Championship Golf Meets Wild Africa

Our first trip to the African continent—Kenya—was truly unforgettable - Thanks to Designer Safari

We booked through TravelLocal, whose model connects travelers directly with local experts and allows flexibility in travel dates and trip length. We were introduced to Alex Matumo from Designer Safari, who took the time to understand exactly what we wanted and presented thoughtful options at different price points. We chose a private safari—and from that moment on, everything felt seamless.

From being met at the airport gate and escorted through immigration, to being personally handed off to our driver, every detail was handled with care. Alex designed a two-week itinerary that took us across mountains, lakes, savannas, national parks, and private conservancies (Aberdares, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Ambocelli) —each more breathtaking than the last.

Our guide, Rufus, a Maasai tribesman and experienced safari driver, made the journey extraordinary. We used the same vehicle throughout the trip, traveling between regions and heading out on daily game drives. His knowledge, patience, and flexibility allowed us to experience wildlife on our schedule. Thanks to him, we saw the Big Five, countless birds, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippos, wildebeest and even a magnificent herd of elephants crossing directly in front of our jeep.

One of the most magical moments at Ambocelli (apart from the elephants) was witnessing the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro —an image forever etched in our memories.

Staying inside the parks meant wildlife was part of everyday life. Seeing giraffes and zebras wandering the grounds, or buffalo, warthogs, impalas, gazelles, and rhinos gathering at watering holes, felt surreal. We also had the opportunity to meet members of the Maasai community and learn about their traditions—an enriching cultural experience.

As vegetarians, we were pleasantly surprised by the abundance of options, including Indian cuisine at nearly every meal. The warmth and hospitality of the Kenyan people made us feel welcome everywhere we went.

When unexpected geopolitical events forced us to reroute our return home and extend our stay in Nairobi, Alex once again went above and beyond—securing accommodations, suggesting sightseeing options, and staying in daily contact until we safely reached home. The staff at Deerpark Luxury Suites were incredibly hospitable, and the location made exploring Nairobi easy and comfortable.

This was more than a vacation—it was a glorious adventure filled with wildlife, culture, stunning landscapes, and exceptional care. We cannot recommend Designer Safari enough and hope to return to Kenya—and explore more of Africa—again someday.