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By personal travel manager Natalie Miller

Our African journey was conducted by Wildlife Safari where we were met by a representative at Nairobi Airport and taken to the Serena Hotel for our first overnight stay. The hotel is an electric mix of old British colonial Architecture fused with African decor. I certainly knew that I was now in Africa and was looking forward to the start of this epic journey.

The following day we embarked in our 4WD vehicle with our guide through the rich farming highlands of Kenya where we entered Samburu Game Reserve and spotted our first species of wildlife. Our first introduction was a who’s who of the animal kingdom with the likes of the noble giraffe being in abundance with the zebras, elephants and bird life stealing the show.

We continued along the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River to our classic safari camp with luxury appointments at Samburu Intrepids. Lunch was served and a late afternoon game viewing drive again produced the sighting of the elusive leopard and the sprint king Mr cheetah.

Samburu is a small but unique sanctuary which houses a large number of assorted wildlife whilst being set in a semi arid landscape. Species found here cannot be found in the southern sanctuaries including the Waller gazelle and Beisa Oryx.

We set out the next morning for our early morning game drive with a private visit to an authentic Samburu Village. We were welcomed by singing and dancing from the village women on arrival before being shown around the camp by the village chief. It was a lovely experience being able to interact with these fascinating people. We returned to camp before heading out for another late safari drive.

The next day saw us drive south and enter the Great Rift Valley where we arrived late afternoon at our luxury safari lodge with a view of Lake Naivasha in the distance. The Rift Valley Lodge is set on the side of a mountain with sweeping views of the valley below.

The next day it was off to Lake Nakuru National Park, home to multitudes of pink flamingos feeding by the lake alongside many water buffalo. The colour of these birds in their numbers is a sight to behold. Our lunch was taken in a picnic area of the reserve where we had the company of a troop of baboons whilst enjoying our packed picnic lunch provided complete with a glass of champagne.

An evening buffet bush dinner was organised on our final night at The Rift Valley Lodge. This my husband and I were later to find out became a wedding ceremony…ours!!! In Masai tradition we were given our robes to wear whilst being enchanted by the singing and dancing from the local villagers and staff. A truly unexpected surprise and a wonderful way to renew our vows. Thank you to everyone involved in the is remarkable evening.

Next stop on our adventure saw us drive to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, considered by most to be the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. I can definitely say it did not disappoint. Our luxury camp overlooked the Talek River where you could just sit on your balcony and watch the wildlife stroll by.

The first game viewing drive right up to the last saw our jaws opened in amazement at the proliferation of wildlife. Every safari, whether early morning or late afternoon, provided something different and special. From the lioness with her five cubs to the king himself, they were all there. Hippos, giraffes, wilder beast, wart hogs, elephants, rhinos, hyenas, impala to the elegant ostrich I was struck with awe at these magnificent animals. To be able to see them like this in their own environment on the savannah, you can appreciate why people describe it as life changing.

This African journey is a truly once in a lifetime experience where the greatest wildlife show on earth will leave you with goose bumps you will carry for the rest of your life whenever you reflect on your visit here.

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Natalie Miller