Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo!

What, Republic of the Congo!! The reaction to why there was met with a little alarm. I had to assure people it was Republic of the Congo and not the Democratic Republic of the Congo which is usually in the news with strife.

I was taking this Safari with my friend and fifth time Journey To Africa Safari-goer Alisa. I have been planning Safaris for her since 2005 - she has been to Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Namibia. We had been talking about taking a Safari together and when I heard about Congo Conservation Company in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo, I was really curious and when I suggested this to her, she was game.

Republic of the Congo
To my guests who have been on Safari before to Eastern and Southern Africa, the Odzala-Kokoua National Park [Congo Basin] is nothing like what we are used to. Honestly, it took a while for me to adjust to the fact that I will not be seeing an abundance of wildlife because the terrain is so different. But once I wrapped that around my head, the experience will forever be unique.

How was the Odzala-Kokoua National Park different:

Lots of walking.
We sat in the vehicle for short amounts of time - just to head to the river dock or once for 2 hours to transfer from camp to camp. The rest of the time, we walked. Trekking through the dense forests using the animals path [harden by their walk otherwise the ground was soft], the elephant corridor in Lango Camp which was beautiful with lilies and was waist deep [had me pause for a bit], speed walking early morning under the guidance of master trekker Zephran to see the lowland gorillas from Ngaga Camp [located right outside Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Ndzehi Forest], walked to get from Mboko Camp to Lango Camp after kayaking. You get the idea - it was definitely an active Safari.

The lovely elephant corridor from Lango Camp

With Zephran - master trekker

Lowland gorillas.
I must admit, I was looking forward to seeing Neptuno, the alpha male gorilla. We passed this opportunity to the local mayor of Mbomo who took that trek which in itself is great because now we have a local Congolese invested in protecting these amazing species. We did see lots of wee ones who were eager to show off and entertained us for a solid hour we were with them.

Forest elephants.
In Eastern and Southern Africa, you are used to see the elephants in large herds in all areas. Here, because of the terrain, you may only see them in the bai’s [open areas] but when you are walking in the forest or boating on the Lekoli River, you may see only a few. And when you do see them, it feels special.

Forest elephant

Other animals.
You hear them, but you may not see them easily. Of course this depends on the time of the year, luck, etc. but for example, we heard a hippo, saw the treks, but did not see the hippo. We were also there in Sept/Oct and the rains were coming so animals are away from the open bai area.

Our guide Lucy saw a leopard when she was coming to pick us up from the airstrip, so they are there, but sooo elusive. Lucy has been in that area of a year and that was her first encounter.

The smaller things.
We were definitely in-tuned to foot prints on this Safari as you are now looking at the small things. The smaller animals like the ants and the adulterer tree - you have to go there to hear this wild story :). The stunning fungi! So many different varieties to observe - eye opening.

The most common walking path

Stunning mushrooms of different variety

Boating and kayaking.
This was fun. We got to get on the boat and cruise down Lekoli River. This is when we saw the a few forest elephants on the banks and one crossing the river. They are pretty skittish - as soon as they smell you, they walk away. We also got to enjoy kayaking from camp to camp. You don’t have to do this but if you like, you kayak down from Mboko Camp to Lango Camp. We got to see the flock of green pigeons as soon as we parked our kayaks. Some of the best landscape views when boating and kayaking of the Congo Basin.

Kayaking from one camp to the other

French speaking.
This place reminded me of Tanzania about 20 odd years ago. We were starting off and our lodge crew spoke mostly Swahili and only a few could speak English. That has changed and majority of the people you will encounter will speak English.

At the camps, the crew spoke very little English besides the Camp managers. We could not ask them their stories without getting help from the managers. In Brazzaville, the capital of Republic of Congo, we enjoyed chatting with Dan, our local guide in English who gave us a good insight about the country.

Who is this Safari for?

I would say, this is for someone like Alisa and I who have been to Eastern and Southern Africa and want to experience the ‘something else’. This was the ‘something else’ for sure.

Having said that, we met a couple from New York who were there and they had not been on Safari before but loved their time here. They were truly disconnected [not much wi-fi here], enjoyed every encounter thoroughly, enjoyed the small things, great food, hardly took pictures, and brought a film camera - so there, if you are like them, you will love this place.

Does this sound like up your ‘corridor’? Let’s chat and see how we can get you here.

