Fred Mare | Our Man In Kenya

I was born in the shadow of Mount Kenya, just 30km from the equator, and grew up enthralled with the adventures of Asterix and Tintin. Although I considered becoming a mechanical engineer, like my late dad, the idea of being an explorer had taken hold, and I studied tour guiding instead. Now, as guest liaison I interact with different people everyday, all with varying challenges, and it’s as exciting as when I first started.

Quite simply, Africa makes you feel at home. It’s not surprising, as this truly is humankind’s cradle, but I’d say it’s because the people are naturally warm and welcoming, and nearly all visitors fall in love with them. Then there are of course our natural assets, like our abundant wildlife and breathtaking, ever-changing landscapes. Indeed, here we still have nature as it was intended it to be, unspoilt by man and his crazy inventions. It’s wildly different, but Africa grows on you.

I ensure that your safari experience is seamless, from meet-and-greet on arrival to getting you safely on your return flight home. I’m also Mr Fix It! Over the last three decades I’ve encountered every conceivable problem a client could have – from forgotten spectacles to ‘emergency’ African-style hair plaiting – and have solved the lion’s share of them. No two days are the same for me, but I’m always available, 24-7-365, to sort out any arising issues. Ultimately my job is to make you comfortable.

Come with an open mind and see life as it should be: plain, simple and breathtakingly beautiful! Bear in mind that light aircrafts can only hold soft bags, and they mustn’t exceed 15kg per person. In any event travel light, as luxury lodges have excellent laundry facilities and the weather is pleasant year round. Finally, treat local people with decorum and be ready to engage in friendly conversation; we’re inquisitive, and would love to learn all about you.

My African Canvas A selection of my favourite luxury African safari experiences

Experiences

From Sirikoi, you can go on a helicopter safari to Mount Kenya.

Whizzing Across Northern Kenya On A Helicopter Safari

Skimming low over the treetops or soaring up and over an escarpment like an eagle on a rising thermal, the best way to absorb the grandeur of Africa’s landscapes is…

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Drift over elephant, and more, on out Masai Mara balloon safari.

Drifting Over The Masai Mara In A Balloon

A Masai Mara balloon safari – one of Kenya's best safari experiences – is one of those dream-like adventures you’ll tell the grandchildren about one day. It offers the ultimate…

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A Samburu safari puts you in touch with the arid, wild north of Kenya.

Going On Safari In Samburu's Semi-desert

A Samburu safari in puts you in touch with the arid, wild north of Kenya. Take a game drive in this elemental wilderness on one of Kenya's best safari experiences…

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Safari lodges

A resident warthog takes a quick drink out the infinity pool at Kichwa Tembo while others wander nearby.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp | The Masai Mara

Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Masai Mara and the Oloololo Escarpment at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, one of Kenya’s best safari lodges: from your tent, the restaurant or the infinity…

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The guest area at Elephant Watch Camp provides a cheerful sanctuary from the wild Samburu National Reserve.

Elephant Watch Camp | Samburu National Reserve

Get to know the elephant families of Samburu National Reserve at Elephant Watch Camp in the wild Samburu region. Here you can stay in one of six unique tents, located…

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Sala’s Camp has just seven tented suites.

Sala’s Camp | The Masai Mara

Set under tall riverine trees on the banks of the Sand River in the southern Masai Mara, Sala’s Camp is perfectly situated for lengthy sightings of the Great Wildebeest Migration.…

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Safari trip ideas

Dine out on the verandah at Sirikoi House.

Kenya Family Safari | Panoramas & Oasis | 6 Nights

Enjoy two unique family villas on this, one of Kenya's best safari itineraries, in the remote, wild and arid north, where flexible schedules, specially-prepared meals and private guides all come…

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Loisaba Tented Camp’s guest area is cheerfully inviting in the evenings.

Kenya | Rhinos, Star Beds, Vistas & Mara | 7 Nights

Explore the more arid Laikipia before heading to the lush plains of the Masai Mara with this comprehensive seven-night itinerary, one of Kenya's best. It includes a private cottage, a star…

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The guest area at Elephant Watch Camp provides a cheerful sanctuary from the wild Samburu National Reserve.

Kenya | Mara River, Elephant Encounters & Northern Wilderness | 9 Nights

This nine-night stay in three Kenya safari lodges lets you really appreciate the landscapes, people and wildlife that make this country special. On this safari, one of Kenya's best safari…

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