The Trip of a Lifetime // Kenya, Africa + Safari

This Africa trip started as a brainstorming idea over dinner back in October. Abby of Abby Alley, travels to Kenya once a year, where her bags and accessories are handmade by Kenyan artisans for her brand. Over our dinner conversation, we mentioned that going to Africa together would be truly amazing. Over the next two months, we went back and forth over the possibility, and in December, aligned some dates.

Abby has always wanted to share her travels with others and Natalie and I have always been yes friends, traveling to and fro together (we travel well as buddies) and Africa is a bucket list destination. Abby did all the planning and thanks to her, we had the trip of a lifetime.

One of the reasons I felt so inspired to go was to visit the workshops where Abby’s sling bags are made. Each sling bag is made by hand at the workshop using local source materials or even, materials that are made at the workshop directly. It is the true definition of ethically and locally made. That was one of the things I was struck by traveling to Kenya, that most if not all, of their goods are locally made. Their economy is built upon small makers and businesses, just trying to make a living selling a handmade craft.

The making of a sling bag

Leather for Abby Alley bags for the upcoming March release of the Croc black sling bag being cut in the workshop in Nairobi, Kenya.

looking at potential samples for an Abby Alley bag collaboration at the workshop

The first part of the trip was dedicated to visiting two workshops in Nairobi, Kenya, where the Abby Alley bags are manufactured. Natalie and Abby also needed to finalize some details for three upcoming bag collaborations, the first, launching in April. (I’m in talks with Abby to collaborate on a bag for Abby Alley as well. More to come on that!). The workshops are all self-contained and they design and manufacture the bags and accessories by hand, from start to finish, at the workshops.

wrapping up our time at a workshop where the Abby Alley bags are produced (Can you spy a bag collab on Natalie? NB x Abby Alley bag collab coming in April!)

taking off for our safari in the North Mara Conservancy, Kenya

our welcome at Alex Walkers north conservancy camp

I didn’t realize how much I’d love this trip. I knew that it would be a monumental trip but reflecting back on the memories, as I’m typing this to you, almost brings me to tears. There’s something so special about the traditions, the people, the earth, that you just seem more hyper-aware of here. Abby has traveled to Africa, probably 10 times, maybe more, she said, and I can understand why. It takes hold of you, this beautiful, open space. You can’t help but fall in love.

Our safari was a dream come true from start to finish. Abby booked our safari through Alex Walker Camps, which I would highly recommend, and everything from the guides, to the meals, to the accommodations, were a pure dream. We stayed one night at the Ngare Serian and then two nights at Serian’s Kimya Kimya. Our guide, Nanana, was the most beautiful, knowledgeable guides (only 1 out of 4 total female guides in the North Mara Conservancy!). She knew just where to guide us, along with our driver, they made a wonderful team.

We were on safari for 4 days in total. Each morning we’d head out sometime around 6 a.m. and drive around the North Mara Conservancy for a few hours, hoping to see lions, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, and other game animals. The conservancy has strict limits on how many vehicles can be in a certain area, so it always felt open and never overwrought with cars or people. And see animals, did we!

On one of the first morning game drives, we came across the carcass of a hippo, which had attracted a pride of lions (one male and four or so females). So we were very lucky to see on almost all of our four day drives.

we stopped to view a herd of zebras mid morning. Our days were filled with animal sightings and breathtaking scenery.

We were caught in a heavy rainstorm during one of our last night game drives. We waited it out with ponchos and the laughter of our driver and guide.

On day three, Nanana arranged a visit to a Maasai Village inside the conservancy. This was an truly amazing, humbling experience.

The Maasai tribe women welcomed us with a dance and invited us to join them.

our last day, waiting for our plane to arrive to take us back to Nairobi

Thanks to Abby for arranging the trip of a lifetime. Stay tuned for a bag collaboration with Natalie Borton Designs x Abby Alley coming this spring. I’m also working with Abby on developing a bag and will share more as the details are unveiled. For now, you can pre-order her newest sling bag in the black croc with code CONNI20. You can also shop any of the pieces from my travel capsule here. I am forever changed by experiencing a culture so different, yet similar in many ways. It truly feels like the world isn’t so vast after all. Just filled with amazing humans who live a life more connected to the land.

xx, Conni

WHERE WE STAYED

Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages in Nairobi

Serian’s Kimya Kimya in the Masai Mara North on Safari in Kenya