March, 2026
In January 2001, a small advertisement in The Sunday Times caught Jane’s eye and changed her travel plans. Within weeks, she was on a flight to Kenya to join what was then called the Samburu Safari. The wide skies, close wildlife encounters and raw beauty of East Africa left a deep impression. It was more than a holiday. It was a defining experience.
Twenty-five years later, in January 2026, Jane returned to Kenya with her partner, Patrick. They followed almost the same route and rediscovered a country that had stayed with her for a quarter of a century.
Soon after they came home, our CEO Ash, met them for lunch to hear how Kenya had changed and how this journey compared with the one she took in 2001.
This is not simply a story about going back. It shows how a luxury Kenya safari can evolve over time, how standards rise and why experience still matters.
A Lifelong Interest in Wildlife and Conservation
Jane’s connection to Africa began at university, where she studied Zoology. That early interest grew into a lasting fascination with wildlife and conservation. Today, she runs a successful book festival in Appledore, North Devon. Even so, her scientific curiosity still shapes the way she travels.
For Jane, a safari in Kenya is not just a break in the sun. It is a chance to observe ecosystems, understand habitats and see wildlife in its natural setting.
Patrick brings his own perspective. He is a former publisher and now a classical music agent. With a lifelong love of cricket and a strong interest in landscape and culture, he found East Africa a natural choice.
Then and Now: Retracing a Classic Kenya Safari Route
Jane and Patrick flew overnight from London Heathrow to Nairobi. They began with a comfortable stay at the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport before setting off on safari the next morning.
Their first wildlife experience was at The Ark Lodge in the Aberdare highlands. From raised viewing decks, they watched elephant and buffalo gather at a floodlit waterhole. The setting felt calm and intimate, a gentle introduction to the wild.
They then travelled north to Surana Buffalo Springs for two nights. Buffalo Springs National Reserve is quieter and less visited than many southern parks. The landscape is open and dramatic. On game drives they saw reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk, species rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, and part of the Samburu Special Five.
Heading south again, they stopped at Aberdare Country Club and enjoyed a game drive in Solio Game Reserve. Solio is known for its rhino conservation work. Here they saw both black and white rhino at close range, with Mount Kenya rising in the distance. They were also able to visit the Solio Rhino Orphanage, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for abandoned baby rhinos found on Solio Game Reserve. Here, a team of dedicated keepers care for baby rhinos, nursing them back to strength and health with the ultimate aim of releasing them back into the wild. From time to time, the orphanage also cares for other abandoned baby animals found on the Reserve
The journey continued through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. An afternoon boat ride on Lake Naivasha offered a slower pace. They drifted past hippos and watched fish eagles skim the water.
Their final safari stop was the Maasai Mara. They spent two nights at Ashnil Mara Camp, which was renovated last year. Wide plains stretched to the horizon. Morning and afternoon drives brought sightings of lion, elephant and cheetah. The golden light over the savannah delivered the classic Kenya safari scene.
Back in Nairobi, they stayed once more at the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport.
Although the route closely mirrored Jane’s 2001 journey, the refinement, comfort and depth of guiding reflected just how far the luxury Kenya safari experience has evolved.
How a Premium Kenya Safari Has Advanced
In 2001, Jane travelled alone and paid just over £1,500 for her safari and beach stay. At the time, it felt exceptional.
In 2026, she and Patrick travelled on our Signature Cheetah Premium Safari, an updated version of that original route. While the structure remains familiar, the overall standard is much higher.
Today’s luxury Kenya safari includes:
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Upgraded boutique lodges and tented camps
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Expert driver-guides and specialist naturalists
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Improved dining experiences
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Carefully planned excursions and private game drives
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Greater investment in conservation and park fees
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Higher levels of comfort throughout
For this trip, Jane and Patrick had a private 4×4 vehicle and were accompanied by one of our most experienced driver-guides, Monday. His calm approach, deep knowledge and sharp wildlife spotting skills made each drive relaxed and rewarding.
This level of personal attention defines a premium safari.
Their investment was just over £5,500 per person, including upgraded flights. Prices have risen, but so have standards, sustainability and depth of experience.
It is this level of individual care, from private vehicles to hand-selected senior guides, that defines a truly premium Kenya safari experience.
