News from Great Plains - March 2010 Newsletter

There is a tremendous amount of news to share with you this month from the Great Plains Conservation camps, so without any further delay enjoy the news!

"Ride Kenya" posted in the HQ, Equestrian Magazine by Patric Stanton

Riding Safari Operator Patric Stanton tells his story. The story of how a young American student ended up in East Africa, running a succesful safari operation with SA Boerperde.

Great Expectations Article posted in the Robb Report by Bruce Wallin

From the plains of Kenya to the rain forests of Rwanda, Africa's most ambitious Travel company wants to take you on the ultimate safari - and alter the course of extinction in the process.

Article posted in the Daily Telegraph by Brian Jackman

Early morning in Maasailand. Kilimanjaro on the horizon and the sound of cowbells in the air as red-robed herdsmen drive their cattle to water across the dusty plains.

Kenya's Mbirikani Group Ranch, a quarter of a million acres of unfenced savannah, is home to 10,000 Masai pastoralists and I have come to meet one of them, a young moran (warrior) whose name is Koikai and whose job is to protect the lions that live here in an uneasy symbiosis with his fellow tribesmen.

One thing that we got out of this trip that we didn't expect is the cultural immersion our family experienced. Our guide was with us for the whole 6 days and we got very, very close to him. He shared with us his life, his culture, his upbringing...etc...etc...and we shared ours with him. It was completely eye opening to our family, which was great. All of our kids (21, 19, 8) were mesmerized.

They learned so much about a different part of the world. While we expected to get some of this anyway, we didn't expect to have so much of it and it was life changing. The visit to the Maasai village was moving. While it might be hard for our safari planner to really highlight this type of opportunity, it is worth noting that this trip wasn't all about just animals (which were great too), but much more than that. Truly a great vacation for us. Thank you.
RL

"It wasn't until we took a day trip outside of the Ol Donyo Wuas that we realized what made the difference. We saw a lot of animals, but everywhere we went, there were eight other minivans there with us. At Ol Donyo Wuas, everything was very private. We had a very special view of Africa."

“You have created something unfathomable and beyond amazing. This is a gift to be treasured within each lucky person who experiences it. Thank you for creating, sustaining, protecting, nurturing and imagining this heaven. And, most of all, thank you for allowing us to share it with you.”
M M (ER)

“To all at Ol Donyo Wuas, We had the most wonderful time at this fantastic place. The game-drives with Jackson, dinners created by Michelle, rides with Venetia, and night drive with Anton and Atti made our visit special and memories we will have for the rest of our lives. The entire staff have been most accommodating and friendly. We have never felt more at home on holiday. We hope to return someday and find some familiar and friendly faces. We will miss you all. Thank you very much! Asante sana!”

“Wow! What can we say! Everything was fantastic from the rooms, to the food and most especially the staff! We are so sad to be leaving but looking forward to the day we return."
Much love, the G’s

 “What a onderful hospitable place. The African Dinner last night was beyond special…”
L and R H

“What a fantastic experience! The entire staff made our trip just wonderful. We look forward to out return already”
The J Family

“We have had the most amazing time!! When asking my daughter, Emma, for her favorite bit her reply was ‘How many favorites can I have?!’ I think that sums it up! Thank you for a wonderful experience!"
The B family

“It was hard to believe that one day could be more fabulous than the last, but it happened. You are all so happy, helpful and so much fun to be with. Thank you for an amazing time. We will be talking about it forever."
D N

“This was the trip of a lifetime! We loved everything! The staff, the food and the wild animals. Just a dream come true for both of us! We will be back!”
A & S S