One of our guests, Eddie, a spirited soul, marked his 70th birthday in the most extraordinary way with a multigenerational safari. Recalling the magic of a previous African safari with us at Rhino Africa for his 60th, there was no question where he’d celebrate this next milestone. Teaming up with Janine Gous, one of our Travel Experts, they crafted a journey not just to reminisce about African memories but to forge new legacies.
The Maasai Mara is undoubtedly Kenya’s most remarkable and revered reserve
From ’98 to Date
Eddie and his wife Carol’s infatuation with Africa began in 1998 during a trip that took them through Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Their love for the continent flourished anew in 2013 when they celebrated Eddie’s 60th birthday at Ulusaba Rock Lodge as part of a wider exploration, including Botswana and Zambia.
A decade later, after their son’s wedding in London, they returned to Africa for a multigenerational safari. And this time, with their family in tow, namely their son James with his new bride Elise, daughter Nicki, her husband Jason, and the youngest of the clan, granddaughter Emily.
“We were so impressed with Rhino Africa in 2013 that I went straight to them and worked with Janine, who helped plan the trip from start to finish.” – Eddie.
Group photo of Carol, Jason, James, Elise, Emily, Eddie and Nicki, Image Credit: Eddie Fazal
Making Memories in The Maasai Mara
Their story unfolded in Kenya’s famed Maasai Mara National Reserve, known for offering some of the richest Big 5 viewings on the planet. Notably, it’s home to lions, leopards, elephants, and, of course, the seasonal Great Migration.
Here, three generations lived their safari dream, staying at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. For Emily, Africa was an unanticipated revelation, discovered only as the family convened at Heathrow for their journey to Nairobi.
“Emily had no idea we were going to Africa until we all gathered at Heathrow for the flight to Nairobi. She thought she was going home to Sydney and was so excited about the trip…” – Eddie.
During their Great Migration, vast herds of wildebeest stretch as far as the eye can see in the Maasai Mara
Family Riverside Reverie
Positioned on a private concession by the Saparingo River, where dense riverine forests meet vast plains, the camp offers a genuine immersion in African wildlife. Known for its exceptional Kenyan hospitality, Kichwa Tembo is especially welcoming to families, making it an ideal setting for their multigenerational safari experience.
“We would certainly recommend Kichwa Tembo Camp to anyone, and in particular to those with young children. It is a fantastic place, and there are warthogs casually roaming around the gardens (no risk to anyone)!” – Eddie.
You can often spot groups of warthog feeding right outside the tent doors, Image Credit: &Beyond
The camp buzzed with the energy of wandering warthogs and family shenanigans. As they explored the wilderness on game drives, Denzel, their ranger, not only ensured each excursion was packed with adventure but proved to be a talented storyteller – unfolding many fascinating secrets of the savannah.
“Our Ranger, Denzel, was outstanding – flexible with whatever we wanted to do and was great with young Emily. He sought out everything we had on our list to see, including the lion, rhino, giraffe, zebra, elephant, hyena, buffalo, cheetah and many more!” – Eddie.
Game drives in the Maasai Mara present an abundance of wildlife, Image Credit: &Beyond
Double Delight
Along with a world of wildlife, the family witnessed not one but two wildebeest river crossings. A bucket-list experience for many travellers, the Great Migration is a stirring testament to nature’s will and unfolds as millions of wildebeest and zebras embark on their epic journey.
Patience is key as the herds navigate treacherous waters, evading predators in a dramatic display of life’s precariousness and splendour.
“We had only seen the Great Migration on TV and wanted so much to see that. Denzel found perfect places to view two wildebeest river crossings – an amazing sight that none of us will ever forget.” – Eddie.
The Great Wildebeest Migration passes through the Maasai Mara for approximately three months each year
Emily’s Lionheart Moment
For Emily, Eddie and Carol’s granddaughter, this trip was her inaugural African adventure. The expression on Emily’s face when she saw her first lion in the wild was one of pure joy. At just a whisper away from her seventh birthday, her dreams of becoming a Lion Keeper seemed to come alive in the heart of Africa.
Moments like these, where a child’s wide-eyed wonder meets the majesty of nature, define the essence of a multigenerational safari. Absolutely magical.
“To see Emily’s face when she saw her first lion in the wild is a memory we’ll never forget. It’s an experience that will last her and us a lifetime. It was a real joy to be with her for her first safari experience. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do it again sometime in the future.” – Eddie.
Lions rule Kenya’s animal kingdom
Paws, Patience, Pay-off
Their safari took an exciting turn when, after an hour-long leopard searching session – tracking pawprints in the sand with almost no luck – they finally spotted this majestic big cat.
Fresh leopard tracks in the sand mean this powerful cat is close by, Image Credit: Eddie Fazal
It was a thrilling moment when the elusive creature quietly neared their vehicle, allowing for an up-close view. This encounter, captured in vivid photographs, became a standout memory of the trip, particularly for Eddie and his granddaughter, Emily.
“My own personal highlight was when we spotted a leopard that we had been searching for over an hour, just when we were about to give up. It was a beautiful animal and came so close to our vehicle.” – Eddie.
The prospects of predator sightings are great thanks to the abundance of plains game
Bush Birthday Bash
On the last day of the family’s stay at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, the African wilderness became the backdrop for a special celebration.
Unbeknownst to Eddie, the staff had prepared a surprise for his 70th birthday. They presented him with a beautifully crafted cake. This thoughtful gesture, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the bush, added an extra layer of magic to their already memorable stay.
Eddie and his family celebrating his 70th birthday with a hearty morning breakfast, Image Credit: Eddie Fazal
Parting Ways
As dawn broke the following day, the family’s paths diverged. James and Elise, basking in their newlywed bliss, jetted off to the Maldives, extending their honeymoon in paradise. Meanwhile, Nicki, Jason, and Emily embarked on their journey back to Sydney, signalling young Emily’s timely return to school.
Kenyans are known for their warm hospitality, Image Credit: &Beyond
Tranquil Time for Two
Eddie and Carol, not yet ready to bid farewell to Africa, ventured to Kifaru House located within the world-famous Lewa Conservancy, the concluding chapter of their epic journey, before they, too, would make their way back to Sydney’s familiar shores.
“Kifaru House was time for Carol and myself to relax together after a really hectic four weeks with friends and family in the UK, who had gathered for the wedding of our son James.” – Eddie.
Kafaru House – a haven of luxury in the bush, Image Credit: Elewana Collection
Kifaru House, named after the Swahili word for rhino, sits within a conservancy renowned for its conservation successes, particularly with rhinos and Grevy’s zebras. Eddie and Carol’s stay was marked by quality time, intimate wildlife encounters and warm hospitality, rounding off a journey that spanned continents and generations.
East Africa’s healthiest black and white rhino populations are found here, Image Credit: Elewana Collection
Discover the Magic of Africa
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Eddie and Carol for sharing their story with us. This adventure, a blend of family bonding, milestone moments and exceptional wildlife encounters, encapsulates the essence of a Rhino Africa safari.
We invite you to create your own family legacy. Reach out to our Travel Experts, start planning, and explore the wonders of Africa.