Their investment this time was just over £5,500 per person, including upgraded flight cabins. Prices have increased, but so too have standards, sustainability and overall depth of experience.
Last-Minute Safari to Kenya: The Advantage of a Specialist
One detail from our conversation stood out.
In 2001, Jane booked her safari just weeks before departure.
In 2026, she did much the same, confirming in December for a late January journey. Despite the short lead time, we were able to craft a seamless, fully curated East Africa safari, securing sought-after camps in Samburu and the Maasai Mara at a time when availability is often limited.
Several other operators she contacted were unable to offer suitable options so close to departure.
As a long-established East Africa safari specialist, our enduring relationships with lodges, conservancies and ground teams across Kenya enable us to unlock availability where others cannot. That flexibility is not coincidence. It is the result of nearly 60 years dedicated solely to luxury safaris in East Africa.
Multi-Generational Travel: Returning to Kenya 25 Years Later
More and more, we welcome guests who first travelled with us on honeymoon two or three decades ago and now return with teenage children to share the landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania.
That loyalty is about far more than brand recognition. It reflects something deeper:
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Institutional knowledge of East Africa
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Long-standing lodge and conservation partnerships
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A nuanced understanding of how destinations evolve over time
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A culture rooted in personal care and accountability
Jane’s decision to return after 25 years was not prompted by an online advertisement. It was inspired by trust, built through experience.
Remarkably, her 2026 booking was handled by the same member of our reservations team, Nishma, who helped arrange her original safari in 2001. That continuity of people brings a level of reassurance, memory and understanding that cannot be manufactured.
Beyond the Safari: A Long-Term Commitment to East Africa
During lunch, we also discussed the charitable initiatives we support through the East African Cultural Development Trust.
Given Jane and Patrick’s shared interests in literacy and sport, we explored potential future links between sport, youth development and community engagement in Kenya.
For us, Africa is not simply a destination to sell. It is a region where we maintain long-term relationships and ongoing commitments.
Planning a Luxury Safari to Kenya in January
January is one of Kenya’s finest safari seasons. The days are typically warm and dry, the air is clear and wildlife viewing is exceptional across Samburu, Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara.
It is also a popular time to travel, which means the most desirable camps and lodges fill quickly. Yet, thanks to our established partnerships, we can often secure premium accommodation even at relatively short notice.
If you are considering a January safari, an early conversation with our team will ensure access to the best camps, guides and flight options.
Why Experience Still Matters in Luxury Safari Travel
In an era dominated by digital advertising and comparison websites, it is tempting to believe that all safari companies offer much the same experience.
They do not.
What brings guests back decades later is not visibility online. It is depth of knowledge, meticulous planning and genuine care.
Jane’s return was not driven by an algorithm. It was shaped by the memory of a beautifully delivered journey in 2001 and the confidence that we would deliver something even finer in 2026.
Some journeys deserve to be relived. Some standards deserve to endure.
Discover the Signature Cheetah Premium Safari
If you are considering a luxury safari in Kenya and want an itinerary shaped by decades of first-hand expertise, we invite you to explore our Signature Cheetah Premium Safari.
For travellers looking beyond Kenya, you may also wish to view our Tanzania safari holidays or our broader luxury African safari collection.
Some journeys are worth repeating. Some standards are worth preserving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a Kenya safari at short notice?
Yes. As an established East Africa safari specialist with long-standing lodge relationships, we are often able to secure availability even close to departure dates, particularly in January and the shoulder seasons.
How much does a luxury Kenya safari cost?
Premium Kenya safaris typically range from £4,500 to £6,500 per person, depending on season, accommodation level and flight class.
Is Kenya suitable for repeat visits?
Absolutely. Many clients return decades later to experience upgraded lodges, enhanced conservation initiatives and opportunities for multi-generational travel.
Why book with a specialist safari company?
A specialist offers depth of regional knowledge, long-term supplier relationships and the ability to curate bespoke itineraries, which is particularly important for premium and last-minute Kenya safaris.
Book Your Luxury Safari with Somak
If you are planning a luxury safari to Kenya or Tanzania, our team at Somak Luxury Travel would be delighted to help you create a journey shaped by decades of first-hand experience.
To start planning your safari, email us at holidays@somak.co.uk and speak to one of our East Africa specialists.
Your safari story could begin today.