Live Feed

Emboo River Run

Partner: Emboo River Lodge

Location: Kenya

Date published: 21st December 2021


A partnership between the Embassy of Belgium to Kenya and Emboo River lodge saw 30 team members running in the 2021 UltraMARAthon, a 50 kilometres race that passes through grasslands, hills and lots of animals. The support of the Embassy of Belgium and Emboo River lodge supports good causes within the Maasai Mara community. 

Stories From East Africa

There's Nothing Like a Good Book

Partner: Asilia

Location: Kenya 

Date published: 16th December 2021


While many children across the world were home-schooled for the most part of last year, this was not possible for many children in the communities surrounding the Masai Mara. Laptops are rare and the internet is an expensive luxury for many. The Kenya Wildlife Trust and Mara Predator Conservation Programme, via the Wildlife Club, jumped into action keeping school children engaged and educated through the publication of a Wildlife Club book, entitled "Ole Peenko's Journey and other Stories". The stories were based on human-wildlife conflict and included interactive games for the children as well as activities to keep them busy. The book was such a success that a second publication has been made this year, with the aim to make the publication annual. Asilia's contribution supported the publication and distribution of these books.

Stories From East Africa

Asilia keeping school children engaged with The Kenya Wildlife Trust and the Mara Predator Conservation Programme

Ropes of Hope

Partner: Chloe Mjini Treehouse Lodge 

Location:  Tanzania 

Date published: 15th December 2021


The team at Chloe Mjini are putting their thoughts into action and have started a coral conservation and regeneration program in the waters around Mafia Island. Their aim: to set up more nurseries with corals of opportunity (fragments that have come from damaged reefs) and include community divers to help out and raise awareness at nearby villages. 

Stories From East Africa

The team at Chloe Mjini Treehouse Lodge

Education at Elewana

Partner: Elewana

Location: Kenya & Tanzania 

Date published: 14th December 2021


Two new educational curriculums have been created with the Elewana Service Training and Hospitality School located at The Manor Ngorongoro and the Guiding School operating across properties in Kenya and Tanzania.

Stories From East Africa

Image courtesy of Elewana

Congratulations Nomad Tanzania!

Partner: Nomad Tanzania

Location: Tanzania

Date published: 14th December 2021


Our friends at Nomad Tanzania's Chada Katavi has won Tatler Magazine's award for 'Best for Community and Conservation'.

In the words of Tatler, 'Let’s not forget the hoteliers that are trying to do some good. Because, ultimately, the biggest luxury a traveller can experience is staying in one of those environmentally- and socially-conscious places that allow guests to make a difference to the lives of those they visit (such as Nomad’s Chada Katavi Camp, another of our award-winners). This year, more than ever, Tatler wants to shine a light on the sustainable stars and those on the frontline of conservation.'

Stories From East Africa

Nomad's new accolade

Let There be Light!

Partner: African Parks Network 

Location: Democratic Republic of Congo 

Date published: 14th December 2021 


Garamba National Park has been introducing solar power to provinces in the area, supplying them with sustainable energy for the first time ever. Read about how the introduction of these solar grids has had an incredible effect on the day to day life of everyone living in these small towns. 

Stories From East Africa

Garamba National Park

Building Foundations

Partner: Alfajiri Villas 

Location: Kenya, Diani Beach

Date published: 14th December 2021


Alfajiri Villas have recently launched the Alfajiri Foundation, an initiative with the aim of promoting biodiversity and bettering the livelihoods of those that call the area home. 

Stories From East Africa

Alfajiri Lodge on Diani Beach

A Year of Giving Back

Partner: African Parks Network

Date published: 9th December 2021 


As the year draws to a close, the African Parks Network has compiled a list of statistics that sum up their 2021 efforts.

Stories From East Africa

Image courtesy of Andrew Macdonald

A New Home for Wild Dogs *Update*

Partner: African Parks Network

Area: Zambia

Date Published: 11th November 2021

Updated: 8th December 2021


A group of African Wild Dogs have been reintroduced to the Liuwa Plain. Read about the importance this will have on Zambia's post-pandemic tourism and conservation efforts.

Stories From East Africa

Photo by Lorenz Fischer

Birds of a Feather

Partner: Governors Camp

Location: Kenya

Date published: 2nd December 2021 


The Governors Camp guiding team from Loldia House paid a visit to The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust in Naivasha. Here, they learnt first-hand from director Shiv Kapila about threats facing Kenya’s birds of prey. 

