Christy M. traveled through Africa 24 years ago and returned three years later to Kenya and Tanzania, that time with Africa Adventure Consultants. “It was such a special adventure that captured my heart and soul.” She knew that she wanted to share that special feeling with people she loved. Fast forward to December 2025 and Christy was once again back in Africa, this time with her partner Erik and two boys.
“When both boys were old enough, I started to plan this amazing trip with the help of Tracy and AAC. It was important for me to share the wonder of travel and distinct experiences which ultimately shaped me as a person and what I stand for.”
When reflecting back on her family safari, Christy found herself sharing with people that family connection was the most amazing part of their trip.
“We spent meal times recounting our days and sharing our joyful moments. We learned more about each other, and the lenses with which each of us witnessed each experience.”
Favorite safari moments for the family included watching orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust barreling towards their milk bottles during feeding time.
“It was incredible getting so close to them. Erik had adopted one of them prior to our even knowing we were going on this trip, so it was very special to meet Wamata.”
The family also decided to add a hot air balloon safari to their activities in the Masai Mara.
“To witness the colors and contrast of the landscape and the vastness of the earth and sky from that vantage point was beyond our wildest dreams.”
A surprise bush breakfast also delighted the family, as did the chance to learn about Maasai culture. Wildlife sightings and encounters abounded during their safari – both on land and in the ocean. Christy was thrilled seeing a leopard for the first time, crediting her guide Charity with a very special sighting.
“She was beautiful, and the joy in Charity's face also highlighted the experience. We were the only ones there and the leopard quickly disappeared into the bush.”
Seeing multiple cheetahs was another highlight for the family, as was a sighting of a pride of lions feasting on a zebra, another sighting that they had the chance to experience with no other guests in the vicinity.
“All encounters were very, very close (no zoom lens required!) and the enthusiasm and commitment of our guides to bring those sightings to us was awesome. My two previous times in Kenya were amazing, but the animal sightings this time were superlative.”
Visiting Zanzibar gave the family a whole new experience to share. They found that the chance to spend time in Stone Town both on tours and on their own was a great family activity. From their resort, they loved the chance to explore the ocean, seeing parrot fish, angel fish, sea cucumbers, starfish and much more under the waves.
Christy and her family thought their guides were excellent, noting how nice it was to have both a male and also a female guide during their travels.
“Mike drove us through the village he lives in, and shared his perspective of Maasai living. With him, we always seemed to find the notable animal sightings first... Charity was amazing because she is in a male-dominated profession and her passion and dedication have facilitated her rise to the top. She was also very open about her Maasai upbringing which enabled us to better understand her and her culture. Her animal tracking abilities were incredible…We quickly understood that she is well liked and very good at what she does!”
Christy and her family also very much enjoyed their safari accommodations throughout their trip.
“All of the accommodations were amazing… At Kifaru, Christopher and James took very good care of us and would often find us on the property and ask if we needed anything. Cottars - the two separate adjoining tents with common family area and expansive deck were incredible. WOW! We loved hanging out on our deck, especially for the bush bath! Zuri…was a nice shift from bush safari and we engaged in daily table tennis family tournaments, beach lunches and swimming in the incomprehensibly blue waters.”
The cuisine on safari also left an impression on the family. With one food allergy and another selective eater, they found that everyone was well cared for and that they really enjoyed the food.
“Christmas Eve we were treated to a beachside dinner. Our assigned staff, Malik, had reserved an ocean side table and with the lights and band playing music it was magical...”
Christy has advice for travelers considering a safari.
“Definitely use Africa Adventure Consultants!!! I had such a great experience with them 21 years ago. When planning another Africa trip, I initially did an internet search and quickly became overwhelmed by all the companies out there. I was relieved to see that Africa Adventure Consultants was still thriving and even had grown! They promptly engaged in the planning process and I knew instantly they would create the trip of a lifetime. They have proven to consistently be able to anticipate our interests and craft an incredible journey.”
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Photos courtesy AAC Livingstone Club member Christy M., AAC Safari Concierge Madison Noble, Elewana Kifaru House, Cottar’s 1920s Camp and Zuri Zanzibar