" Our time in Africa left such an indelible impression "

Ken and Nan with Julie and Clyde went on a Safari with pro-photographer Randy Hanna to Kenya in September 2021. Kenya is Randy’s second home and we had them going to elephant-rich Amboseli National Park and Masai Mara’s Mara North Conservancy.

After their Safari with Randy in Kenya, they wanted to add a some extra days so we added some time in Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya and then they hoped over to my Tanzania and explored World Heritage site Ngorongoro Crater, the wonderful chimp-filled Mahale Mountains in remote Western Tanzania, and finished on the beaches of Zanzibar Island.

It is safe to say that Ken and Nan had a fabulous time on their Kenya and Tanzania Safari.
- Mefi

From Ken and Nan:

““Recover” is defined as “the return to a normal state of health, mind or strength”. We are home and have recovered our normal life routine. But, our time in Africa left such an indelible impression on us both that we will never fully recover mentally. Every day I think about our trip. For this I am so thankful to you, Randy, Julie/Clyde and every person, place and event we experienced.

Where to start with safari stories? Each and every day was action packed with new experiences and adventure, especially for us first timers. Starting our trip with Randy (the Professor), Julie and Clyde…learning safari travel and chronicling it with a camera…was the perfect intro. We all got along fabulously, sharing many meals, chores, and laughs. Randy was the perfect host. All of our guides were personable, knowledgeable and professional. We enjoyed them all immensely and would not hesitate to recommend any of them.

Some of our favorite memories:

-Mid morning bush breakfasts after three hours of tracking and photographing animals.

-“Bush sundowners” (gin ‘n tonics) each evening at dusk after tracking and photographing animals.

-Our elephant encounter at Elephant Pepper camp. One night we woke to an elephant eating tree leaves 5 feet from our heads, We felt his movement thru the tent canvas.

-Getting close and personal with elephants as they marched across the Amboseli dirt flats toward water. [Tortillis Camp]

-Listening to Randy’s past experiences and recapping our own during the many wonderful meals.

-Learning about Masai life from our guides and the camp staff, and then experiencing it via visits to Masai compounds. [ Entamanu Ngorongoro]

-Take offs and landings on rural dirt airstrips in seven passenger bush planes.

-Viewing the changing African landscape from 10,000 feet.

-An afternoon swim in the warm, crystal clear water of Lake Tanganyika from the Dhow, one mile offshore.

-Listening to Bush Pigs outside our tent at night in Mahale [ Greystoke Mahale].

-Trekking thru the Mahale forest looking for chimps, drenching our clothes in sweat.

-Two hours of close interaction with chimps as they wandered thru our Mahale camp (a magical experience). Mahale was our favorite lodge by far. It was the boat ride , the lake shore location, the smaller size, the rustic remoteness, and Butati that elevated Mahale above the others. We felt more immersed in nature, with very little separating us from jungle life.

-Our connection with KaKae and Butati, with hopes of maintaining some sort of connection into the future.

I could go on but must end this for now. I hope my musings are helpful and adequately indicate how much we truly enjoyed our entire adventure.”

Asante sana Ken and Nan for trusting Randy and I on your Epic Safari through Kenya and Tanzania. Can’t wait to share more of Africa with you in the future.

Let’s chat about your Epic Safari to Kenya and Tanzania.

Travel Tip - Lanyard

On my Safari in Feb 2021, I decided to take a lanyard because I had got the new larger iPhone and realized it would not fit my pockets. Little did I know, the little purchase was such a handy buy.

So many reasons I was so glad I had my lanyard.

• Kept me from dropping my phone - nothing worse then a cracked phone on holiday.

• Did not have to ‘find’ my phone. On my past Safaris, when I am juggling my camera, my backpack, etc I am quickly stashing my phone somewhere only to have to search around where put it away. That panic was cut out with my handy dandy lanyard.
  
  Speaking of finding my phone’, I was at my lodge in Southern Serengeti, enjoying my bush fire in the evening, when some guests asked me if they know how to find a phone. One of the guests, on a game drive, lost her phone while taking photos - it was in her pocket - and they were trying to find where she dropped the phone. It was pitch dark when they were trying to trace her steps, and when I asked in the morning, they were not successful in finding the phone. I was thankful my phone was on my lanyard, right beside me.

• And of course, a quick photo opportunity, and my handy phone was easy to grab because it was right in front of me.

Now let’s get your on Safari so you too can use that lanyard. Or not, if unlike me, you are responsible with your phone.

What to Pack on Safari - by Journey To Africa guest Julie.