Stories From East Africa

The center has a growing collection of non-releasable Ruppell’s vultures – photo credit Felix Rome

New Rhino Residents

Partner: African Parks Network

Location: Rwanda 

Date published: 30th November 2021


In a step towards advancing rhino conservation in Rwanda, 30 white rhinos have been relocated to create and protect a new breeding stronghold for the threatened species.

Stories From East Africa

The big arrival

Ol Pejeta's New Global Ambassador

Partner: Ol Pejeta Conservancy    

Location: Kenya 

Date published: 30th November 2021


Earlier this month world-renowned photographer and conservationist Ami Vitale was unveiled as Ol Pejeta’s Global Ambassador. 

Stories From East Africa

Ami with a rhino at Ol Pejeta

A Happy Classroom

Partner: Governors Camp

Location: Kenya

Date published: 30th November 2021


Under exciting initiatives put in place by Governor's Camp in Kenya, schoolchildren have been given rations and supplies to help their education, smiles, and way of life. 

Top 3 in the World!

Partner: Mosetlha Bush Camp & Eco Lodge

Location: South Africa

Date published: 25th November 2021


Jonny Motsieloa at Mosetlha Lodge has reason to celebrate - he's just been voted as one of the world’s top specialist guides at the prestigious Wanderlust Travel Awards. Read more about Jonny's amazing accomplishment here.

Stories From East Africa

Mosetlha Bush Camp

Tourism, Conservation, Community

Partner: Red Rocks Rwanda

Location: Rwanda 

Date Published: 25th November 2021


Red Rocks Rwanda has planned and created a range of initiatives that aims to help the environment and the surrounding community through the utilisation of partnerships, travel, and tourism. 
Stories From East Africa

Welcome to Red Rocks Rwanda

A New Dining Experience

Partner: Elewana

Date published: 24th November 2021


Our partners at Elewana have recently launched a new innovative scheme to help support local farmers and promote the importance of eating organically. 

Stories From East Africa

Taking Root

Partner: Seedballs Kenya

Location: Kenya

Date published: 18th November 2021


Seedballs Kenya has pioneered a project to fight deforestation throughout East Africa, using a cost-effective and sustainable method. Read about the story behind the initiative, and how it's being spread throughout the razed forests of Kenya. 

Stories From East Africa

Image courtesy of Seedballs Kenya

Emerging Talent: Scott Hyman

Location: Africa

Date published: 18th November 2021


We at Brilliant Africa use photographs every day to illustrate the amazing sights of East Africa, so much so, that we’ve decided to spotlight a few of our favourite emerging talents each month. 

This month, we spoke to Canadian-born photographer, Scott. 

Stories From East Africa

Photo by Scott Hyman

The Bush Kitchen

Partner: El Karama Lodge

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 3rd November 2021


We sat down with El Karama co-founder Sophie Grant, to discuss the influence of the wild in food, recipes she just can't live without, and juggling running a lodge whilst writing a cookbook.

Stories From East Africa

Riding for Rangers

Partner: ForRangers

Location: Kenya 

Date Published: 3rd November 2021


In 2022, the co-founder of ForRangers Sam Taylor, along with three others, will head to Patagonia to race in the Gaucho Derby, also known as ‘the greatest test of horsemanship on earth.’ Read more about ForRangers, their efforts, and the challenges they’re facing. 

Stories From East Africa

Image courtesy of ForRangers

Stats From the Field

Partner: Big Life Africa

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 3rd November 2021


Big Life partners with local communities and hundreds of rangers to protect Africa's wildlife for the benefit of all. The rangers conduct extensive daily patrols to gather intelligence. Through this, they are able to prevent most instances of poaching and successfully apprehend poachers who do manage to kill. 

They shared with us the results of their efforts over the last quarter. 

Stories From East Africa

Star Safari

Partner: Elewana 

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 2nd November 2021


Our friends at Elewana have partnered with the Travelling Telescope to enable guests to enjoy the night sky as never before. Guided by seasoned astronomers, they offer a tour of Africa’s night sky and share the wonders of the latest discoveries and exploration.

Stories From East Africa

The Milky Way over the Maasai Mara

Cheetah: Spotted

Partner: Ol Pejeta Conservancy 

Location: Kenya 

Date Published: 2nd November 2021


Ol Pejeta Conservancy has been keeping us updated about their Cheetah Project, which works to monitor and protect the cheetah population for the sake of conservation. 

