Botswana Leopard-
Samburu Guide – Kenya
Images of my some of my favorite past travel adventures. An adventure to Africa is life changing.
Dreaming of the Road Less Traveled
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Category Archives: East Africa
Travel Wishes
Back to Africa soon- we hope!
Looking to getting back on the road!
A Huge Salute to Africa Inscribed Private Travel
Many thanks to the Africa Inscribed team – especially Dylan Harriss and Bernadette Venter
Thank you Africa Inscribed!
Our Safari was the most memorable experience of Will’s, Lily’s and my life.
The plan went like clockwork. Not one misstep. Dylan, Bernadette and team Africa Inscribed created and planned a spectacular experience from the minute we got off the plane till we got back on.
A big shout out goes to Warren Wright, our private label guide. He was so attuned to the children, they loved him. They learned so much and a huge part of our amazing experience was because of Warren. For a family traveling with children, I heartily recommend Warren as your private label guide.
No words to thank Team Africa Inscribed enough. Treasured memories for a lifetime.
Warren Wright – amazing private guide especially for families with children
Amazing, Unique, Magical Giraffe Manor
5PM visit from the giraffes
Breakfast!
Probably the most unique hotel in the world, Giraffe Manor was created by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. They were very interested in animal conservation, and bought the faux Scottish hunting lodge, in 1974. That year, the amiable giraffes, who kept poking their heads interestedly through the first-floor bedroom window were about to be dispossessed, their habitat lost to farmland development and their lives threatened.
Betty persuaded her husband to allow the giraffes to live on their 15-acre estate, and the couple began the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, based in Kenya and Maryland, which later bought an additional 105 acres for the giraffes. They adopted Daisy, one of the highly endangered Rothschild’s giraffes—which can be as tall as 20 feet, making them the tallest of the species. Daisy’s descendants have since proliferated, and the Leslie – Melvilles added the Giraffe Center, open to the public, on the southern part of the property.
Angama Mara- New Glamour on the Masai Mara
Fire pit overlooking the magnificent Masai Mara
Dramatically set on the ridge overlooking the Masai Mara, Angama Mara brings glamour and extraordinary comfort to the vast Park. The Camp is within walking distance to the burial place of Denys Finch Hatton, a fittingly romantic overtone to one’s sense of Out of Africa.
Here you can live it.
The Staff is well prepared to welcome us and tries to accomplish our every request.
Meals and drinks on the vast deck is just sublime. Rooms are huge with glass windows- floor to ceiling -to capture that dramatic view.
Comfortable large rooms that give you a sense of Out of Africa
On the deck the view goes on forever
Dawn view from my tent
East Africa – Ultimate Experience for Kids
Chyulu Hills Kenya
Waking up to a kind voice saying Jambo and bringing hot chocolate, African sunrises and sunsets in that unlimited sky, rain storms rolling across the plains, almost running over a sleeping lion in the tall grass, learning about animal alarm calls when a predator is near, smells of a night fire, adopting orphan elephants, feeding Giraffe from your hand, learning polite words in Swahili, making bows and arrows with a Masai warrior, learning to build a fire from dung, visiting a Masai village, seeing the joy on children’s faces when giving mosquito nets to a school, visiting Karen Blixen’s home, sundowners, hearing the sounds of thousands of wildebeest in the migration, experiencing new food and tastes, the list can go on for days.
Learning and understanding wildlife in their habitat, watching them up closely in their daily activities is the ultimate thrill. There is so much the children expeiienced that cannot be listed. The enrichment was immense and incredibly satisfying to experience. A window in time that will never be recaptured. Traveling with children is priceless.
Wildlife along the way in Kenya
Wildlife sightings were amazing!
Heaven on Earth- Sirikoi, Lewa Downs Conservancy Kenya
Sirikoi Lodge- Heaven on Earth – Lewa Downs Conservancy, Kenya
Sirikoi Lodge -Lewa Conservancy , Kenya
Learning how to play croquet – Sirikoi
View from the tent- lots of elllies.
Beautifully managed by Tom and Nikki Hartley, Sirikoi aims to please. We think it is our favorite Camp. The staff is so warm and welcoming, food is amazing, and the setting is unforgettable. Main dining area is off the Lodge right next to a water hole. So there is always action right in front of your eyes. Decor is impeccable with an organic garden that rivals anything we have seen. All food comes directly from the garden. Sirikoi is a hard place to leave.
