This report popped into the Aardvark
inbox recently and sums up so evocatively
what a family safari is all about.
Kenyan
family fun
Leleshwa Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya
Visitor etiquette was explained en-route before introductions were made. Hands shaken and after the initial
shyness wore off, a couple of children’s songs were shared. My youngest daughter kept a respectful distance
whilst her sister waded straight in and before long someone handed her a baby goat to carry. I took that to
be a good omen, after all, to a Masai child that is a bit like asking someone to look after your pocket money.
We were later invited inside a manyatta and David (our guide) interpreted for our host as she explained
how the household is run. The conversation covered building techniques, social mores, cattle prices, ear
piercing and the impact that schooling is having on Masai culture in general. Whilst some meaning was
lost in translation, the girls were struck by the simplicity of village life. Our time in a warm, dark Kenyan hut
made two thoroughly modern European children wonder about
the nature of contentment. Bravo David!
What of Leleshwa Tented Camp and families? From the moment
of arrival it was all about the little people. Our lovely sundowner
on the plains near camp included fresh spag-bol for the girls so
they wouldn’t have to wait for dinner and later we enjoyed our
own private table outside our tent whilst they slept. That simple
touch alone made it a brilliant night for those of us old enough to
drink alcohol.
David arranged for a local lady to come and teach the girls how
to make bead necklaces which gave us another two hours of
complete peace to watch the stream-side wildlife. When we went
to check on them they were happily stalking Rinka the guide with
their miniature bows and arrows. It was more Carry on Safari
than Lord of the Flies but the point I should make is that if you
have children, Leleshwa will put a massive smile on your face.
Read the whole report, written by Ben Forbes, on our website:
bit.ly/Kenyan-Family-Fun
The superbly powerful storytelling of our guides transported us right
back to the chaos and drama of those famous battles at Isandlwana
and Rorke’s Drift in January 1879. Hearing how the action unfolded –
the incredible bravery and astonishing mistakes – while actually sitting
on the battlefield was quite remarkable.
Isandlwana has perhaps the more powerful setting with the white
stone memorial cairns scattered as far as they eye can see, while the
intimacy of Rorke’s Drift makes the final outcome of this battle seem
even more extraordinary. My 14-year-old self – that’s when I was
mercifully released from school history lessons – would never have
imagined being so totally entranced.
Words can’t possibly sum it up – we were moved,
enthralled, inspired and humbled in equal measure. If you
are thinking of something a little different in South Africa,
then I urge you to try this; David’s London talk was pretty
impressive, but actually being there knocks spots off a
darkened lecture theatre. His Fugitives’ Drift Lodge is
great too – part museum, part safari lodge it is quite
unlike anywhere else I have stayed.
We went on to Phinda Vlei Lodge where we enjoyed an
action packed three day safari in the utmost luxury; the
perfect complement to the emotion of the previous few
days. Just six nights felt like a much longer holiday
and, clichéd though it may be, I’ve come back with
memories to last a life time.
Earlier this year I fulfilled a long held wish to visit the
Anglo/Zulu war battlefields in South Africa. My
interest had been piqued some while ago after
hearing the late David Rattray speak in London
and, although I’m no expert on military history,
this was yet another extraordinary African
experience that completely captivated me.
Even if you’re new to the subject, like me,
this really is something to add to the
‘must do’ list.
REPORT BY CHARLOTTE
Battlefields & wildlife
www.
aardvarksafaris.co.uk l
P4
Many of the safari camps we work with offer similar great
family experiences. Please ask us for details.