10,000 Wildebeest From 10,000 Feet

Partner: SkySafari

Location: Tanzania

Date Published: 29th October 2021


The Great Migration is one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles anywhere on the planet, but did you know you can witness it from the skies? Our friends at SkySafari shared a remarkable video from a recent trip over the Serengeti plains. Check out the video here

Stories From East Africa

Saving A Species

Partner: Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 29th October 2021


Our friends at Ol Pejeta Conservancy tell us about a recent decision to retire Najin - the older of the last two remaining northern female white rhinos - as a donor of egg cells (oocytes) under the Biorescue Project program aimed to recover the species. 

Ol Pejete Bush Camp, Kenya

Najin and Fatu, the last 2 northern white rhinos in the world

The Bees Knees

Partner: Gibb’s Farm

Location: Tanzania

Date Published: 28th October 2021


Already a haven for wildlife, Gibb’s Farm has been learning all about their new residents and the best way to host them during their stay. 

Stories From East Africa

Busy bee at work on Gibb's Farm

Safari Sightings!

Partner: Cottar's Safaris

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 27th October 2021 


The plains of the Maasai Mara are home to an abundance of wildlife - read about a couple of the amazing sightings spotted around Cottar’s and the importance of their conservation. 

Stories From East Africa

Cheetah cubs on the lookout - image courtesy of Cottar's

Conversation on Conservation

Partner: Kiboko Lodge

Location: Tanzania

Date Published: 27th October 2021


Last week, Kiboko Lodge hosted their annual summit focusing on educating the local community about biodiversity and economic development. Read about the importance of this meeting and how it contributes towards responsible tourism.

Stories From East Africa

Helping to inform and educate one another at Kiboko Lodge

A Greener Maasai Mara

Partner: Emboo River Camp

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 26th October 2021


Battling the climate crisis is more important than ever. Our friends at Emboo River Camp are taking sustainable steps in their pocket of East Africa, and hope to encourage others to do the same. 

Stories From East Africa

A sundowner with Emboo River Camp

Sounds of the Wild

Location: Uganda

Date Published: 27th October 2021


Brilliant Africa interviewed photographer and conservation ambassador, Jonathan Benaiah, about his team's upcoming project. Featured in Forbes Magazine, their aim is to document the music of wild Uganda in a new and exciting way. 

Stories From East Africa

Emerging Talent: Valentin Posco

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 21st October 2021


We at Brilliant Africa use photographs every day to illustrate the amazing sights of East Africa, so much so, that we’ve decided to spotlight a few of our favourite emerging talents each month. 

This month, we spoke to French photographer, Valentin.

Stories From East Africa

Maridadi, the black maned lion. Photo by Valentin Posco.

Reptile Awareness Day

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 21st October 2021


Today is Reptile Awareness Day, and we at Brilliant Africa would like to bring some awareness to our favourite reptiles - turtles - and the conservation that is so needed to protect them.

Stories From East Africa

Rise of the Rhino

Partner: Elewana

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 20th October 2021


Since its founding in 1983, the efforts of Lewa Conservancy have seen the population of Rhino’s going from worrying to heart-warming. 

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Kenya

The Long Way Down

Partner: Tuk South

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 5th October 2021


The recent pandemic has seen the travel and tourism sector suffer, causing parks and the rangers that work to enable conservation to suffer in turn. To help combat this, four boys living in Kenya have decided to take to their Tuk Tuk.

Stories From East Africa

Sleeping Under the Stars

Partner: Nomad Tanzania

Location: Tanzania

Date Published: 5th October 2021


Our friends at Nomad Tanzania have told us about their fly-camping experience, and why Katavi is the perfect place to do it. 

Stories From East Africa

Celebrating World Animal Day with Kerrio

Partner: The Sheldrick Trust 

Destination: Kenya

Date Published: 4th October 2021


The Sheldrick Trust shared this story on World Animal Day - it's a story of loss, hope, and the importance of organisations like theirs.

In Nairobi, Kerrio found herself back at the trust’s nursery, but a saddening twist in her already devastating story revealed itself.

Stories From East Africa

Mallets at the Ready!

Partner: Ndali Lodge

Destination: Uganda 

Date Published: 30th September 2021


Aubrey and Clare of Ndali Lodge have an exciting new project underway - bringing croquet (and strawberries) from North Yorkshire to the heart of Uganda. 

Stories From East Africa

New Camp, New Sightings

Partner: River Camps 

Destination: Uganda 

Date Published: 30th September 2021


Situated between the stunning Murchison Falls and Kibale Forest National Park is Nguse River Camp, recently opened by our partners at River Camps Uganda.

Since opening, the camp has had some curious new guests... 

Stories From East Africa

Cycling for Change

Partner: Masaka Cycling Club

Destination: Uganda 

Date Published: 30th September 2021


A cycling club in southern Uganda are helping disadvantaged children ride towards their dreams and work towards better equality in the biking community.