What to pack on Safari and how to make it all work with the 35 lbs weight limit is one of our most asked questions when getting ready. A little tricky but doable with a little planning and preparation.

This piece is written by our guest Julie Stevens, A Model Traveler, who went on Safari with us in Oct 2021 with her husband, uncle, aunt, and my friend and amazing photographer Randy Hanna. Enjoy!
- Mefi

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"Out of Africa" Safari Style for the Modern-Day Female:

What to pack for your upcoming safari.

"If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to go on safari once again." - Karen Blixen

For those of us who have seen the movie, Out of Africa, there's a certain safari elegance and attitude that it exudes, and I've always wanted to emulate that if given the chance. When I started planning and packing for my upcoming safari adventure to Kenya, I couldn't get the images from this 1985 Oscar-winning film out of my mind. Now, I'm not saying that high-collared white blouses, neck ties and midi skirts are somehow practical in the bush, but I am suggesting that you can happily merge style and comfort, without the need to sacrifice your independent flair. There was only one Karen Blixen, so let's do our best to find our own unique fashion sense while on safari. 

Our safari tribe consisted of myself, my husband Clyde, and our Uncle Ken & Aunt Nan. We were also joined by professional photographer, safari guide & friend, Randy Hanna. Traveling with these familiar faces made the journey that much more special and intimate, and it also allowed us to converse on a regular basis before our departure about what to pack, what to leave at home, and stir up the excitement and anticipation of going on safari together. 

What Clothing To Pack

One important thing to do before you pack anything, is to lay all of your clothing and accessory items out on your bed and see what pieces you can mix-and-match so that you can create several outfits using a few of the same clothing items. Less is more, and I can assure you that you will never be upset about packing too little, only too much. There’s no need to purchase a new wardrobe for safari. I only bought one or two new items, and I knew that I would wear these again once I returned home.

Good communication with your safari company or travel agent should give you a heads-up regarding weather conditions and insect frequency for the time of year you'll be traveling to Africa and what nations you will be visiting. This will help in deciding which fabrics to choose and how much layering will be necessary for each stopover. Our safari company, Journey To Africa, made packing a breeze with their own detailed packing list. 

Earth tones like tans, muted browns, light greens and blues will serve you well, not only for reflecting most of the visible wavelengths on a hot day, but it can get dusty during those adventurous jeep rides, so it's nice to keep the wash load down. I've also found it easier to find softer, breezier fabrics in these lighter colors. 

Warmer clothing options like fleeces, light-weight jackets and pullovers will be essential for those early mornings, evenings and higher altitudes. Do leave your bulky sweaters and jeans at home. They take up too much space in your pack, and you won’t need those heavier fabrics on safari. Be sure to pack a rain jacket just in case, as you never know what the elements might surprise you with each day. Do your best to be prepared, comfortable and protected at all times.

The proper shoes can make or break a good vacation, so a little effort goes a long way in selecting footwear. I prefer a high-top boot, but this is just personal preference. Depending upon your itinerary, unless you are scheduled to take on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, or other challenging treks in Africa, most of your time will be spent in a 4x4 or relaxing around camp. So, most trail or day-hike shoes will suffice. 

Socks are also a small, yet very important item to choose wisely. I prefer a wool or cotton blend, and a sock that covers your ankles. If bugs are present, this seems to be the one spot where I get nibbled on the most. A nice compression sock will keep circulation flowing if you're sitting for long hours. They are especially important for those long international flights. Wool socks that are lined with a cotton blend make for a lovely alternative if you have a sensitively to wool.

Hats can be found in an array of styles, colors and fabrics, and I switched between a breathable UV-protected hat with an adjustable chin strap, which is great for those windy days, and a fedora-style packer hat. Beanies make for a great option as well, they're easy to pack and will keep you warm during those chilly morning rides.

Scarves or bandanas also come in handy as hair ties or face-coverings when needed, and sunglasses should be worn not only for daily sun protection, but as a shield from the wind. 

Ladies, one last suggestion, a quality sports bra. Yes, a sports bra. Those safari jeeps don't do us any favors with all of that bouncing and bobbing about, so good support is a must!

Extras

A few final suggestions when thinking about your safari wardrobe. Bring a bathing suit, as some of your camps or hotels may have swimming pools. I also like having large airtight baggies on hand in case some of my clothing is still damp and we are en route to another camp. 

Having a pair of sandals or flip-flops will give your tootsies a nice breather after a long day in socks and boots. 

