3 countries, 14 women, the Big 5 and so much more...
Why do we keep journals during all our multi-day adventures? Well, it's selfish, really. We want to relive and reflect on our experiences and never forget the awe and wonder of our trip. Katrina's personal account following our 2024 Ultimate African Adventure is worth reading; we hope you enjoy it.
Saturday, 7th September
The adventure begins! After a long journey, most of the team touched down in Nairobi, Kenya, fresh off a flight from Dubai. Despite being absolutely exhausted, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air.
Once everyone settled into their rooms at Sovereign Cottages, we kicked things off with a few drinks and a welcome dinner. It was the perfect chance to start getting to know each other as we prepared for the incredible experiences ahead. Jacob, our local guide, greeted us with his big, infectious personality, immediately making us feel like we were in for something special.
An early night was in order—because tomorrow, the adventure really begins.
Sunday, 8th September
We hit the ground running with a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park. The park is a surreal mix of wide-open plains, scattered acacia trees, and the city skyline in the distance. It was bizarre yet incredible to see the contrast. Everywhere we looked, there was wildlife; we were lucky enough to spot everything from the endangered black rhino to giraffes, white rhinos, impalas, and even a rare leopard. The birdlife was equally stunning—vultures and ostriches among them.
Our next stop, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Watching the orphaned elephants splash in their mud baths and enjoy their midday milk feed was heartwarming. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust does such amazing work, protecting these majestic creatures through their world-renowned rescue and rehabilitation program.
Our day ended with a beautiful lunch shared with the ladies from the charity Mirror of Hope. It was inspiring to hear their stories—how they started their own businesses, from running a butcher shop to a daycare centre and more. Being part of that conversation and sharing a meal with these ladies was a true gift.
Monday, 9th September
Today was unforgettable. Through our cultural experience with Mirror of Hope, we immersed ourselves in the heart of the Kibera slum, Africa’s largest. It’s difficult to put the emotions of that day into words. The overwhelming sights and sounds of Kibera hit hard. We were face-to-face with a stark contrast of our world and theirs, a reminder of how different life can be.
Despite the confronting scenes, our arrival at Mirror of Hope was met with warmth and joy. Beautiful singing and genuine smiles welcomed us as if we were family. After learning about the organisation’s incredible impact, we got the chance to give back by shopping at the local market and preparing a meal with one of the families. Cooking together, laughing, and sharing stories was a humbling experience that made us appreciate the connections we can form across cultures.
Walking through Kibera was eye-opening. The makeshift homes, narrow pathways, and resilient spirits all left a lasting imprint on us. It was a powerful reminder that hope thrives even in the most challenging places.
Tuesday, 10th September
Our Maasai Mara adventure began bright and early as we left for a four-day safari. The drive through the Great Rift Valley was breathtaking, with our excitement growing by the minute. When we arrived at Mara Maisha, our stunning camp for the next few nights, we felt instantly at home.
After a delicious late lunch, we headed to a nearby Maasai Boma, where the Maasai community greeted us with open arms and traditional songs. Stepping inside their homes and learning about their way of life was humbling. Their hospitality and vibrant spirit were unforgettable.
Wednesday, 11th September
Our first full day on safari did not disappoint. We were up at dawn and treated to the sight of lions basking in the sun, baby elephants nursing, and giraffes gracefully grazing, as if we’d stepped into a wildlife documentary.
After lunch and a swim, we headed out for an afternoon drive that quickly turned even more exciting. We watched a cheetah devour a Thompson gazelle right before our eyes and even had giraffes wander so close to our jeep that we couldn’t resist snapping some selfies. The surreal highlight? A cheetah casually strolling right past us as if we didn’t exist!
Thursday, 12th September
Today was one of those bucket-list moments—a hot-air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. Floating above the plains as the sun rose and wildlife dotted the landscape below was magical. From wildebeests and zebras to hyenas and springboks, we were lucky to witness it all from above.
After landing (a little bumpy but fun!), we were treated to a luxury breakfast in the middle of the Mara, complete with sparkling wine and hot coffee—talk about living the dream!
The day continued with a walking safari led by a Maasai ranger. Wandering among the impalas, zebras, and buffalo while learning about the bush was the perfect way to end the day.
Friday, 13th September
Friday the 13th brought us incredible luck! Our morning kicked off with a sighting of Luluka, a mother cheetah and her cub. Watching her and hearing our guide's stories about her journey was fascinating.
We spied two cheetah brothers hunting, followed by Nashipai, a mother cheetah, resting with her four cubs under a tree. Knowing these cubs were being protected after her previous litter was lost gave us hope for their survival.
Later, we came across two magnificent male lions and ended the day with a picnic by the Mara River, watching hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Back at the lodge, we were surprised with a goodbye celebration that included a cake, dancing, and singing—an unforgettable end to our Maasai Mara experience.
Saturday, 14th September
Before leaving the Maasai Mara, we visited the Ol Chorro Rhino Sanctuary, where we walked with the only two southern white rhinos in the park, Koffi Annan and Queen Elizabeth. It was a fitting finale to our safari adventure.
