This dispatch highlights our journey across the equator and northward, and I must begin by saying that this has been much more than just a safari. This year’s adventure started in Nairobi before heading to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the home of the last two Northern White Rhinos in existence. I had a specific reason for making this trip this year.
This was the area I frequented as a child, long before the conservancy existed, riding shotgun in my father’s Mitsubishi Sapporo—a car that I believe sparked my passion for automobiles. When the conservancy was established, I remember returning several more times, this time with the first driver guide hired by Big Five, John Kimani. To me and many others, John was a hero, not just because of his infectious laugh, but because he could drive anything with four wheels anywhere it seemed impossible. It all began with taking one of our old microbuses through the muddy trails of Ol Pejeta, back before 4WDs were available, and managing to make it through even with two flat tires that had to be changed. But the achievement that truly earned him a place in my personal hall of fame was when he drove a beat-up Toyota Corolla across a semi-dry lake in central Kenya.
What unfolded during this visit was entirely unplanned. It began with the camp manager at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp. It’s rare to meet someone and, within the first few minutes, realize that you’d crossed paths decades ago and immediately pick up right where you left off. Sushil, the camp manager, has since become a highly regarded photographer, with his work showcased in numerous public forums. As we caught up on family and life, we discovered that our shared passion for authentic safaris and conservation had brought us back together. It felt like reconnecting with an old childhood friend.
One of my favorite experiences during this trip was taking a group of incredible advisors and clients to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, one of the few truly community-run sanctuaries in Africa, and one of the most successful examples of elephant conservation through the local Samburu communities. It’s a shining example of the conservancy model that Big Five has championed from the start. Now, I know there’s a popular orphanage in Nairobi, and anyone who has traveled with me or knows me understands how I feel about it, especially after the founder, whom I admired as a teenager, passed away a few years ago. When it comes to conservation, though, another revelation occurred that I truly believe was my father’s influence at work. While visiting the holding area of the last two Northern White Rhinos, our guide Zacharia began talking about his career, which spans over 20 years. As I began to connect the dates and events with him, it hit me. When the center first opened, I was here with my father, visiting with Zacharia’s father who was our guide! How do you even plan something like that?
Oh, and of course, we also had some incredible game drives. Stay tuned for the next dispatch and enjoy this one!
Every year around Big Five’s anniversary which is today, February 12, I head off to East Africa. Fifty-two years ago today, Big Five was started by pioneers, including my father, with nothing but dreams and the little money they had. It’s especially meaningful this year, as it’s my first trip back to Kenya since my father passed away in 2024. As I do every year, I’m returning with a few wonderful travel advisors and their clients.
We’ll begin in Nairobi before heading out on safari, so stay tuned for some incredible adventures ahead. And yes, we might just spot a few animals along the way. What makes this safari particularly special is that I’ll be visiting some deeply significant places in my family’s history, including the hotel where my parents first met in Nairobi, and the Norfolk Hotel, where my father worked at the front desk before founding Big Five. I always laugh when I see the pool at the Norfolk because it’s where I learned to swim. I love sharing that story with the Fairmont team, jokingly reminding them every year that I was there long before they were, and thanking them for my freestyle swimming skills.
Dinner in Nairobi at my favorite street food spot is also a must. It’s a tradition I enjoy, hosting friends and colleagues for a night of delicious fusion food—combining local Kenyan and Indian dishes. There’s no better way to showcase culture than through food. Another highlight of Nairobi is visiting my childhood friends, especially one who has been in my life since we were 3 years old. I often say the team on the ground is like family to me, and in East Africa, that feels even more literal—some of these people even changed my diapers!
Stay tuned for more in this multipart dispatch.
The Next Letter
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.
C – Courage: Conquer our fears and pursue our dreams
In the beginning there is no big difference between the coward and the courageous person. Both have fear. The difference is, the coward listens to his fears and follows them. The courageous person puts them aside and goes ahead. The fears are there, he knows them, but the courageous person goes into the unknown in spite of all the fears. Courage does not mean fearlessness, but going into the unknown in spite of all the fears. When we go into the uncharted sea, like Columbus did, there is fear, immense fear, because one never knows what is going to happen and we are leaving the shore of safety. We were perfectly okay, in a way; only one thing was missing – adventure. Going into the unknown gives us a thrill. The heart starts pulsating; again, we are alive, fully alive. Every fiber of our being is alive because we have accepted the challenge of the unknown.
