Safari Dreaming
“In traveling to a truly foreign place, we inevitably travel to moods and states of mind and hidden inward passages that we’d otherwise seldom have cause to visit”
Seventy-two. That’s how many blog posts I’ve written. Sixty-seven stories each week since March 2020. Sharing memories of special places, special people, and special moments keep my creative juices flowing. I hope they bring some joy and lightness to your hearts too as this pandemic drags on.
I can’t imagine ever running out of stories, but I confess, I long to fill up my basket of travel tales with more adventures. There’s a voice that echoes in my head “safari, safari, safari.” I want to breathe in the air, the smells of the Kenyan landscape. I long to go to sleep listening to the rumble of elephants or the roar of lions outside my tent.
Samburu Country, Northern Kenya–view from Sarara Camp
I love to travel, to see new places and meet new people. I’ve had the very great privilege to visit many countries in the world, thanks in part to my husband’s work. We met in my travel style on a wilderness canoe trip. There is a running joke in our marriage: travel with me in charge and you sleep in a tent on the ground, travel with him in charge and you enjoy 5* hotels. I don’t mind roughing it, but I confess I was a quick study in learning to enjoy comfortable accommodations. I’ve schlepped my share of heavy packs on backcountry trails and carried canoes over portages. On my first safari, I realized I’d met the best of both our accommodation needs. Kenya’s safari lodges offer spacious tents that look like cottages complete with running water and flushing toilets–some even have spectacular outdoor showers with Out of Africa vistas.
My “tent” at Sarara Camp
The camps are small with a limited number of guests. I don’t have to plan the menu or cook! Fabulous meals are served alfresco under the stars or in the shade of a thatched veranda. Local guides introduce you to the culture and the land. Often wildlife is within steps of the camp. At this stage and age in my life this is Nirvana!
Outdoor shower with a spectacular view–Sarara Camp
I am surprised when people tell me they only feel safe in an urban centre. Others prefer all-inclusive resorts. To each their own. Me, I want to be as close to nature as possible and if I can do that without getting wet at night or dealing with unwanted guests (two legged, four legged or eight legged…) then I have found the perfect home away from home.
Elephants at the water hole–Sarara Camp
I got my first vaccine last week. With the vaccine rollout I’m daring to dream about my next post-pandemic safari. While I wait for the world to open up again my mental health strategies include writing a book about my time in Amboseli with the elephants, connecting to friends and colleagues via zoom, regular walks outside and keeping my photography skills alive by following a local pair of eagles.
My camera is the portal to their world. Over time I’ve learned to recognize some the eagles’ patterns of behaviour, how to anticipate when they will land and take off.
As predators they have a fierceness and arrogance that is an energizing antidote to my COVID weariness. As flyers they are second to none–fast, graceful, daring. They remind me that I don’t have to travel far to find joy and wonder.
I love hearing from you. Several of you have inspired particular stories with your questions and feedback. Many of you have shared how this blog gets you over hump day midweek and reminds you of your own adventures. If you know others who might resonate with these stories, please share and pass along!
Staying at Sarara fulfills my travel criteria of giving back to the local community and environment with my tourist dollars. Jeremy Bastard, CEO of Sarara describes their mission:
Our goal is to inspire a global community of conservationists to help us create long term sustainability for Kenya’s magnificent cultural and natural heritage. At Sarara, our flagship blend of experiential travel, Conservation and Community offers a truly unique and immersive experience that gives back to the people and the land that need it the most.
I’m happy to support the Sarara Foundation and the forward thinking model they developed for creating sustainable positive change for the people, the land and the climate. This pandemic has been devastating for the safari industry and in turn conservation efforts on the ground. Donating to organizations like The Sarara Foundation, Save Giraffes Now and Big Life Foundation helps to support the essential work these organizations do while we stay home and stay safe. You can support their efforts by donating directly here, or by purchasing items in my online store.
