Hi Donna
We have just returned from the most amazing holiday of our life…and wanted to say hello and thank you for establishing Masai Wanderings, the camps and importantly employing, nurturing and empowering the people to enable the trip.
We booked via Nick @ Beach and Safari (and will drop him a line too), but were put firmly and fantastically in your hands for the Tanzanian safari part
We stayed in 3 lodges, of which 2 were yours (or Nasikia Camps) – Ndovu and Ehlane Plains, which were unbelievably beautiful and ‘in the thick of it’
• The staff, the food (super wow – esp for my vegetarian daughters), the comfort, the location…all amazing
From the initial pick up at Arusha airport Ally, our guide, and an absolute superstar, guided us, joked with us, looked after us, ang with us and amazed us. He was obviously a wiser, more adventurous Guide (19 years he said?), and it really showed – he promised us the “best real animals” and did not disappoint (at times much to the fear / excitement of my wife and daughters!). To put no finer point on it – he made the holiday
• We went to Zanzibar for a week after (the Zuri Hotel which was fab too), but all we could do was talk of our Ally Created Animal Stories…
We also went to the School / village that you are supporting and loved that too – a really beautiful experience that we all loved (even the dancing / jumping that we did)
• I have attached a photo of Leapaa (is that right?) with his son (in my sunglasses) and his friends
The back story of you and Nas, is heart-warming, tragic and uplifting all at once. I thoroughly applaud your determination at the start of your journey together, through the obviously terrible dark times following the crash, and then the rebuilding periods of your, and your sons, lives, along with keeping your wonderful staff. They all loved you both, as well as the wider company – you should be very very proud of what you have created (I am an owner-fonder in the UK with 150 staff, and it is tough enough here in ‘luxury, easy London’, so my admiration is immense for you doing it in Africa)
For my 50th 3 years ago, I took the family on what I thought would be the best holiday they ever would have; The Galapagos and then the Jungle…but no, this beat it, and I don’t mind admitting it – all because of you, your company and Ally
• I have already given Nick’s and your names / companies to friends recommending they use you, and only you in Africa, especially asking for Ally (sorry!)
So many thanks , it was an experience that we shall all never ever forget
CJ