Anita Patrickson and I landed in Nairobi with a full itinerary curated by Roar Africa, the industry leader in ultra luxe safari experiences in Africa, allowing clients the most spectacular wilderness experiences with the knowledge and sensitivity only people showcasing their homeland can. The team at Roar Africa insist on only working with the best experts and thought leaders to craft inimitable luxurious and memorable trips thata create the space for personal transformation. Their dedicated teams on the ground—whose logistical expertise can only be likened to the navy seals of travel—ensure unparalleled comfort. This is the brainchild of CEO and founder Deborah Calmeyer. Deb has her finger on the pulse at every stage; as a highly respected specialist in the industry, she takes guests on a deeper journey in search of something they never knew they were looking for. I am a testament to that!
Our adventure started at Wilson Airport. It was both my first time in Africa and on safari, and without a doubt, something I will forever treasure in my heart.
As a fashion stylist, you’d think that I would have mastered the art of travelling light… this couldn’t be further from the truth! But when you’re told explicitly that you cannot travel with more than 12kg you have to adapt. My safari wardrobe was kept light with managing day to night looks with layers. My vintage Chloe khaki trousers were worn on repeat ( there was a complimentary laundry service at all our lodges ! ) along with my waterproof tan cargo jacket by Wardrobe.NYC and, for the warmer weather days, linen coordinating sets by Casa Raki.
Bouncing in on a dirt runway deep in the Masai Mara, we were picked up by the team from the Angama Mara in a fully equipped Land Cruiser. We made our way through the bush to our lodge, arriving just in time for a lunch filled with local organic produce. We were treated to uninterrupted panoramic views of the Mara, blissfully untethered to the internet. It was, quite simply, breathtaking!
It was then time for our first drive and the excitement was running though my veins. There were elephants so close we could nearly touch them, a dazzle of zebras, and a herd of buffalo. I just couldn’t believe my eyes. A life-long dream had come true!
Picnic lunch at the infamous "Out Of Africa" film location
One of the most aggressive and deadliest of the largest mammals In the world — the hippopotamus
Angama Mara is the very site where all the romantic scenes of Out of Africa were filmed—including the picnic scene featured on the movie poster. With uninterrupted views, the stillness and the calm, it was something quite simply out of the ordinary. It was so special to celebrate this treasured piece of cinematic history and a memory I shall treasure forever.
Hyaenas are unique and vital components of the Africa ecosystem system
Being on foot on the actual earth with both a Maasai guide and an armed guard, you learn a wealth of skills, from the intricate differences between hyenas and leopard tracks, to the names of the plants and the roles they play in medicine for the tribes. Then we had Boma drinks with a special celebration ceremony by the Masai Mara, sipping pink gin and tonics and nibbling on small bites!
We stayed at the NgoroNgoro Crater lodge where Maasai meets Versailles—a vision of romance on the rim of the ancient NgoroNgoro caldera. It’s often described as the games lodge at the top of the world. Between the natural riches of the crater spread out below, and the incredible architecture it’s easy to believe you have entered a realm of pure fantasy.
Anita and I enjoying the vast spectacular view of the Mara from the "Out of Africa" film location
It was the most insanely beautiful place it’s difficult to describe. Like nothing you could ever imagine, it’s a world within a world; its own ecosystem; all the animals cohabiting together. We saw birth, death, feeding frenzies—the circle of life. Nearly 3 million years old, the ancient caldera shelters are one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth. Endangered black rhino are protected within its rim, giant tusked elephants wander the forests, male lion stalk the grassland… And what’s more enchanting than having breakfast by the soda lakes crowded with flamingos?
Breakfast spot admiring the solo flamingo at Ngorongoro crater
Being so close to nature has really changed my perceptive on watching how animals live and survive. Our morning game drive treated us to scenes of copulating lions, and our amazing guide Bernard managed to spot a leopard sleeping in a tree so camouflaged, it just goes to show how experienced all these amazing rangers are.
A rare leopard sighting — the highlight of my trip!
On the way back, our guide Bernard who has the eyes of a hawk found us a cheetah—belly full and basking in the afternoon sun—who was not alarmed at all by our vehicle. We got so close! Once again, I just couldn’t believe my eyes!
Admiring the craftsmanship of Anita’s Amanu team in kibira creating the gold hardware for her sandals
AMANU has since launched handbags, belts and jewellery in 2024 and is stocked on Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi, Saks, Shopbop and a number of specialty stores both within the US, Europe, Asia and Africa. Being able to see firsthand the impact and good AMANU does was extraordinary and definitely gives me hope for the future of luxury fashion.
I have seen every animal imaginable on our safari trip! I can only count my lucky stars to have witnessed such beauty in all these creatures! To say our trip was seamless, stress-free and spectacular is an understatement; it was the trip of a lifetime that I will never ever forget! There is a profound transformation that happens on safari; senses are activated, hearts are opened. We are reminded what it means to truly engage with nature and the sheer beauty of the earth.
Editor
Olivia Buckingham