Clothing items and accessories with built-in insect repellent are quite popular, so it's worth checking a few of these items out, especially if bugs seem to take an extra special liking to you.

Leave your fancy bling at home. Packing a sport's watch, simple earrings and possibly a necklace are all the jewels you will need on safari. Use this as an excuse to buy some of the locally made jewelry and wear that while you're in Africa. 

Our camps provided shampoo, conditioner, body wash and laundry soap, so there was no need to add this extra weight to our pack. The camps also offer daily laundry service, so do keep this in mind when packing. We brought laundry wash leaves that dissolve in water for our undergarments, as these items are not part of the camp laundry service.

Most camps do not provide hairdryers, but I found that my hair dried very quickly on its own in the African heat. If you want to add a little style to your hair, I suggest a travel-size, cordless curling iron. They’re rechargeable, compact, and add some polish to your do.

Sunscreen, bug repellent, wet wipes, lip balm, moisturizing eye drops, and a GoGirl or SHEWEE. You may need to tinkle outdoors, and while these last items are certainly not necessary, they could come in handy. I do recommend taking a few practice runs at home before using these in Africa. It’s always a good idea to make sure your aim is on point.

How To Pack

Rolling your clothing instead of folding saves you space in your pack, plus most fabrics will obtain less creases during transit. If you do acquire a few wrinkles, most man-made fabrics will naturally release these once they are hung up. 

Bring camera gear, including extra batteries, memory cards, a hard drive, and all other valuable equipment in your carry-on luggage. Most camera batteries are lithium these days, and international laws will prevent these from being sent through to the hold of an airplane. It’s also a good idea to have a change of clothing on hand. If any luggage goes missing, you'll have these items with you.

I suggest soft-sided backpacks over hard luggage. Bush planes will require this for easier transit and packs are convenient for throwing on your back when walking over rough terrain or camp trails. My husband and I travel with mountaineering backpacks as our check-in luggage. They’re portable, durable, and allow us to display our travel patches from our globetrotting adventures.

Pack light. Weight restrictions on internal flights are quite strict, 35 pounds to be exact, so bring only that which is absolutely necessary. We bought a hanging scale to make sure that our carry-on, as well as our check-in luggage, was 35 pounds in total. 

Packing creams and liquids such as sunscreen, skincare, bug spray and hand sanitizer in sealed bags will save you from the unfortunate product explosion. I'm speaking from experience on this one.

Have The Time Of Your Life

We were so blessed to travel with family and friends on this safari. We shared many inside jokes, we gave names to the animals and became narrators as they went about their daily routines. It became a game, one that we will chuckle over for years to come. One night while traveling back to camp from our evening safari, we played Toto's, "Africa", at full volume, and we all sang along to this classic tune. This song now holds a special memory and a meaning that will always take us back to Africa and our life-changing safari.

Heading out on safari is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable adventures of your lifetime. You will see and experience the most amazing wildlife in its natural habitat. You may feel a shift in your perspective and a newfound sense of freedom. Your mind will open to the landscapes and horizons and your heart will expand for the people and their continent.

Like they say, "once you get the dirt of Africa on your boots, you will always find a way to return." Just make sure those boots are comfortable, and stylish.

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You can visit Julie’s YouTube channel for a short Safari video. Julie has captured some stunning wildlife photographs from Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park, Kenya.

The Holiday Gift Guide that keeps on Giving!

It's that time of year! Whether you want to extend a hand to the organizations you have visited on your Journey To Africa Safari or find a new one that touches you.

We have hand-selected organizations that we know will be worth a Support, Shop, or Donate … there is something for everyone. We know your hard earned money will go a long way at these worthy organizations.

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Shanga - Tanzania:

At the heart of Shanga's message is “Be kind and recycle" - an ethos that is adopted by the Journey To Africa team throughout the company that continues to support conservation, community, and social consciousness - helping to empower people and places.

Shanga is a successful social enterprise that employs the people of Tanzania with disabilities helping to support families, whilst creating a broad range of products. Perhaps the perfect Christmas gift waits from Shanga. Oh, and if you have been on Safari with us, you will recognize their glassware - the places we recommend use their products.

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Honeyguide Foundation - Tanzania:

If you want to support community-based conservation initiatives then look no further. Honeyguide Foundation helps to support sustainable practices in local conservation by empowering the people on the ground. They want the local communities to take ownership across three dimensions: financial, environmental, and social. Do read up more on how they work with the local communities.

