I (Christine) work in advertising and marketing, but photography is a passion and hobby of mine and in 2017 I had an exhibition called ‘Friends and Beasts’. I have always loved animals and Africa seemed like it would be an incredible place to take photos of wildlife in their natural environment. I had friends who raved about their safari experience as well

Europe is easy enough to navigate but Africa was a pretty big unknown, so we wanted to use a travel agent. From the beginning it was about having the most luxurious and wonderful experiences we could. We agreed with all of Forth & Wonder’s suggestions and we went to the most amazing, unique and memorable places.

On our very last day in the Kenya we had an early morning balloon ride over the Mara plains with a Champagne breakfast afterwards. We were picked up by our guide from Angama Mara, Sophie – one of only seven females guides in the Masai Mara and a truly amazing woman!

My husband thought we had missed the Great Migration, due to the time of year, but Sophie said we had a chance. One minute we were driving around and then she got a call and took off at breakneck speed – it was so much fun! There were hundreds of safari vehicles that had gathered to watch a wildebeest river crossing, but she found a spot away from them at an angle and we got front row seats! The Great Migration is an amazing wildlife spectacle that has to be seen to be believed – not only is it a visual feast – it is really loud! Needless to say, Michael was very happy…

In one day we saw the migration, a lion pride close-up and a rhino family, with a mum, dad and baby. And then it rained, and a rainbow appeared – it was the perfect day. But really, no one day is ever the same. Every day brings new surprises and countless highlights.

We have stayed at some beautiful places around the world, but Singita’s Faru Faru Lodge in the Grumeti Private Reserve tops them all. We just loved the location, the laid-back luxury and the design of our suite with enormous windows into the wild. The food, wine and service were outstanding. It ticks every box for a luxury travel experience, and the dedication to local community and conservation is evident everywhere.

At Faru Faru we had a guide called Gerald , a really quiet guy, and he knew we really wanted to see a leopard. On our last afternoon, we decided to forego the evening game drive and stay at the camp to soak up the luxury. I was in the middle of an outdoor shower when we got a call from him that a leopard had been spotted and he could drive us straight there. I was dressed and out the door in 10 minutes and I got the most amazing shot of the leopard winking at us!

The first day we went on safari while staying at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge was actually my birthday and we woke up to special ‘birthday’ lion biscuits in our room. That day I spent eight hours taking photos of magnificent creatures, including lions, to my heart’s content. At lunch time the staff arranged a delicious private lunch by the pool. When we arrived back at camp, we had a romantic birthday dinner in the boma and the staff danced around me singing ‘happy birthday’ in Swahili. I couldn’t imagine a more magical birthday.

Absolutely! Hang the expense and just do it – it’s worth every cent! So many friends have told us that until they saw our photos on Facebook they had never considered an African safari, and now they are all thinking of going.

I used to love Italy and France but now I would rather go back to Africa any day. It’s a total experience – every day is different and every moment you have is unique.