To accept the challenge of the unknown is courage. The fears are there, but if we go on accepting the challenge again and again, slowly, slowly those fears disappear. The joy that the unknown brings, the great ecstasy that starts happening with the unknown, makes us strong enough, gives us a certain integrity, makes our intelligence sharp. We start feeling that life is not just a boredom. Life is an adventure. Slowly, slowly fears disappear and we go on seeking and searching for new adventures.
Courage is risking the known for the unknown, the familiar for the unfamiliar, the comfortable for the uncomfortable difficult pilgrimage to some unknown destination. One never knows whether one will be able to make it or not. Courage is the ability to confront and overcome fear, difficulty, or challenges.
Courage involves facing our fears, whether they are physical, emotional, or psychological. It means not allowing fear to hold us back from pursuing our goals and aspirations.
Courage is the inner strength and determination that helps us overcome these challenges. It’s the quality that keeps you going when faced with adversity.
Courage empowers us to step out of our comfort zone, try new things, and explore uncharted territory, which can lead to personal and professional growth.
In summary, “C – Courage” serves as a reminder that in order to achieve our dreams and live a fulfilling life, we must embrace and cultivate the inner strength to conquer our fears and take action. Courage is a powerful motivator that can lead us toward personal growth, success, and a life rich in experiences.
“Sometimes courage means holding on. Sometimes courage means letting go.”
Stay tune for letter D
Ordinarily, the travel season over the year-end holidays starts on a Friday or Saturday, occurring around the 3rd week of December. This year is no different and it seems the last-minute planners are on the rise. I was always taught to quantify any statement you make using numbers. So here goes… we have 77 days left before the festive travel season starts, and it’s going by quickly.
Since quantifying is like a hobby for me, let me go further. We track the behavior of our travelers’ buying habits looking for a trend in last-minute travel vs planning further out. Now you likely already see a trend with your clients, however when you track this the way we do, what jumps out is how many times the buying habits change. Approximately 9 times in 12 months. Even more so in a year when there is an event such as an election. That means the team at Big Five has gotten good at adapting to your travelers who want to leave next year vs right now. From planning an excursion to Guatemala with only a few weeks’ notice to planning a safari 14 months from now, our specialists know how to move mountains.
This year we are gearing up to move many more due to the last-minute festive requests which have started to increase; and in many cases, though not all, we are finding space. Right around this time, space booked earlier in the year becomes available again. Due to Big Five’s excellent relationships, we usually get first access. Whether that means Tanzania, Egypt, Peru, or Uruguay, we are finding those pockets of space. From private villas in Jose Ignacio, to the boutique hotels in the Sacred Valley, to lesser-known safari camps in the Serengeti, to private dahabiyas in Egypt, the impossible is possible at times.
Enjoy the video, and speaking to the procrastinator in all of us… 77 days and counting.
Dear Advisor Partners,
Every adventure I partake in leads to some entertaining dispatches, and each episode has a wow moment that makes your jaw drop. Part One of this particular dispatch had us up close to baby wildebeest in the Serengeti and a special moment when Big Five celebrated our 50th anniversary. I recorded a video while on safari, right where it all began in East Africa. Part Two was a special moment, as the WOW moment here was not what I expected. Of course, the visit to Lentorre was to take center stage. However, that was not the only highlight. We now share Part III of our East Africa Dispatch, the final chapter of this adventure. Leaving the Rift Valley, we headed north to Loisaba Conservancy, a place I often visit.
Two of the guides here are close friends; one I met later in Nairobi, while he was on holiday, and the other, Lenny, whom I reconnected with after so long. Brown, as he is affectionately called, is a legend in Loisaba, and the two of us were thick as thieves. As you watch this week’s video, pay attention to the end, Lenny may have just inadvertently starred in the latest Land Rover commercial because, well, they still use the venerable Defenders up here, my favorite Go Anywhere 4×4. This was where the safari slowed down, where the benefit of conservancy life took over. There were no crowds of safari vehicles, as you see in the well-known reserves. There were no Nairobi safari do-it-your-selfers, here it was just us, the animals, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises anyone could ask for. The highlight here, however, was not just that. It was something that was the first for any safari company in the north – a day trip by air to the only organized community elephant rescue sanctuary in Kenya. You can access Reteti from camps like Sarara, which is great, however, Big Five guests staying anywhere in or around the Northern Rangelands Trust can get here by air as a day trip. Now I have been to Reteti many times, and know how powerful it is, so the amazing advisors on the safari went along with our ops manager James from the Nairobi office. When a Nairobi resident who has been all over Kenya comes back with his jaw on the floor, you know you have something golden.
