A Tailor-Made Flying Safari in Kenya

By Sandra Parmee
20 August 2024

Earlier this year, Andrew and Gwyneth Holt from Northwest England set off on a 10-night, customised flying safari in Kenya.

It wasn’t the first time the couple have ventured into Africa – they went on a two-night safari in South Africa several years ago, vowing to do another one when the opportunity presented itself. 

When the time came to start planning a safari, they turned to their daughter, Emma Holt, a London-based reservation consultant for Somak Luxury Travel. She recommended that her parents visit Kenya this time around.

‘Looking through the selection of accommodation on Somak’s books, we were delighted with the choice available. Emma pointed us toward the Elewana properties, and we were not disappointed,’ says Gwyneth. 

The adventure begins

In March 2024, the couple flew from Manchester to Dubai and then onward to Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital city.

‘Being met at the airport in Nairobi by a smartly dressed Somak representative was reassuring among all the bustle!’ says Gwyneth.

They were transferred to Tamarind Tree Hotel in a Somak vehicle, and the holiday was off to a great start.

‘We were immediately impressed by the gentle, friendly nature of all the people we met, and the staff at the hotel were helpful and efficient.’

The Holts chose a flying safari as it allowed them to experience two contrasting landscapes – Meru and the Masai Mara – though initially, packing so light seemed like quite the challenge. On light aircrafts, each passenger is limited to a 15kg soft bag. ‘It seemed daunting, but in fact it was very doable, especially with the laundry services offered at the camps,’ says Gwyneth. 

The couple flew to the rugged, unspoilt Meru National Park and checked into Elsa’s Kopje, an environmental award-winning boutique lodge that is part of the Elewana Collection.

‘This was Emma’s suggestion,’ says Gwyneth, ‘and it really was a special location. It felt quite exclusive as it was the only camp in the Meru area.’

The hotel features displays of memorabilia and photos of the Adamsons and Elsa – ‘you couldn’t fail to feel the Born Free history,’ she adds. 

Elsa’s Kopje is sculpted into Mughwango Hill, above the site of George Adamson’s original camp where he raised and released orphan lions. Each cottage is crafted around the rocks, incorporating the stonework. Each has a private deck, while the swimming pool overlooks the plains.

Dinners are served on the lawns, but Gwyneth has a top tip: ‘For a special treat, ask for the poolside table for dinner, where you sit in privacy next to the water.’ 

She describes the food as fresh, plentiful and delicious. 

A real African safari

‘There were so many highlights of the safari experience at Meru – whether we were watching the lion cubs play, the weaver birds scrap, the eagle eating its lizard lunch…’

The hotel also arranged a picnic lunch in the bush during one of their safaris. 

Gwyneth and Andrew credit their guide with making their game drives and nature walks so interesting: ‘We felt privileged to be in such a beautiful natural landscape, guided by someone with such knowledge of and respect for the animals,’ says Gwyneth. 

Other memorable experiences during their three nights in Meru were watching the elephants’ morning bath, a moving farewell from the hotel team, and receiving a warm hug from their guide before their onward flight to the Masai Mara.

Making memories in the Mara

‘We chose the Masai Mara for a different landscape and game experience to Meru,’ Gwyneth explains. ‘The space and expansive views, with the iconic acacia trees, contrasted with our previous destination. The land goes on forever, and, in fact, the game drives were quite a physical challenge over the long distances.’

The couple checked into Sand River Masai Mara, another Elewana lodge, for three nights. 

Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, the luxury camp is located close to the Tanzanian border.

It’s a tented camp, which gives it a feeling of tradition, says Gwyneth.

‘The interior of the tent was very sumptuous and it was furnished in a way that felt sort of historic – with traveling trunks as wardrobes, beautiful desks, and sofas. You almost felt as though you should be dressed in Victorian finery, with proper pith helmets!’

Each tent has a private deck with a view across the border to Tanzania. The property is divided into two separate but adjoining campsites for an increased sense of privacy. 

‘We were in Little Sand River, which felt intimate as there were only six tents, and we were pampered by the attentive staff,’ recalls Gwyneth. 

A stay at another Elewana lodge showed them the consistency across the collection, and the food was once again fresh and delicious.

The couple decided against opting for any cultural excursions as they preferred to focus on game viewing. 

‘We had another engaging guide, a Masai, who worked hard to track down as much game as possible,’ says Gwyneth. ‘The sight of a hyena trotting along a path with a zebra leg in its mouth was fairly memorable, as well as playing hide and seek with a leopard – he won!’

The Kenyan coast

Andrew and Gwyneth had decided to round of their holiday with a relaxing beach stay at Diani. 

‘The area is quite a contrast to the calm and relative seclusion of the safari experience,’ says Gwyneth, adding that they found the town a bit scruffy and busy, especially compared with the organised atmosphere of the hotel.

‘The local transport is Tuktuks – pretty scary! But air conditioned taxis are available too.’

While they had wanted to stay at the smaller Elewana Afrochic, a conflict with their timetable led them to Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, where they spent four nights.

‘You feel quite safe as there are plenty of guards across the premises and beach, along with monkey guards, to keep the animals at bay as much as possible!’ says Gwyneth. This didn’t stop the occasional monkey from visiting, however!

The resort is rich with amenities, offering an 18-hole golf course, casino, spa and outdoor swimming pool, as well as a shopping arcade and an assortment of bars and restaurants.

‘We enjoyed the pool and also played golf at the course close to the hotel, which had some scenic holes, resident monkeys, and was in decent condition. The staff and caddies were really welcoming.’

Gwyneth recommends bringing swimming shoes, as there are sea urchins in the ocean when the tide is out. 

‘Both Andy and I were captivated by our safari experience, and we held onto the afterglow for quite some time,’ she says. ‘We just loved the whole outdoor adventure from start to finish.’

Are you interested in a tailor-made flying safari in Kenya or one of our other destinations? Contact our reservations team today.