Around the Next Corner & Other Tales

At Mango Safaris we pride ourselves on being a conservation-based organization that gives back to the destinations we visit. Every trip we plan includes a contribution built into the trip cost for our chartiable efforts. We believe in supporting both the wildlife and the communities that make our destinations so special. Every year our team sits down together and discuss which organizations stand out to us, and which we feel are doing an outstanding job of conserving wildlife, developing communities or a combination of the two. Based on this we allocate our annual contributions. We aim to suppport a variety of groups across a wide geographic range, from the flood plains of the Okavango Delta in Botswana to the mist draped volcanic mountains of Rwanda. Some groups target specific animals, while others take an ecosystem level approach...some focus on education, and others on job skill training...but all are doing their part to improve the welfare and future of Africa, just like we aim to do.

By traveling with us, many of you have already made a contribution, but if you are inclined to donate more in the holiday spirit, we have included links below to their webpages where you may make an additional contribution. 

Photo: Mara Sullivan (daughter of Mango co-founder Teresa Sullivan) feeding an orphaned baby rhino at Sarara Camp in Kenya

 

THE MANGO-BISATE GORILLA HABITAT REFORESTATION PROJECT
Annual contribution: $16,000 
Where they operate: Rwanda

Why we love it: Several years ago, Wilderness Safaris, one of our biggest partners in Africa, approached us about a partnership for a large-scale environmental restoration project. Their vision was to buy back land adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda and convert back from agricultural land to native forest. The end goal was to donate all the land back to the national park, thereby expanding its boundaries and the habitat available for endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and countless other species. The massive undertaking is executed in several phases. First, land is bought back from farmers at market value. Second, the local laborers are brought in to clear invasive species and do other ecological restoration. While the land is being cleared, the agronomy team gathers clippings from native plants and propagates them in the Bisate Nursery. Once big enough, they are transplanted into the cleared land in phase three. The agronomy team continues to monitor not only the health of the plants, but also the progression of species returning to the restored habitat. 
We are thrilled to be a part of this incredible project. In addition to our annual contribution of $4,000 from past years, we also fundraised $12,000 during our 20th anniversary celebrations. We auctioned off a luxury 13-night safari through East Africa, with 100% of ticket sales going directly to the Mango-Bisate Gorilla Habitat Reforestation project. 

Visit mangoafricansafaris.com/blog/bisate-mango-forest to make a donation yourself or learn even more about the project.

 

RHINO CONSERVATION BOTSWANA
Annual contribution: $6,000 
Where they operate: Botswana

Why we love it: RCB is working to give wild rhinos a fighting chance in an era when poaching is rapidly driving them to extinction across Africa. With rhinos disappearing at an alarming rate, conservation organizations such as Rhino Conservation Botswana are working diligently to develop innovative and effective techniques to protect wild populations. RCB struck on the unusual idea of translocating black and white rhinos from areas of high poaching to areas with much lower risk that will provide a safe haven for populations to grow and thrive naturally. Numerous have already been moved from South Africa to Botswana and are currently being monitored, but the work is never done and there are many more rhinos in need of translocating. Each rhino costs around $70,000 to rescue and relocate. Once locally extinct from Botswana, they are now being repatriated into the complex tapestry of waterways and islands that define the Okavango Delta. Despite the ongoing monitoring and anti-poaching efforts, poachers are also continually evolving and shifting their tactics, so supporting organizations such as RCB has never been more important. If we want rhinos to continue to live in the wild for generations to come, it is essential that we support their work. For this reason, Mango Safaris has chosen to continue to include them in our annual conservation donations. 

Visit rhinoconservationbotswana.com to make a donation yourself. Let us know if you contribute – we would love to give you a shout out in our next newsletter!

