“I had a farm in Africa…” Since childhood, I have always remembered Karen Blixen’s words from the magnificent award-winning movie ‘Out Of Africa’ and have dreamt of visiting this magical place, the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
My dream became true in February when I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Maasai Mara. I hosted a group of agents for 4 nights but was then also able to extend my stay at the chic Angama Mara Safari Lodge, the site for many romantic picnic shots from the movie ‘Out of Africa’.
With Karen’s words in my head, flying in a tiny plane over this magnificent landscape brought tears to my eyes. Finally, I was seeing the beauty that she’d described. The Maasai named their land Mara which means “spotted” and refers to the hundreds of thorn trees dotted across the savannah and the plains; it’s also often “spotted” with cloud shadows.
The adventure begins! Airstrip arrival
We landed on the only private tar airstrip in the Reserve, to access Angama Mara which is perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. A short drive and we arrived at our home for the most unforgettable weekend.
Breathtaking does not begin to describe the first glimpse of the views below as you step along a herringbone brick walkway, over tranquil fishponds, with the Maasai plains spread out before you. Inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid-air’, our chilled welcome drinks were abandoned as we stood in wide-eyed awe, staring down across the plains stretching as far as the eye could see.
Elegant entrance Views, views, views
With just two intimate camps (North & South Camp) of just fifteen tented suites each, the Angama Mara lodge allows total guest flexibility and makes each guest feel like they are not only a VIP but part of a close-knit family.
Beautiful tented suites with 11-metre floor to ceiling glass fronts are elegantly furnished with special little touches everywhere … We got traditional kikois and red slip slops for the pool, personal safari bag, binoculars, crystal decanters with gin, a fresh lemon and our own copy of ‘Out of Africa’ at our bedside.
The Maasai culture is evident everywhere with their signature bright colours, particularly red, in cushions, room dividers and furniture. Morning tea and coffee is discreetly served with no disturbance, via the butler’s lobby, the private entrance to your suite.
Bird’s eye view View from our suite across to the Out of Africa picnic kopje
A short stroll from our tent, past the tree-shaded grave of Denys Finch Hatton (Karen’s much-loved companion and friend in the movie), we reached the swimming pool pavilion. We lazed away the afternoon, avoiding the midday heat. Cool red loungers and local Tusker lager made for a relaxing few hours — much needed after a week of intense work schedules.
We booked the exclusive ‘Out of Africa’ kopje for a private picnic the next day, with me none the wiser as to the following day’s significance.
Later in the afternoon, we went on what turned out to be our one and only game drive (more on this later), certainly one for my “best ever safari” list. We saw the Big 5 in one drive! Just 10 minutes’ drive from the lodge, the area known as The Mara Triangle lives up to its reputation as being one of the most game-rich areas in the reserve.
A delicious plated dinner was served to us by candlelight; the perfect end to our day.
Pool Pavilion Ready for a safari
The following day started early, at 1 am, with my soon-to-be fiancé doubled over in agony due to a severe (later diagnosed) case of kidney stones! One quick call from our in-tent emergency iPad had the caring Dr James knocking on our door and dispensing much-needed pain medication and support.
The morning was spent catching up on sleep and enjoying a blissful massage on the deck of our tent with only the sound of cicadas nearby. The patient later managed to be dragged up the kopje (hill) for our much-anticipated picnic lunch. A private shaded area atop the kopje, set with a butler’s tray bar, old fashioned picnic box filled with lunchtime treats and a brightly coloured shuka, was the perfect setting for the popping of champagne and the big “Will you marry me?” question.
While baboons peeped at us through trees, we made excited calls to our families back home in South Africa with the news and spent a magical few hours basking in the excitement of our engagement.
Saviour Dr James Our magical picnic spot Celebrating the big moment
Our long journey home began the following day with a flurry of doctor’s visits and an emergency surgery on arrival home. But nothing could dampen our spirits after this incredible journey to Angama Mara and the unforgettable location for our engagement.
Who would’ve thought that I would get to visit Karen’s magnificent Maasai Mara but also celebrate a very significant life event there. It will always be a special place in my heart.
In the words of Karen Blixen: “Up in this air you breathed easily, drawing in a vital assurance and lightness of heart.”
Written by Charlotte Smith