This brings us to the Land Rover commercial, which is quite comical in one of those ‘you had to be there moments.’ All over East Africa, land cruisers have replaced the original Defenders due to new rules and available parts. Now mind you, we are not talking about the Defenders you see on the road in North America, I have my own opinion on those. No, we are talking about the old metal boxes that were strong enough to withstand a cannon. I had the pleasure of even testing one through deep water and got to see the snorkel and drain plug work as planned. So all through our safaris, the phrase, “this is Land Rover, hang on,” began surfacing, and as you will see, even in hushed tones, next to sleeping lions. The perfect commercial, I am sure you will agree.
CLICK HERE to enjoy this week’s video and part III of our East Africa Dispatch.
For those wondering, I can neither confirm nor deny that I drove the Defender, only that, I do know how to drive a manual transmission, no matter how stiff the clutch may be.
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We have been in contact with our Kenya office since very early this morning. We have both travelers currently in Kenya and travelers en-route. Those currently in the country are safe and accounted for and on safari. The first departure from Kenya is in about 48 hours. Those en route to Kenya are in transit and have been provided hotels by the airlines or by our 24 hour White Glove Service® assistance team.
The hotels and camps are working with us to push the arrival dates back and move the reservations accordingly. Terminals 2 and 3 are being prepared for international arrivals as both have immigration facilities. We are expecting for international arrivals to resume by Friday. Land transfers into Kenya from Tanzania are not affected except for increased security. Domestic flights from Wilson Airport are carrying on while domestic flights from JKIA are expected to resume later today along with cargo flights.
If you have any immediate questions please feel free to ask here or on Twitter by mentioning @bigfivetours with the hashtag #Nairobi
Please see the following statement from the Statehouse Spokesperson on the situation.
If you are looking for a unique experience or a journey down the road less traveled, you will definitely want to take a trip to northern Kenya to visit the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. This is not your traditional African safari; the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy stands alone with its sights and accommodations.
Originally, the conservancy was a cattle ranch until the late 1970s, but when endangerment of the animals became a concern, steps were taken to protect them. The Black Rhinos are an example of a species that desperately needed the Lewa Conservancy to implement measures to protect them from poaching. Currently, the conservancy raises funds to promote awareness and generally protect the natural resources in Kenya. A large portion of these funds come from tourism, so the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy encourages guests to visit.
A visit to the conservancy will allow you the opportunity to see a diverse mix of wildlife. Along with the black rhinos, the cheetahs and giraffes are also guest favorites. Both day and night game watches are available to visitors. These popular adventures put you in an open four-wheel drive vehicle where knowledgeable guides will point out the flora and fauna of the area. Another experience available to guests is the bush walk, where guests can discover the lush landscape on foot with guides. This is an up-close and personal encounter with the conservancy which is led by guides.
Along with the adventures of the game watches and bush walk, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy also has modern accommodations to make guests overall stay very pleasant. There are spa treatments, massages, local cuisine and delicious cocktails available to all guests.
As you can see, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is in a class all its own when it comes to an African wildlife adventure. Any trip to the conservancy will be filled with beautiful landscapes, majestic animals and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Maasai Tribe in Kenya is a very proud tribe. At one time, the Kenyan government designed a program that encouraged the Maasai people to change their semi-nomadic lifestyle. Many of the 8400,000 tribe members did not listen and continued to live as they have for centuries honoring their history, culture, and traditions. While the Maasai have tried to preserve their historic way of life, they have been receptive to adapting to new ways of life. This small population is one of Africa’s most popular attractions.
Culture and tradition are the lifeblood of the Maasai as both a core belief system and also as a way to make a living. Many of the Maasai have jobs in the tourism industry as guides. They lead visitors through the rich, ritual-filled culture. Tourists can visit traditional homes and view cultural shows, such as the Eunoto ceremony. This is when young boys “graduate” to warriors. This experience is an unforgettable look into the heart of the Maasai community.
