PLAN YOUR TRIP

Rates for the three Basecamp lodges range from approximately R2 800 to R4 200 per person per night. This includes all meals and two game drives. Other activities such as night drives and walks are also on offer. Or just stare in wonder at the bush. If you want to stay in the Obama tent, book early as there is a steady demand for the bed of the first Kenyan-American leader of the world. Also check out the Obama Forest, where he planted a tree, one of 70 000 the lodge and its guests have planted. See basecampexplorer.com.

We flew to Nairobi from Johannesburg on Rwand Air via Kigali. A return flight costs approximately $386 (R5 800). See

rwandair.com. This airline is generally impressive. The plane from Kigali to Joburg was the newest aircraft I can ever remember flying on, and the food is usually better than that bogstandard plastic fare.

Safarilink has flights to the Mara from the smaller Wilson Airport in Nairobi. The flights are 45 minutes, much less than the six hours it would take to drive to the Mara. Return flights cost in the region of $361 (R5 000). See safarilink.com.

We stayed at the plush Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, one of the hippest venues in town, and set in one of its upmarket ’hoods. They serve the best mushroom soup on the planet (no, I could not get the recipe). Their award-winning spa is also worth exploring. Rates from R3 700 per night for a room — but shop for deals on the internet. See tribe-hotel.com.