Main Lodge, Sirikoi
View from the blind -Ol Donyo Was
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Ol Donyo Was – Chyulu Hills Kenya- Amazing!
Both Relais & Chateaux and Virtuoso, Ol Donyo Was is an amazing Lodge in the Chyulu Hills of Kenya. One of the few Lodges with it’s own blind, Ol Donyo affords spectacular safe viewing of wildlife, up close and personal. Suites have huge glass doors open up to the plains and unforgettable views. The staff is highly trained and delightful. Our guide Elijah taught the children how to make bows and arrows out of tree branches. He was amazingly good with the kids. They hated to say goodbye. Perfect place for children on Safari, activities include horseback riding. The day of riding was a huge highlight.
Migration! Wow!
Migration!
What a thrill!!
We found ourselves smack dab in the middle of the migration on the Grumeti plains.
We saw thousands of wildebeest, and zebras. I did not realize there was a such a sound factor to the migration- all those animals talking at the same time. We very lucky to see river crossings, and lots of interaction between the masses of animals.
Tanzania – Surprising Arusha Lodge, Legendary Lodge
Superb staff, warm welcome, the place was an old homestead, and it feels like a charming home.
Upon arrival, they offered a fabulous dinner on their verandah overlooking a lovely garden.
I had duck breast, and the children had crispy prawns. We had a connecting suites as big as the house. Snuggling down between Egyptian sheets, with the africology amenities smelling of Africa, we feel immediately to sleep.
Highlights of ILTM Africa
Image courtesy Camp Kuzuma – Botswana
Image courtesy of Camp Kuzuma Botswana
Highlights from ILTM Africa
We found some fab new vendors and renewed friendships with our favorite suppliers that are clearly a cut above. Here are some of our favorites:
In Residence – Cape Town New villa concept. Pieter Brundyn is the founder.
Camp Kuzuma, Botswana – delightful husband and wife team running the beautiful camp.
Royal Portfolio properties :
The new Silo Hotel -Cape Town,La Residencia – Franschhoek , Royal Malewane Camp – Thornybush, and Birkenhead House -Hermanus
Delaire Graff estate near Stellenbosch
Makani Game Lodge South Africa
Mara Engai Lodge Kenya
Elewana Collection – so many great properties in the Elewana Collection
Chitwa Chitwa Camp
Cape Grace -Cape Town
Ellerman House – Cape Town
Groot Bos Lodge
Some of the great Elewana properties:
Tarangire Treetops -Tanzania, Loisaba -Kenya, Arusha Coffee Lodge among others
Image courtesy of Elewana Collection Arusha Coffee Lodge -Tanzania
Image courtesy of Elewana Collection. Loisaba
ILTM Africa – Small but Mighty
Cape Point South Africa
ILTM Africa – Small But Mighty
Vendors and Buyers alike agree that ILTM Africa is a hugely successful show. It a small show and because of the size, we as buyers can really get to know our prospective suppliers. The quality of the vendors is top notch. The show is carefully vetted, and we know we are talking to tour operators, camps, lodges, resorts, intra country airlines, helicopters and villa companies that can do a top quality, reliable job. For travel advisors focusing on Africa, it is a must see.
Grumeti Sunrise and Sunset
Thank you, Africa Inscribed : Dylan and Gavin
Another perfect adventure. What a privilege! Great group of first time safari explorers, such fun. 6 Shuttle flights, 8 Camps, unlimited laughter.
Thank you Dylan Harriss and Gavin Ford for another perfectly planned and executed experience.
My first welcome card from May at &beyond Manyara Tree Lodge says it all: welcome to the ancient drama of Africa. The hidden secret of Lake Manyara: the jungle and magic in the bush. Feel the rhythm of its soul and share the beauty of it’s land. Thanks for sharing this special moment of your lifetime with us. 
Lamu 2010
Grumeti Cats
Ending with a high note: Singita Serengeti House and Singita Explorer
Singita Serengeti House- 4 bedroom Villa next to Sasakwa.