 

CHILDREN IN THE WILDERNESS
Annual contribution: $5,000
Where they operate: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Malawi

Why we love it: When it comes to conservation, we are all in this together. Educating and inspiring the next generation is essential for the future of our wild spaces and the remarkable biodiversity that calls it home – ourselves included. Children in the Wilderness operates in some of the planet’s most sensitive and ecologically fragile areas, such as the Okavango Delta (Botswana) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). With many of these ecosystems threatened by the impacts of climate change, ensuring their long-term preservation has never been more important. Many of them act as the last refuges for critically endangered species, such as the mountain gorilla and white rhinos. The program runs numerous programs across seven countries that include conservation education for elementary school students, scholarships for promising students studying Africa wildlife and ecology in university, and training for schoolteachers on incorporating more science into their lessons. Many of their participants have gone on to work in conservation and ecotourism operations across all seven of the countries in which they operate in positions ranging from anti-poaching to conservation educators. 

Visit childreninthewilderness.com to make a donation yourself. Let us know if you contribute – we would love to give you a shout out in our next newsletter!

 

CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND
Annual contribution: $2500, plus donating and organizing safari packages for their fundraising auctions
Where they operate: Namibia

Why we love it: Cheetahs are an iconic of the vast African savannahs, but they are sprinting toward extinction at an alarming rate due to habitat loss, the illegal pet trade and human-wildlife conflict. With only 10% of their historical population remaining in the wild, organizations such as the Cheetah Conservation Fund are essential to preserve their future. CCF deploys a multi-pronged approach to saving them, ranging from rescuing and rehabilitating injured wild cheetahs to raising and giving out livestock protecting dogs to villagers in areas where cheetahs have been killed in retaliation for taking goats or sheep. They also operate several education programs to engage the future generations and teach them about the importance of wildlife. By working with the animals hands-on, targeting the sources of their decimation and proactively reducing the risk of future losses, they hope to not just preserve those that remain but boost their numbers. 

Visit cheetah.org to make a donation yourself. Let us know if you contribute – we would love to give you a shout out in our next newsletter!

 

THE FALLEN RANGERS FUND
Annual contribution: $6,000
Where they operate: Republic of Congo

Why we love it: The Fallen Rangers Fund is part of the Virunga Alliance that works to protect endangered mountain gorillas in a region where populations remain critically low due to habitat loss and illegal poaching. With about one third of the world’s remaining population, protection is critical. Poachers are highly motivated, so these long-lived, slow-reproducing animals need rangers that are continually evolving their dedicated efforts to protect them. Their work and willingness to risk their lives for these magnificent animals has paid off. With numbers once as low as 274 individuals in 1971, the population has managed to grow to around 1000 gorillas – a remarkable feat when considering that in the past, the population had halved in just 12 years. This wonderful news doesn’t come without a price though – since the national park was founded in 1925, over 175 rangers have lost their lives protecting the wildlife. 
Starting in 2007, park authorities have made the effort to track every widow dating back to 1991 when conflict escalated within the country. For six months after a ranger’s death the park continues to pay their full wages to their widow as their family adjusts to their way of life. The families also receive free medical services provided through the park’s facilities. The Fallen Rangers Fund gives 100% of donations directly to the widows. The fund also provides critical support, employment and job skill training to the widows to help them find an alternative way to support their families. 

Visit virunga.org to make a donation yourself. Let us know if you contribute – we would love to give you a shout out in our next newsletter! Photo by Adam Kiefer for Virunga

 

RETETI ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
Annual contribution: $2,000
Where they operate: Kenya

Why we love it: The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Northern Kenya’s Namunyak Conservancy is entirely owned and operated by the Samburu communities who have called the region home for thousands of years. Elephants are struggling across the continent, falling victim to illegal poaching, habitat loss and other human wildlife conflict. Reteti is a particularly wonderful example of how humans and wildlife can come together for the mutual benefit of both. Orphaned elephants are cared for and raised in the sanctuary, helping secure their future in the region for generations to come. This in turn helps the region remain a wonderful destination for ecotourism that brings in revenue, jobs and benefits such as schools and medical clinics for the communities. With only three luxurious camps in the entire 850,000-acre community-owned conservancy, the experience is wonderfully exclusive and allows welfare of the conservation and community to be priority. At Mango Safaris we believe this model of high-end, low-volume ecotourism is the future of Africa and the best hope for protecting the integrity of the continent’s wild spaces. 

Visit retetielephants.org to make a donation yourself. Let us know if you contribute – we would love to give you a shout out in our next newsletter!

