As a kid, we would spend Sunday nights sitting around the television watching National Geographic. With rapt attention we’d take a bite of our toasted cheese sandwich and watch a cheetah stalk its prey and frantic wildebeests plunge into a river filled with ravenous crocs. Since childhood, I have always dreamed of going on “safari”--- of experiencing the drama of the animal kingdom firsthand. I’m a firm believer in dreams realized, and I’m happy to say that this one was.
I’m not sure how we stumbled upon this particular outfitter, but &Beyond enabled the three of us to have the safari of a lifetime. I would change NOTHING about the experience. From the moment we flew out of Wilson airport on a 12-passenger charter to the moment that same plane bounced down a rough dirt strip in the Masai Mara to pick us up, our time was magical.
Our 7 days were spent at Kitchwa Tembo tented camp. Nestled in a grove of trees just ½ mile from the Oloololo entrance to the Masai Mara National Reserve, it was a perfect jumping off point for our twice daily game drives, and a luxurious retreat for a mid-day rest.
After 18 months of living Ethiopian-style, I was ready for a bit of pampering and luxury. I was not disappointed. Our accommodations were luxurious…and yes, they were TENTS! The mouth-watering food was abundant and the staff went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of. Each evening we were escorted to our tents by a bow and arrow wielding guard who took his leave with a soft “lala salama” (sleep well) and gently woken in the morning by our tent steward Simon who would call “Kristi, Kristi, wake up” as he set down a thermos of hot cocoa and a plate of cookies on the porch table. After unzipping the tent flap, I’d stumble onto the porch to find my morning mojo and a friendly giraffe munching a nearby tree. Heaven on earth!
&Beyond has done a fantastic job of creating a utopia that perfectly complements the wonders of the natural environment…this breathtaking place known as the Masai Mara.
I’m not sure how we stumbled upon this particular outfitter, but &Beyond enabled the three of us to have the safari of a lifetime. I would change NOTHING about the experience. From the moment we flew out of Wilson airport on a 12-passenger charter to the moment that same plane bounced down a rough dirt strip in the Masai Mara to pick us up, our time was magical.
Our 7 days were spent at Kitchwa Tembo tented camp. Nestled in a grove of trees just ½ mile from the Oloololo entrance to the Masai Mara National Reserve, it was a perfect jumping off point for our twice daily game drives, and a luxurious retreat for a mid-day rest.
After 18 months of living Ethiopian-style, I was ready for a bit of pampering and luxury. I was not disappointed. Our accommodations were luxurious…and yes, they were TENTS! The mouth-watering food was abundant and the staff went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of. Each evening we were escorted to our tents by a bow and arrow wielding guard who took his leave with a soft “lala salama” (sleep well) and gently woken in the morning by our tent steward Simon who would call “Kristi, Kristi, wake up” as he set down a thermos of hot cocoa and a plate of cookies on the porch table. After unzipping the tent flap, I’d stumble onto the porch to find my morning mojo and a friendly giraffe munching a nearby tree. Heaven on earth!
&Beyond has done a fantastic job of creating a utopia that perfectly complements the wonders of the natural environment…this breathtaking place known as the Masai Mara.
At the entrance to Kitchwa Tembo with our fellow travelers. We were placed with the nicest group of people…Carol from London, and Matt and Laura…an American couple currently living in Bahrain.
My tent. I seriously could have lived here forever.
Mom and Dad enjoying a quiet moment on the porch of their tent
The staff was truly exceptional. I asked for peanut butter once, and never had to ask for it again. A small bowl of it was waiting next to my place setting each morning. Chef George was one of my favorites. He made dining an event. On the particular evening captured here, he whisked me behind the counter, plopped a chef’s hat on my head and gave me creative license to whip up my own tasty meal.
