Here at Gamewatchers Safaris we love to hear from our guests when they have returned from their travels. Kathi Hammer recently stayed at Porini Camps and took the time to write about her safari experience and share some of her beautiful  images.

“I just returned from my third safari booking with Julie Roggow of Gamewatchers; the last two safaris have been in four Porini Camps.

Everything about Porini Camps are beyond expectations; the abundant wildlife, the staff and management who make you feel like family, the stunning conservancy locations, and Porini’s partnership with the local Maasai people. Porini contributes to the education and funding of the local communities to create a sustainable balance between the Maasai people and the indigenous animals. This close partnership with the Maasai people offers Porini Camp guests an opportunity to visit authentic villages; an experience that will stay in your heart forever!

Porini Camps offer a true, safari experience with wonderful, tented accommodations right in the middle of the conservancies. There are no fences and the animals are often within footsteps of your spacious tent for viewing.

One of my favorite times each day is falling asleep in their comfortable beds while listening to the huff of the lions, the laugh of the hyenas, and yips of jackals and zebras as they navigate the night hours.

Porini Camps go the extra mile beginning with delivering coffee/tea and biscuits to your tent as a wake-up call, an early game drive with a bush breakfast, a late afternoon game drive with “sundowners” (drinks and snacks) to watch a gorgeous sunset and the animals readying themselves for night, and a campfire with drinks and stories to share before a delicious dinner. If you have the energy, they will also take you on a night game drive to see the nocturnal wildlife.

Porini Camp days are always exciting as wildlife viewing opportunities are so diverse. The Maasai guides and spotters are brilliant in their knowledge of the terrain, animal locations and behaviors; plus they know the big cats and dominant elephants by name.

One of the many advantages to being within a conservancy is the ability of the guides to drive off road which gets you up close and personal with the wildlife. Additionally, there are very few vehicles around during your game drives within the conservancies. As a photography enthusiast, the guides understand lighting and angles to ensure you will return with not only amazing, animal encounters, but with incredible pictures to share. I know my photography skills have improved with each Gamewatchers and Porini Camp safari.

I extend my gratitude to all of the camp managers and their excellent staffs for 17 amazing safari days over the last two years. Within days of being home, I am already thinking about my next safari trip with Gamewatchers and Porini Camps. Thank you Julie, Gamewatchers and Porini Camps for making my “once in a lifetime trip” a yearly adventure.

Best Regards!
Kathi L Hammer

Thank you Kathi for sharing this with us. We look forward to welcoming you to the camps again very soon!