African Safari Diaries: A chat with Margaret Lamont aka Samburumags

 

One of our most loyal safari customers at Somak Holidays is 75 year old Margaret Lamont. She is lovingly known to her safari friends as Samburumags, which is really fitting, as Samburu is a place that is very close to her heart. Her first safari with Somak Holidays was in 2000, and she and her husband have travelled with Somak together a total of 5 times since. She has also been on safari 3 times on her own with Somak Holidays.

She has become an avid conservationist and supporter of all matters concerned with conservation over the years. As a child she used to be mad about circuses and, later in life, a lover of bull fighting. All that is over now and wildlife conservation is where her heart truly lies.

We had a chat with Margaret to find out more about her safari experiences with Somak Holidays over the years and what some of her many highlights have been.

What made you decide to go on an African Safari? 

My husband David and I, and two of our friends, decided we should have a special holiday to celebrate the millennium. We always opted for holidays in the Greek Islands with our friends Kate and Terry but on this occasion we decided to push the boat out and spend a little more!

Kate’s sister worked for a travel company and recommended Somak Holidays to us as a reliable company for well organised safaris. We took the plunge and booked the Masai Safari followed by a week at Hemmingways in Watamu.

What did your itinerary with Somak Holidays include?

The itinerary on this first safari was designed to offer us the best safari experience possible in a range of locations, covering many miles. Travelling by road, although time consuming, enabled us to see a great deal of Kenya, its towns, villages and people.

We visited Mountain Lodge, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, and the Masai Mara. My favourite location was Samburu and it is still my special place today. We stayed at the Samburu Serena Lodge which sadly was destroyed by floods in, I think, 2010. I have stayed more recently at the Ashnil Samburu where I have always enjoyed excellent accommodation and a warm welcome from all the staff.

What have been your highlights over the years?

There have been many highlights in my safari experiences. To name a few, close encounters with lions, being touched by an elephant through the window of the vehicle, a balloon trip in the Masai Mara and a visit to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage in Nairobi.

I was also gifted a lunch at The Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi by Somak Holidays, which is an experience that I will never forget.

So when asked “would you recommend going on safari” my answer would be a loud yes and I would make sure that anyone who enquired would be advised to choose a safari with Somak Holidays.

You can either choose from the brochure or, as I have done recently, design your own itinerary with Somak’s Tailor-Made service. Those prospective travellers need not be deterred by long road journeys as it is also possible to travel to most locations by air, which is another interesting experience.

In summing up, as regards to where to stay, I would say that my three favourite lodges are Ashnil Samburu, Kicheche Mara Camp, and Governor’s Main Camp. All three offer different experiences and all three, in my opinion are excellent.

Thank you Somak for all the joy you have given me over the years. Go Safari, Go Somak!

Are you inspired to go on a Safari after reading about Margaret’s experiences?

We would love to work with you to plan the safari holiday of a lifetime. For more information on how our safari experts can help you, call Somak Holidays today on 020 8423 3000, or visit our website here:

https://www.somak.com/kenya-safari

If you have been on a safari with us and are interested in being featured on our blog, email us at: 

in**@so***.com

All Photos are courtesy of Margaret Lamont. 

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