 

THE KARISIA SCHOOL MEAL PROJECT
Annual contribution: $3,000 
Where they operate: Kenya

In partnership with two past clients, Jan and Jon Lee, we have been supporting a school in Northern Kenya by providing the students with a daily meal. Early childhood nutrition is essential. Improved nutrition allows kids to pay attention in school better, helps them grow up healthy and strong, and boosts their immune system. 
The Lees visited the school in 2016 when they traveled to Kenya, and felt inspired to create this project. We are always open to collaborating on such efforts with our clients, and strongly encourage anyone who feels inclined to contribute however they can.

 

 

Flying into Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy is an experience in and of itself. The dramatic craggy mountains of the Mathews Range encircle wide forested valleys, giving the impression that you’re entering a secret world as you descend from the sky to the airstrip below. As you step out of the Cessna, a herd of camels greets you, milling about in the scrub as their young herder tends to them. Though protected for wildlife conservation, this reserve still acts as the ancestral home to the Samburu people. For generations, people throughout Africa existed in harmony with the natural world and the wildlife they shared it with. This relationship continues to this day in the reserve, with the humans helping to protect the wildlife and the wildlife helping to generate revenue, jobs and other benefits for the community.

An impressive 850,000 acres of untouched wilderness have been set aside for the reserve. Though supported through ecotourism, there are only two camps in the entire area, creating an extraordinarily exclusive experience for guests. When you visit Sarara or Sarara Tree Camp, you get so much more than just a typical wildlife safari. The culture and heritage of the region are at the forefront of experience, giving a genuine taste of what life is like out of the gaze of mass tourism.

A visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary promises plenty of adorable baby elephant antics, chances to learn more about the daily lives and duties of an elephant keeper and wonderful photo opportunities. During the keeper talk, you tour the facilities, learn about the finely tuned diet the baby elephants eat and hear the stories of the orphans currently living there, including the circumstances that landed them at the sanctuary. An incredible amount of time and effort goes into raising the babies to be successful adults in the wild. Every day the keepers go on long walks with them through the bush so they can learn essential skills like foraging and wallowing in the mud. With the visits scheduled to coincide with the afternoon feeding, you will get to watch the babies as they stampede in from the bush, ears flapping and trunks reaching eagerly for their oversized baby bottles filled with formula. There’s nothing cuter than watching the babies as they are bottle-fed either by themselves or by their keeper. The ones that finish first will often try to steal away others’ bottles, earning them a scolding by the vigilant keepers. It’s a touching and incredibly wonderful experience that is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.

Back in camp, life is just a good. Sarara Camp is a perfect blend of grand and organic. Towering tented rooms with panoramic windows take full advantage of what just might be the best views in Kenya. Details with natural materials bring the beauty of the bush into every moment and outdoor showers let you enjoy the setting during even the most mundane of tasks. The main area opens up to sweeping views of the valley and mountains. Right from the pool that’s built into the rock, you can watch the waterhole below, enjoying the creatures that stop by for a drink. Giraffes, elephants, kudu and even the resident wild dogs on occasion will wander by.

 

 

 

The Masai Mara in Kenya is perhaps one of the most famous destinations in Africa. Defined by its sweeping savannahs, it is home to a wide diversity of wildlife, including the vast herds of the Great Migration. Every year 2.5 million wildebeest and zebra move en masse in search of the best grazing and safest birthing grounds to drop their calves. Beyond the migration, the Masai Mara is home to incredible predator populations including cheetah, lion, leopard, hyena. Large herds of elephants, towering Masai giraffe and a diverse array of other plains game roam about grazing on the fertile grasslands. The traditional homeland of the Maasai tribes, many villages still thrive on the periphery of the national reserve where they tend their cattle herds and continue their pastoral lifestyles.

As a classic safari destination that has long the been the must-go place for adventurous travelers, the Masai Mara has a wide variety of camps available. From intimate, luxurious camps perfect for honeymooners to trendy and stylish camps ideal for the jetsetting crowd and off-the-beaten track hideaways, there is something for everyone. The Mango Team has visited the Mara countless times - Teresa even named her daughter after this magical destination - so we know the best there is to offer. Below are our favorite camps and why...