Bathroom -Singita Sasakwa
Singita’s collection of properties : Sasakwa, Sabora(stationary tented camp), Faru Faru, Serengeti House and Explora( mobile tented camp) are probably the finest group of properties in Tanzania, if not all of Africa. Singita has a well established conservation plan, and philanthropy. One of the most successful ongoing community development projects at Singita Grumeti is the Grumeti Horticultural and Marketing Co-op Society (GHOMACOS), supplying the lodge kitchens with a constant flow of high-quality, freshly harvested, locally grown vegetables, herbs and fruits. Lodge guests are often surprised at the freshness and diversity of the juices, salads, vegetables, desserts and sorbets on the menus at Singita Grumeti, given the remote location of the five lodges and camps. Many guests are also appreciative of the fact that the food they’re enjoying is locally grown, benefits small-scale producers, and hasn’t clocked up unnecessary transport miles.
Every detail is perfect, the decor is to die for. All unique, all 5 Star in every way. Singita Saskwa also has the most comprehensive and beautifully equipped Equestrian Centre in Africa. 
My favorite SIngita Sabora
&Beyond Grumeti River Camp
&Beyond Grumeti River Camp provides a private Serengeti experience with exclusive game viewing in some of the most secluded parts of Africa’s most famous game reserve. The Grumeti Reserve is located in the remote Western Corridor of the Serengeti. Its rustic yet sophisticated safari tents are tucked into the shade of an evergreen forest on the banks of a tributary of the famous Grumeti River. The staff was superb: very warm and welcoming. Food again was outstanding We had some of the best wines selections there. 
Welcome song from Grumeti River camp.
Wake up calls come with a Cheerie “Jambo” and tray of coffee with biscuits.
Big Sky Serengeti
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Magnificent Serengeti Game
It is easy to become caught up in the complexity of Africa: the history, the people, the camps, the tribes. To me, the magic of the continent is the interaction of the animals. Everyday is a new discovery.
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas Camp- following the Migration
Limited to Tanzania and Kenya, the Great Migration is a movement of millions of Serengeti’s wildebeest, accompanied by smaller numbers of Zebra, grant’s and Thompson gazelles, Eiland, and Impala. They move in an annual pattern constantly following the rains, seeking fresh grazing. This November, the migration was near the &beyond Serengeti Under Canvas Camp. Because they are mobile, the camp can move with the migration.
Tracking the Migration in the Serengeti
Coffee and Amarula- yum!
&beyond Serengeti Under Canvas Camp
We have flown to the Serengeti to see a different terrain, and to follow the migration. Serengeti Under Canvas is a true mobile camp- everything is folded up, packed and moved when needed and one would never know it had been there. No fooprint!
Top hotel in Ngorongoro Crater- hands down is AndBeyond Crater Lodge
Champagne welcome AndBeyond Crater Lodge
Cozy main Lounge AndBeyond Crater Lodge
North Lodge bathroom seen thru a cut hole
I rarely add picture of interiors of resorts or lodges, but this lodge is so stunning and completely unique, I felt I had to share it. A visit should be on anyone’s bucket list.
Ngorngoro Crater Tanzania -one of the wonders of the world!
Ngorngoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world, about 30 kilometers across. An estimated 25000 large mammals are resident in the crater, including a population of approximately 6000 resident wildebeest,zebra, giraffe, and around 70 lions. Visiting it should be a must on everyone’s list. 
Lions in the tree!
Lake Manyara Tree Lion
A new experience to watch a lion leap into the tree
Lake Manyara Tree House- a most pleasant surprise
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We had the pleasure of staying at Lake Manyara Tree House, an And Beyond property. Rooms were spacious, luxurious, 5 star in every way. The exceptional staff made us feel so welcome. A complete pleasure and I hope to return.
Lake Manyara Tanzania
Known for it’s lions resting in trees to escape the dreaded Tsetse fly, and the glorius flamingos on the lake, Manyara was a delightful surprise. The national park has some of the most lush jungle vegetation I have ever seen. We visited a Massai village, always a warm experience. 
Lake Manyara Tanzania
Leopard tucked away nicely
Return to Tanzania
I am checking out some new camps in Tanzania. First stop is Lake Manyara about 25minutes flight from Arusha. Lush green jungle. Beautiful landscapes, on the edge of the great rift.
Lake Manyara Lion
The iconic Mount Nelson Hotel- Cape Town
I stayed in the Mount Nelson and the Cape Grace, both fabulous properties where personal service is top notch.
