My Kenya Family-Safari 'Trip Report'

What more could I ask for than spending time with my family (wife, children and grandchildren) on safari in Africa? I suppose I could also ask for divine food, great wine, abundant game viewing and time for introspection.

Lucky me – I really did have it all in one of my favourite safari destinations in Africa – Angama Mara Lodge in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, East Africa. I have just returned home and feel rejuvenated and inspired – I wish for all of you to create an opportunity for yourselves to be immersed in the magic of an East African safari.

​Read all about my family’s experience below:

My daughter Casey, documented all aspects of her family’s travels from Cape Town to Kenya. She travelled with her husband and 2 kids, ages 3 and 6. Have a look at her blow-by-blow Instagram report on the experience: Their transits, international flight, running with a Kenyan, napping on the safari vehicle and so much more. View on Instagram »  or  YouTube »

There is so much for families to do and learn on a safari. Surrounded by nature, immersed in new sensations, new people to learn from… no screens!

Watching my grandkids experience the secrets of the African bush was such a treat. From a budding love of birds to a daily safari drive nap – experiencing a safari with them was an absolute delight.

Some of our favourite moments from our trip:

This is our epic list of animal sightings and some of our photos.

East Africa is known for the great wildebeest migration – but the wildlife in Kenya is spectacular all year round – as proven by our fabulous list!

On day 1 in the Mara we had an epic sighting:

• Zebra crossing, approx. 300 in the herd – have a look at this video of the crossing »
• 25 crocs in the Mara
• 2 Zebra were taken during the crossing

Approx. 150 Zebra and 12 Topi, crossed in a different place. There were at least 14 huge crocodiles lying in wait.. 2 zebra and 2 topi were taken out during the crossing. These are Zebra from the Mara Conservancy area making their way South to meet their “friends” from the Serengeti.

• Friday, early morning family drive with Adam (the photographer) to take pictures.
• Approx. 10:00, the radio crackled with the news of 2 Puff adders mating alongside the road, Wilson, our guide did a quick U-turn and sped to the spot.
• 2 puff adders mating alongside the road, an up-close sighting.. the female then scurried off to the long grass and the male slithered about, close to us, picking up the scent of the female…a fine specimen.

We loved our morning with Adam Bannister – who took some wonderful photos of us. Even more exciting was how our own photographic passions were inspired. Have a look at some of the photos taken during our trip -  and some of Leah’s too.

Our favourite meals were the picnics out in the Mara. There is something completely magical about eating a meal in the wilderness – the delicious food is even more delicious. And the quiet offers an opportunity to connect and listen.

Young Leah’s newfound love for birds had her lost in a “birder’s-paradise”. The number 1 sighting was her Dad’s favourite – the Malachite Kingfisher.

Have a look at some of our bird photos:

Whoever you are and whatever you are celebrating, Kenya offers the beauty, space, and experiences to create memories which will be with you for your lifetime. And the Kenyan people – well, we all fell in love, including Leah, who was devastated to say goodbye to every person, every animal, every insect.