WONDERFUL WORLD

December is upon us and festivities are afoot at all our camps and lodges. Baubles are being hung, mince pies prepared and our quirky take on Christmas trees are appearing at our properties. Over at Giraffe Manor, the chef team have baked their annual gingerbread replica of the manor house, displayed proudly in the manor’s entrance hallway and smelling delicious.

As has become a Christmas tradition at The Safari Collection, we’ve been busy making a festive video to share with you. This year, we wanted to record an impactful song that celebrates our wonderful earth and our desire to protect this precious planet for our children and beyond.

I see babies born, I watch them play,
Let’s keep the earth wild, for their future days…
~ from our Kenyan version of ‘What a Wonderful World’

A poignant song called for a special choir to sing it. Therefore, we invited the talented children from the musical group Ghetto Classics to perform it for us. Founded by Elizabeth Njoroge, passionate musician and dedicated to helping young people find their dreams and self-worth, Ghetto Classics is a community programme which changes lives through the power of music. It began in Korogosho, Nairobi’s fourth largest slum, and teaches singing and a full range of musical instruments to over 600 children a week.

Behind the scenes ©Alberto Vasari

The sun was shining as 19 children from Ghetto Classics arrived at Giraffe Manor for the recording last week. Their melodious voices rang clear and crisp, luring team members and guests alike to come and watch the performance. Directed by Kenyan opera singer and orchestral conductor Anthony Mwangi, the choir consisted of children of all ages, from five to 17 years old.

A new experience ©Alberto Vasari

After singing their hearts out for several takes of ‘What a Wonderful World’, the choir got to visit the AFEW Giraffe Centre next door. After all, a trip to Giraffe Manor wouldn’t be complete without meeting our friendly herd of Rothschild’s giraffes! This was a great opportunity for the children to learn about giraffes, the threats this species is facing across Africa and conservation efforts to protect them. For most, like many children in Nairobi, it was the first time they had seen the world’s tallest mammal, so feeding them by hand was a special experience indeed.

This Christmas, we really are feeling lucky for the wonderful wildlife-filled world we live in. For those of you yet to experience the thrill of encountering Africa’s animals face to face and her wide-open, beautiful spaces, we hope to welcome you to Kenya soon. If you’d like to support any of our efforts to conserve Kenya’s precious landscapes and wildlife for future generations, visit our Footprint foundation to learn more.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM KENYA AND EVERYONE AT THE SAFARI COLLECTION!