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Safari Ants, Baggy Pants And Elephants: A Kenyan Odyssey
*****'The best safari experience you are likely to get without going on safari!' FRENCH VILLAGE DIARIES***** 'What a fantastic read. I have read all of Susie Kelly's books, some of them 3 times.' GOODREADS'***** 'No bras and makeup! I adore reading Susie's books, so full of humor and everyday hiccups!' US AMAZON***** 'She has a wonderful gift & is right up there with the likes of Chris (Driving Over Lemons) Stewart. A fantastic read!' UK AMAZONThe long-awaited sequel to Susie Kelly's US & UK Amazon #1 ranking memoir I Wish I Could Say I Was Sorry More than 40 years after leaving Kenya, Susie unexpectedly finds herself returning for a safari organised by an old friend. With her husband Terry, Susie sets off for a holiday touring the game reserves, but what she finds far exceeds her expectations.In this, her seventh, travelogue, she takes readers from five-star hotels to luxury tents in the wilderness, and to poverty in Nairobi's slums, describing a journey of joy, excitement, discovery, nostalgia, of new friendships and encounters of the very close kind with Kenya’s majestic wildlife.Forgotten memories come flooding back as she revisits the scenes of her childhood and adolescence, so movingly portrayed in her popular memoir I Wish I Could Say I Was Sorry, many of them changed beyond recognition.Written in her characteristic laid back style, this is a travel tale that will appeal to all those readers who have enjoyed Susie's previous books, as well as anybody who has lived in or dreams of visiting Kenya, the magical land Susie still thinks of as ‘home’."Hemingway 'I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.' That is how I feel about Kenya. You feel at once insignificant and amazing, just for being there. This magnificent, beautiful country, birthplace of mankind, owner of my heart." Susie KellyAnybody thinking of taking a safari holiday in Kenya, or who would like to take an armchair safari to Kenya, will love this vivid, moving and entertaining read
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 11, 2017
I've just been on a wonderful safari trip to Kenya! At least that's how it felt. I haven't of course, I've only read about it in Safari Ants, Baggy Pants and Elephants but it did feel as though I were really taking part in this dream holiday in Africa.
Susie Kelly has a wonderful way with words and descriptions and a fantastic sense of humour so I knew that this new book of hers would be a good read. I've been a huge fan of her books for years. Usually her books are about travelling around France, or her life in France, but this one is the second book in her Kenya series. The first one was about her childhood in Kenya I Wish I Could Say I'm Sorry. This book is about her return to her beloved land via an old childhood friend of hers, the awesome Vivien who now runs Safari Tours called As You Like it (Safaris) Ltd. Incidentally Vivien sounds like such a fascinating character that she surely deserves to have a book written about her at the very least - except don't ever play Scrabble with her!
Vivien invites Susie and her husband Terry on the Safari trip that covered seventeen days, including stays in five of Kenya’s greatest wildlife reserves and two of its most exclusive clubs.
Susie discovers early in the journey to Kenya that she's forgotten to pack a bra or makeup which leads to some embarrassment later on as described throughout parts of the book. There are also some tricky too-large trouser moments (hence the Baggy Pants in the title) that made me snort with laughter.
For me though, what made this book very special indeed were the wonderful descriptions of all the African wildlife on and around the wildlife reserves as observed by Susie and from knowledge gained from the various expert guides who escorted them throughout the trip. The guides are all dedicated conservationists, committed to the welfare of all wildlife
As a lover of all wildlife this was a trip that I could only ever dream about, but this book more than satisfied my curiosity and thirst for knowledge about African wildlife.
Book quote "There were zebra and topi among them, but the vast bulk was a sea of murmuring wildebeeste. They formed small groups, clusters that broke apart and merged with others like a flock of birds, and sometimes lines of two abreast, heads nodding as they plodded purposefully following pathways worn in the grass, swirling around in all directions as if they didn’t know whether they were coming or going"
At some point I'm going to have to read this book all over again and go on safari to Kenya once more.
At the back of the book are links to a Facebook page and an online album of the photos taken by Susie and her husband. https://www.facebook.com/SafariAnts
Susie Kelly has a wonderful way with words and descriptions and a fantastic sense of humour so I knew that this new book of hers would be a good read. I've been a huge fan of her books for years. Usually her books are about travelling around France, or her life in France, but this one is the second book in her Kenya series. The first one was about her childhood in Kenya I Wish I Could Say I'm Sorry. This book is about her return to her beloved land via an old childhood friend of hers, the awesome Vivien who now runs Safari Tours called As You Like it (Safaris) Ltd. Incidentally Vivien sounds like such a fascinating character that she surely deserves to have a book written about her at the very least - except don't ever play Scrabble with her!
Vivien invites Susie and her husband Terry on the Safari trip that covered seventeen days, including stays in five of Kenya’s greatest wildlife reserves and two of its most exclusive clubs.
Susie discovers early in the journey to Kenya that she's forgotten to pack a bra or makeup which leads to some embarrassment later on as described throughout parts of the book. There are also some tricky too-large trouser moments (hence the Baggy Pants in the title) that made me snort with laughter.
