzania and Google gave me 8,800 miles. That is how many steps I will be taking for my Safari back home in February - I hope to share how travel will be then.

Why Southern Serengeti?

The “green season” refers to the period between November/December to to May - typically when the short rains start until the end of the long rains. Rains in the Serengeti mean vivid colour, new life and rich game. Here are my top 3 reasons to visit the Serengeti during this magical time of year..

Wildebeest and Zebra Migration:
The wildebeest and zebra migration will be roaming this vast space due to the abundance of short nutritious grass that should have sprouted from the short rains that typically start in November. With fresh grass, the animals have food in plenty for themselves and the wee ones that will be born in these plains.

Every year, the herds birth in these open plains which is a sight to behold. You know who else likes to stay close to the huge herds, the Big Cats. Hobbyists, amateur or pro photographers, listen up. Because of birthing and the ease of food for the big cats, dramatic scenes of hunts are possible. Think cheetahs showing off their full-throttle speed bringing down an adult wildebeest or lionesses working together to tackle a zebra. Calves are easy prey. Graphic I know, but nature.

Don’t worry, it’s not only wildebeest and zebra and big cats that you will see. Elephants, birds galore, antelopes of all kinds, possibly the vicious wild-dogs, jackals, and so much more will be around to make this an amazing Safari.

Dramatic skies:
Thunder, lightning, gloomy dark skies, yup, those are what you have to look forward to when heading on Safari during the ‘rainy’ green season. As much as this is a deterrent for a lot of people, if you are comfortable, sitting back for a bit, and enjoying these experiences, you will be well rewarded with drama from nature. Sometimes you will be on drives during these moments, and others, sit back and enjoy these moments from the lovely places we recommend.

Green lush landscape:
The dry season does have its appeal and moments that are magnificent but the rain does make for green lush landscape. I personally love green spaces - it is an escape from my concrete jungle in Houston. And I do love a good contrast between the wildlife and the landscape.

You don’t have to be restricted to Southern Serengeti if you plan on traveling during these green months. We can take you to Northern Serengeti - the wildlife is always present and the landscapes glorious as ever. Mix in other parks like elephant-rich Tarangire National Park and wild Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. The possibilities are endless.

Have a look at the Tanzania Safari Taster to really get an idea of what your Safari could look like but remember that each safari I design is personalised to you.

PS. A moving large group of giraffes is called a journey. When a large group of giraffes are standing, they are called a tower.

When you are not listening to your guide.

A funny story - I think.

On Safari in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, close to the noon time-frame so the sun was high and the light was not really on our side, our guide Elly told us he has spotted a steenbok walking up the hill. I was with my friend and many times travel partner Sally at that time; she and I both, in the lunch-time daze, had our eyes focused on a large ‘steenbok’ on top of the hill. Elly went on to explain that the steenbok are small antelopes that are solitary, territorial, and usually have one life partner. All this is being said but our eyes are still focused on the larger ‘steenbok’. I am thinking, why is the animal, this supposed to be small, but looks large to me animal not moving a muscle - really strange this animal. Elly keeps going on and on about the steenbok and the stranger this animal seems. As we got closer, Sally and I both burst out laughing.

We both realized at the same time that ‘our’ ‘steenbok’ was in fact a sign-post; a large metal antelope sign-post by the park authorities giving directions. The ‘real steenbok’ was still walking up the hill and is indeed a small antelope. What a laugh we both had at ourselves.

Elly, sorry, we will listen more carefully next time. Fun times!

Types of Antelope. Impala and Steenbok.

A bit silly on my part I must admit but hey, TANAPA’s sign post are very realisic and fooled me.

Let’s see if you get duped by this sign-post on your Safari in Ruaha National Park, a wild large amazing park in Southern Tanzania.

Served with a smile!

Be ready to come back with new friends after your Safari. It sounds cliche but that is really what happens. Our Safari guests come back and tell us they were sad to say good-bye to their new friends even those they met for a short time. Some guests keep in touch for years and even return to go on a Safari with their favorite guides in their favorite areas. Besides my guide friends, I still keep in touch with some of the lodge crew and rangers who I met on my journey. Who knows, may you too will come back with a friend or two after your Journey To Africa Safari.

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Your Safari dollars support:

When you are on Safari, the people who you will come across are genuinely happy to see you for a myriad of reason; they have a job in the tourism industry which is one of the better-paying jobs in most Eastern and Southern African countries, good tips from you = better standard of living for the whole family - think better education for the children, good healthcare, living conditions, etc. Statistically, 8 other people will benefit from the one person you ‘touched’ on Safari - the community at large is supported by you.

Our friends in Africa, especially our guides, through our past guests have traveled to visit homes and places in the US - sometimes, Safaris can form friendships for life!

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When you are ready to travel, we will be waiting for you with a huge smile - me from behind the phone call, email or zoom [the new reality - which hey, sign up for a few planned get-together sessions] - and my friends; soon to be yours - somewhere in magical Africa. We can’t wait for you!

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And in this new post-Covid world, if you are up for it, and hopefully can, a hug with a smile awaits!