While visiting the Maasai, visitors will see a number of desirable souvenirs during their visit. A favorite is the beadwork made by the Maasai women. This jewelry is adorned with blue, red, and green beads that are highly symbolic. The most popular piece features a large, flat disc with rows of beads secured by cow hide strips. These are prized fashion accessories that are traditional sources of income for the Maasai.
The best way to get a full feel for the Maasai culture is to pay them a visit. Walking among the warriors and embracing a way of like that is completely different than the modern world.
One of the most common words used to describe Kenya is “magical”. For evidence of this, all you need to do is watch the Wildebeest Migration at Maasi Mara. Over a million wildebeest follow the smell of rain in hopes of finding fresh grass. Not only is this an amazing sight, it is also an amazing sound! You can literally hear the heard approaching, millions of hoof beats drumming like thunder. There are wildebeest as far as the eye can see, with some zebras sprinkled in as well. This migration can be very dangerous to members of the heard, as predators such as lions and hyenas are drawn to the spectacle. The dung from the migrating animals serves as a fertilizer for the plains, setting the stage for next year’s migration.
As impressive as the great Migration is, it’s only one of the many extraordinary experiences that awaits travelers who visit Kenya. The country’s natural splendor starts with its weather as it is a year-round tropical haven for travelers from around the globe. Usually the days are bright and sunny and the nights are cool. The agreeable climate makes the gorgeous beaches and national parks enjoyable any time of the year. The weather alone makes Kenya stand out from other destinations, but there is so much more to this African gem.
One of the biggest elements to Kenya’s natural beauty is its wildlife. Even excluding the great Migration, Kenya offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world as the famed Big Five call it home. The lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant can all be seen roaming free. While there definitely is no absolute guarantee you will see all of the Big Five in one trip, the possibilities are pretty good!
In reality, the only word that can come close to describe everything Kenya has to offer is “magical”. Whether you want to just take in the scenery or go in search of the Big Five, Kenya is definitely for those who seek natural beauty.
Traveling to Kenya is definitely something that every world traveler should do. There are so many things to see and experience that it can be overwhelming. To make sure you get the most bang for your buck, you might want to consider visiting a private conservancy. There are a number of these throughout the country that allow travelers to enjoy activities that are not possible in national parks. If you are hoping to go off road in search of wildlife in an open 4×4 safari vehicle, then you will definitely want to stop by a private conservancies as this is not permitted at national parks. Also, at a private conservancy you can go on a night game drive, horse riding safari or an adventurous bush walk. As well as being a great place for adventure, these conservancies are also a great place to experience and learn about African wildlife.
Now that you know a little about the advantages of going to a private conservancy, you might be wondering where some of these might be. There are a few great places to check out while in Kenya. The Mbirikani Group Ranch, Selenkay Conservancy, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Mara Siana Wildlife Conservancy are all great options and provide great experiences. Most of these wonderful places are located adjacent to or near a national park, so they can allow you to experience the best of both worlds.
If you are planning to explore Kenya, be sure to include a trip through one of the beautiful private conservancies. It is sure to be one adventure that you will never forget.
We are proud to announce the third edition of our 2012 Precious Journeys collection. The Precious Journeys are a collection of travel programs that offer accessible luxury to those who might be new to the world of international travel. These programs provide the best traveling experiences without breaking the bank! The newest edition for 2012 Precious Journeys will feature programs to Brazil, Chile, Kenya and Botswana.
Brazil
This new eight day adventure will bring you to the world class international city of Rio De Janeiro where you can take in all that the vibrant city has to offer. You will also have the opportunity to explore the historic gold mine cities that date back to the 1690s when Brazil was a Portuguese colony.
Chile
There is also a great eight day adventure to Chile that is perfect for families. With this program you can explore the dramatic and fascinating Atacama Desert. The activities of the trip will be specifically tailored to your family’s interests and abilities.
Kenya
This seven day Kenyan adventure offers a flying safari through the private conservancies of the Kalama Wildlife Reserve located near Samburu National Park and the Mara North Conservancy in the famous Masai Mara.
Botswana
This eight day Precious Journey will bring you to the wondrous Victoria Falls from the Zambia side as well as Moremi Game Reserve. You will also have the opportunity to explore the watery world of the Okavango Delta.
As you can see, the third edition of our 2012 Precious Journeys is very exciting. We can’t wait to have you travel with us and find out what makes Brazil, Chile, Kenya, and Botswana so special!
