Thoughts from the bush
My Top 5 Things to Pack for a Safari
April 16, 2013
I am lucky enough to be packing this week to head over to Kenya on safari – very excited as will be visiting many of our properties and spending time at the places and with the people I love. I am not necessarily a fan of packing but I do have 5 things that I always take with me on safari and I thought I’d share them with you.
You never know where the first step may lead.
March 20, 2013
There is something magical about getting out of the safari vehicle and putting your feet down on African soil. One of the joys of staying in a private conservancy is that you are able to do a guided bush walk and experience the landscape and wildlife on foot. Not only does it help you burn some calories from all those delicious meals you’ve eaten on safari,
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
February 26, 2013
Most of us take our right to education for granted. We assume our children will be able to go to school and receive a free and good education. This is not the case in many parts of Kenya and as a result most of our properties are involved in various education projects. Today, we will highlight the Nomad Education project of Ol Malo and the Samburu Trust.
CNN Travel February 2013
February 25, 2013
Ol Malo in “10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Do in Kenya”
Make a resolution to go on safari
January 7, 2013
The start of the New Year is often the time when we reflect on the past and make plans for the future. It is also the time for making resolutions. This year we’d love it if your resolution was to come on safari with Bush and Beyond and here are 10 reasons why you should.
Your main man (or woman) – your guide
December 11, 2012
I had the privilege of recently being a guide to 2 of our guides from Kenya – Jackson Looseyia of Nomadic Encounters and Karmushu Kiama of Lewa Wilderness – while they were over in North America. I now have a sense of just how difficult, exciting & entertaining their jobs are. I truly believe that your guide can make or break your entire safari experience.
A Legend & An Example of our Passion
September 19, 2012
It is always nice when one of our own gets recognition for the amazing work they are doing and so it was wonderful to see the profile on Richard Bonham, founder of ol Donyo Lodge in the September issue of Travel + Leisure http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/profile-meet-richard-bonham-safari-legend. Richard’s passion for conservation is one shared by all of us.
Ready, Aim, Get that Photo & Win
August 1, 2012
We have just launched our photography contest on Facebook (for more details visit http://on.fb.me/Q2agWf ) and you could win a fabulous 12 day Kenyan safari for two. We are lucky enough to have 3 fabulous judges – host of BBC’s Big Cat Diary, Jackson Looseyia, member of the Kenyan Tourist Board of Directors, David Stogdale and the world famous photographer, Angela Scott. To help you out, I have gathered 10 tips for photographing wildlife on safari – so get your cameras ready!
Fit for A Queen
June 13, 2012
I, like millions all over the world, watched the Jubilee Celebrations for Queen Elizabeth and was amazed by her stamina – she is truly an admirable woman. Many know her history with Kenya but the Francombe family of Ol Malo has a very special relationship with her and her ascension to the throne. I will let Colin Francombe tell the remarkable story.
All Great Things have Small Beginnings.
May 10, 2012
“All great things have small beginnings” said Peter Senge, an expert in organizational learning. As spring arrives and the buds push forth, I find myself thinking of this quotation. And so to when I think about all the wonderful “beginnings” at our Bush and Beyond properties – some small and some quite large. Beginnings such as the successful opening of The Emakoko, the amazing new buildings at Lewa House and the exciting refurbishments at Mara Plains Camp.
My 5 Essential Items to Take on Safari
March 11, 2012
I am lucky enough to be packing this week to head over to Kenya on safari – very excited as will be visiting all of our properties and spending time at the places and with the people I love. I am not necessarily a fan of packing but I do have 5 things that I always take with me on safari and I thought I’d share them with you. So here are my 5 essential items to take on safari.
Take a Leap – Celebrate our Women
February 29, 2012
Today is Leap Year and according to an old Irish legend, St Bridget struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men – and not just the other way around – every 4 years. This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar. So in honour of Leap Year, St Bridget and women – let’s talk about the women of Kenya and Bush and Beyond.
Our Top Ten List
January 6, 2012
The start of the New Year is often the time when we reflect on the past and make plans for the future. It is also the time for lists – lists of resolutions, lists of the top movies, books or music of the past year and so many more. So we thought we’d start of 2012 with our own list – the top 10 reasons why you should go on safari with Bush and Beyond.