Damian Bell and Ole Kirimbai, the founders of Honeyguide started a community-based tourism venture, a model that we seek out when we pick our Safari partners.

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Tanzanian Children's Village - Tanzania

Home to around 100 children ranging in all ages, Tanzania Children’s Village is an amazing home that offers tools to help bring the children of Tanzania out of generational poverty. There are several ways in which this organization can make a life changing difference - giving it a truly unique gift for a family/friend this holiday.

If you have visited the home, you know what a lovely home they create for the kids. From the mama, to the teachers, and the staff and everyone in-between. Asante Mama India and Baba Peter for making a safe home for the kids.

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Sidai Designs - tanzania

If you have been on Zoom with us, you will have most likely seen us wearing a Sidai design. Sidai Designs is based in Arusha, Tanzania and the team collaborates with the Maasai women to create handmade contemporary jewelry and homewares.

Sidai Designs aims to provide economic opportunity for Maasai women and girls by training them to produce unique, high quality beaded designs using the traditional techniques of their tribe. Their goal is to preserve Maasai beading techniques while elevating the traditional methods, giving them a contemporary aesthetic appeal.

To those who have been on Safari, you may have stopped here and to those going, we will take you here if you have time in Arusha before your Safari.

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Big Life Foundation - KENYA

Big Life Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates over 1.6million acres of wilderness in the Amboseli -Tsavo -Kilimanjaro ecosystem in East Africa. In a recent newsletter, Big Life Foundation discusses that donations are down by more than 45%. Therefore, they need our support now more than ever to ensure these great ecosystems that support both human and wildlife are protected for future generations.

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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Kenya

The famous Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is globally renowned for their work for animal conservation, that specializes in reintroducing orphaned Elephants, that have often been subjected to poaching, back into the wild. This inspirational organization allows you to adopt an Elephant and receive regular updates on their progress.

It is a truly unique and humbling experience to witness the Carers and Elephants playing at the orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya. Other purchases include their online store containing art, merchandise and more.

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Mulberry Mongoose - zambia

Mulberry Mongoose is based in South Luangwa, Zambia. The local craftswomen use snare wire recovered from poaching traps to create jewelry designs inspired by the African bush. The slogan states ‘beauty from brutality’ - therefore find that special someone a gift, whilst helping to protect Africa's iconic species.

Fundamentally the organization employs women from all over Zambia to help reinvest in the community, where unemployment is high. They also help reduce their impact by using locally sourced materials. In today’s world, sustainability is becoming increasingly important.
Shop Green this season.

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Tongabezi - zambia

Tongabezi is a lovely lodge situated on the banks of the Zambezi river, where Victoria Falls is located, is home to a thriving community where humans and wildlife habitats co-exist. The lodge, in partnership with guests, explores numerous avenues to help support the local communities, along with running conservation schemes which help to conserve the land for future generations.

When you stay here, you are not only going to enjoy exploring Victoria Falls area and it’s many activities, but also support a community you can visit on your Safari, and support from afar.

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Have more questions for us? Send us an email and we can chat more about each organization and point you in the right direction. We appreciate all the help you can give our Safari Partners.

Unique Experiences to add to your Safari in Tanzania and Kenya

All Safaris are unique. Nothing quite like being on Safari in my personal opinion.

However, sometimes, we find that we are adding a few experiences that just take your Safari to the next level. Some of our favorite Safari experiences to consider when deciding on your Safari. These are experiences that enrich the soul and give your Safari even more excitement.

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Chimpanzee Trekking in the Mahale Mountains, Western Tanzania

A jungle Safari, on the shores of the tropical lake shores of Lake Tanganyika, to see some the world’s largest protected population of Eastern Chimps.

The Mahale Mountains, home to approx. 800 Chimpanzees. Only one group of about 60, the “M Group” is semi-habituated to humans, so they are the ones that are visited.

The Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Western Tanzania’s Kigoma region. Your base will be Greystoke Mahale, an exclusive, award-winning camp that is truly one of the most beautifully simple, and luxuriously castaway places to stay on the planet. Your days will be spent Chimpanzee trekking with some of the most experienced guides and trackers in the world who know every Chimp’s personality and characteristics. Some days it will only take a couple of hours to find the group, and other times you can spend the whole day trekking the forrest. This is part of the charm of real tracking. If the Chimpanzees haven’t already blown you away, your base at Greystoke Mahale certainly will. This little Camp set right on a sandy beach overlooking the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, with the Mahale Mountains as a backdrop is truly one of the most unique, stunning locations on the continent. Time spent at Greystoke isn’t just Chimp Trekking, although that is the main attraction. Spend the rest of your days lazing on the beach, snorkeling in the tropical lake waters, kayaking, and enjoying the shabby-chic luxury of Greystoke.

