| Fancy a bit of a posh getaway? If your idea of roughing it involves a slightly less threadbare thread count in your hotel sheets, then this nine day Kenyan and Rwandan escapade might just be the ticket. We’re talking big cats, ancient traditions, and the frankly adorable (and incredibly powerful) mountain gorillas. Oh, and did I mention the champagne awaits your return to the lodge after a thrilling day? Yes, this is proper luxury safari, the kind where the only thing you’ll be tracking is your next gin and tonic. Let’s kick off in Kenya, specifically the legendary Maasai Mara. Now, I’m not usually one for early mornings, but when that early morning involves being whisked away in a custom open top 4x4, with a thermos of freshly brewed coffee and a croissant that probably cost more than my first car, well, I can manage it. The Mara is, of course, all about the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. And believe me, seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, not behind a chain link fence at the zoo, is a game changer. You’ll be cruising along, the golden savanna stretching out before you, and suddenly, there’s a pride of lions lounging by the road, looking utterly unbothered by your presence. It’s a moment that makes you feel delightfully insignificant, in the best possible way. We even spotted a leopard, a creature so notoriously shy it’s like finding a unicorn. My guide, a chap named Joseph who seemed to have a sixth sense for animal movements, just grinned and pointed. I swear, he could probably track a rogue biscuit crumb across the Serengeti. After a few days of this wildlife wizardry, it’s time to swap the savanna dust for volcanic mist. We’re off to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills and, more importantly, the home of the majestic mountain gorillas. The journey itself is a feast for the eyes, all emerald green slopes and charming villages. Our accommodation here is less rustic lodge and more boutique mountain retreat. Think roaring fireplaces, gourmet meals that rival any fancy city restaurant, and service so attentive you’ll start to feel a tad spoiled. Then comes the gorilla trek. Now, this isn’t a stroll in the park. There’s a bit of a hike involved, but the guides are incredibly knowledgeable and pace it perfectly. And then you see them. A family of mountain gorillas, munching on leaves, youngsters tumbling about, the silverback a commanding presence. It’s an experience that’s hard to put into words. It’s humbling, it’s awe inspiring, and frankly, it’s a bit emotional. You’re just metres away from these incredible beings, their eyes so intelligent and gentle. It’s the kind of encounter that makes you re-evaluate your place in the world, and whether your biggest daily struggle is truly as significant as, say, finding enough bamboo. This trip isn't just about ticking off wildlife sightings, though. It's about the exquisite comfort that cushions every moment. It’s the private sundowners overlooking the plains, the expertly curated meals paired with fine wines, the knowing nods of your fellow guests who are all clearly enjoying this rather wonderful indulgence. It’s the feeling of being completely taken care of, from the moment you’re greeted with a warm smile at the airport to the quiet farewells as you depart. If you’re looking for an adventure that blends raw, untamed nature with unapologetic luxury, this Kenyan and Rwandan journey might just be your wild, wonderful dream come true. And honestly, after all that excitement, the champagne really does taste that much better. |




