 

BRIAN HUGGINS

NGARE SERIAN
This is an intimate and private camp set right along the famed Mara River in a quiet corner of the Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya. With just 4 tents, all with lovely views of the river, this is an ideal Wildebeest Migration spot in season. Beyond the standard game drive activities here, the camp also boasts a 4,000 acre private reserve which allows for some really interesting walking safaris. The private reserve also means hardly any vehicles, so you'll have sightings all to yourself. You can get exclusive use of a private vehicle with a guide and spotter at no additional cost. I also love the ‘Tree House’ they have for sleepouts under the stars. It's a special little experience that really adds a fun element to your safari there. 

TERESA SULLIVAN

RICHARD'S RIVER CAMP
I love Richard's Camp because it's a small family run property that oozes that signature Kenyan hospitality that has made this country such a beloved destination. The tents are the perfect blend of stylish and comfy, complete with outdoor showers and hanging swing chairs. The family tent is also one of the best - my family absolutely loved our time there. Between game drives we had a blast playing lawn croquet out front of the main lounge area. The location is so fantastic too - right within striking distance of the main reserve during the wildebeest migration season but also home to plenty of resident game and no crowds for other days of bliss. 

SUZANNE SPENCER

KICHECHE BUSH CAMP
This small and simple camp is just perfect in my opinion.  The private Olare Motorogi Conservancy has wildlife that is absolutely off the charts and the guides to match. Not only do they know their stuff, they're also very experienced with working with photographers, so whether you're a pro or an amateur, they'll always set you up for the best shot possible. The in-camp experience is just as awesome with superb staff, service, food and rooms. Total A+ in my books! 

CASEY HERMANSEN

MARA PLAINS CAMP
Mara Plains is an intimate canvas walled camp that delivers big on style and creature comforts. Think beautifully appointed interiors and oversized open-air copper bathtubs. Their guides are also some of the best in the industry, so your experience will be absolutely incredible. The private Olare Motorogi Conservancy where it's located has epic wildlife – lions everywhere! It's also situated right next door to the main Masai Mara Game Reserve, so it's easy for those day trips to the iconic Mara River migration crossings.  

KELSEA LEE

TANGULIA MARA
Tangulia Mara is the only camp in Kenya that's 100% owned and operated by the Maasai people themselves. Started by conservationist and businessman Dominic Nchoe and legendary guide Jackson Looseyia, they have hired an entirely Maasai staff, creating a wonderfully authentic experience. The guiding is world-class thanks to training from Jackson. The in-camp experience is super fun too - Maasai art is woven throughout the design and the camp offers the best view in the Masai Mara. The entire camp sits along a ridge overlooking a vast salt lick beside the Mara River. Wildlife abounds - be ready for some fantastic game viewing right in camp! When you're out on activity, you will also have direct access to the game-dense Musiara Swamps. 

You can stay in one of our favorites too! Give us a call or email today to get started planning your own dream Masai Mara safari. 

Email: info@mangosafari.com
Portland: 503.282.9009
Denver: 303.698.9220

 

 

 

The Okavango Delta is a marvelous maze of channels, islands and lagoons that create a paradise for wildlife and birdlife. Reliable water and abundant grazing means plentiful herbivores. This in turn attracts myriad predators from leopards and cheetahs to lions and wild dogs. If you're a birding enthusiast, there are few places on Earth that compare. Over 400 species call the delta home, including Africa's largest (the ostrich) and smallest (the penduline tit) species. A haven for elephants and other endangered species, such as rhino, conservation has long been a priority in this region and it shows. The game viewing is fabulous and diverse, and the variety of camps are as well. With countless nights spent exploring the Okavango, we have done the legwork and checked out dozens of great camps. Below are our favorites and a little insight as to why we love them...

