My 13th trip to Kicheche was unplanned, spur of the moment. When Paul Goldstein said that Bush camp would be open, I didn’t hesitate to see if I could make it happen, these were unusual times – with other trips postponed to next year, and I felt the pull of Kenya more strongly, with even more uncertain times ahead for all of us, more so now a lockdown is in force again. Part 2 Our flexible booking conditions still apply as they do on many airlines. Part 3 Free photographic tuition with Kicheche co-owner Paul Goldstein, currently ongoing till 13 November (space available), will recommence mid December for the whole holiday period.
Part 1 Kicheche is open throughout December on low season rates Part 2 Our flexible booking conditions still apply as they do on many airlines. Part 3 Free photographic tuition with Kicheche co-owner Paul Goldstein, currently ongoing till 13 November (space available), will recommence mid December for the whole holiday period.
I could talk today about cubs of all different creeds and colours. Alternatively I could wax about otherworldly downpours bruising, then leavening the plains. Conversely the discussion could dwell on six hours of five cheetahs hunting zebra. However, meet Dan Heap, on his third Kicheche safari, I'll leave it to him:
'Nature red in tooth and claw' ...... 'circle of life' ..... 'this is nature' ..... these are some of the many tired and frequently patronising remarks peddled during any hunting sequence, which always ignore the harrowing nature of the incident.
Kicheche's Mara camps sit superbly and sensitively in three prolific conservancies, with access to the reserve when required. These jealously guarded wildernesses are among the best, or even the best wildlife habitats in Africa. However, have any of you ever had that nagging feeling that despite enjoying your best ever safari you might have chosen the wrong one?
In case you needed any assurances on why now is the perfect time to travel, try these:
Last week I received the following email: 'The five of us are really looking forward to our safari at Bush Camp later in September, this year. Can we have James as our guide again please? We have our virus test booked, we have travel insurance and work from home so see no reason not to travel because of this silly unenforced quarantine. We are so excited.'
We have pondered long and hard about whether to 'Spot' today. We have had bounteous correspondence from those tired of postings from the plains over the last four months whilst their crucial dollars remain neutered by Public Health and Foreign Office policies. We have also had a bulging postbag from those incredibly supportive Kichechians who have not been slow to put their hands in their pockets - the Kicheche Conservancy Guardian initiative raised $129,000.
Firstly, a heartfelt thank you for the hundreds of messages from well-wishers, they mean so much to all at Kicheche and even in these troubling times, it is both touching and reassuring that you have found time to write to us.
Lucky Tucker’s ….. not a bit of it. Keith, Laura, daughter Bryony and son-in-law Alex, take a bow, or indeed a curtesy (not remotely sorry if that is not woke enough for some or un PC). Next time I go on safari I want to be with this family and of course the legendary Laikipian guide Peter Kariuki and Naboisho’s magnificent maestro Mika Kaleku.
