Discovering Kenya

Written by Anders Abenius, Entumoto partner

“Long before smartphones and iPads, there were books and maps. I loved them.

As a six year old, I knew all the capitals in the world and recognised all the flags.

The most exciting part was of course Africa with the magical names. Many have changed but Ouagadougou is still Ouagadougou.  Not to mention Timbuktu, Zanzibar, Addis Ababa, The Nile…

And Kenya is still Kenya. This flag was my favourite, a Maasai shield and spears, wow!

From my family’s small farm in the woodlands of Sweden, I travelled my fantasy and visited Kenya many times…

1989 it was time for IRL. I was a journalist at a Swedish daily newspaper and was assigned to report from the East African Safari Rally. What an experience! The people, the wildlife, the red soil, coffee bushes, the Maasai warriors…everything I had studied in my books were there. I loved it.

Many years later I got the opportunity to be a part of our fantastic camp Entumoto, it was an easy decision for the former map-nerd.

So things have really changed from my childhood days at our small farm, to today.

But one thing has made a comeback. I am back doing my fantasy travels.

The big difference now is my painful longing for Africa, Kenya, Masai Mara and Entumoto when I am away from it all. The people, sounds, scents. The real thing. I miss it all, so much.

But I will return.

The question is, what will return, beside me?

The post-pandemic transition is on and one thing we see is a new awareness about resources and consumption, and that’s good.

Seriously, do we really need to travel all over the world to ski, sail, to find a beach or to shop, drink and eat? Many times a year?

Of course not. We need to be more careful, and think about the impact.

So how about a trip to Africa and a safari then? I have to admit, a visit to the Masai Mara is not vital for your life (well, maybe…).

But there is a difference between trips, and if you choose one, choose right.

A safari in the Masai Mara means that you contribute to save a unique place on this planet; the savannah and its amazing wildlife.

Without tourists that pay park- and conservancy fees, the resources for wildlife protection will be reduced and poachers will kill rhinos and elephants.

So, travel with a reason, and I hope you choose Masai Mara!”