Exploring the Matthews Forest on Foot
Ushering in 2020, I was in the Matthews Forest at Kitich Forest Camp. A new destination for me to explore. Mathhews Forest is a lush oasis paradise among the desert landscape of Northern Kenya. At Kitich Camp, I explored a part of the Matthews Range on foot, walking through the forest, seeing some of the birdlife for the first time, etched in my memory is the Narina Trogon. I swung like Tarzan from the rope into the rock pools to cool off from the heat. I can truly say that the Matthews Range is a paradise, an off the beaten track destination, but definitely worth the effort of getting there.
Walking Wilderness with Kicheche
Just before lockdown in Kenya in March, I ticked off one of my bucket list experiences – Walking across the Mara, and also experiencing fly camping. Originally scheduled for February, my safari was postponed to March due to the on-going rains. With the threat of Covid-19 looming, but no lockdown in place, I flew to the Mara. Two relaxing nights were spent at Kicheche Valley Camp before setting out on day three across Naboisho Conservancy, a 13KM walk through the wilderness to our fly camp set up in Leopard Valley. We arrived at the camp as the sun was setting, the sunsets in the Mara are a sight to behold, especially with a cold G&T waiting for you! After a wonderful dinner under the stars, falling asleep to the roar of the lions and the call of the hyenas, the next day we walked another 13KMS to Kicheche Bush Camp to put our feet up for the night. With the threat of the county borders closing we were the only guests in the Mara before we had to leave too. It was incredibly surreal to be the only people in this wonderful wilderness.
My First Solo Safari
I love the nature of my work, well, can I really call it work if I am doing what I love? In August, once the county borders opened, Pana decided to check out a couple of camps and with only a 48 hours notice, I grabbed my computer, camera bag and my always packed safari bag and hitched a ride with my parents to the Mara. This was my first solo trip to the Mara, back to my favourite camp – Kicheche Bush Camp. I was at Kicheche Bush Camp just before they closed down and now I was back just as they opened up again. What a liberating experience! 5 nights at the camp all by myself and an incredible guide, James, who was so dedicated to helping me work on my photography. Kicheche’s guides are extremely knowledgeable and professional, and they’re also keen photographers themselves. My most memorable day – and I can remember it distinctively – was when a few of the guests went into the reserve and I had 39,000 acres of pure wilderness all to myself. With James guiding me, I witnessed cheetah kills, leopards, lions, a puff adder (which I can now tick off from my bucket list) and managed to get some incredible photographs. How lucky I’ve been to spend 20 nights at the Kicheche Camps and all together 26 nights in the Masai Mara this year! I count my blessing that we have this beautiful wilderness on our doorstep!
Sleeping Under The Stars
At the beginning of 2020, it was my goal to visit the Lolldaiga Hills for the Geminids meteor shower which occurred in December. This year the meteor shower was coinciding with a new moon, so we needed to find a location with little light pollution, a place that would be easy to manouver around in the middle of the night and also easy to get to. We were in luck with The Safari Series. A fly camp was set up for us in the wide open wilderness, complete with a dome net tent over the cots, however as we had our incredible ranger with us, we decided to be under the star studded sky and the new moon without the nets! Though I’ve been camping before this was such an incredible and memorable experience, and you know what they say, you’ll never forget your first! The Safari Series have incredible vintage Land Rovers which guests can take out for a drive. The location in the Lolldaigas, with incredible views of Mt. Kenya, the warmth and flexibility of the camp staff to accommodate our requirements, the sheer passion of the owners Ed & Moon Hough for preservation of the environment, made our experience at The Safari Series on of the most exciting and memorable one.
Rock Climbing & Tracking Cheetah's on Foot
It seemed as though it was meant to be… Tumaren Camp had been on my list of properties to visit in 2020, and it so happened I was blessed to ring in the new year here. I wanted some thrill, adrenaline and adventure. We jumped into our cars and drove into the heart of Laikipia. With views of Mt. Kenya, the Lolldaiga Hills, the Laikipia Plateaus and stunning rocky outcrops – this country is just simply stunning! It had been a while since I’d had a holiday with my siblings and our better halfs and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Amazing professional and extremely knowledgable guides, the ultimate flexibility, amazing experiences involving walking safaris, one we even tracked Cheetah’s and managed to catch a glimpse of them before they ran off! Camel Rides, Rock Climbing, Sundowners in the most scenic locations – simply a wonderful way to end 2020, and bring new adventures, thrills and experiences to set the tone for 2021!
2021...It's going to be a great year!
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