His neighbours were equally accommodating, welcoming our group with song and dance and teaching us about their customs. I felt a bit uncomfortable about imposing until they invited us to buy some trinkets. We selected a few simple pieces as a courtesy – crockery, key rings. The sellers’ opening price: $200 (£150).
They didn’t get quite that much in the end, but their earlier charm and our reluctant haggling meant they closed the sale happily – further proof of how Olonana’s clients are benefiting the community.
Abercrombie & Kent (01242 547 702) offers a 10-night Kenya and Tanzania safari from £8,280pp including flights, transfers, four nights at Singita Grumeti and three at Sanctuary Olonana, both fully inclusive, and two in Nairobi.