Kenya isn’t a place you simply visit—it’s a place that awakens you. From drifting silently above the endless plains of the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon as elephants roam below, to tracking the rare black and white rhinos of Lake Nakuru. From falling asleep to the grunts of hippos just outside my window at Lake Naivasha, to waking up with Mount Kilimanjaro standing majestically beyond my tent—Kenya is a collection of moments that feel almost unreal.
It all began in the intriguing suburb of Karen, Nairobi—a place steeped in history and shaped by the opulent lives once lived by European settlers, most famously Karen Blixen herself. I stayed at Hemingways Eden Residence, the former private family home of artists Tonio and Anna Trzebinski. Art fills every corner of the property, from paintings by Tonio to sculptures by their son and ceramics by their daughter, creating an immersive and deeply cultural place to stay.
A visit to the Karen Blixen Museum was a true step back in time. Walking through the very home where Karen lived, as portrayed in Out of Africa, brought her remarkable story to life and offered insight into the ambition and resilience of this extraordinary woman. I also stopped at the Giraffe Centre, where I had the unforgettable experience of getting up close and feeding the endangered Rothschild giraffes.
Next, we visited the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) Orphanage, which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants. Witnessing the dedication, patience, and care required to save these precious calves—many of whom will eventually be released into national parks like Tsavo East—was incredibly moving and left me with a deep appreciation for the tireless work being done to protect them.
Our final stop was KOBE TOUGH Beads & Leather, a place I instantly fell in love with. Meeting the women employed there and watching them handcraft each ceramic bead—carefully shaping and painting every piece—was truly inspiring. The vibrant range of colours available was stunning, making it the perfect place to find a meaningful gift for yourself or a loved one. A beaded leather belt or bracelet is a must—the craftsmanship is exceptional, and what better way to remember your time in Kenya than with a beautiful piece of locally made jewellery or a fashion accessory that tells a story.
From Nairobi, we boarded the train to Voi, where we met our Bench Africa guide for the journey, Sammy. His experience, knowledge, kindness, and exceptional driving skills were truly top class. Over the course of our 11-day safari, he became more like family than a guide—and the fact that he quickly picked up on our Australian sense of humour only endeared him to us more.
After loading the safari truck with all our luggage (a quick tip: bring a soft-sided bag so everything fits—yes, it’s time to ditch a few pairs of shoes), we set off for our first tented safari camp: Satao Camp in Tsavo East National Park.
Satao Camp stole my heart immediately. The staff were incredibly welcoming and warm, making us feel instantly at home. As we wandered around the grounds, impala—some with tiny four-day-old babies—roamed freely and without fear, finding safe refuge within the camp away from the lions. From the balcony of our tent, we watched elephants, giraffes, hippos, baboons, mongoose, guinea fowl, impala, and countless bird species pass by. Time seemed to stand still as we observed daily life unfold in the animal kingdom right from our doorstep. It was like having our own personal, real-life wildlife channel—utterly captivating and endlessly entertaining.
Safari in Tsavo East did not disappoint. We encountered cheetahs, lions, elephants, zebras—and countless bird species along the way. This trip gave me a whole new appreciation for bird photography. The one bird I had hoped to film was the lilac-breasted roller, and I was thrilled when the opportunity finally came.
Other remarkable sightings included secretary birds, ostriches, eagles, weaver birds, grey crowned cranes, and so many more. It truly was a twitcher’s paradise. If birdwatching is your passion, Kenya is an absolute dream destination.
Sundowners in Tsavo East National Park were, without question, the highlight of our trip. We sat beside an open fire, gazing out over the vast red savannah stretching endlessly before us. As we sipped the local drink, a Dawa, our guides sang and danced to traditional songs while the sun slowly dipped below the horizon and rain fell softly in the distance. A peaceful hush settled over us all—lost in reflection, almost dreamlike—feeling completely fulfilled by everything we had seen and experienced that day in the park.
Leaving Tsavo East was bittersweet, but little did I know that even more breathtaking moments awaited just around the corner. On our way to Amboseli National Park, we broke up the journey with an overnight stay in Tsavo West, giving us the perfect excuse to visit Mzima Springs—a stunning oasis and haven for hippos, crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife. This natural spring travels for decades through the volcanic rocks of the Chyulu Hills before emerging in the western reaches of the park. Weaver birds flitted busily along the water’s edge as we waited for hippos to peek their heads above the surface, a magical moment that felt almost suspended in time.
We stayed at Severin Camp, a charming spot where zebras and countless birds roamed freely. At breakfast, we watched a dung beetle diligently rolling its treasure, zebras quenching their thirst at the waterhole, and a parade of birds resting in the garden trees before us. Though our stay was short, it was utterly refreshing—an afternoon spent cooling off in the pool was the perfect way to recharge after days of exhilarating game drives.
Little did I know that what came next would be a dream come true—my first glimpse of Elerai Camp in Amboseli, a place I had been imagining ever since spotting it in the Bench Africa brochure.
