Like my fellow Partners in Royal African Safaris, I am driven by the passion of being on safari and designing extraordinary journeys that explore new territories.
I recently undertook an epic safari that spans from Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile, to the magnificent Great Rift Valley. This journey, which spans less than 150 nautical miles, is one of great significance. In 2021, the world record for the most mammal species recorded in just 24 hours took place on this route, illustrating the tremendous biodiversity found in this region.
With my camera in hand, which will come as no surprise to those who have been on safari with me, I took photos en route which I wanted to share with you.
For those who don’t know, Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake by surface area. The basin of Lake Victoria came into existence through the uplifting of the rift walls between the central East African Rift and the Albertine Rift.
The lake’s shores are home to numerous tribes that migrated downstream along the Nile and settled here, primarily engaging in fishing and stone carving.
The journey by road from Lake Victoria to the Maasai Mara gave us unique encounters with communities that rarely receive visitors from outside their culture. These communities primarily consist of hardworking individuals engaged in fishing, sugarcane farming, stone carving, and livestock keeping. Engaging with them was lovely as they shared their stories, showcased their craftsmanship, and showed us their rich cultural heritage.
Arriving in the Maasai Mara, teeming with wildlife, I was reminded that the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem remains the epitome of wildlife abundance on the African continent, boasting the highest number of species per mile and charismatic megafauna.
The term “charismatic megafauna” was initially coined by biologists and conservationists to highlight the importance of conserving large, iconic animals to protect entire ecosystems. These species often serve as flagship or umbrella species, meaning that their conservation indirectly benefits a broad range of other plants and animals that share their habitat.
My next destination was a beautiful scenic drive from the Mara through community and some urban centers; past schools, churches and homesteads to The Sacred Forest. Clinging to the walls of the Great Rift Valley, the forest stretches out along the top of the Loita Nguruman escarpment forming the western wall of the Great Rift Valley. As one of the last remaining highland forests still intact in Kenya, it acts as a crucial water tower and wildlife resource.
The forest’s unspoiled condition is a testament to its sacredness within Maasai culture. The Maasai people, traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists, move their livestock between their home villages to capitalize on seasonal water and pasture resources. The forest is protected by the elders who guard its integrity with traditional rules of respect.
The Rift Valley is a massive geographical trench that stretches approximately 3,700 miles from northern Syria to Mozambique in East Africa.
A scenic helicopter ride took me out of the forest down to the floor of the Great Rift Valley, a massive geographical trench that stretches approximately 3,700 miles from northern Syria to Mozambique in East Africa. Here I explored more culture and the beautiful Lake Magadi.
The lake supports a diverse range of specialized wildlife and various species of fish that have adapted to the highly alkaline environment; these mineral-rich waters attract a variety of bird species, including flamingos, which create a stunning visual spectacle when they gather in large flocks.
As the sun began to set on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the picturesque landscape, I reflected on this incredible journey. In just 150 nautical miles, from the cool waters of Lake Victoria to the startling colors of Lake Magadi, I had seen first-hand an amazing diversity of cultures and breathtaking landscapes which are home to the largest diversity of mammals on the planet.
I look forward with excitement and passion to sharing this extraordinary journey with you.