As mentioned in our prologue, this trip has been a bucket list trip for both of us. We were fortunate to be able to do it with good friends, and to have our health so we could enjoy the experience. Logging nearly 1000 miles, over 14 days, in a mostly open jeep, was really unlike anything we’ve done before; a bit out of our comfort zone, but thrilling and exhilarating and impactful.

The animals were quite simply magnificent. There is nothing like watching them, in their own habitat, doing what they’ve done for thousands of years; trying to survive, having offspring, and eventually becoming nourishment for another. We highly recommend this experience to anyone who has the ability to do it.

However, if you don’t like dust, or have back problems, a safari is not for you. The road issues are real and there is no avoiding them. The dust is pervasive, everywhere, though after a few days, you start to ignore it.

There were a couple things that we thought might be a problem, but weren’t. Despite Sharon’s Teste fly bite, and a few mosquito bites for each of us, the bugs were not a problem. Going on safari during the dry season is the way to go.

Packing light is also the way to go. We were worried we’d not have enough clothes or toiletries and that we’d miss something. We didn’t. There is minimal space in the jeeps and you’re moving around a lot. This is not a high-fashion situation; you dress for comfort and protection. And besides, you can get laundry done at most of the camps.

In the U.S. and other developed nations, we take drinkable water for granted. In this part of the world, obtaining drinking and cooking water consumes a lot of daily effort. We were reminded of this every single time we brushed our teeth. At home, we’re so used to just turning on the tap, and using what comes out. We were fortunate that all of our lodgings provided containers of filtered water for us, as did Shadows of Africa.

We’ve visited lesser developed countries before: Cape Verde, Guatemala, Ecuador, Egypt, to name a few. But this trip was so immersive and personal, it will be hard not to look at the world the same way again. There was a rawness here, with lack of trash collection, drinking water and infrastructure. And as with other developing nations that we’ve visited, China was ever present. They are building roads and bridges here, opening schools and hospitals. They are investing in Kenya and Tanzania, playing the long game.

Back to of Shadows of Africa, we would highly recommend them as a tour operator, if you are looking for a mostly four-star experience. The camps and lodges that they reserved for us were very nice and the staff were friendly and helpful. The food was delicious, with offerings of continental cuisine as well as some local dishes, which we appreciated. Of the eight accommodations where we stayed, our favorites were Macushla House, Mara Crossing Camp, Tamu Tamu Camp, Lion’s Paw Lodge and Olerai Lodge.

Most importantly, Shadows provided excellent guiding services. We could not have been more pleased with our safari guides, especially Zamoo, who helped us amass a list of sixty unique species of mammals, birds and reptiles. We saw one and a half migration crossings. We saw multitudes of lions and cubs. We saw several cheetahs and two leopards; one of which had his kill up in the tree with him, a very unique sighting. Also, we had 4 rhinoceros’ sightings, equally as rare. There were no lack of zebras, elephants, wildebeests, African buffalos, giraffes and gazelles. It seemed there was always something on the horizon to gaze at.

As always, we thank you for following along on our journey. It remains an honor for us to know that people back home, and around the world, are tracking our progress and sharing in our experience. We’ve safely arrived home in Dublin, OH.

Next trip: Antarctica, December 2027

Recommended: shadowsofafrica.com, Karen Maki +255 675 815 353, karen-maki@shadowsofafrica.com