Olivia Kennaway
With family in Kenya and parents who love to travel, I've been lucky enough to have traveled to Africa and all over the world since I was a baby and have been to almost 50 countries! I'm particularly passionate about responsible travel and wildlife experiences; If you're looking for an adventure and the creation of lifetime memories, there truly is nowhere else quite like Africa.
My masters degree in Wildlife Documentary Production and background in conservation means I'm particularly passionate about responsible travel and wildlife experiences; nothing compares to coming face to face with a silverback gorilla, or tracking a leopard for hours and being rewarded with her emerging from the bush right in front of you or hearing hippos munching on grass for a midnight snack just outside your tent as lions roar in the distance. Every time I visit Africa I leave a little piece of my soul there.
Favorite places I've been
My hot picks
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Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
I spent my honeymoon there and it was the highlight of the trip, the hotel staff were amazing and the views were breathtaking.They're passionate about responsible travel, I now sponsor an orphan who lives and studies at the lodge's associated orphanage.
My top tips
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As a minimum, learn how to say thank you and hello in the local language - it goes a long way!
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Some lodges will have camera equipment for hire (or you can even borrow lenses) which saves you having to pack all that heavy/expensive gear around Africa. Some can even arrange a photography lesson for you while in the safari jeep!
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Factor in some downtime for your vacation, safari/trekking is tiring and you'll want some time to relax and reflect on the incredible experience you just had.