Kenya has a way of pulling you in — and this time, it truly stole my heart. I’ve just returned from an in-depth scouting trip across Kenya, personally visiting lodges, meeting guides, and immersing myself in the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures that make East Africa so extraordinary.

From Samburu and Laikipia to the iconic Masai Mara, this journey wasn’t just about seeing incredible places — it was about experiencing them so I can confidently design the right safari for you. If an East African adventure is on your radar, now is the perfect time to start planning — just tell me when you’d like to go, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Debbie Mc Hardy

Your Luxury Travel Advisor

Samburu

Staying at Reteti House felt less like a hotel stay and more like being welcomed into the heart of Samburu. Tucked into the wild beauty of the Namunyak Conservancy, the house blends seamlessly into the landscape—earthy, elegant, and deeply connected to community and conservation. Days began with sweeping views, incredible home-cooked meals, and the kind of stillness you can only find in truly remote Africa.

The soul of the experience, though, was visiting the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Watching rescued elephant calves being cared for by Samburu keepers—many of whom grew up on this land—was incredibly moving. This is conservation done with the community, not just for it. From feeding time to learning about the Milk to Market program that supports local families, every moment reminded me how travel can genuinely change lives (human and elephant alike). The highlight was walking out with the elephants after feeding time!

Reteti House isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about connection: to people, to purpose, and to a place that stays with you long after you leave. One of those rare stays that quietly rewires your heart

and Beyond Suyian Lodge

My stay at Suyian Lodge was one of those soul-stirring experiences where luxury, wilderness, and wellness meet in the most effortless way. Set deep within the dramatic landscapes of Suyian Conservancy, Suyian feels wonderfully remote—yet every detail is beautifully considered.

One of the most fascinating reasons to come here? The possibility of seeing the legendary black leopard. While I didn’t spot one myself (that’s safari… always humbling 😉), Suyian is one of the rare places in Africa where this elusive creature roams. Just knowing it could appear adds a layer of magic to every game drive—eyes scanning the shadows, hearts quietly hoping. I did however wake up to the most incredible sunrise with lions roaring in the valley below

When not out exploring, Suyian excels at slowing you all the way down. The spa is exceptional—deeply relaxing treatments inspired by nature—and the yoga sessions, set against endless wilderness, are pure bliss. Stretching, breathing, and grounding yourself while surrounded by raw Africa is an experience I didn’t know I needed.

Suyian is for travelers who want more than just game viewing—it’s about presence, possibility, and reconnecting with yourself in a place that feels truly wild.

Lewa Private Wilderness

Debbie on a Camel safari in Lewa Conservancy

Lewa Private Wilderness, and exclusive-use camp is pure, old-school safari perfection—thoughtful, authentic, and packed with unforgettable moments. Set in the heart of the iconic Lewa Conservancy, this is a place where conservation isn’t a buzzword—it’s a way of life.

Game drives were exceptional, with incredible sightings of both white rhinoceros and black rhinoceros, alongside elegant cheetah and powerful lion. Every drive felt purposeful and thrilling, knowing how vital Lewa’s work is in protecting these species.

One of my favorite experiences was riding a camel, while one of my colleagues headed out on horseback—quietly riding through the conservancy, feeling completely immersed in the landscape, with wildlife nearby.

Food here deserves its own standing ovation. After visiting the lodge’s vibrant vegetable gardens, lunch at the Shamba Table was a highlight—fresh, seasonal, farm-to-table dishes served outdoors, surrounded by views that remind you exactly where your meal came from. Add a magical bush breakfast—coffee brewing over the fire, wide-open views, and zero agenda—and you have safari dining at its absolute best

Enasoit

Enasoit Exclusive Use Camp was the kind of safari experience that feels deeply personal—wild, private, and wonderfully unpolished in the best possible way. Set within the pristine Enasoit Conservancy, this exclusive-use camp is all about space, freedom, and feeling like the landscape belongs just to you.

Wildlife encounters were outstanding. We spent time with majestic elephant, watched powerful buffalo moving through the bush, and had unforgettable sightings of lion—moments that felt raw and unscripted, exactly how safari should be.

One of the standout memories was sundowners on the rock. As the sun dipped behind the Laikipia hills, drinks in hand, the world went quiet except for the sounds of nature below. Golden light, wide-open views, and that unmistakable African hush—it was one of those pause-and-breathe moments you wish you could bottle.

Masai Mara

My time in the Mara, split between Elewana River Lodge and Ishara Mara, was safari at its most raw and unforgettable. Two very different lodges, both perfectly placed to deliver the kind of wildlife moments you never forget.

At Elewana River Lodge, mornings began with the sounds of the bush and game drives that reminded us just how intense life on the plains can be.

Then came Ishara, which felt like a beautiful contrast—sleek, contemporary, and incredibly stylish, yet still deeply connected to its surroundings. After the intensity of game drives, returning to Ishara’s calming design, exceptional food, and serene river setting felt like a soft landing without losing that sense of wilderness. The picture is complete with a photographic studio, gym and incredible spa

At Ishara, we witnessed one of the most dramatic scenes nature can offer: a pride of lioness’s bringing down a buffalo. It was powerful, emotional, and humbling—an unfiltered reminder that the Mara is not a zoo, but a living, breathing ecosystem where every moment matters.

Pride of Lioness’ take down a loan buffalo bull

Wild Hill

I ended my trip to Kenya at Wild Hill, an exclusive-use villa and one of those quietly spectacular experiences that sneaks up on you and then completely steals your heart. Perched high above the plains, Wild Hill delivers jaw-dropping views that make you pause mid-sentence—and that’s before the wildlife even enters the picture.

There’s an effortless intimacy here. The lodge feels private, relaxed, and deeply connected to the landscape, with thoughtful design that lets the scenery do the talking. Whether it was early mornings watching the light roll across the hills or evenings gathered for sundowners with endless horizons stretching out below, every moment felt at ease and grounding.

The perfect place to end your safari and relax - wide open spaces, incredible views, spa treatments and that sense of freedom you only get in places that aren’t overrun, and include warm hospitality, delicious meals, and fireside conversations under star-filled skies.

💫 African Firefly Forecast:

What’s Trending for 2026

Cultural Travel: Immersing yourself in the local culture

Private Conservancies: More exclusive, sustainable safaris away from crowds.

Multi-Generational Travel: Families discovering Africa together.

Conservation in Action: Lodges partnering directly with local communities.

Purposeful Luxury: Fewer destinations, deeper connections.

2026 is here and Africa’s most coveted lodges fill fast.

Let’s start designing your next great story.

✉️ Email me at Debbie@africanfirefly.com to begin your next journey.

Don’t delay, let’s start planning your next trip!

Call: +1 (941) 960 6099
Email: debbie@africanfirefly.com

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Kenya Stole my Heart