The main area of Nomad’s Greysoke Mahale. An exclusive, hidden gem in the remote Mahale Mountains.

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Walking with the Hadza Tribe, Northern Tanzania

This is one of my favourite, and accessible Safari experiences that you can do on a Tanzania Safari. The Hadzabe, or Hadza People are Tanzania’s last Hunter Gatherer Tribe, and some of the most incredible people on the planet. Walking with the Hadza is a must on any trip to Tanzania.

The Hadza or the Hadzabe people are one of the last Hunter-Gatherer tribes in Africa that still largely keep to their traditional way of life. They live around the Lake Eyasi region of Tanzania and their way of life is truly remarkable. Unlike other tribes in Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa, they have no livestock and they don’t grow their own food. They thrive by hunting with bows and arrows and foraging for plants and berries. There are only around 1200 of the Hadza tribe left in the world, so to walk and learn from them is a truly remarkable experience. We all have a lot to learn from their way of life, their connection to their surroundings and the way they view the earth. There is a great article on the how the Hadza are some of the healthiest people in the world here.

I try to make time to walk and talk to the Hadza, it is truly one of the best experiences you can get from your Tanzania Safari and where you will learn about a simple world.

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Go on a Night Game Drive

The best time to see all the predators of the night and the action that is usually missed whilst your asleep!

Heading on a night game drive is one of the best wildlife experiences you can have in Africa. After dark is when predators do the majority of their hunting so you can expect to see Lions out on the hunt for unsuspecting herds of Impala, or a Leopard stalking its next prey. At night, the wilderness is filled with nocturnal creatures and this is when a lot of action takes place. There is something exhilarating about being out in the wild in the dark in your Safari car, you can’t see far but you can hear rustling in the bushes, and pairs of eyes.

My favourite places to head out on a night game drive are in the Tarangire in Northern Serengeti, Ruaha and Katavi in Southern Serengeti, Mara North Conservancy, and Borana or Lewa Conservancy besides other areas. South Africa, and Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe also offer many night game drive opportunities as a lot of the lodges are in private areas.

You never know what you will see around the corner.

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Go on a Walking Safari

This can be easily incorporated into your Safari and most of the Camps and Lodges I use will have the option to head out on foot with a experienced guide and ranger. This is the best way to explore your surroundings and truly feel part of the wilderness.

My favorite walking Safaris I have been on are in the Ngorongoro Crater from Entamanu Lodge. With your Masai guide, you will walk down the crater escarpment towards the Serengeti plains and be met by a Safari car at the end of your walk that will have a picnic breakfast ready for you. It’s also a great way to keep active and fit on Safari!

The kids enjoying their walking Safari and learning about every detail of their surroundings. The best playground!

If you want to go on a full walking Safari where you walk everyday between Camps and walking is your only mode of transport through the wild, then heading to Zambia is best. The Luwanga Valley is known as the “home of the walking Safari” with some of the best guides and trackers in the industry. However, Northern Kenya is also a great contender. The private and community run conservancies in the rugged North make it a great area to explore on foot with the a Samburu warrior to guide you. Have a look at the Best Places to Stay in Northern Kenya with your family.

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The Migration’s Birthing Season, Southern Serengeti Plains

The Migration is famous for its River Crossings between July and October, but my favorite and most underrated part of the migration cycle is the Calving season at the beginning of the year.

Birthing Season is really incredible!

I have mentioned before how February is one of my favorite time to visit the Serengeti. This is because of the wildebeest calving season that takes over the Southern Serengeti plains and Ndutu region. You will see millions of wildebeest giving birth to new life, and with this, the various dangers that come with the vulnerability of young calves and their weak mothers. It is a remarkable time of year to see big cats and other predators, whilst the lush green plains are a beautiful backdrop for your safari. It’s a time of new life, and new cycles and it really immerses you in the delicate balance of the Serengeti and Masai Mara eco-system. Visiting the Southern Serengeti at this time of year also means much lower visitor numbers, which will make your Safari even more special. There is a whole other blog post that goes into detail on the Top 3 Reasons to Visit the Serengeti in Green Season, which includes birthing season.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.