Kenya Trilogy Fam Trip: Journey Across Lewa, Laikipia and the Mara
Some highlight moments from the Kenya Trilogy Fam Trip earlier this year
Earlier this year, Leanne and Laura hosted a seven‑day journey across three of Kenya’s most distinctive conservancies — Lewa, Laikipia and Isaaten — a route that blends conservation, community, wildlife and deeply personal hosting. The areas all offering contrasts from the green springs and acacia trees in Lewa, the rocky valleys of Laikipia, and the sweeping plains of the Isaaten near the Mara.
Laura captured some of their moments on camera and Leanne chatted to us about their trip and each destination.
Sirikoi Lodge — Lewa Conservancy
Arriving into Lewa from Wilson Airport, the journey immediately begun with a forest lunch in Ngare Ndare under the trees, before continuing to Sirikoi Lodge, their home for the next two nights.
Sirikoi set the tone for the trip: tranquil, green, and incredibly personal. The lodge’s spring attracted constant plains game, and the group was welcomed by Nditu, the resident giraffe rescued as a three‑day‑old calf. Days were filled with rhino sightings, acacia forests, community visits, and time with Sue, whose warmth and authenticity shaped the atmosphere of the lodge.
To read more about their stay at Sirikoi, click here →Sirikoi Fam Trip blog
Ol Lentille — Laikipia
A short Tropic Air hop carried the group north into Laikipia’s wild beauty. The change from Lewa to Laikipia was so quick and different — mountains, rocks, valleys and wildflowers after recent rains. Ol Lentille quickly became the emotional centre of the trip. The hosting was deeply personal, the community interactions meaningful, and the activities — camel safaris, dry riverbed walks, village visits, and a sunrise summit of Laikipia’s tallest hill — all so unforgettable.
To read more about their stay at Ol Lentille, click here → Ol Lentille Fam Trip blog
Mara Bushtops — Isaaten Conservancy
The final stop brought the group into the Mara area, arriving at Siana Airstrip before driving through the Isaaten Conservancy to Mara Bushtops. Despite heavy rains, the wildlife delivered prime sightings in the Mara Reserve, sundowners with Maasai dancers, and evenings spent stargazing or relaxing at the spa.
To read more about their stay at Mara Bushtops, click here → Mara Bushtops Fam Trip
Thank you to all who joined and hosted
Kenya’s strength lies not only in its wildlife, but in its people and diverse landscapes. Thank you to everyone who joined Travel Promoters on this wonderful adventure, we hope you are now better able to understand and feel the value of each of these unique and incredibly special destinations. To our wonderful hosts and teams at Sirikoi, Ol Lentille and Mara Bushtops - thank you for sharing your piece of heaven with this group.
Sirikoi Lodge: An Oasis of Green in Lewa Conservancy
Leanne talks about her recent visit to Sirikoi and the stand out moments that make it such an unforgettable destination.
Leanne talks us through her recent visit to Sirikoi and the moments that stood out for her as a guest experience.
Sirikoi has a way of settling over you the moment you arrive. Even though access was easy — a quick flight into Lewa Downs and a scenic detour through Ngare Ndare Forest for lunch — the real welcome happened at the lodge itself. The spring was alive with plains game, the lawns impossibly green, and Nditu, the resident giraffe, wandered over as if she’d been waiting for us. Sixteen years on from being rescued as a three‑day‑old calf, she is still a firm part of the Sirikoi family.
The lodge atmosphere is exactly what guests hope for but rarely find. Open decks that invite guests to stay, quiet corners, acacia trees full of birdlife — everything spaced out just enough to give privacy without losing the sense of being part of a shared space. Sue joining us for drinks on the first night, and then dinner the next, reinforced that feeling. She’s warm, humble, and wonderfully real. Knowing she spent most of her life living in a tent explains a lot about Sirikoi’s grounded, unpretentious character.
Game drives in Lewa were a highlight, especially the rhino sightings — more than we saw anywhere else on the trip. The terrain is beautiful: rolling hills, pockets of acacia forest, valleys that open into wide plains. Onesmus (Ness), Sonita and Ngila guided us, dressed in Maasai attire that added a refreshing touch of culture to the experience. With only around 30 vehicles across the conservancy, sightings are never crowded.
A visit to the Lewa Ops Centre added depth to the stay. Monica’s overview of how they monitor elephant and rhino movements across Lewa and Borana was impressive and a reminder of how much quiet work goes into keeping these landscapes safe. Sirikoi’s involvement with The Long Run and community initiatives is extensive.