Stories From East Africa

World Rhino Day

Partner: Great Plains Conservation

Location: Botswana

Date Published: 22nd September 2021


The photo here is not one you see every day: one of two rhinos being airlifted over the Okavango Delta.

After a flood arrived cutting them off, action had to be taken quickly to ensure their survival.

Stories From East Africa

Brilliant Africa's Emerging Talent

We at Brilliant Africa use photographs every day to illustrate the amazing sights of East Africa, so much so, that we’ve decided to spotlight a few of our favourite emerging talents each month. 

Our aim is to repost the work of these emerging talents to help boost their platform and shine a light on the amazing talent East Africa has on offer! 

Stories From East Africa

Starting the Conversation

Partner: Asilia Africa

Location: Kenya and Tanzania

Date Published: 21st September 2021


Asilia’s aim is to better serve international guests who require driver guides, and so they've widened their pool of multilingual speakers based in both Kenya and Tanzania. 

This change utilizes how fascinating and broad Africa is linguistically.

Stories From East Africa

Conservation With Hemingway’s

Partner: Hemingway's Collection

Location: Kenya

Date Published: 21st September 2021


Hemingways Watamu is a founder and financial supporter of the Watamu Marine Association, supporting the natural biodiversity and ecosystem of Watamu on the Kenyan Coast. 

Further inland, Hemingways Ol Seki Mara is supporting The Big Cat Project, helping secure the future of the lion, cheetah and leopard. 

Stories From East Africa

No.1 Hotel in the World!

Partner: Virgin Mahali Mzuri

Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya

Date published: 21st September


Sir Richard Branson’s Kenyan Safari Camp has been ranked as the Number One Hotel in the World.

This is a testament to the beauty of Mahali Mzuri; the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards provides inspiration and guidance to some of the most passionate travellers. 

Stories From East Africa

Reducing the Footprint

Partner: Asilia Africa

Location: Tanzania

Date Published: 21st September 2021


Singita has introduced a levy to help make all new bookings with them carbon neutral. 

This comes after a change in 2016 when the Tanzanian government pledged to reduce its carbon footprint by 10-20%

Stories From East Africa

Ride 4 Girls

Partner: Kara Tunga

Location: Kenya

Date published: 21st September 2021


Kara Tunga is aiming to provide 20 vulnerable girls from various communities along the Tour of Karamoja bike trail with the opportunity of receiving life-changing education. 

Stories From East Africa

Milk to Market

Partner: The Sarara Foundation

Destination: Kenya

Date published: 21st September 2021


The Sarara Foundation is proud to announce the Milk to Market Program - an initiative for the Samburu women to sell their excess goat milk to the nearby elephant sanctuary. 

Stories From East Africa

Walk a Wonder of the World

Partner: Nomad Tanzania

Destination: Tanzania

Date published: 2nd September 2021


Entamanu Ngorongoro lodge is offering some incredible walks not to be missed. The lodge has a private driveway spanning 9km; blissfully secluded, they occupy the only spot in the world where you can see the Crater and the Serengeti simultaneously, making it a destination in its own right.

Take an epic amble along the edge of one of the wonders of the world; spot game from above, and see through the eyes of your Maasai guide. Better yet, drop in on a Maasai boma for a warm welcome into another existence. 

Stories From East Africa

Green Sands at Nomad

Partner: Sands at Nomad

Destination: Diani Beach, Kenya

Date Published: 1st September 2021


The Sands at Nomad is introducing new initiatives to take more steps towards becoming a gold-rated accommodation for sustainable tourism. 

Stories From East Africa

New Ways to Travel

Partner: Africa Safari Classics

Destination: Kenya

Date published: 31st August 2021


The newly built Chinese express, Standard Gauge Railway, is now operational in Kenya between Nairobi and Mombasa. As of right now, it stops at two major tourist destinations: Mtito Andei and Voi Town. 

Instead of taking the busy highway or catching a flight to Nairobi or Mombasa, you can now easily board this train to your accommodation and explore the surrounding Chyulu Hills National Park, Tsavo West and Tsavo East

Stories From East Africa

Conservation through Tourism

Partner: Nature Discovery

Destination: Tanzania

Date published: 25th August 2021


A new conservation video series featuring the Tanzanian northeastern circuit - Conservation Through Tourism - aims to “take people on a journey from the snow-capped peaks at the highest point in Africa to the tropical white sand beaches of the Tanzania mainland coast”.