 

CASEY HERMANSEN

KWARA CAMP
I love a room with some sort of view, not enclosed in the bushes.  Kwara’s tented rooms all look out onto a lake (with water all year round) and home to many, many hippos.  It is such fun trying to fall asleep listening to the munching hippos, so awake at night grazing and snorting and splashing.  This camp has an exceptional wildlife viewing area and exciting boat cruises in the lily padded waterways of the Delta.  Plus, trying your hand at fishing is fun – although all I’ve ever caught was grass…

TERESA SULLIVAN

MOMBO CAMP
Beyond the privacy, the luxury and the incredible density of wildlife, I love the elevated walkways that the buffalo like to sleep under. Sitting on your veranda seeing 7 different mammals on the floodplain in front of camp is magic. Leopards pose in trees. I can’t wait to take my family in March.

BRIAN HUGGINS

LITTLE VUMBURA
Little Vumbura is my favorite place in Botswana . It is small and intimate with just 6 rooms, boasting some amazing staff and service, located on a tiny island along a main delta chanel, and really offering guests a little bit of everything from top notch game drives, guided walks and boating and canoe safaris. This is, in my mind, the quintessential Okavango Delta camp.

SUZANNE SPENCER

GOMOTI PLAINS CAMP
This lovely camp is set in a high quality wildlife area in the southern region of the delta.  It has a classic Okavango Delta landscape with a great variety of habitat including seasonally flooded plains, water channels, grasslands and forested islands.  This variety simply means great wildlife diversity and viewing – lions, leopards, wild dog, buffalo, roan, sable, tons of giraffe and so much more!  The staff is lovely and makes you feel right at home. 

KELSEA LEE

KWETSANI CAMP
Tucked away in the wildlife dense Jao Concession, this camp feels like Robinson Crusoe meets African safari with a splash of luxury. I love that all of the guest rooms are tucked up into the canopy treehouse-style. Each one has a deck overlooking the flood plains so you can do a little armchair game viewing whenever you feel like it. Wake up with the birds all around you and stroll down to the main area on the elevated walkways for a little breakfast before heading out on safari - nothing better than that!

 

You can stay in one of our favorites too! Give us a call or email today to get started planning your own dream Okavango Delta safari. 

Email: info@mangosafari.com
Portland: 503.282.9009
Denver: 303.698.9220

 At the heart of Mango Safaris’ values are wildlife conservation and the desire to protect Africa’s wildest destinations. We believe deeply in giving back to the beautiful areas we visit by supporting conservation projects ranging from rescuing orphaned baby animals to habitat restoration. Throughout our 20 years of business, we have partnered with numerous reputable conservation organizations. Most recently, we are proud to be a part of Wilderness Safaris' Gorilla Habitat Reforestation Project at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

Bisate Lodge is nestled adjacent to the national park in lush, terraced hills formed by a small volcanic crater. Led by agronomist Jean Moise, their team are working to transition the land from agricultural back into native forest. The long-term goal is to reconnect their section of rehabilitated land with the national park to expand the habitat available to endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife. As an endangered species facing countless threats from habitat loss to illegal poaching, gorilla conservation is at a critical tipping point and concerted efforts must be made to protect them. Mango Safaris has sponsored an entire hill of the Bisate Forest, committing to funding the efforts to remove invasive species, rehabilitate the soil and tend to the transplanted native trees.

The team works year-round to bring the ecosystem back to life. Seeds previously collected from the wild are lovingly tended by the nursery team, ensuring they will be robust enough for transplanting when favorable conditions allow. Other team members work to clear invasive plants from the land, such a eucalyptus. A planting team transfers saplings from the nursery into the newly cleared land, then continually monitor their progress as they establish in their new setting. So far, 20,000 new indigenous trees have been planted, with plans for at least another 10,000 within the following year.

Nature is remarkably resilient, and if mankind works with rather than against it, great things can happen to the benefit of all. The Bisate Forest ecosystem has been recovering beautifully, with noticeable changes already taking place this early in the project. The staff have been diligently keeping an eye open for new species as they return to the land. Birds and mammals alike have been spotted, including black-fronted duiker, brush-tailed porcupine, genet, side-striped jackal, golden monkey, tree hyrax, two species of squirrel, bushbuck, African buffalo, wood owl, flycatchers and even the incredibly rare and sought-after African pitta.

To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we gave away a luxury safari trip, with 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales benefitting the gorilla habitat reforestation project. Donations are still being accepted if you'd like to help us rehabilitate land and expand the habitat available to endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife. Simply enter your information below. Thank you for your support!