Food at Sirikoi deserves its own mention. Fresh, wholesome, creative and largely sourced from the garden, it was consistently excellent. The team handled gluten‑free requirements effortlessly, producing muffins, breads and biscuits that tasted no different from the originals. Chef Machario’s 15 years at Sirikoi show in every dish.
Activities flowed naturally: a walk in Ngare Ndare Forest, lunch set up beautifully under the trees, a visit to Leparua village with singing, dancing and traditional games, and a gentle walk with ranger Ibrahim to the waterfalls. Each moment felt unforced and authentic.
Accommodation in the family tent was comfortable and spacious, with bathrooms that felt far more substantial than a typical tented option. Hot water bottles at night were a welcome touch in Lewa’s cooler evenings.
Sirikoi is peaceful, genuine and deeply connected to its surroundings. It’s the kind of lodge where guests feel part of daily life rather than observers — a rare quality that sets it apart.
Ol Lentille: Visiting Laikipia’s Landscape and Community
The second stop on the Kenya Trilogy Fam Trip earlier this year was Ol Lentille, where Leanne and Laura shared their notes on what made this experience stand out.
The second stop on the Kenya Trilogy Fam Trip earlier this year was Ol Lentille, where Leanne shared her notes on what made this experience stand out.
Ol Lentille — the place that crept into everyone’s hearts. The shift from Lewa’s rolling hills to Laikipia’s dramatic mountains and rocky valleys was immediate the moment we landed at their private airstrip. After recent rains, the conservancy was dotted with wildflowers, and the drive to the lodge felt like a scenic game drive on arrival.
The atmosphere at Ol Lentille is shaped by its views. Every house, every deck, every communal space seems to frame the landscape in a different way. The lodge runs almost entirely on solar power, something you only truly appreciate once you see how remote and elevated the houses are. There are steps and rocky paths between them, but it all makes sense — the views wouldn’t exist without the elevation.
What sets Ol Lentille apart is the people. Solomon, Boni and Isaac brought us into their world with a sincerity that’s hard to describe. As an example, we met Felix’s mother by chance while she was tending goats and beading her necklace, and the next day we met his little boy on his way to school. These weren’t staged moments; they were simply part of daily life, shared openly. You are welcomed into their lives, where they have grown up and you feel how everyone knows everyone and supports each other.
Wildlife sightings were memorable — wild dogs twice in one morning, a kill later that day, kudu, zebra, elephants, and the soundtrack of hyena and lions at night.
But it was the community experiences that defined the stay. The visit to St Anne Nosirai School was emotional. Built through the Ol Lentille Trust, it has grown from 30 children to 542. Their welcome song was heartfelt, and conversations with the senior class were genuine and curious.
The manyatta visit offered insight into daily life, roles within the home, and traditions like sterilising goat milk containers with smoke. The local Tuesday market was vibrant and full of character, giving a glimpse into the rhythm of northern Kenya.
Activities were varied and meaningful: a dry riverbed walk followed by a bush breakfast, camel riding with Edward (who spoke to the camels like they were his children), bead‑making with Tina, a picnic under a fig tree, and a sunrise climb to Ol Lentille Peak — Laikipia’s tallest hill. Sundowners on Flat Rock were unforgettable, and the Samburu dancing at the boma dinner added a celebratory close to the day. Ending the night with The Lion King under the stars, complete with s’mores and popcorn, was a charming touch.
Food was fresh, healthy and full of homemade elements — granola, yoghurt, jams. Chef Lazarus delivered consistently good meals, with only one dish slightly overdone. Hosting throughout was exceptional, blending professionalism with genuine warmth.
Accommodation varied across the houses. Acacia South was spacious but warm due to limited windows, while other houses had unique layouts that suited different travellers. Regardless of the house, privacy and views were guaranteed.
Ol Lentille is a place of connection — to land, to people, to community. It’s the kind of lodge that leaves travellers quiet on departure, processing the experience. It stayed with everyone long after we left.
Mara Bushtops: Visiting Private Conservancy Luxury
Leanne shares her notes on her recent visit to Mara Bushtops with the fam trip earlier this year.
Siana Airstrip welcome set up
For the final stop on the Kenya Trilogy Fam Trip earlier this year, the group ended their journey in complete luxury and calm of the Isaaten Private Conservancy. Leanne shares her stay with us.
Beautiful Mara - From even before we arrived - the experience felt elevated - landing at Siana Airstrip to a beautifully set‑up tent with sofas, drinks, snacks and spotless facilities. Three vehicles were allocated to the group, each with a driver and spotter, and the drive to camp doubled as a game drive.
