A multi-generational safari to mark a special occasion
To celebrate turning 70, Greg took his entire family to Kenya over Christmas and New Year. The challenge? Coordinating three generations flying in from three different countries to visit three distinct locations. Cue Jo, who crafted an unforgettable journey, from the foothills of Mount Kenya to the open plains of the Masai Mara, and finally to the coastal tranquillity of Diani Beach. Here, Greg shares his highlights.
Planning the trip of a lifetime
Taking the whole family on safari was always going to be a logistical challenge, particularly given the size of our group (16 at the time of booking, 17 by the time we set off). My wife, Denise, and I initially contacted three safari consultant outfits, and each made valid, tailor-made proposals. In the end, we selected Aardvark Safaris and, following several video calls and emails with Jo, we narrowed down the selection of camps and coastal hotels.
Something for everyone in Laikipia
El Karama Lodge – Laikipia, Kenya
Our group included grandchildren aged from 5 to 10 (plus the later addition of a 9-month-old), so El Karama Lodge on the Laikipia plateau was the perfect choice for our first stay. In addition to the usual morning and evening wildlife drives on a private conservancy (meaning we hardly saw any other vehicles over the four days there), they also organise a ‘bush school’ for the children in the late morning, treating them to a range of activities: fishing, driving the 4wd vehicle, clay sculpting, baking, and Maasai beadwork. This gives adults a bit of downtime to tinker with photographs, read books, or use the on-site facilities, which include a running track, bush spa and gym.
Beading with the Maasai – Photo Credit Gregor Stewart
The twitchers in the group were delighted by the sheer number of birds they were able to see during our stay, which I believe came to around 90 after one of the guides took them out on a bird spotting expedition while the children were at bush school.
Secretarybird – Photo Credit Gregor Stewart
Bucket list sightings in the Mara
Kicheche Mara Camp – Masai Mara, Kenya
Our next stop was Kicheche Mara Camp just outside the National Park in the conservancy area. Here we were able to “tick off” our remaining wish-list with very close and intimate encounters with a leopard and her cub and, later, with a cheetah, also with her cub. (In an earlier life, I had lived for 3 years in Kenya, and during that time only had a couple of rather distant sightings of a leopard). The birdwatchers were equally happy, as the guides seemed as knowledgeable about birdlife as they were about the other animals.
Cheetah and cub – Photo Credit Gregor Stewart
Unbeknownst to Denise and me, Jo also helped the rest of the family secretly organise a hot air balloon ride for the two of us, complete with a champagne breakfast – another example of Aardvark Safaris going the extra mile to tailor the experience!
Hot air balloon – Masai Mara, Kenya – Photo Credit Gregor Stewart
Rest and relaxation on Diani Beach
Kinondo Kwetu, Kenya coast
For R&R after our wildlife viewing, we spent a few days on Diani Beach at Kinondo Kwetu, a small boutique hotel with beautifully decorated rooms. There were plenty of activities for both adults and children, including tennis at the on-site court, horse riding from the on-site stables, and yoga and callisthenics classes. The fitness fanatics in the group were thrilled at the clifftop gym, which not only had a great view but also an impressive selection of equipment. As with all of the venues, Kinondo Kwetu had great food with a variety that suited the various dietary constraints in our group, and the staff were super friendly.
Achieving the dream holiday
Photo Credit – Gregor Stewart
Throughout the planning and execution of our trip, Jo and the Aardvark Safaris’ team were fully engaged and proactive to ensure we had exactly the holiday we were dreaming of. This included a late logistics change, forced on them by local circumstances, which Jo dealt with seamlessly. Aardvark Safaris local partners (Bush & Beyond) also did an excellent job, starting with the ‘meet and greet’ service airside in Nairobi, where we were dealt with like VIPs/Diplomats and sped through immigration. Later, they also worked to reconnect us with lost luggage (courtesy of KLM and Brussels Airlines), flying the bags out to join us at our camp once they finally arrived.
The whole family have returned home with fantastic memories of the trip of a lifetime and, of course, far too many photographs that now need to be culled to a manageable number! Our thanks go out to Jo and all the Aardvark Safaris team, whom we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone planning a special trip.
What’s next?
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