Starry, starry night.
November 30, 2011
One of the most amazing things you discover while on safari in the bush is the amazing night sky. The stars form a glittering carpet across the deep ink coloured sky. Those of us who live in the city forget what it is like to see all those stars away from the lights of buildings & street lamps. It is truly awe inspiring. We love giving you the chance to experience these night scapes in a variety of ways – a star bed, a star camp, a star bath, a night drive or a good look through a telescope.
Our Purpose – Life Changing Experiences
November 1, 2011
I have just returned from the Adventure Travel World Summit in Mexico and the theme was “Prosper with Purpose” and that got me thinking about our purpose. We believe our purpose is to provide our guests with life changing experiences and there are 3 unique things about all of our properties that allow us to do this successfully – our private conservancies, our authentic cultural experiences and our hosts & guides.
It’s all about family
October 5, 2011
If you have read any of my previous blogs, you will know that family is very important to me and I mention my own quite often. Family is just as important to all the members of the Bush and Beyond portfolio – it is actually one of the unique things about us. Our properties are individually owned and operated by families who in many cases act as your hosts and welcome you to their homes. Read further to learn more about our Bush and Beyond families.
Food, glorious food.
September 20, 2011
I have spent the past few days with good friends and that has meant lots of fantastic meals with great wine, wonderful conversation and food, glorious food! Now I am a real foodie and one of the things I love about being on safari at our properties is the delicious meals. We truly have a talented group of chefs who make every meal a gourmet delight.
Man’s best friend
September 6, 2011
Spending so much time in Africa, I understand the concept of the “circle of life” however, that still doesn’t make it easy when I learn of an animal’s death. A few weeks ago, we lost Bosco who was a legendary bloodhound based at ol Donyo Lodge and who helped track & catch numerous poachers throughout Kenya. The loss of Bosco made me think about all the wonderful domesticated, semi-domesticated & wild animals we have come to know and love at our properties.
Get Back to Nature
August 24, 2011
So it has been over a week since our last blog post and that it because I was away on holidays. Yup, spent some time in the bush getting back to nature and have to say that I have come back relaxed, rejuvenated and feeling like my soul has been restored. And that got me wondering just why that it is and why being surrounded by nature makes us feel so good.
Diversification is Key
August 8, 2011
Well, it has been an interesting few days for the global financial markets and that has me reflecting on the favourite advice of my stockbroker – “diversification is key to your portfolio”. And I realized that this advice is reflected in the Bush and Beyond portfolio and one of the many things that make our properties so special.
Celebrate good times, come on.
August 2, 2011
As the band Cool and the Gang so aptly sang, “Celebrate good times” and there is no better place or way to celebrate a special occasion than on safari. I have been lucky enough to have been part of a number of different types of safari celebrations –
Getting out on foot
July 26, 2011
There is something magical about getting out of the safari vehicle and putting your feet down on African soil. One of the joys of staying in a private conservancy is that you are able to do a guided bush walk and experience the landscape and wildlife on foot.
Spreading the conservation message
July 19, 2011
I just finished reading an engrossing and very disturbing article in this month’s Vanity Fair magazine (“Agony and Ivory”) about the plight of the African elephants and the ivory trade.
Your guide makes all the difference.
July 11, 2011
Last week I talked about a life changing conversation I had with one of our guides while on safari and this week I’d like to talk more about safari guides. I truly believe that your guide can make or break your entire safari experience.
It’s the people that change your life.
July 5, 2011
It is usually the wildlife that draws people to East Africa on safari, however, it is the people they meet that they remember. And when one of those meetings changes how you perceive your own world than you have experienced the transformational power of travel.
3 Common Misconceptions
June 28, 2011
I have been thinking a lot about the misconceptions people have about being on safari, some of which my own family had prior to joining me in East Africa. So I thought I’d address a few of them in this week’s blog.
Best time to see the migration
June 21, 2011
It is the first official day of summer here and that makes me think of the second question that I get asked most often about Kenya – “when is the best time to see the migration?” Ahh, if only I had a dollar for every time I was asked that
Best time to visit the bush
June 15, 2011
The number one question I get asked is “when is the best time of year to visit?”. Having visited in every month, I have to be honest and tell you there really isn’t a bad time to visit, it is just different depending on what month you are there.
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