Yesterday, I was presenting a webinar that many of you attended—I even spotted several familiar names on the attendee list! We were exploring creative ways to combine East and Southern Africa in a single itinerary. While popular routes often include Cape Town and Victoria Falls, this particular session focused more on the structural foundation of building a multi-region African itinerary.
For this exercise, we set aside the usual highlights and used Livingstone as the hub in a hub-and-spoke model. This allowed us to structure an itinerary beginning in Lusaka and ending in Nairobi. Cape Town can easily be added at the start, and post-Nairobi, options like gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda—or even a journey up to Egypt—are all within reach. In Zambia, many travelers don’t venture beyond Victoria Falls, which is a real missed opportunity. Take South Luangwa National Park, for example. It’s renowned for its outstanding walking safaris that offer a deeply immersive experience in the African bush. The park is rich in wildlife, particularly known for its high density of leopards, which makes night drives especially exciting. Along the Luangwa River, it’s common to see large pods of hippos and numerous crocodiles, and bird enthusiasts will appreciate the more than 400 species that call the park home. The region’s impressive biodiversity is also supported by both natural wildlife dispersal and occasional translocation efforts.
Another standout is Lower Zambezi National Park, a personal favorite of mine when visiting Zambia. It’s also known for its strong leopard population, thanks in part to the dense woodlands and towering ebony and fig trees that provide ideal habitat. But what truly sets this park apart is its atmosphere. Unlike some of the more trafficked parks, Lower Zambezi offers a blend of safari experiences, walking safaris and canoeing, in particular, which I consider must-dos. These lower-impact activities reduce the constant presence of vehicles, making wildlife, especially leopards, more relaxed and often more visible during daylight hours.
When you combine these two safari experiences with the vast savannas of the Mara conservancies and the distinctive landscapes of the northern rhino sanctuaries, you have a safari that feels anything but repetitive. It’s a journey that breaks away from the traditional mold—ideal for both the traveler with 14 days and the one with 30. This style of safari invites you to go beyond the vehicle, to engage with the land more deeply, whether you’re in Kenya or Zambia. It’s about rewriting the rules—no longer limited by old ideas of borders or routines. And the same goes for rivers.
While most people are familiar with the iconic Nile or Zambezi, few realize the vital role played by the three rivers of Lewa: the Ngare Ndare, the Ngare Sergoi, and the Marania. These perennial rivers rise from Mount Kenya and the Kenyan Highlands, forming part of the greater Ewaso Nyiro River system. More than just geographical features, they are essential lifelines—for wildlife, yes, but also for the communities that surround the Lewa Conservancy. These waters support daily life, livestock, and small-scale agriculture, reinforcing the deep connection between conservation efforts and community wellbeing. In many ways, these rivers are just as significant to Lewa and its people as the Nile and Zambezi are to the broader continent.
Enjoy this week’s video and check out this new safari here
We started off the year sharing my father’s work, an alphabet he was working on at the time of his passing. At the end of 2024, we found his complete work and are releasing each letter throughout the year. This week, we share the next letter.
F – Forgiveness: Let go of the past and free your spirit. Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.
Forgiveness is a powerful and transformative act that involves letting go of resentment, anger, or the desire for revenge towards someone who has caused harm. It’s a conscious choice to release negative emotions and move towards healing and inner peace. While forgiving others may not always be easy, it can be a liberating experience for our spirit.
Strength and Courage: “Kshama Virasya Bhushanam” which translates to “Forgiveness is the ornament of the brave.” The verse suggests that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but rather a characteristic of the strong and courageous. It takes strength to let go of resentment and choose forgiveness instead.
The verse refers to forgiveness as an ornament, indicating that it adds beauty and grace to a person’s character. Just as jewelry enhances physical appearance, Forgiveness enhances one’s inner beauty and moral stature.
Liberation from Negativity: Forgiveness frees us from the burden of negativity and grudges. By letting go of resentment, we release ourselves from the emotional baggage that can weigh us down, allowing us to experience peace and happiness.
Forgiveness is often associated with spiritual growth and enlightenment. It is considered a virtue that aligns with higher principles and values, allowing individuals to cultivate compassion, empathy, and love.
In summary: Forgiveness is not about the other person—it’s about us. It’s about reclaiming our peace, our joy, and our humanity in the face of adversity. And though it may be one of the toughest things we’ll ever do, it’s also one of the most therapeutic.
Forgiveness is a profound act that can positively impact our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By letting go of the past and embracing forgiveness, we create space for joy, peace, and personal growth in our life.
Stay tune for letter G
