CURATED BY Denise Tavera May
In November of 2023, our partner, Triumph Travel, a Virtuoso Preferred DMC based in Cape Town, South Africa, hosted an exclusive group of 6 Advisors, along with The Elewana Collection and Sky Safaris.
Biggeri Universe had the pleasure of participating in this unforgettable experience.
This was the participants' first Kenya visit, which added to the excitement. We began in Nairobi with a stay at Hemingway's, beautifully decorated on lush, sprawling grounds; it was the perfect way to start our journey.
We boarded our private plane and began with a stay in the Meru National Park; Elsa's Kopje was our home base for two nights. All the rooms, 11 in total, were unique to one another, offering a true safari style. The infinity pool commanded the most breathtaking view and was a great spot for our group to get to know each other over cocktails before our afternoon game drive. Within the first 24 hours of our adventure, we spotted 4 out of the 5 Big Five.
The next day, we got the 5th most magnificent white rhinos. Breakfast in the bush riverside was a highlight, especially after our vehicle got stuck in deep mud. We had the opportunity to walk around a bit but quickly reentered the car once we spotted the fresh lion tracks along the very roadside we were walking.
Once we moved on to Loisaba Lodo Springs, we were experts in spotting animals, birds, and insects. The dung beetles were impressive, moving orbs of dung 2 and 3 times larger than themselves. We spotted the Reticulated giraffe and the endangered Grevy's zebra, which are only about 2,500 in the wild; they are also called the imperial zebra.
Loisaba Lodo Springs within the Loisaba Conservancy was a treat with huge free-standing suites, oversized decks, and endless views. Offering only eight suites was like coming home; the food and attention to service had us wanting to extend our stay.
We experienced some rainfall, which led to a giant rainbow stretching from one side of the Conservancy to the other, spanning 57,000 acres. The wildlife never failed to impress us as we snapped thousands of photos and videos on each game drive.
Our amazing Guide led one of the more memorable days, which took us to cheetahs that had not been spotted in the area in months. Some groups went on a special trip to a local village to donate school supplies and meet the children who sang and danced for them in gratitude. Each experience made us all fall more deeply in love with Kenya.
The trip sadly ended in the Maasai Mara but was highlighted by sitting in the front row center to lions protecting their kill of a water buffalo. The remains spread open alongside the dirt road we traveled while lions slept with full bellies nearby.
As a solitary lioness from another pride tried to approach, we witnessed two lionesses and a lion charge, chase, and attack the lioness in real time. As they ran across the open fields, we watched several hyenas, jackals, and countless vultures take the opportunity to pick at the carcass. It was such a suspenseful moment as the male lion made his way back, and we encouraged the hyenas to leave quickly.
The circle of life was ever present. From a hyena chasing a baby gazelle to a lion chasing a leopard up a tree, to a leopard in a tree with a gazelle it took down. At the same time, a hyena patiently waited at the base of the tree; we understood babies in a nearby den were waiting for their next meal.
We all left Kenya with gratitude and awe for its landscape, people, and endless efforts to maintain its diverse wildlife. There is a common belief that once you visit the continent of Africa, you will always want to return – this is the 2nd country I have seen, and I am already planning mine.
All foreign nationals, regardless of nationality, can now enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business travel for stays up to 90 days as of January 1, 2024.
Travelers must obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online prior to travel.
Contact our amazing partner Triumph Travel for more info!