The lodge feels more established than its Serengeti counterpart. Tents are closer together, but the views remain wide and open. The salt lick is a focal point, drawing wildlife throughout the day. Lawrence welcomed us with champagne and snacks, and lunch under the tree overlooking the salt lick — complete with a live camera feed — was a fun touch that the group loved.
A tour of the garden with Alfred was wonderful. His pride in the mangoes, pawpaws and granadilla vines was great to witness, and the garden itself was neat, colourful and beautifully maintained.
Despite heavy rains and a few change in plans, the wildlife delivered. The conservancy is rich in giraffe and zebra thanks to its trees, while the Mara Reserve offered classic big‑game viewing. The guiding team was exceptional — knowledgeable, intuitive and calm. Rain prevented a night drive, but sundowners with Maasai dancers overlooking camp were a highlight before the weather turned.
Food at Mara Bushtops was generous and varied. The “Tastes of Home” menu offered comfort, while the main menu provided an extensive restaurant‑style selection. The group loved the choice. Snacks on drives — especially the nuts — were a hit.
The spa was a welcome retreat. A quick facial proved excellent, and drinks at the spa on the final night were memorable, with Orion constellation lights shimmering in the pool before the rain returned once again.
Isaaten Conservancy works well as a base. It offers privacy, greenery, and the option to walk or drive within the conservancy. With strong lion activity, a resident leopard and plenty of plains game, it compliments the Mara Reserve perfectly. One full day in the reserve is often enough during peak season.
Claudia and Andy joining us for dinner on the final night added a personal touch to the stay.
Accommodation was luxurious, comfortable and well‑appointed.
Mara Bushtops delivered a refined, wildlife‑rich end to the journey, balancing luxury with a strong sense of place.
The Catch from River Nile
The Catch from River Nile - Lemala Wildwaters Lodge, Diederik Vandenhoeke from Africa Beyond Borders, collaborative short film. The Spirit of Lemala
Watch this heartwarming, atmospheric and above all, honest insight into why Lemala properties believe that working with and for the community enhances the experience for our guests.
Huge thanks to Diederik Vandenhoeke from Africa Beyond Borders for the collaboration and for helping bring this beautiful story to life.
Spending time on the pristine waters around Lemala Wildwaters Lodge, following James Wafula as he fishes, is a reminder of just how special this place is – wild, soulful, and deeply connected to the rhythm of the Nile.
As James so perfectly puts it:
“Life is here - at Lemala Wildwaters because it is a place where you feel the cool breeze, the hairs on the skin even seem to dance. It is sheer pleasure.”
And from Diederik himself:
“When a lodge helps the community by the river to make a living, it just feels natural to support them. And when the fisherman smiles, the lodge smiles too.”
Stories like this are why we do what we do and why we commit so fully to the #SpiritOfLemala
What Makes Bushtops the Pinnacle of Safari Experiences
Leanne and Laura share their experience from their recent trip to Tanzania at Bushtops Serengeti.
Leanne and Laura recently returned from a familiarisation trip through Tanzania, where they spent time at Serengeti Bushtops to experience the camp exactly as our guests do. Their reflections from the journey capture the details, surprises, and standout moments that make Bushtops such an exceptional safari experience.
Some safari camps promise luxury. Bushtops simply delivers it—quietly, consistently, and with a level of finesse that feels almost effortless.
From the moment the team stepped off the plane, it was clear they were in the hands of a camp that has perfected the art of anticipation. Drinks and snacks were waiting at the airstrip while permits were handled. Wet towels, bag tagging, and a seamless welcome unfolded without a hint of fuss. Even the vehicle set the tone: a hard top with soft sides, every item leather‑bound, from bird books to mozzie repellent to binoculars. It was luxury expressed through thoughtfulness, not excess.
Their guide, Deus, grounded the experience with knowledge and calm confidence. He mapped out the Serengeti, listened to what the guests hoped to see, and shaped the drives around their interests. That balance—expertise paired with genuine attentiveness—became a hallmark of the entire stay.
And then there was the camp itself. Photos simply don’t prepare travellers for how beautiful Serengeti Bushtops is. Serene, cleverly private thanks to lush foliage, yet connected and welcoming. Everything looked pristine, as though it had been built yesterday. Every staff member knew their role, and every detail—from personalised bag tags to thoughtful bed gifts—felt intentional. Even the vehicle seats were pre‑warmed with hot water bottles and blankets before guests climbed in.