The project provides a unique insight into what's happening on the ground with the aim of further illustrating the importance of leveraging tourism to protect the natural, historical and cultural resources of the country.

Every 5 Acres Project

Partner: Destination Jungle Safaris

Destination: Uganda

Date published: 21st August 2021


Every 5 Acres is a new project from the Association for the Conservation of Bugoma Forest (ACBF). The goal of the initiative is to counter the rapid deforestation of Uganda's forests - in particular the Bugoma Forest - through purchase of land for reforestation, with an initial target set for 100 acres. Current costs per acre of land is $1,900 USD. The first 10 acres has been purchased by donors to the association. 

The reforestation of the land bought through the initiative is managed by the association, and the first 5 acres is currently undergoing reforestation work. 

To learn more about the initiative, watch the video below. 

A new arrival on Namiri Plains

Partner: Asilia Africa

Destination: Tanzania

Date published: 24th August 2021


On Tanzania’s Namiri Plains - Manja - the melanistic serval and his mate have brought a new melanistic serval kitten into the world for a second time! 

The litter is made up of two playful kittens. One has inherited its mothers tan fur with black spots, and the other has taken on its father recessive black colouring. 

Melanism is extremely rare in a serval, so a melanistic serval passing it on to his offspring is nothing short of a phenomenon. The fact that Manja and his mate have managed this successfully twice in less than a year is nothing short of a miracle!

Stories From East Africa

Conservation, Communities & Cameras

Partner: Asilia Africa

Destination: Kenya

Date published: 24th August 2021


Designed for photographers of all abilities, this new adventure was created to add ‘a deeper dimension to a classic photographic safari’.

The itinerary aims to showcase how wildlife conservation and community empowerment can go hand in hand with tourism.

Ngoron-going for Gold

Partner: Nomad Tanzania

Destination: Tanzania

Date published: 24th August 2021


Entamanu Ngorongoro Camp has been nominated for Tanzania's Leading Tented Safari Camp in this year’s World Travel Awards!

The Entamanu Ngorongoro sits on the remote northwestern corner of the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, accessed by a private road with views over the Serengeti. Its location is tucked away and remote, in a secluded pocket of East Africa surrounded by stunning views. 

A destination in its own right, the camp is the only spot in the world where you can see both the Crater and the Serengeti simultaneously!

Saruni Goes Green

Partner: Saruni

Destination: Kenya

Date published: 18th August 2021


Saruni Mara and Saruni Samburu have replaced their electric systems with state-of-the-art solar power plants, providing 80 percent of each camp’s electricity both for guests and staff.

This is part of a wider trend across East Africa as camp owners and operators do their best to transition to a more green economy. 

Date Published: 18th August 2021

Stories From East Africa

New Experiences at Gibb's Farm & Lemala

Partner: Gibbs Farm, Lemala Camps

Destination: Tanzania

Date published: 18th August 2021


Gibb’s Farm are offering horse riding as a new activity for in-house guests as well as day visitors, exploring 8kms of trails on a gentle morning or afternoon ride. Helmets are provided and must be worn. Rack rate US$100 per person, or US$120 if combining with lunch at Gibb’s Farm. Pre-booking is essential.

Lemala Camps & Lodges have launched new multi-day walking safaris in the northern Serengeti, staying in fly-camps and exploring on foot for two or more days.

Stories From East Africa

Mara River Crossing!

Partner: Safari Soles Tours

Destination: Tanzania

Date published: 3rd August 2021


The migration is well underway in Tanzania, check out the video below of a Mara River crossing taken on 27th July 2021!

Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other herd animals cross the Serengeti in Tanzania, heading north to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. One of the most incredible wildlife events in the world, the migration is fundamental to the entire Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

Thanks to Bryson Robert from Safari Soles Tours for the video!

Stories From East Africa

The Great Migration, a perilous journey.

Story Archive

Stories From July 2021

Stories From July 2021

July 2021: With our decades of experience and network of local partners, we bring you the latest stories, developments, and insights from East Africa and East African …

Discover More

Stories From June 2021

Stories From June 2021

June 2021: With our decades of experience and network of local partners, we bring you the latest stories, developments, and insights from East Africa and East African …

Discover More

Africa Travel Collective

At Brilliant Africa, we work with amazing local partners from across the continent in our pursuit of creating the very best itineraries - and delivering the very best experiences - for our customers. 

That's why we started the Africa Travel Collective, to provide a platform for local businesses to share their stories with a global travel audience.  

Working with hundreds of partners across the continent, the Africa Travel Collective uncovers the latest stories from Africa. 

Community Trekking in Ethiopia