As we headed back to Nairobi, our hearts were full, and the memories of this incredible trip would stay with us forever. What an adventure this has been—truly, the stuff dreams are made of.
Sunday, 15th September
A relaxing day to end our time in Kenya. Some of the group attended a church service with Judy (co-founder of Mirror of Hope), and it was a joyous celebration filled with music and singing.
Next, we visited the Giraffe Centre to meet the beautiful Rothschild giraffes, followed by some shopping. After lunch and a bit more retail therapy, we made our final stop at Kazuri Beads. Kazuri’s mission is to celebrate and preserve Kenyan craftsmanship while supporting their artisans through equity, community, and sustainability. The girls shopped up a storm here, admiring the handcrafted pieces made from eco-friendly clay sourced near Mt. Kenya.
That evening, we had our farewell dinner with our new friends: Jacob, his lovely partner Esme, their adorable 5-year-old son Nate, and Judy from Mirror of Hope with her daughter Audrey. Judy shared the inspiring story behind Mirror of Hope, what a privilege to hear.
Monday, 16th September
Today was bittersweet—we were excited to begin the next chapter of our adventure, but it also meant saying goodbye to Jacob, who had been with us from day one. He welcomed us at the airport, guided us through the Kibera slums, and stayed with us throughout the Maasai Mara, ensuring we were entertained and safe. He’s taught us so much, and we all agreed: should Jacob ever visit Australia, he has 14 aunties waiting with open arms to show him around! Asante Sana, Jacob—our hearts will miss you.
Onto Rwanda!
We arrived in Kigali and were greeted by Ronald and Godfrey, our new guides for the journey ahead. We’re staying at the Heaven Boutique Apartments, a lovely place with a fascinating story, and we can’t wait to see what Rwanda has in store for us.
Tuesday, 17th September
We spent today in Kigali, and it was both heartbreaking and important. Our morning began at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, followed by a visit to the Ntarama Memorial in the afternoon. It was a day filled with tears and overwhelming emotions as we learned about the unimaginable suffering and loss experienced during the Rwandan Genocide.
We ended the day with a quiet drink at Hôtel des Mille Collines (famous from the movie *Hotel Rwanda), reflecting on the stories of pain, resilience, and the importance of remembering. Visiting these places was a sombre reminder of how crucial it is to honour and learn from history.
Wednesday, 18th September
After breakfast, we set off for Uganda—a big day of driving but a fantastic way to take in the Rwandan and Ugandan countryside.
The border crossing was a lively experience, full of life and energy as we checked out of Rwanda and into Uganda. The Ugandan landscape was breathtaking, dotted with villages and framed by the stunning Lake Mutanda, where we are staying.
Lake Mutanda is an absolute gem, a simple yet stunning spot surrounded by serene waters and lush greenery. We’re falling in love with the peace and beauty of this place.
Thursday, 19th September
We began our day early with a trek to see the Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga National Park—Where Gold Meets Silver! We didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be an incredible experience. These beautiful monkeys are endangered, and Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where they can be found. After a 3-hour trek, we watched them go about their day, eating bamboo roots and playing, while we observed in awe. The 10km trek through the jungle was well worth it.
We ended the day early, excited for tomorrow’s adventure with the gorillas.
Friday, 20th September
Today was all about the gorillas! We split into two groups and set off at 6 a.m. for our treks.
Group 1: 8 of us trekked to the Kutu Family in Bwindi National Park. To our surprise, this family had already made its way down the mountain, so we found them within 10 minutes, playing in the trees. The Kutu family is made up of eight gorillas, led by a dominant silverback. It was a magical hour spent watching them, and while this group didn’t get the challenging trek they had expected, they had an amazing encounter with this gentle family.
Group 2: Our other group headed to Mgahinga National Park to trek the Nyakagezi gorilla family. The hike was tough, with lots of uphill climbs (thank goodness for our porters!). After a couple of hours, we found the Nyakagezi family, nine gorillas including three silverbacks—a rare sight. We spent time with eight of them while the third silverback was off exploring on his own. It was a humbling experience to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Both groups had very different experiences, but each was equally unforgettable.
Saturday, 21st September
Today was a more relaxed day, so we took a boat trip to Mutanda Island, the only inhabited island on Lake Mutanda. We met the Abagesera people, visited their school where the children sang and danced for us, and learned about the island’s history. We also visited Punishment Island, a place with a dark and painful history.
After returning to Lake Mutanda Resort for lunch, we spent the afternoon sharing stories, laughing, and reflecting on our journey over drinks. It was a perfect way to unwind and appreciate our amazing adventure.
Sunday, 22nd September
Our last full day in Africa. We left Uganda and crossed back into Rwanda, once again captivated by the stunning countryside and the bustling, vibrant life in each village we passed through. The simplicity of life here is so different from ours, but it’s clear that it’s fulfilling and colourful life!
Back in Kigali, we spent the afternoon packing and enjoying drinks by the pool at Heaven Boutique Apartments. Our final dinner at Fusion Restaurant was a fitting end to an unforgettable adventure.
Monday, 23rd September
Time to say goodbye to magical Africa. There are no words to describe what we’ve experienced, seen, and felt during this trip. These memories, along with the thousands of photos we’ve taken, will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
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