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I have written about Larsens Camp Samburu a few times. You can read the Larsen's review and a low-down of the camp here. But this post is about the “soul of Larsens.” The magic of just being there, and how I overcame any fear of being in a tent in Africa! Beyond the Zips: Overcoming my “Tented Camp” Nerves The visions of camps are often memories of camping in a small tent in the garden outside of London. In fact, I remember once when I was at Reading Festival in the 1980s,

Solo Travel for Women in Africa? I started solo travelling very young. This is because my parents sent my sister and me off to the United States for holidays every other year from the age of six. This gave me confidence, and by the age of 18. I had already been to several European countries alone. Traveling to meet my cousins when I was six I also fell in love with Eastern Europe and made friends for life in both Hamburg and Spain. In fact, I would consider some of the people

This is a tourist dilemma that you mull over quite a lot before booking your first Safari. And, this is before you start reading about the Serengeti and then contemplate Tanzania too. Now, I have been to all of these places and I will give you my low down based on two aspects. Safety Ethical Values For me, these are the two key principles that I look at other than cost when choosing a Safari. 

I used to buy a “Rough Guide” for every destination I went to. It was a no-brainer for me, as my first solo travel started young. The guide was my security, more so than the phone is today. It told me where to go, where to save money, and what accommodation I needed. 

What colours attract bugs in Africa? Many people say black and blue are the colours to avoid in Africa. As they attract a special biting fly and mosquitoes. I say, check where you are going first! Read my When is Mosquito Season post.

Do I have to pee in the bush? No. Many outposts or gates in the National Parks in Kenya have toilets. It is very common for the rangers or drivers to stop and let everyone out for toilet breaks. So, you can go to the bathroom on Safari when on a game drive. The issue is only if you are desperate when you are out in the wild.

Why shouldn’t you wear white on a Safari? I get asked this question a lot! But to be honest, after 10 safaris, I have no idea. I often wear white on Safaris. Especially if I am in the heat. The worst is being hot and sweaty when you are in a vehicle. Wear white, it will keep you cool. Also, wear cotton or linen. Wearing a white linen top on Safari in Kenya in November Can white clothes get dirty on a Safari? Yes. They can. Remember, you have to get in and out of the jeep, and

Are trainers ok for a safari? My Safari footwear But.. If you go in the rainy season or green season, it's best to have an alternative shoe or at least a waterproof shoe or trainer. So, trainers are OK for a safari. But walking shoes and a second pair are better. There is nothing worse than having wet trainers in the jeep when you are on a long game drive. 

Is Africa Safe for Female Tourists? It depends on the context. But generally yes, if you look after yourself. I wrote about safety in Kenya for women here, but the highlights are below. Are males aggressive and will they attack me in Kenya? NO. People do not follow you or chase you around on Safari. Will the Beach Boys annoy me?

The difference in budget and luxury safari bedding There is a massive difference in the style, comfort, and type of bed that you will have in a budget camp vs a luxury camp. To be honest, sleeping on a camp bed in the budget hotel left me with aches and pains that I didn't really want for the rest of my 10 night Safari.

The Hippo Lounge! So, the hippo lounge is a way down the path from where I was staying and the restaurant area. It's tucked away in the back, and it's lovely. When I was there, I had a cuppa tea before breakfast. I was woken up every morning at 6.30 am with a tea and biscuits. The lovely man, I think his name was Daniel, then would put up my blinds so that I could look outside while having my tea!

October and November are the best months for going to Kenya if you want an ethical and sustainable trip. April and May are also in the green season and should be considered for your luxury Kenyan safari. Yes! I was in Kenya on Safari in November 2025 and it was stunning. There were very few people in the camps. The rain came in short bursts. But actually only at night, when I was there. So, I didn't actually see any this time. No. I lie. It did rain on me the night I stayed i

What are the Kenya ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) requirements? The ETA replaces the old VISA system in Kenya. You can go online and sign-up for the ETA before you travel to Kenya. You need this to enter Kenya. Many airlines, will need to see this before they let you fly

Active Luxury and Jeep Fatigue Explained What is Jeep Fatigue on Safari? If you have been on a safari before, then I don't need to explain. Otherwise, it's the moment on day four when your ears are tired of the diesel engine, and you realise you have spent a few days behind glass windows. Jeep fatigue is the physical and mental drain of being a passive observer. When you watch and don't move. Yes, you take pictures of the action - but the action is not you!

When is the Mosquito Season in Kenya? Mosquito season in Kenya is most noticeable during and just after the rainy periods. This is from April to June and again in November.  Gut reaction - I am going to ignore those months? Reality -- that is a massive mistake as, mosquitos are far less of an issue on safari than most first-time travellers expect, especially in dry regions like Samburu and the northern conservancies

A Bushwalk is saying goodbye to the Jeep! A Bushwalk is getting out and about with guards, Maasai, and, most importantly, guards. Is a Bushwalk in Kenya dangerous? Yes. Of course it is! These are wild animals. Elephants are very protective of newborn calves. The guards are armed, as a bushwalk is as fun as it is dangerous, and you need to be careful.

What are the best walking boots for the Green Season in Kenya? The best walking boots for the Green or Mixed Season in Kenya are not princess leather style boots. They will get ruined. Or riding boots, they are too clunky. Here is a picture of my boots that I wore on my last Safari.

The Insect Myth Buster! Mosquitos and mud will ruin your safari in May and June? Let me be honest with you. In April and May, Samburu. Where we will be in Kenya on Safari is dry. Also, the lack of excess water, compared to the coast, means that mosquitoes are surprisingly minimal. In fact, I went on Safari in Samburu, and never even saw one mosquito!

Why Samburu in April feels like a Perfect Cotswolds Summer (with Elephants) I kid you not! Kenya can feel like the best of England in the Green Season. It offers a desert bloom that is so special, seeing landscapes that are usually golden and arid now lush with emerald green. Seeing a desert in bloom is a memorable experience. Yes. You go on safari to see wildlife. But in April and May, you have the best of both worlds. Fabulous landscapes that change with the weather. Dry m

Here are my best moments at the Soroi Larsens Camp in Samburu. I wrote a review of the Soroi Larsens accommodation. But I want to tell you about my memories and what has stuck with me. I feel like when you are on safari, everything is mesmerizing. But only, when you come back do you reflect on what was important and what you find talking about the most.

The Safari I Turned Pretty? Or the Summer I Turned Pretty? Yes. My daughter introduced me to The Summer I Turned Pretty, and I immediately read the book. Then fell in love with the series. I related to the show, because I used to be a swimmer and every summer we would go to California for summer. I had my first kiss in Lake Tahoe!