There are A LOT of people here! 

Descending into LAX, I was struck by the overwhelming expanse of concrete and buildings—a sight that seems to impact me more with each visit. After 30 hours of travel, navigating customs, weaving through the crowds, and stepping into an Uber Black only to merge onto a 16-lane crowded freeway sent my anxiety spiraling. Over the next few weeks, the frantic energy of shuttling between Los Angeles and San Diego for business meetings, along with visits to friends and family, gradually chipped away at my inner peace.

This experience has made me treasure the serenity of my cozy treehouse even more—a peaceful haven tucked away on a generous stretch of land surrounded by nature. After a hectic day at the office in Nairobi, it’s just a brief 15-20 minute drive to my compound. Once I park, I follow a small stone path winding through the bush. With each step, my stress begins to melt away. Climbing the spiral staircase and stepping onto the deck, I take a deep breath, sink into a chair, prop up my feet, and let the fading day wash over me. At sunrise, the soft light filters through the treetops, accompanied by the gentle melody of birdsong. Nestled between the chaos of life, this treehouse feels like a shield, safeguarding my peace.

The contrast between these two worlds mirrors my evolving sentiments toward safari experiences. Over two decades ago, when I first explored Africa’s untamed wilderness and its national parks, the landscape was vastly different. Camps and vehicles were sparse, and the absence of Wi-Fi, smartphones, and social media allowed for an authentic, unfiltered connection with nature. A journey just four hours from Nairobi felt truly remote and wild, reminiscent of the era of Ernest Hemingway. Today, however, the national parks often resemble the chaos of Los Angeles on a busy day, with too many vehicles vying for position at wildlife sightings—often more to capture the perfect shot for social media than to savor the moment itself.

Even in my slice of heaven in Kenya, the longing to be out in the serenity of the bush surrounded by wildlife never leaves; the magic of those early days still lingers. Some of Africa’s most extraordinary photographic gems are found in lesser-known destinations, private conservancies, and areas far from the crowds. While national parks are flooded with millions of images circulating online, drawing hordes of tourists, these quieter, less-visited spaces offer a rare chance to experience the wilderness in its purest form while delivering higher-quality photographic opportunities.

At the close of this past season, I ventured into the tranquil corners of Tanzania, and it was sheer bliss. We embraced an old-school approach, leaving radios out of the vehicle, and were rewarded with incredible sightings. Apart from one encounter in a busier area while transitioning between remote locations, every moment was ours alone, immersed in the stillness and serenity of the wilderness. (I hope to post more about TZ before the next season starts in a few weeks.

This was my vision when designing the LEGACY SAFARI: strategically selecting private locations where you can park the vehicle and look over the wilderness without a vehicle in sight.  Locations where we stay spiritually connected to the unspoiled wilderness, capturing more authentic, powerfully connected photographs. 

The images below were all taken in private areas or conservancies, using wide-angle lenses positioned up close and low to the ground. There were no crowds of vehicles surrounding mine, nor any distractions detracting from the vast landscapes in the background. These private locations not only provide an unparalleled experience but also offer the freedom and flexibility to craft truly unique images from fresh, creative perspectives.

Designed for those who want the best of all worlds 

There’s no better way to experience Africa than sleeping under canvas, surrounded by the sounds of the wild—zebras barking, hyenas calling, and perhaps the distant roar of a lion. It’s the kind of adventure most people only dream of.