Cape Town, South Africa has been known as a food and wine destination for many years.  La Colombe & The Test Kitchen are two of Cape Town’s top restaurants that are regularly rated as best in the world.  While these two restaurants are fairly impossible to get a reservation, the fabulous news is that there are literally hundreds of other quality choices to pick from.

After a five weeks of “restaurant testing” all over the city I can confidently say that Cape Town is indeed a foodie destination.  There is a vibrant restaurant scene for every person's price point - whether you want the more casual style or a seven course fine dining experience.

Below are just a few samplings of my favorite restaurants....

BLACK SHEEP
The daily changing blackboard menu always has something for everyone.  Fresh and simple foods in a fun relaxed atmosphere is what this restaurant is about.  The portions are generous but delicious enough it is worth ordering a starter to split.  They have a lovely selection of wines, beers and mixed drinks.    This was one of my favorite relaxed dining options.  We tested out both the lunch and dinner menus and everything we tried was two thumbs up.

THALI TAPAS
This is part of the award winning chef Liam Tomlin’s group of restaurants.  The Indian meal is a set meal (but with variations for any dietary preferences or allergies) and is out of this world.  Using a huge variety of Indian spices the eight dish meal brings to the table a glorious feast of flavors.   Drink choices are abundant and the service was top notch with explaining the various dishes.   Neither of us could stop eating even though the eight dishes were way more food than we would normally eat.    This restaurant does not accept reservations and is on a first come first serve basis but is well worth it to include while you are in Cape Town.

KLOOF STREET HOUSE
This was a favorite of ours in the ambience category.  The restaurant is set in an old Victorian house with lots of charm right on Kloof Street – so a great location for those folks staying in the City Bowl.  When the weather is good see if you can get a table out in the fairy lit magical garden.  The food is Mediterranean inspired with a South African twist.  They have a large menu varying from small plates, sharing platters, main course and dessert. 

FOXCROFT
Owned and operated by the same folks that run La Colombe, this restaurant is well worth the trek.  It is located in Constantia which is roughly a 30 minute ride from the city center (depending on traffic).  We tasted their set four plate menu, which was delightful!  The service was some of the best we experienced in our dining out, and not only helped us through picking our choices from the menu, but also had incredible wine knowledge to make pairing recommendations.    Each plate was well presented and extremely colorful and full of flavor.   Overall an amazing experience from start to finish.

POT LUCK CLUB
This is a sister restaurant to Luke Dale Robert’s Test Kitchen.   The downside is that it is difficult to get a reservation as they only open up reservations on the 1st of each month.  It’s in a fun setting in the Woodstock region of Cape Town.   The restaurant is on the 6th floor of a silo that sits in the Biscuit Mill complex.  Before or after dining set aside some time to take a stroll through the numerous fun shops at in this complex.  The menu is all tapas options.  The staff will recommend three to five small plates per person and there are plenty of options to please everyone.   The bring the dishes in order from lightest to heaviest flavors.  We loved all of our choices with the exception of the dessert being a disappointment.  The service was friendly and the location is fun. 

HONEST CHOCOLATE SHOP
Last but not least - if you need a quick sugar fix while you are in Cape Town make sure you stop by Honest Chocolate shop located between Bree and Loop Street.   Their signature dish is called the banana bread bunny chow.  It is a banana bread muffin hollowed out in the middle to be filled with ice cream and a rich chocolate sauce.  YUM!

The Mango team delights in making you restaurant reservations while you are in Cape Town.  We think the dining experience should definitely be a part of your overall experience while in this amazing city.

 

 

Images from the restaurants.

 

 

Madagascar is an exciting place to visit and quite different from mainland Africa.   In fact it is so different from other African countries that it is often called the 8th continent.  The country has an incredible variety of geography from the high plateaus, to the miles of beaches and coastlines to the different types of forest.  It is one of the most diverse landscapes I have seen in such a small geographic area.  Every location has its own unique species and with each exploration it is full of surprises.   What’s amazing is each of these destinations is just a few hours away.  

