Patchwork Travel was born out of a love for Africa that has taken the owners, Lydia McCorkell and Sacha Gross, back to their roots in Nairobi with their families. The sisters’ passion for conserving Africa’s wild spaces was instilled in them from a young age while growing up on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
With 20 years of combined international experience in the luxury African travel industry, complemented by their deep Kenyan insights, Lydia and Sacha, together with their business partner, Rosemary Mwangi, have created a highly personal approach to travel planning. Drawing on insider knowledge and connections, each adventure is carefully tailored to a guest’s individual needs, while ensuring sustainability is part of the equation. People and place matter, and their aim with Patchwork Travel is to stitch these two together to make a positive impact.
Rosemary manages the office and oversees all reservations in Nairobi with assistance from Brenda, both of whom were born and raised in Kenya and studied tourism at local universities. Rosemary is the backbone of Patchwork Travel. She started her travel career at Lewa Wilderness, where she learnt the value of sustainable tourism and caring for community and conservation. Brenda joined the team as the company expanded, bringing her enthusiasm and energy for everything travel-related.
Nairobi is East Africa’s travel hub and the team are on hand 24/7 to provide all the logistics for your safari from the moment you arrive. Patchwork Travel believes in personalised attention, and one of the team members will meet your during your trip to ensure your experience is everything you’ve dreamed of.
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.
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.
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.
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.