East Africa Dispatch 2024 Part II

Rob and Storm, The Samburu Family

My first interaction with the Samburu tribes of northern Kenya was as a child. Back then, the experience was not as immersive as it is now. In the years since, and the development of the Northern Rangelands Trust, the experience is more authentic, and more contrived, depending on whether you are in a game reserve or a private conservancy, which camp, and the operator.

I first met Storm and Rob when they were in Shimla, India, working at a historic hotel resting at the foothills of the Himalayas. Originally from South Africa, this couple fell in love with Kenya over a decade ago and ran a luxury camp in Laikipia that we love to use. Fast forward, and they have now developed their own camp deep in Samburu land near the boundaries of the Matthews Range. The fact that they opened near the end of the pandemic, told me it was a labor of love, and the size of the risk they were taking illustrated how committed they were to this camp.

I knew my visit would be magical, but I had no idea how magical. When their 12-year-old son Angus was the first to greet everyone with a smile that could shine through the atmosphere, I knew it was the right decision to visit. Not only was it great to reconnect with Storm and Rob, I also saw just how committed they were to the Samburu people they employ, a model Big Five has followed and gravitated towards for many years. Our second dispatch showcases this experience, which as I write this, still gives me goosebumps.

I’ve been on safari since I was 4 years old, and this experience is right up there with my first safari. Enjoy the video!