Swain Destinations

Seeking out unique travel options in must-see destinations

Donna Blumeris

Our Top Kenya Tips

Africa, Destinations, Donna Blumeris

with Team Member, Donna Blumeris

Kenya is renowned for its amazing landscapes, savannah rich with magnificent wildlife, diverse cultures unchanged by the modern world, and much more. From pristine beaches and coral reef, to equatorial forests and mighty snow capped mountains, its landscapes cater to all travelers.

With an exotic history and fascinating modern culture, and endless opportunities for adventure, discovery and relaxation, it is not hard to see why Kenya is firmly on most travelers’ bucket lists. The vast, wide open spaces teeming with wildlife is truly magical. The people are so friendly and outgoing and have a true love for tourists, with enjoyment in sharing their country with the discerning traveler. Here are Swain Team Member Donna’s top tips when visiting Kenya.

Amboseli National Park

While the safari experience is phenomenal in Amboseli and the herds of elephants are impressive, it is even more amazing enjoying being out there with the magnificent Kilimanjaro Mountain peak serving as a backdrop for the experience. It sometimes seems as if it is floating in the distance, depending on the haze of the day. The views are truly awesome.  

Loisaba Conservancy

While in Loisaba, It is highly recommended to add a day to include at least one night at Loisaba Star Beds. Sleep out under the stars, in a bed sitting on a raised wooden platform and rolled out each night, in this truly unique experience.

Your stay is hosted by Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai warriors. They are so willing to share their culture and history, making the experience truly outstanding and something that will stay with you forever. For something more active than a typical safari, Loisaba offers camel riding, horse riding, or mountain biking. 

Maasai Mara & Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Truly the highlight of a safari experience in Kenya, the vast plains of the Maasai Mara are home to majestic game, enjoyed in great volumes, as well as the most amazing scenic views for avid photographers.

While in Nairobi, visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a chance to witness the amazing work being done with rescued, orphaned, baby elephants and rhinos, a truly emotional experience that will stay with you forever.

To learn more about Kenya view our e-brochure, Swain’s East Africa Journeys.

The Vibrance of Zimbabwe

Africa, Articles, Destinations, Donna Blumeris, Travels

From a zimbabwean’s perspective

Having become an independent nation on April 18th 1980, Zimbabwe is still a relatively young country. Although a young nation, Zimbabwe has diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and an undeniably vibrant culture that will capture your heart. 

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe | Photo credit: Singita Pamushana Lodge

As it has evolved from a colony to an independent nation, Zimbabweans have had to learn to work around all sorts of shortages in life; such as water, electricity, and cash, which has made the people of Zimbabwe incredibly adaptive and empathetic as a nation. Notably, the ever-changing Zimbabwean currency made Zimbabwe infamous for having the largest note in the world, before it became obsolete, with the $100 trillion dollar note. Today, Zimbabwe accepts the almighty US dollar as legal tender in the nation, which makes tourism from the United States remarkably convenient. The three main languages in Zimbabwe are Shona, English, and Ndebele, with English being spoken across the country.

Zimbabwean Game Drive | Photo Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe is a beautiful, landlocked country, with vibrant scenery and amazing safari areas. It is also home to one of the “Seven wonders of the world”, named Victoria Falls by explorer David Livingstone. Locally, we call it Mosi Oa Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders). The Falls do cross over into Zambia, however Zimbabwe lays claim to a larger number of cataracts of this spectacular phenomenon

Aerial View of Victoria Falls | Photo Credit: Victoria Falls Hotel

If you are in Victoria Falls during the Full moon, ensure you include a trip to the Falls to see the Lunar Rainbow. A truly surreal experience, the Lunar rainbow (or Moonbow) can be enjoyed the day before, the day of, and the day after the Full moon.

The Lunar Rainbow at Victoria Falls | Photo Credit: Wild Horizons

Zimbabwe is one of the poorest nations in the world, however the National Parks and game reserves are in some of the most game rich areas of Africa. It is home to the second largest elephant population in the world, and the Zimbabwean people are very friendly, proud, and resilient. Zimbabweans love to welcome visitors to enjoy all that the country has to offer. In my humble, “non-biased opinion”, Zimbabwe has produced some of the best game rangers out there, many of whom can be found in various areas of Southern Africa.

Game Rangers | Photo Credit: Linkwasha Camp

To learn more about Zimbabwe view our e-brochure, Swain’s Southern Africa Journeys.

Rwanda – “The Land of 1000 Hills”

Africa, Articles, Donna Blumeris, Travels

Rwanda is a very clean country and quite impressive with all the progress it has made from the genocide days in the 90s. Every last Saturday of the month, the people come together to clean the cities and do community service.

Photo Credit: Donna Blumeris
Photo Credit: Donna Blumeris

Genocide Museum

The Genocide Museum is truly a must-see for anyone visiting Rwanda. What this country went through and how it is today is inspirational. The experience is very emotional and tough to get through at times, however, the commemoration is well-documented and worthwhile. It really does show hope for humanity after such a heinous past.

Some parts were very sad and emotional and quite difficult (loads of tissues are needed!) I would recommend including this experience at the beginning of the trip.

Nyungwe

Nyungwe is a gorgeous area that is a must for those that have a little extra time to give in Rwanda. The drive is beautiful and picturesque – you truly get to see why it is called the “Land of 1000 Hills.”

The highlight of the area is the Chimp Trek which is amazing. However, this does require a certain fitness level as Chimpanzees tend to swing from tree to tree and do not sit still for you to watch them or interact with them. Steep hillside climbs in dense bush is the requirement of the day. You are accompanied by a guide and three trackers. Trackers meet you in the forest, help you get close to the Chimpanzees and stay with them afterwards.

Photo Credit: Donna Blumeris
Photo Credit: Donna Blumeris

Porters are readily available to assist with the trial through the dense bushes and shrubbery. We highly recommend hiring porters to assist the trackers. This process is giving ex-poachers work, therefore giving more security to conservation efforts.

After the trek, if you still have energy, I recommend a Canopy Walk. The view was stunning, and the walk is not strenuous. It is good exercise though the canopy itself can be a little nerve-wrecking at first as the bridge swings while walking along it.

Photo Credit: Donna Blumeris
Photo Credit: Donna Blumeris

Gorilla Trek

Though strenuous, the Gorilla Trek is much easier than the Chimp Trek.

Photo Credit: Ian Swain II
Photo Credit: Ian Swain II

In the morning, guests meet with the head trackers and get separated into groups to visit with the various gorilla families. There are only eight people allowed with each family. Tourists can visit a total of ten families. After allocation, you meet your tracker for a quick briefing, then you get back into your vehicles to visit your next family. Once you climb up to them, you spend about an hour with them and are able to get very close.

Photo Credit: Ian Swain II
Photo Credit: Ian Swain II

You are accompanied by a safari guide and three trackers (similar to the Chimp Trek). It is recommended to also hire porters to assist the trackers.

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