Indian Wildlife Presenter, Filmmaker, and Conservationist Suyash Keshari, the pioneer of India’s first virtual safari experience, shares updates about his visit to Sand River Masai Mara and Loisaba, emphasizing the importance of exploring beyond obvious safari destinations for a deeper connection to wildlife.
Please could you tell us why you chose Loisaba and the Mara for your safari
I wanted to combine a famous, popular location like the Masai Mara with a lesser known one like Loisaba, which has beautiful properties, low tourist footfall and is tucked away in the middle of nowhere.
Could you tell us a little about your favourite aspects of the camps that you stayed in
Our favourite place at Sand River was the beautiful communal seating area at Little Sand River which overlooked the Tanzanian boarder. In the afternoons and evenings, we watched elephants grazing from here. The rooms were spaced out giving privacy, and the common spaces had a welcoming campfire where one could be social and chat with other guests.
At Loisaba, the views from the Tented Camp and Lodo Springs were stunning, with sweeping vistas and an expansive panorama from the dining deck. The pool area was spectacular, and the rooms at Lodo Springs were luxurious. Lodo Springs offers that additional touch of luxury especially in the spacious rooms.
The staff throughout were very personable, always remembering our names and food preferences.
The chefs at all the camps were fabulous. We've travelled across Africa, from Botswana to South Africa to Kenya to Zambia, but the food at Elewana really stood out. Unlike other luxury camps, Elewana's food at all camps was consistently exceptional.
What inspired you to work with wildlife and conservation
My inspiration came from watching different shows on National Geographic, Discovery and Animal Planet as a child and seeing people like David Attenborough, Steve Irwin and Steve Backshall, as well as people from across the world coming to India and presenting on Indian wildlife. They inspired me to follow my own journey to explore and talk about the wildlife in my own country.
I started filming documentaries and presenting, first in India and then I started traveling to Africa and other continents. I wanted to share my personal experiences with viewers so that they can live that life and connect with nature.
Conservation is central to our work, and we donate a percent of our profits to conservation projects, support anti-poaching efforts, and build water holes for wildlife.
As a conservationist, could you share with us the projects that most impressed you in Loisaba and the Mara
I was pleased they stopped off-roading in the Mara to protect the environment, including the grasslands. Loisaba's low-impact, high-value tourism model was impressive. I loved meeting the friendly resident sniffer dogs and anti-poaching unit, who were amazing. They were very well spoken and very knowledgeable. They are incredible at what they do and the fact that they've been able to stop poaching here for so many years is testament to their work.
Additionally the reintroduction of rhinos to Loisaba area is a historic achievement. I highly commend the authorities and charitable partners involved.
What was it like filming in these areas, are there plenty of opportunities for capturing wildlife on film
Everyone talks about the Mara, and I’ve wanted to go there ever since I was a kid, however it was Loisaba that really surprised me. I expected less wildlife, but in fact Loisaba provided us with more opportunities for closer, more exclusive interactions with wildlife. We were mostly the only people close to a leopard or a pride of lions with cubs, with rhino, with buffalo. There was a cheetah we stayed with for almost an hour and a half. For filming, it was perfect because I could just spend time in complete privacy with the animals who are very comfortable and doing what they need to do.
What was your most memorable wildlife sighting from the trip
The most memorable sighting of the trip has to be a leopard named Jo. She had an eye which was I think of injured, or she had a cataract, but she looked very beautiful, nonetheless. It showed how she was able to weather the storm and survive in the wild and she's actually thriving in Loisaba. She was so comfortable as she came almost two feet away from the vehicle which is the closest leopard sighting I've ever had across India and Africa. She was just stunning, and I wish I could see her again and live through that moment again.
Why do you think the people of India should take a safari in Kenya
I recommend for people in India to go on safari in Kenya and more importantly, to the offbeat locations beyond Masai Mara. There are so many other places where Elewana has camps which I would love to experience next time. On my next trip, I will be looking at locations that have less tourist footfall because I feel that those are the places where you have a true connection with wildlife and the people. In terms of travelling to the Mara, I really enjoyed the Park in the off season and the fact that Sand River is secluded in a pocket of its own is a real plus point.
Kenya is just a five-and-a-half-hour flight from India, so it is a very accessible destination for Indians.
Do you have plans to return with paying guests of safari and how can people find out more about this
Yes, I plan to return to Kenya and Elewana with paying guests as well as sending guests directly through my company called Ameliya Safaris.
Where can people watch your films from your recent safari with Elewana
You can see all the content that I made for Elewana on my Instagram channel @suyashKeshari