Just about everything you will see on the island (lemurs, chameleons, birds, fauna) is endemic to the island – it is almost at 90%.    And due to the absence of monkeys and predators (with the exception of the unique fossa) this island supports 103 lemur species.  This is the only place in the world you can find them.

My recent trip brought me to some of Madagascar’s best highlights.   I started off with some relaxation on the beaches (and swimming with the whale sharks) on Nosy Be.   Then off for some exploring through the Andasibe Mantadia national park.  Here the haunting sound of the indri call rang through the forest as they leap from tree to tree. One of my favorite lemurs to see in this region is the gorgeous white and orange fur of the diademed sifaka.    Night walks were very productive with numerous species of chameleon’s, frogs, spiders and some more species of lemurs commonly spotted at night including the tiny little gray mouse lemur hiding in the trees and the dwarf lemurs coming down to drink water from the plants at night.

Next up was Mandrare, located in the southeast of the island, which was a true highlight.   In the morning we would visit the spiny forest to watch the Verraux’s sifakas jump from cactus to cactus and in the afternoon just thirty minutes away by vehicle we visited the canopy forest to see the ring tailed lemurs jumping around on the ground.    Night walks were also very productive here to see the white-footed sportive, grey mouse and grey brown mouse lemurs.  The local community was a great cultural experience to learn more about the local way of life and their sacred forests.

Finishing up at a gorgeous beach, Manifiafy was a perfect finale.   The beautiful beach and warm waters were perfect for swimming/snorkeling/kayaking during the day but as I was keen to see more wildlife I was excited to explore the nearby forests to see the collard brown lemurs as well as the many chameleons in the area and unique birds and other reptiles.  As a fan of seafood I was in for a true delight with locally caught fish and shellfish served nightly!

My family’s next stop of our East African adventure took us to Tanzania, which shares a border with Kenya. Both the Serengeti (Tanzania) and the Masai Mara (Kenya) are famous safari destinations, but not many realize that they are in fact one contiguous ecosystem that has been split into two by a political boundary.

FOUR SEASONS SERENGETI

Our accommodation was the Serengeti Four Seasons and Mwiba Camp. While a departure from Mango’s usual preference for smaller, intimate camps, the Serengeti Four Seasons is ultra luxurious and perfect for large groups traveling together or those seeking a more traditional hotel experience. With several restaurants, a kids club, a traditional boma, large spa and billiards room, this brings the high end amenities of a city hotel to the middle of the Serengeti. Thanks to even, raised walkways, this is also a great place for those with mobility issues.

Our room was comfortable and well-appointed like a city hotel, but with a safari flair. My daughter loved the large main pool for the downtime between game drives. Not only is heated (it can get chillier there than you would think), but it also overlooks a lively waterhole. There’s nothing better than relaxing and playing with your kids against a backdrop of elephants, gazelles and giraffes.

Throughout our stay, the lovely Tanzanian staff took excellent care of us. As we traveled outside of the peak season, it was uncrowded and peaceful. When we went on game drives, we were impressed with the diversity and abundance of the wildlife we encountered. The guides were knowledgeable and very child friendly. A good guide makes all the differences when traveling with children. Many will have kids of their own, and love inspiring the next generation of conservationists.

MWIBA CAMP

Mwiba is a fantastic region comprising two private concessions bordering the southern end of Serengeti National Park, up in the Ngorongoro Highlands. We love this area because it is a prime example of converting a concession once used for consumptive trophy hunting tourism into sustainable, ethical photographic safari tourism. 

A small and intimate camp with just 10 rooms, Mwiba Camp is phenomenal for families. All activities are privately guided and you're guaranteed your own guide and vehicle throughout your stay. Whent traveling with kids, this is an absolutely luxury! It means you can explore at your own pace, take breaks when you need and depart/return from activities as suits the needs of your family. Additionally, the seasonal camp is the only one located in the region, giving total privacy and exclusivity - something that we love at Mango! 

Being on a private concession has some serious benefits in terms of offerings. We were able to drive off road, drive at night searching for elusive nocturnal wildlife, go for bush picnics in the best spots, go for a walking safari and participate in cultural walking excursions with the local tribes - all of which my daughter loved! The staff are fantastic with children and the butlers did a wonderful job playing with and entertaining the kiddos in camp. Between the pool, the games and the activities designed just for kids, Stella had an absolute blast. 