Game drives were superb, not only for the wildlife—though lions, baby zebras, and two leopards (including one with a zebra kill in a tree) certainly delivered—but for the way they were conducted. There was no rushing, no jostling, no mayhem at the crossings. The group watched the last pocket herds attempt to cross in peace, able to see the banks, the hippos, the crocs. It felt like a private showing, a reminder that northern Serengeti is extraordinary year‑round.
What stood out most was how Bushtops caters to everyone without compromising the experience. Families have space and activities. Couples enjoy privacy and romance. Solo travellers feel welcomed, never isolated. Groups fit comfortably without overwhelming the atmosphere. It’s rare to find a camp that genuinely suits all demographics—and rarer still to find one that does it this well.
The biggest highlight wasn’t a single moment; it was the entire Bushtops experience. The surprises came from the things the camp doesn’t advertise—the quiet touches, the humility, the way they exceed expectations without ever announcing that they will.
For trade partners, the USPs are clear: an unbeatable location, private vehicles, a guide and spotter, spacious suites with hot tubs, and 24/7 à la carte dining that defies the remoteness of the bush. But the real standout is the team. Their professionalism, warmth, and intuition elevate everything.
If Bushtops could be summed up in three words: perfection, understated luxury, personalised.
And that is exactly what makes it the pinnacle of safari experiences.
Journey Through Lemala: A Fam Trip Experience
Leanne and Laura share their experience from their recent trip to Tanzania on the Spirit of Lemala Fam Trip.
Leanne and Laura recently returned from a fam trip through Tanzania with Lemala Camps & Lodges, and their reflections paint a vivid picture of what makes Lemala so special.
What struck them both the most was the way each property seemed to embody its surroundings.
At Lemala Mara Tented Camp, they were discreetly tucked among Euclea trees with views over the savanna, close to the river crossings yet wonderfully secluded.
Lemala Nanyukie offered a front-row seat to the drama of the kopjes, where lions roam and guests can watch the action unfold from their private deck.
Osonjoi Lodge, enveloped by jungle on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, felt like a retreat from the world while still offering swift access to the crater floor.
And finally, Mpingo Ridge delivered sweeping views across Tarangire from its elevated position.
Their itinerary unfolded like a safari circuit of contrasts.
After a night at Hamerkop House, they began in the Northern Serengeti at Mara Tented Camp, where lions on honeymoon were spotted en route and nights were filled with the sounds of the bush.
Kuria Hills followed, with its stunning lodge design and a bold bull elephant wandering in for breakfast.
Flying south to Seronera, they stayed at Ewanjan Tented Camp, where elephants again made an appearance and evenings were spent around the fire with Amarula, before spotting a serval cat outside the tent.
Nanyukie was a favourite, not only for its beauty but for its wildness, with a lantern-lit bush dinner and the unforgettable sounds of lions and hyenas clashing in the night.
Osonjoi proved worth the anticipation, with alpine-African design, heated pool, and spacious rooms complete with wood-burners. Its location meant guests were first down to the crater floor, where Lemala’s signature hot lunches — champagne, BBQ kebabs, salads, and pudding — were served lakeside under the watchful eye of hippos and lions.
The journey ended at Mpingo Ridge in Tarangire, where vast views and a dawn hot-air balloon ride provided a spectacular finale.
Comparing tented camps to lodges, both agreed each style offered something unique. The tented camps felt raw and immersive, with heightened senses and nights alive with sound, yet still delivered comfort with hot showers, cosy beds, and attentive service. Lodges, by contrast, offered elevated luxury with plunge pools, spas, fireplaces, and expansive communal areas. Choosing a favourite proved impossible; both styles delivered consistent service and unforgettable experiences, with tented camps offering authenticity and lodges providing added comfort.
Highlights were hard to single out. The trip was a culmination of experiences — elephants wandering into camp, lions hunting under the stars, African thunderstorms, balloon rides, and the sheer scale of Tanzania itself. The Serengeti’s vastness, the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the contrasting landscapes of Tarangire all left lasting impressions.
What tied it all together was the Lemala team. Guides, managers, and staff embodied the motto Wewe na Sisi Pamoja — You and Us Together. Their passion for wildlife and pride in their work shone through in every interaction, making guests feel instantly welcome.
For trade partners and clients, Lemala’s strengths are clear: consistency across properties, spacious rooms, a mix of tented and lodge options at different price points, unique access to the crater, and remote locations that avoid the busiest safari routes. As one colleague summed it up, the trip was an all-rounder — people, cultures, lodges, camps, wildlife, landscapes, and storms — all woven together into an unforgettable journey.
