African Safari Diaries: Paul’s Cheetah Safari in Kenya

 

In this week’s African Safari Diaries we are sharing Paul’s experience of our Cheetah Safari in Kenya, which was his first taste of Africa as well as his first ever safari.

1. What made you choose to go on an African Safari? Was this your first time visiting Kenya and going on safari?

We have always wanted to see the wildlife of Africa in its natural surroundings. This was our first time visiting anywhere in Africa, and our first Safari.

2. How did you hear about Somak Holidays?

Somak Holidays were recommended to us by a travel agent.

3. What did your itinerary involve? How did we put it together for you?

We chose the standard “Cheetah Safari” as recommended. This proved to be ideal for us first timers, we saw everything we wanted to and more, without it being too intense or strenuous.

4. Where did you stay whilst on your Safari and what was your favourite property?

On our first night we stayed at Aberdare Country Club. This was an excellent way to start after a long day’s travelling, and our first view of wildlife.

Next was Ashnil Samburu Lodge, which was fabulous and a great base for our first game drives. It also had a lovely pool to relax in with elephants wandering past!

Our third hotel was Serena Mountain Lodge.  This was a bit quiet around the watering hole that night but still an experience, especially the walk through the forest.

Next was Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. We only had a one night stay here where we really only laid our heads but the boat trip around the lake was brilliant. We saw hippos popping up next to the boat and a fish eagle swooping down for a fish right before our eyes.

Our favourite was Ashnil Mara Camp. Where else could you stand with a drink, looking down at Hippos and Crocodiles in the river whilst talking about Premiership Football with a Masai Warrior in full costume?

Also, we had a dawn Hot Air Balloon flight over the Masai Mara which was an amazing experience.

5.  What were your highlights from your trip?

It was all a highlight! The first elephant. The first lion, the scenery, the sheer scale of the places. looking out over the slopes of Mount Kenya, the list is too long!

6. Would you recommend going on safari?

I would strongly recommend going on a trip like this to anyone with a passion for wildlife.

7. What was your experience with Somak Holidays? Would you book with us again? Was there anything that stood out or you would have changed?

Somak Holidays looked after us very well indeed. It was all planned out properly and the whole trip flowed nicely from one site to the next.

Our driver and guide, Mudi, was excellent.

8.  Any advice or tips for anyone thinking of going on a Safari?

Tips or advice? Very subjective but remember that this is nature at its most brutal. You will see cute cubs and baby elephants, but also disembowelled wildebeest and possibly even a kill in front of you.

Heard a couple of people (not in our party) who didn’t like such sights. Be prepared to get up at the crack of dawn (or before!) to see the best sights – it’s worth it!

Maybe consider going slightly off season like we did – a bit of a gamble but much quieter and you get more chances to get close to the wildlife.

If seeing Paul’s wonderful trip has inspired you to want to go on safari, we have some amazing itineraries available. The Cheetah Safari itinerary can be found here.

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

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