ILTM Africa – a huge success!
Cape Town
Table Mountain -Cape Town South Africa
I visited Cape Town to attend the International Luxury Travel Market. Meeting with suppliers from the best hotels, safari camps, African resorts, tour companies, ground operators, flight companies from all over Africa gave me the opportunity to establish continued connections and find out about new exciting properties. Some of the highlights for me were Mount Rochelle, recently opened by Richard Branson near Franschoek (the wine lands), Grand Dedale- another beautiful bed & breakfast in the wine lands, Residence in Zanzibar, African Elite properties ( privately owned villas that are a cut above), Residence on the Rocks in the Seycelles. The most exciting new camp is Angama Mara, a new safari lodge being built on the edge of Africa’s Rift Valley and overlooking Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Set to open in a few months, this camp will be a must experience! Can’t wait to go!!
Another exciting opening is Royal Portfolio’s fabulous new hotel in Cape Town : the Silo. A completely new build. The Silo hotel will occupy an old Silo on the waterfront. The lower floors will house the new African Contemporary Art museum. The mock ups of the rooms and public areas are spectacular. All glass, the views will be unforgettable.
Another Incredible Virtuoso Travel Week
4000 talented travel consultants, suppliers and press converge in Las Vegas one week each year to connect, learn and enhance their clients’ travel experience. The energy and passion for this travel connection is immense. Classes are offered by the top travel experts in the business- highlighted by Helen Nodland, and the always delightful Ann Scully. An active network called VAST offers an all day exposition to better learn about the latest and greatest offerings in the active travel industry.
We meet hotel General Managers, heads of hotel marketing, destination management companies, tour operators, safari operators, airline representatives, destination wedding suppliers, and sales directors from all over the world – 396 meetings over a four day period. We meet before the general meetings, at specialized luncheons, cocktail parties and dinners, in addition to the 396 presentations. By the time the week is over, I can say I am thoroughly ensconced in travel information. I came home energized, inspired, armed with the best information and fabulous new connections to enable me to make my clients dreams come true.
Lily Flower Okavango Delta
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Singita Sabora Tented Camp- amazing food quality from a tent!
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Recipes from the Road: Malva Pudding- Singita Grumeti Camps
Singita Sasakwa- image courtesy of Singita
Singita Sasakwa- image courtesy of Singita
Recipes from the Road: Singita Grumeti Saskwa
Probably the finest resort in East Africa, Singita Sasakwa is unrivaled in elegance.
Patterned after an English Manor House, Sasakwa sits over the Grumeti Plain offering magnificent views of game below.
Dollar is posting new highs against the Euro! Time to travel!
The Euro is trading at 1.27- lowest in two years. Now is the perfect time to plan that trip to Ireland, France, Italy, Turkey, Prague, Germany or anywhere the Euro is traded. Now the luxury hotel you have been dying to see is in reach! Restaurants are affordable again! Cultural offerings are possible! I would love to help plan your dream trip. It’s a great value opportunity!
Favorite destinations- Masai Mara Kenya
Welcome To Atlanta’s New International Terminal
I just received this from Delta concerning their exciting new terminal:
On May 16th, the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal will open at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This state-of-the-art, LEED-certified terminal will accommodate more passengers and make international travel a breeze.
Most international flights will arrive at Concourses E or F, although some international flights from “pre-cleared” countries will arrive on Concourses T through D.
If Atlanta is your final destination:
You will proceed through Passport Control and claim your baggage at the new international terminal.
You will no longer need to recheck your baggage upon exiting Customs.
There is a passenger pickup area and ground transportation center at the new international terminal.
From the international terminal, complimentary shuttles are available to both the domestic terminal which includes MARTA, as well as to the rental car center.
Since you are departing Atlanta prior to the new terminal’s opening and returning after its opening, please note the following:
If you parked at the domestic terminal and your flight arrives at the international terminal, you may take the complimentary shuttle bus to the domestic terminal.
If someone is picking you up at the airport, please let him or her know you will arrive at the new international terminal, which is accessible from Interstate 75.
Please visit delta.com for more information about the international terminal.
A look at an interesting camp in Kenya
Cottars 1920’s camp
Dispatches from the Road 