The Serengeti Four Seasons is not for everyone, but it is a wonderful option for the right client and we readily recommend it in the right situation. We certainly had a fantastic time!

The next stop on my family’s travels through Kenya was the Laikia Plateau region, specifically the Ol Jogi Conservancy and Segera Retreat. Simply put, this region is absolutely stunning. As the high plateau of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, this area is a sprawling woody plain with dramatic rocky hills scattered about and beautiful views of Mt Kenya in the distance. Home to a collection of expansive private conservancies and national game reserves, there are plenty of different options for travelers to explore and stay at.

One of the aspects that makes this northern reach of Kenya so special are the unique wildlife that call it home. Located just above the equator, travelers have the chance to see animals such as gerenuks (a peculiar antelope), Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes and Somali ostriches. Beyond these endemic creatures, this is also one of the best safari destinations in East Africa to see rhinos, thanks to numerous successful conservation projects operating across the reserves.

Staying in this region is just as much of a treat as the safari experiences are. With a great selection of small, intimate properties, there is an option for every travel style. With some properties available for exclusive use, we strongly recommend the Laikipia Plateau for families or friends traveling together. While we were there, we stayed at Segera Retreat and Ol Jogi Conservancy – both of which we loved!

We also love the variety of activities available beyond the standard wildlife safari options. You can stop by a rhino conservation project and learn about their efforts; visit art sites; indulge in spa experiences at your camp/lodge (property dependent); experience tribal culture and participate in traditional activities; visit the gardens; go for a horseback riding safari; try a sleepout under the stars; participate in a walking safari; and enjoy bush picnics amid the beautiful scenery.

My daughter loved getting to bottle feed one of the orphaned rhinos, test our her culinary skills with a cooking lesson and watch a traditional dance performance. Of course the pools were well-tested out and received the kid seal of approval.

With so many options available to you, this creates an engaging and exciting destination that is perfect for families. No matter the age of your children, there is a perfect camp for your family. Don’t worry – we’ve done the legwork with our own families and can recommend the best of the best to you!

So you've booked your safari, pored over your itinerary and daydreamed about meeting elephants. Now it's time to start deciding on your packing strategy and narrowing down what you want to bring. We suggest following our packing list and few key guidelines for stress free packing.

Documentation
Passport & visas (if separate from passport)
Health certificates if needed
Airline tickets
Spending money & money belt
Proof of insurance
Photocopy of passport & traveler’s checks
International driver’s license – if renting a car

Clothing
2 pairs of shorts or capris
2 pairs of lightweight pants or skirts/dresses for women
3 lightweight shirts
2 long-sleeved, lightweight shirts
1 lightweight sweater/fleece
1 warm/wind-proof jacket
Undergarments & socks – sports bra for women
1 pair all-weather sandals
1 pair lightweight walking shoes
1 pair evening shoes for lodges & cities
1 pair sunglasses (polarized is best)
1 sun hat
Swimsuit
Warm hat & gloves (seasonally)

Toiletries
General toiletries
Prescription drugs w/ original labels
Glasses & contact lenses w/ solution
Sunscreen & sun protective lip balm
Insect repellant (containing DEET – 20% is optimal)

General
Luggage ID tags
Luggage locks (TSA approved)
Travel alarm clock
Travel umbrella (seasonally)
Camera/video equipment (charger & extra memory cards)
Binoculars
Plug adapters (we recommend a universal adapter)
Journal & pens
Book (see Reading List for suggestions)
Flashlight/headlamp & batteries
Water bottle

First Aid Kit
Malaria tablets
Prescription drugs w/ original labels
Motion sickness pills
Allergy pills (seasonal & food-related if needed)
The basics: bandages, antibiotic ointment, Imodium AD, antihistamines, antacids, pain relievers, waterproof tape, antiseptic, tweezers, small scissors, etc.

 

Deciding what you're going to bring is a fun way to amp up the excitment and anticipation leading up to your trip, especially with your kids, so let's get packing!