Our Journal

Safari Architects trips are always next level, was this itinerary even next level? And why.

The accommodation, yes. Singita Sasakwa and Singita Kwitonda – incredible lodges and destinations. 

Arijuju – exclusive use home, best out there – a truly magical experience in every way. Everyone is still talking about the spa treatments. 

The great migration! Mega herds, mass concentrations and lion cubs. It could be all of it, and it is, but the bespoke activities. Never done before, bespoke activities at each destination, this really took it to the next level.

Also, if you start off at Giraffe Manor it’s a highlight before sunset on day one. What a peaceful place, the perfect night one after long international travel. A retreat, with Giraffes! Selfies, excitement, spas, hot tubs, a great meal, and we are ready for Safari! Feeding giraffes within hours of landing in Africa!

Private to Arijuju in the Borana Conservancy in Northern Kenya. A true haven in animal paradise. Lots of Rhinos both Black and White, Lions, Buffaloes and Zebras and Giraffes. The most special thing about Arijuju is the freedom of the daily schedule and the variety of activities. Horse riding with the family through Dazzles of Zebra will be etched in all of our minds forever. Golden grass, mighty yellow fever trees, and the feeling of being connected with nature on horseback. Arijuju is a grounding place, a place where we swim in rock pools, and eat outside in natures breeze.

A slower pace, but full of adrenaline. A scenic helicopter trip into Northern Kenya, offers action, adrenalin, and the most incredibly diverse space and landscape ever. Its breath taking, extraordinary. What a way to spend an afternoon, there are no words to describe it.

When our guests say, they could have stayed another night, it is music to our ears. Silence, and contemplation on the way to the airstrip, for our scheduled flights to the Serengeti!

Singita Grumeti Reserve has more lions than anywhere else, and the action doesn’t stop. We time it to perfection (that’s a bit of experience and a bit of luck!) The herds have arrived within 48 hours of our arrival, and the lions and hyenas are filling in after them. Its rutting season, and the Wildebeest bulls are high on testosterone, it’s an incredible scene, Gnus gnuiing, constantly all day and all night, bulls chasing, fighting running around confused.

The migration is a spectacle, everything about it, and everything that goes with it. This time, we glide over the plains in the sunrise on a hot air balloon, it is pure magic, my bestever. We spot hyaenas, and float over hundreds of zebras. Did I say it was magical. A special day which included lion cubs, storks and vultures and a big rainstorm. 

More lions in the morning, breakfast on the lawns and off we go to the Gorillas. Rwanda here we come.

Rwanda, what a country. In the words of our guests – Rwanda have upped the game, from the airport buses, to the screening to the tourism experience.

A special country. We are welcomed into the country by the Presidents helicopter and flown deep into the mountains towards Volcanoes National Park. Singita Kwitonda is a superb destination, which impacts all who visit. Professional, wholesome, engaging, it is a combination of luxury and relaxation in a unique setting and a friendly atmosphere, a place of beauty.

Gorilla trekking is such a fun activity, the buildup is real. Getting all the kit, and the briefing the night before, we are pumped. Private Gorilla treks tale things to a whole new level. Ensuring flexibility, the best Gorilla groups, and the very best guides on the continent. We combine 2 Gorilla groups, Muhoza and Mubano. Muhoza – peaceful, gentle, 22 members. So many playful and curious youngsters. A 4-month-old baby, tiny, wobbly, so cute! 

Mubano has 6 silverbacks, and is action-packed. There is testosterone flowing and the boys are always excited and challenging each other. This was an adrenalin filled encounter. Close up, tensions were high in the gorilla group and we could feel it. It was so exciting.

I believe that trekking Mountain Gorillas is without doubt one of the best wildlife encounters in Africa, it’s the all-round experience. Nothing like it. Being so close to these beasts is exhilarating. So, it is always great to get comments like “Best thing I have ever done in my life”

We wrap up a truly extraordinary itinerary with a visit to the Elephant orphanage in Nairobi before flying out in the evening. Cute, sad, funny, lovable. Baby elephants are a thrill for everyone, and this is a feel-good experience which wraps things up so well, and a highlight for some.

A trip of helicopters, hot air balloons, private planes, safari jeeps, migration, gorillas, dancing and singing, treasured family moments, and memories. Best wine, incredible food, and a combination exceptional people. We ensure our local on the ground guides are the very best out there, special people, who combine to create a first-class experience. The ultimate high-end safaris.