More than just the kingdom of safaris

We’re starting off as we mean to go on this morning, visiting the Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage. They’re two of our favourite animals that we’ve been looking forward to meeting, so we’re excited to hear more about their conservation efforts and the ways that we can give back during this trip.

Butterflies, tingles, nerves and anticipation… We’re feeling all types of emotions right now as we’re planning to head out on our game drive with Calvin Cottar. He’s very knowledgeable about all the animal patterns and knows some of the hidden-gem spots, so we can’t wait to get away from the crowds and see it all with an expert lens. Plus, we have a photographer with us to take some memory photos for back home.

Every day is a learning day here in Kenya, and today has certainly been the cherry on top. We’ve been out foraging with Letilet (a local hunter-gatherer) and learnt all about the ways different plant species treat ailments… before gathering some vegetables to hand over to our chef for lunch. Then, this evening we spent time looking out at the stars, talking among us about the different African and European interpretations of the constellations.

We’ve just got back from our afternoon in a nearby Maasai Mara village. We’ve learnt all about the village set up, how they make their Manyattas (using cow dung as a great cement!) and the ways they keep their ancient traditions alive while also adapting to modern life. Then, we bought some hand-crafted art in the local markets. Off for a bite to eat now, and then I think I’m ready for a bush bath to wind down for the evening.

Up early this morning for our first rhino walk. We’re meeting the tracking team and going along with them on their daily checks of the rhinos, from a safe distance. Then, we’re very excited to hike over to Pride Rock for a picnic with one incredible (and iconic) view.

After yesterday’s trip checking up on a handful of rhinos, we thought it’d be great to learn about the other side of the conservation here with an anti-poaching walk. We’re off this evening with highly trained rangers for a boots on the ground experience, checking on all the main vantage points and ensuring the protection of rhino and big game.

It’s coming towards the end of our time in Kenya, so we thought we’d approach it all from a different perspective with a helicopter ride over the diverse landscape of the Suguta Valley. We saw hidden valleys, sparkling lakes, desert landscapes and even some volcanic craters. Plus, we had great fun trying to spot the wildlife go flashing by.