Travel has been an integral part of my life since childhood. Growing up at Lewa Wilderness, I had the opportunity to interact with people from all corners of the world, thus setting the scene for my future endeavors. As a result, I pursued a degree in Business and Tourism and later worked as an Africa Specialist at a renowned travel company in London. The job offered me countless opportunities to explore the beauty of Africa, and I gained a wealth of knowledge and experiences along the way. My love for Africa was so deep-seated that I decided to move back home to Kenya, start a family, and eventually fulfill my dream of setting up Patchwork Travel, a venture that aims to share the wonders of Africa with you.
As we all know, Africa is a vast expanse, and the most efficient way to travel across it is by plane. It is no surprise that flying has played a significant role in my family's life. My late grandmother, Delia Craig, was an exceptional pilot and a major source of inspiration for me. When she passed away, I made a commitment to follow in her footsteps, and despite the challenges, I spent over two years learning the ropes while working in London. My perseverance paid off, and now, as a pilot, I get to fly my own family around Kenya. Whenever I'm up in the air, I can't help but think of my grandmother and the legacy she left behind.
One of my most unforgettable experiences in East Africa undoubtedly has to be my stay at Greystoke Mahale, located on the remote shores of Lake Tanganyika. The highlight of my stay was trekking to witness the fascinating chimpanzee families inhabiting the Mahale Mountains park behind the lodge. Combining this thrilling activity with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika and ending the day with a relaxing sundowner on the beach, made for an off the beaten track adventure of a lifetime. I highly recommend this unique and adventurous experience to anyone seeking a different kind of travel experience.
After completing my studies in Tourism Management at Kenyatta University, I began my journey at Lewa Wilderness as an intern. Since then, I have had the privilege of working in the reservations department, where I continue to thrive to this day. Over the past six years, I have gained a profound understanding of customizing vacations for our clients, allowing me to offer tailored experiences that go above and beyond their expectations. My passion lies in connecting with people, crafting unforgettable itineraries, and bringing these plans to life. My ultimate goal is to provide our clients with nothing short of exceptional and seamless experiences.
When it comes to animals, I adore all of them, but there's something truly special about these two gentle giants. I can never get enough of them! Being part of a community that has dedicated their lives to protecting these magnificent creatures fills me with immense pride.
The trip to Ol Pejeta Sanctuary was truly unforgettable as it opened my eyes to the harsh reality of species extinction in Kenya. Witnessing the resting place of Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, was a surreal and deeply emotional experience for me. Additionally, I was overjoyed to see the rescued chimps and hear their mischievous tales, yet equally devastated by the heartbreaking stories of their traumatic pasts.
Growing up in Kenya on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, I was fortunate enough to have the most amazing childhood filled with adventure. My family and I explored all corners of Kenya, instilling in me a deep love for travel and exploration. It was no surprise that I found myself naturally drawn to the luxury tourism industry. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of representing incredible properties across East and Southern Africa to the international markets, promoting and selling truly unforgettable experiences. My upbringing taught me the importance of co-existence between wildlife and communities, and the positive impact that travel can have. That's why I am excited to join forces with my sister in creating Patchwork Travel. Together, we are committed to providing unique and sustainable travel experiences that not only showcase the beauty of Africa, but also support local communities and conservation efforts.
As a child, my greatest passion was running. Accompanied by my father and a Maasai for safety, I would embark on training runs around the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. It was during these runs that my father was struck with an idea that would eventually give birth to the Lewa marathon. The concept was simple; to host a marathon in the home country of some of the world's most celebrated runners and extend an invitation to people from all corners of the globe to come be part of it. The ultimate objective was to raise awareness and funds for conservation efforts. Today, 23 years since its inception, the Lewa marathon has raised a staggering £8 million for frontline conservation, schools, and healthcare initiatives across Kenya
One of my favourite experiences in Africa has to be galloping through the breathtaking Okavango Delta on horseback. The rush of adrenaline and the sheer beauty of the surroundings made it an unforgettable and exhilarating adventure. I highly recommend this experience to any horse safari enthusiast out there. It's truly magical and a must-do activity in Africa.
I grew up in the scenic foothills of the Ngong Hills in Corner Baridi known as the “cold corner”. My childhood was anything but that! My passion for travel was evoked at a young age by my adventurous family, who inspired me to to study Tours and Travel Operations Management. I’ve worked for various tourism companies and am excited to be part of Patchwork.
My bags are packed and I’m ready to go (literally). I am always ready to travel — down to a pre-packed toiletry bag! I love an adventure and believe a good life is lived through the experiences we have with family and friends. I bring this passion to planning every trip with my clients.
Travelling in my father’s footsteps. The Masai Mara is a place my father spoke about often. He said a walk in the wild, or even a short game drive, is a soulful experience that can change your mindset forever. It leaves you feeling at peace and grateful for life. After his passing, I vowed to visit the Mara at least once a year, which I have done. I saved for my first trip and am so grateful for the joy it bought me, something I think of often.
