I was born and raised in Kenya and grew up going on safari at every opportunity, working as a spotter when I was younger and more recently as a guide. My upbringing has allowed me to explore multiple countries throughout East and Southern Africa including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa, however, Kenya will always hold a special place for me.
Some of my favourite trips have been gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and helicopter-assisted fly fishing on Mt Kenya, however, Africa has so much to offer and I truly believe it has something for everyone.
My most memorable trip
The Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara holds a special place in my heart. There truly isn't anywhere else quite like it, and if you happen to visit the right parts at the perfect time of year, it feels as if you have one of Earth's greatest wildlife destinations all to yourself. Witnessing herds of hundreds of strong elephants, encountering some of the world's largest lion prides, catching rare glimpses of black rhinos, and encountering numerous other species that call this area home is an experience like no other. Not to mention, the breathtaking sight of the annual migration, with a staggering two-million-strong herd of wildebeests passing through the region, adds an extra touch of wonder to the entire adventure.
The best hidden gem
Sarara Camp
Sarara Camp, nestled in Northern Kenya, offers a haven for the adventurous traveller. It is home to baby elephants, Singing Wells, ancient cloud forests, and a thriving population of hundreds of leopards. If you ask me, this destination is nothing short of awe-inspiring. What makes it even more remarkable is the fact that it is community-owned and operated, ensuring that every staff member, from the knowledgeable guides to the talented chef, hails from the surrounding community. This unique setup showcases a brilliant example of how communities and wildlife can harmoniously coexist and mutually benefit from one another. It truly is a remarkable place to experience the wonders of nature while also supporting the local community.
See where I’ve travelled
Rwanda
"One of the most incredible experiences I've ever had on safari was spending time with mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Sitting amongst these magnificent creatures as they slept, ate, and played around me was beyond words.
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Kenya
"I absolutely adored exploring Northern Kenya by helicopter. The region itself is vast and untamed, offering a stunning landscape that includes bright pink soda lakes with even pinker flamingos, dormant volcanoes, and mesmerising sand dunes spread across thousands of square miles of arid wilderness. It truly stands as one of my most cherished places on Earth."
Explore destination
Zimbabwe
"I've also really enjoyed going on walking safaris along the Zambezi in Mana Pools. We would spend entire days walking, encountering a diverse array of wildlife, from majestic elephants and lions to the elusive wild dogs. What made it even more special was the fact that throughout our journey, we didn't come across a single other human, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the untamed beauty of nature."
Explore destination
Maasai Mara
"Among some of my most cherished travel memories is going on safari during Africa's Green Season, my favorite time of year to embark on an adventure in the bush. During that time of year, every step of the safari brings new surprises and breathtaking moments. The landscape becomes lush and vibrant, and you can enjoy sights of baby animals being born - truly a sight to behold!"
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My favourite trip
Introducing Zimbabwe
Hwange and Mana Pools are two incredible regions that, surprisingly, remain off the radar for many travellers. However, those who venture there are rewarded with an abundance of astonishing wildlife and the opportunity for unforgettable walking safaris.
My favourite hotel
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island, located off the coast of Zanzibar, is an absolute hidden paradise. During my stay there, I was lucky enough to witness turtles laying their eggs right outside my room – truly a sight to behold! And that's not all! In the daytime, we had the incredible opportunity to swim with dolphins just off the pristine beach. This place truly embodies the essence of paradise on earth. With only one lodge on the island, it feels as though you have the entire location all to yourself, a serene and secluded haven where you can escape the world and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Our first safari experience in Tanzania with Jacada—and certainly not our last! Jamey Lowis curated our dream trip with meticulous care, anticipating every detail and going above and beyond our expectations. The exceptional service, attention to detail, and unforgettable experiences made it more than we could have ever imagined! What a great way to be introduced to Africa.
Jamey and Eugenia were amazing! They helped us organize perhaps our best trip ever. Would definitely work with them and/or Jacada again!
We recently returned from a trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia booked through Jacada Travel. From the initial stages of planning through to following up with us at the end of our vacation, Jacada went above and beyond our expectations with personalized service. Jamie and Eugenia, our travel designer and concierge respectively, took our ideas and preferences and ran…
We worked with Jamey and Angela at Jacada to plan our honeymoon in South Africa. We started from scratch not knowing much about South Africa and Jamey met with us to get to know us and our budget and created the most incredible 10 day trip for us. My husband and I have both travelled a lot, but this trip…
Our experience was top notch from start to finish!! The travel, camps, food, excursions, guides, accommodations, and hosts all deserve 5 stars. All of our exceptions of the trip were blown out of the water. We not only loved seeing Namibia, but we learned so much along the way. Our guides at every camp were truly ambassadors for their country…
My top tips
If you plan on bringing a camera, make sure to pack more than one memory card! You'll be surprised at how quickly you can fill up your camera, and it can be utterly heartbreaking to have to delete shots or, even worse, miss capturing that perfect moment simply because your camera storage is full.
Travelling to Africa during off-peak seasons unveils a serene and untouched beauty, allowing you to experience its natural wonders in a more intimate and authentic way.
The true essence of experiencing Africa lies in embracing slow travel. While it might be tempting to rush and cover numerous destinations within a limited timeframe, doing so often means missing out on the profound understanding and genuine connection you can forge with each place. Slowing down allows you to fully immerse yourself and truly grasp the essence of these remarkable regions, making your journey a deeply enriching and unforgettable one.
Don't hesitate to ask your guide as many questions as you can! They genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge, so feel free to inquire about anything you're curious about. Their enthusiasm and expertise will undoubtedly enhance your experience.
