{"id":13771,"date":"2026-03-06T11:01:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T11:01:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/?p=13771"},"modified":"2026-03-09T06:53:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T06:53:52","slug":"happy-return-to-kenya-after-25-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/happy-return-to-kenya-after-25-years\/","title":{"rendered":"Luxury Kenya Safari with 60 Years of East Africa Expertise From 2001 to 2026: Returning to East Africa with Somak"},"content":{"rendered":"

March, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

In January 2001, a small advertisement in The Sunday Times<\/em> caught Jane\u2019s eye and changed her travel plans. Within weeks, she was on a flight to Kenya<\/a> to join what was then called the Samburu Safari. The wide skies, close wildlife encounters and raw beauty of East Africa left a deep impression. It was more than a holiday. It was a defining experience.<\/p>\n

Twenty-five years later, in January 2026, Jane returned to Kenya with her partner, Patrick. They followed almost the same route and rediscovered a country that had stayed with her for a quarter of a century.<\/p>\n

Soon after they came home, our CEO Ash, met them for lunch to hear how Kenya had changed and how this journey compared with the one she took in 2001.<\/p>\n

This is not simply a story about going back. It shows how a luxury Kenya safari can evolve over time, how standards rise and why experience still matters.<\/p>\n

A Lifelong Interest in Wildlife and Conservation<\/h2>\n

Jane\u2019s connection to Africa began at university, where she studied Zoology. That early interest grew into a lasting fascination with wildlife and conservation. Today, she runs a successful book festival in Appledore, North Devon. Even so, her scientific curiosity still shapes the way she travels.<\/p>\n

For Jane, a safari in Kenya is not just a break in the sun. It is a chance to observe ecosystems, understand habitats and see wildlife in its natural setting.<\/p>\n

Patrick brings his own perspective. He is a former publisher and now a classical music agent. With a lifelong love of cricket and a strong interest in landscape and culture, he found East Africa a natural choice.<\/p>\n

Then and Now: Retracing a Classic Kenya Safari Route<\/h2>\n
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Jane and Patrick flew overnight from London Heathrow to Nairobi. They began with a comfortable stay at the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport before setting off on safari the next morning.<\/p>\n

\"Elephants

Elephants at The Ark Lodge<\/p><\/div>\n

Their first wildlife experience was at The Ark Lodge<\/a> in the Aberdare highlands. From raised viewing decks, they watched elephant and buffalo gather at a floodlit waterhole. The setting felt calm and intimate, a gentle introduction to the wild.<\/p>\n

\"Surana

Surana Buffalo Springs Tent Exterior<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Surana

Surana Buffalo Springs Tent<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Surana

Surana Buffalo Springs Plunge Pool<\/p><\/div>\n

They then travelled north to Surana Buffalo Springs<\/a> for two nights. Buffalo Springs National Reserve is quieter and less visited than many southern parks. The landscape is open and dramatic. On game drives they saw reticulated giraffe, Grevy\u2019s zebra and gerenuk, species rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, and part of the Samburu Special Five.<\/p>\n

Heading south again, they stopped at Aberdare Country Club<\/a> and enjoyed a game drive in Solio Game Reserve<\/span><\/span>. Solio is known for its rhino conservation work. Here they saw both black and white rhino at close range, with Mount Kenya rising in the distance. They were also able to visit the Solio Rhino Orphanage, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for abandoned baby rhinos found on Solio Game Reserve. Here, a team of dedicated keepers care for baby rhinos, nursing them back to strength and health with the ultimate aim of releasing them back into the wild. From time to time, the orphanage also cares for other abandoned baby animals found on the Reserve<\/p>\n

\"Solio

Solio Rhino Orphanage<\/p><\/div>\n

The journey continued through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge<\/a>. An afternoon boat ride on Lake Naivasha offered a slower pace. They drifted past hippos and watched fish eagles skim the water.<\/p>\n

\"Lake

Lake Naivasha Boat Trip<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Lake

Lake Naivasha Hippo<\/p><\/div>\n

Their final safari stop was the Maasai Mara<\/span><\/span>. They spent two nights at Ashnil Mara Camp<\/a>, which was renovated last year. Wide plains stretched to the horizon. Morning and afternoon drives brought sightings of lion, elephant and cheetah. The golden light over the savannah delivered the classic Kenya safari scene.<\/p>\n

\"Ashnil

Ashnil Mara Camp<\/p><\/div>\n

Back in Nairobi, they stayed once more at the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport.<\/p>\n

Although the route closely mirrored Jane\u2019s 2001 journey, the refinement, comfort and depth of guiding reflected just how far the luxury Kenya safari experience has evolved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n

How a Premium Kenya Safari Has Advanced<\/h2>\n

In 2001, Jane travelled alone and paid just over \u00a31,500 for her safari and beach stay. At the time, it felt exceptional.<\/p>\n

In 2026, she and Patrick travelled on our Signature Cheetah Premium Safari<\/a>, an updated version of that original route. While the structure remains familiar, the overall standard is much higher.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s luxury Kenya safari includes:<\/p>\n