“Susan - Thanks again for helping me organize such an amazing trip that I will never forget.”
~ Heward, San Francisco, California
“Susan, your presence and guidance deepened and enriched our experiences as you bridged the gap between Maasai culture and Western understanding. I appreciated your sensitivity, attunement, and sense of humor as we traveled through one adventure after another. Accommodations were fabulous. Favorites were Mali Saba where Eunice and the others were beyond warm and welcoming, and Maji Moto where the cultural immersion was both unique and incredibly welcoming. Lodging was clearly selected with great care. All of the tours and activities were incredible and amazing We were so lucky on the Maasai Mara to see the big 5, a crossing (where they all make it safely to shore!), crocs, cheetah, hippo, hyenas, and more. Jackson's clinic, the widow's village, the school, the Maasai market were all touching and profound.”
~ Bernie and Stacey, Oakland, California
“I thought I was going to Kenya for the wildlife—and it was wonderful; like Animal Planet to the fifth power, an over-the-top experience for a mountain trekker and river runner like me—but the people, particularly in Maji Moto, are what I brought home tucked into some special niche of my soul. Salaton's campaign to merge the traditional lifeways and spiritual wisdom of the Maasai with the modern world of literacy, education, globalism, and cell phones is fascinating and worthy. And it was stunning to be welcomed by him and his people as if we were members of their extended family, even joining them in blessing fire and in sending a cohort of boys off for their life-changing manhood ritual. Africa runs deep; Susan's insight and expertise reveal the path to this ancient and little-visited river.”
~ Bob, Concord, California
“Susan’s planning for our trip to Kenya was superb. We wanted a real taste of Africa instead of the usual “pass through” that tourists often get. Susan arranged for us to stay at a Maasai village and to shop at native markets. At the village we were invited to observe and participate in Maasai ceremonies. I had never imagined myself dancing with a group of Maasai women! We stayed at a non-profit “camp” (excellent accommodations and food) that trains and employs the eldest children from orphan families, enabling the families to stay together. All through the trip we had our meals with the guides and drivers (not the usual custom), allowing us to get to know those people a little better. We had wonderful animal sightings at Lake Nakuru and in Maasai Mara, but I think we remember most fondly the wonderful, warm people who welcomed us as if we were family. Susan did a fabulous job of tailoring the trip to our specific interests. I highly recommend traveling with her!”
~ Gayle, Concord, California
“Our experience in the village of Maji Moto was truly incredible. The imprint our Maasai friends and their landscape made on me was amazing. We were really impressed by our guide’s knowledge of the country, history, politics, etc., and we learned a lot. All the activities were great, and of course, Safari was amazing as well. We really lucked out on wildlife throughout, but the warmup in Nairobi, on to Nakuru and the finale of the Maasai Mara were really something. And all this interspersed with Maji Moto. It was a great balance. Just fabulous.”
~ Kathleen, Portland, Oregon
“This was truly a memorable trip, our safari in Kenya was amazing. Thank you for arranging beautiful accommodations and lining up such wonderful guides. We feel like we experienced a part of Kenya that is not seen by many visitors. Our interaction with the people of Maji Moto is something we will never forget. Even when our jeep was stuck in the mud on the way to the border...at the time it was a bit worrisome, but looking back it clearly was a memorable experience! Thanks, again, for all of your hard work putting our trip together.”
~ Paul & Susan, Berkeley, California
“Thanks to Susan for arranging our honeymoon volunteering/trekking/safari trip in Kenya and connecting us with Salaton and the important work he is doing. Salaton is a true leader, who understands the energy and impermanence of life, owns nothing, gives everything back to his community, and has the ability to be stoic and amused at once. His Maji Moto camp was perfect! We were able to experience a beautiful Maasai wedding blessing ceremony, and the two day camping trek out in the vast, open plain was truly amazing. While we were trekking, Salaton pointed out his nature conservancy, which will protect the land, the Maasai way of life, the innocent animals that roam these plains, and holy plants & trees. After meeting Salaton in San Francisco last year, we believed in his mission and donated an acre of land to the conservancy. We now feel even more strongly about the need to conserve this beautiful piece of earth and will continue to help his cause.”
~ Nate & Courtney, Honolulu, Hawaii
“We had an awesome time! We especially loved our time in Maji Moto, hiking in the hills with warriors, campfire tribal singing at night, visiting the mamas and children in their village, seeing the school and medical clinic. Great experience.”
~ Gail, Portland, Oregon
“I'm still singing the praises of Africa and Susan Olofson!I had a heavenly time at Il Ingwesi in Northern Kenya, a Maasai-run camp that was perfect in every way. I slept under the stars on a cliff overlooking a waterhole. In daylight I could see waterbuck, elephant, and others coming for water. I heard the vierreaux eagle, owls and other birds, and during the night, I could hear the "hrumphing" of lions as they walked by the waterhole. Amazing.”
~ Sandy, Benicia California
“I have been many places around the world and my trip to Kenya was the best yet. My friend and I had been trying to find the right tour package to Kenya for well over a year, with no success. Then we found Susan, who put together a trip that included stops to an elephant orphanage and giraffe preserve in Nairobi; a trip to Lake Nakuru (where the flamingos will blow your mind); time at a Masai village in Maji Moto; and a safari in Masai Mara. We saw gazelles, zebras, lions, wildebeests, leopards, rhinos, hippos, baboons, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, and more. The bird life in Kenya is also incredible. Susan outdid herself, I highly recommend her.”
~ Melissa, San Francisco, California
“Thank you so much for the incredible trip you planned. I can’t stop thinking about all the extraordinary experiences we had in Kenya. I’ve done little at work this week…mostly showing up and telling people about the trip, the great work of Asante Africa Foundation…and of course, having our own personal Maasai warriors take care of us!”
~ Don, San Francisco, California
“I really appreciate all you did to plan and make sure the trip was phenomenal. Truly an experience I will never forget. I have a new love of Kenya and the people we met there.”
~ Lori, San Mateo, California
“I felt we were welcomed as family, and were so fortunate to experience life in the village in a way that would never be possible if it weren't for your relationships with the people who live there. Our time together has deeply touched my heart and soul. I aspire to live up to the name given to me by the Maasai elders and their message about keeping the energy flow going through giving back.”
~ Carole, Belmont, California
