Our Riding Safari Round-Up:
Looking back at 2024, not only was it a busy year but we were also incredibly lucky to experience spectacular wildlife throughout the season. Rarely are we able to guarantee an encounter with lions, however we were fortunate enough to ride with these majestic beasts on every single Kenyan safari.
Other wildlife highlights for us included riding with a journey of giraffe and observing the great migration of the wildebeest. It is always a marvel to witness this phenomenal undertaking, when more than two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle move through the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in search of green pasture.
One evening whilst on safari, we even had a spitting cobra in camp. She glided past the kitchen, under the horse picket-line and then came to rest in the elephant pepper tree right above the bar tent! We decided to leave her be. By the morning, she had vanished once again into the bush.
Other stand out moments for us include some rather dramatic river crossings with the horses and watching the Masai warriors and maidens dancing under the moonlight in camp.
It is always a joy and a privilege to experience the wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes that exist across Kenya, as well as having the chance to build relationships with local tribes’ people such as the Masai.
With every year that passes by, Felicia and I feel an immense gratitude for this wildlife paradise that we call home. It also continues to be a real privilege to welcome guests from around the globe as they witness the beauty of this magical continent.
Our Wildlife Safari Round-Up:
Right from the get-go, 2024 was a year that will stand out in our memories: from our more usual – but no less spectacular – Kenyan safaris showing guests our corner of paradise (with trips to Kinondo Kwetu on the Indian Ocean, as well as safaris staying at Ol Malo, Serian, Solio and Borana), to the more unusual – including an expedition to the remote wilderness of Cameroon in search of the western roan antelope. This particular journey was an incredible one to share with our guests as it took us to the wildest southern reaches of the Sahel – boy was it hot!
During 2024, we were also fortunate enough to travel to Rwanda to trek the majestic mountain gorilla. This particular safari always proves to be a firm favourite for our guests – there is something incredibly moving about seeing these wonderful primates in their natural habitats, especially considering how their existence has been so threatened.
Other stand out moments from 2024 include an attempted summit of Mt Ololokwe at dawn; fishing for Nile Perch on Lake Turkana with my children and 86 year old father; experiencing the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara with guests; and, finally, camping out on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River with my family, where we were able to creep down onto the sandy river edge to watch over 50 elephant coming down to drink. Indeed, one big bull came within 20 yards of us, only seeing us at the very last second.
And to the people who make these safaris possible:
As always, Felicia and I take our hats off to our team who make all these incredible safari adventures possible. From Maureen and Grace in our Nairobi office who meticulously put together all the finer details and logistics to make your safari flow seamlessly; to our camp crew who work tirelessly for months at a time, moving and setting up camp every other day; to the chefs who produce the most delicious food; and last but certainly not least, the amazing horses and their grooms, who ensure that our guests have an exhilarating ride across the great plains of Africa. Thank you.
If you are interested in experiencing Africa at its most beautiful and most raw, please do get in touch – we would be delighted to hear from you.