If It Ain't Broke...

There are always public holidays in November, and we always aim to go somewhere on safari. Every year, we agree we will go somewhere new. Around planning time, I put the question out to the family: where shall we go? Without time to ponder, the unanimous answer came back: Teddy Bear Island. So much for the 'somewhere new' idea. In the face of so much enthusiasm, what else could I do but book.

As the holiday got closer, lists from my notoriously disorganised family began to pop up on WhatsApp; clearly a sign of building excitement. On the day of departure, again, contrary to the usual form, everyone was in the car and ready when it was time to go.

We have always loved the particular flavour of Baringo; the special combination of boats, views, and chilling is always a success. As we arrived at Kampi Ya Samaki, with John, the boat, and the lake waiting for us, my daughter expressed all of our feelings and said: 'It never gets old.'

As we sped across the lake to the island, cormorants swooped beside us, and a fish eagle's unmistakable call echoed a Baringo karibu around us.

We climbed the path from the beach mooring, always tough the first time, and then weirdly easy from then on. The usual dilemma on arrival is should we unpack or jump in the pool? The pool always wins; a happy relief after the journey from Nairobi.

The days then take on a blissful pattern of eat / swim / water ski / chill / repeat. These days at Teddy Bear of sunrises and sunsets, of boat trips and bird watching, competitions for who can take the best pictures, or who's skiing is most improved, have become a winning holiday combination we never get enough of.

We hate leaving Teddy Bear Island but when we do we always reflect on another great holiday in a place we love. One day we might decide to go somewhere else, but at the moment, the prevailing view is 'is if it ain't broke why fix it.' Reminds me, we need to book before Easter gets booked up.

Bowden Family
November 2019