AAC Senior Journey Specialist Angie Voigt traveled to Kenya last fall. She joins us on the blog to share more about her experience.
I returned to my beloved Kenya for a journey that was as much about discovery as it was about deep connection. I wanted to venture beyond the well-known safari spots and uncover experiences that even the most seasoned travelers rarely get to encounter. What I found was nothing short of extraordinary: wild spaces so untouched and soul stirring that I was moved to tears more than once.
There were countless ‘pinch-me’ moments that reminded me why I fell in love with Africa in the first place. What struck me most was the profound sense of solitude and authenticity you can find when you step away from the crowds. In the far north, Kenya’s landscapes open into vast, untamed beauty. Places like Lewa, Laikipia and Samburu aren’t just scenic, they’re living examples of conservation success. Here, wildlife thrives because people and nature coexist in harmony, and every safari experience is designed with preservation in mind. This is how all safaris should be: crafted with conservation at the heart of every experience. The farther north you go, the wilder and more meaningful it gets!
At first light, Naboisho Conservancy feels almost private. Here, the rhythm of life feels unhurried, unspoiled. A lion moves steadily across the open plains, hyenas call in the distance and wildebeest graze undisturbed. This is the privilege of visiting the private Naboisho Conservancy, which has one of Africa’s largest lion populations yet few guests and little vehicle traffic. No crowds, no rush … just you, your guide and the wild unfolding in its purest form.
Perched on a rugged escarpment in Laikipia, Ol Malo is a launchpad for adventure! Picture this: you’re savoring tea on the veranda when the rhythmic hum of rotor blades breaks the silence. Two helicopters sweep into view, and moments later, you’re airborne, doors off, wind in your hair, heart racing. Racing above the ground you skim river gorges and trace ancient lava flows, before landing on a rocky outcrop for sundowners with 360-degree views of Kenya’s last frontier with views of giraffe, zebra and elephants below.
Back at Ol Malo, every detail whispers freedom: horseback rides alongside giraffe, camel treks to admire Samburu country, authentic manyatta (village) visits, an exclusive tasting in Ol Malo’s ‘home’ distillery, nights under a starlit sky in a treehouse and more. This isn’t just a safari; it is a love letter to wildness.
Visiting Reteti, Africa’s first community-owned elephant sanctuary, is an experience that stays with you. As dawn breaks over the remote Matthews Range, orphaned calves bound out eagerly, anticipating their morning feeding. Samburu keepers sing songs passed down through generations as they offer goat’s milk collected from the local “milk mamas.” This is conservation at its most intimate: a story of resilience and reciprocity, where people and wildlife heal together. Staying at Sarara Camp, Sarara Treehouse or the intimate Reteti House allows travelers access to the sanctuary and a setting that feels deeply connected to the landscape and culture. Visiting Reteti isn’t a box on a safari checklist; it’s a reminder that every choice we make can ripple outward to protect wildlife.
In addition to visiting Reteti, guests at Sarara Camp, Sarara Treehouse and the exclusive use Reteti House can enjoy activities such as game drives and bush walks through the scenic wilderness, horseback rides, guided hikes, bush dinners, helicopter adventures (additional cost) and fly camping. Cultural activities with the Samburu are also available – from visiting nomadic Montessori schools or a manyatta (homestead) to watching Samburu dancing or learning from a blacksmith, there are wonderful chances to immerse in the local culture.
Set high on a ridge in the heart of Lewa Conservancy, Lewa House feels less like a lodge and more like a family home – warm and welcoming. Here, you might track rhinos at dawn (they are everywhere!), ride horseback through valleys where endangered Grevy’s zebra graze or join Callum, Lewa House’s host and manager (along with his wife Sophie), for a fascinating talk on the region’s prehistoric past, complete with insights into fossil discoveries and Kenya’s ancient landscapes. Enjoy sundowner conversations with your Maasai guide, Joseph, whose stories of tradition and transformation offer a rare glimpse into Kenya’s soul. Every stay supports Lewa’s pioneering conservation work, protecting endangered species and empowering local communities.
In northern Laikipia, shiny-new Suyian Lodge blends seamlessly into its rocky surroundings, echoing the raw beauty of the landscape. Every suite opens to sweeping views of escarpment and sky. You can saddle up for a horseback safari across golden plains, walk with camels along ancestral trails or lift off in a helicopter to trace the Great Rift Valley. This area is also home to an elusive melanistic (black) leopard. Between adventures, plunge into your private pool, sip fine wine in a shaded courtyard or embrace the stillness in the wellness sanctuary.
Every stay contributes to a holistic conservation model that safeguards Laikipia’s fragile ecosystems and supports local communities. A stay at Suyian offers the chance to immerse yourself in wild luxury while leaving a lasting impact.
These experiences remind us that we don’t exist in isolation. Our choices, our travels and our presence matter. When safaris are designed with a focus on conservation, they help to protect wild spaces, empower communities and foster a legacy of harmony between people and nature.
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Photos courtesy AAC Senior Journey Specialist Angie Voigt, Ol Malo and Sarara Camp