For me though, what made this book very special indeed were the wonderful descriptions of all the African wildlife on and around the wildlife reserves as observed by Susie and from knowledge gained from the various expert guides who escorted them throughout the trip. The guides are all dedicated conservationists, committed to the welfare of all wildlife
As a lover of all wildlife this was a trip that I could only ever dream about, but this book more than satisfied my curiosity and thirst for knowledge about African wildlife.
Book quote "There were zebra and topi among them, but the vast bulk was a sea of murmuring wildebeeste. They formed small groups, clusters that broke apart and merged with others like a flock of birds, and sometimes lines of two abreast, heads nodding as they plodded purposefully following pathways worn in the grass, swirling around in all directions as if they didn’t know whether they were coming or going"
At some point I'm going to have to read this book all over again and go on safari to Kenya once more.
At the back of the book are links to a Facebook page and an online album of the photos taken by Susie and her husband. https://www.facebook.com/SafariAnts
February 18, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Susie Kelly’s story about her journey to Kenya. She had spent most of her childhood in this beautiful country, so her trip, fifty plus years later, triggered countless happy memories. She and her husband were able to see numerous birds and animals, many of whom are on the endangered list. They were also able to see some of the different tribes people. The way they dressed, their homes and witness some of their dancing.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who would like to get a glimpse of this amazing country and all it has to offer.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who would like to get a glimpse of this amazing country and all it has to offer.
October 2, 2017
What a treat traveling back to Kenya with Susie Kelly on Safari
If you love reading books on Africa, you will love Safari Ants, Baggy Pants and Elephants! The author heads back to East Africa, this time on safari, and gives you great armchair visuals. The people, animals and scenery are wonderfully described. The author's heart lies in Kenya and her writing's make me yearn to visit even more. I highly recommend!
If you love reading books on Africa, you will love Safari Ants, Baggy Pants and Elephants! The author heads back to East Africa, this time on safari, and gives you great armchair visuals. The people, animals and scenery are wonderfully described. The author's heart lies in Kenya and her writing's make me yearn to visit even more. I highly recommend!
July 31, 2019
Safari Ants, Baggy Pants and Elephants is an intriguing title for this book which I expected to be quite a comedy, but actually, it was a great travelogue through a number of Kenya’s game reserves with some fairly serious content. What I loved about it was the author's depth of affection for the country where she grew up, her love for its people and her fascination for its wildlife. This is partly a travel memoir and partly a look back into Susie Kelly's past life in Kenya, and as such the reader is transported through the African bush as well as back into Kenya of the 1950s.
Invited on a luxury safari, the author describes the magic of the African landscape in all its glory while being guided from one game reserve to another by a group of incredibly well-informed Kenyan guides. There is a wealth of fascinating information about the animals that Susie Kelly gleans from the guides as they go along, and I gained so much admiration for these knowledgeable and wonderful men who care for the travellers in their charge, ensuring they get the best of possible experiences. Susie also compares the Kenya of today with her memories of the past, when the country was in the last stages of British colonial rule.
There were certainly some amusing elements, especially early on, when the author discovers what she has managed to leave behind (hence the baggy pants), but there were also some tough calls when we read about the harsher realities of nature, for example Susie’s story about what Safari Ants can do. I still shudder at the thought.
I must say that I found Travels with Tinkerbelle, the last book of Susie Kelly's I read, a more professional product than this one in terms of editing polish, but as I read on, I became so immersed in the African experience, the landscape, and especially the lovely people Ms Kelly meets that it didn't seem to matter anymore. Altogether, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it made me hanker for Africa all over again.
As a bonus, there is a link to a slideshow of beautiful photos Susie Kelly took of her trip. They are really stunning!
Invited on a luxury safari, the author describes the magic of the African landscape in all its glory while being guided from one game reserve to another by a group of incredibly well-informed Kenyan guides. There is a wealth of fascinating information about the animals that Susie Kelly gleans from the guides as they go along, and I gained so much admiration for these knowledgeable and wonderful men who care for the travellers in their charge, ensuring they get the best of possible experiences. Susie also compares the Kenya of today with her memories of the past, when the country was in the last stages of British colonial rule.
There were certainly some amusing elements, especially early on, when the author discovers what she has managed to leave behind (hence the baggy pants), but there were also some tough calls when we read about the harsher realities of nature, for example Susie’s story about what Safari Ants can do. I still shudder at the thought.
I must say that I found Travels with Tinkerbelle, the last book of Susie Kelly's I read, a more professional product than this one in terms of editing polish, but as I read on, I became so immersed in the African experience, the landscape, and especially the lovely people Ms Kelly meets that it didn't seem to matter anymore. Altogether, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it made me hanker for Africa all over again.
As a bonus, there is a link to a slideshow of beautiful photos Susie Kelly took of her trip. They are really stunning!
February 3, 2019
4.5 stars
A lovely book about the author's two week safari in Kenya. There is so much fascinating and beautifully written detail about the wildlife and the people she met, but it's more than that; Susie Kelly's love for the country, where she lived when she was a child, shines through. I felt it was her spiritual home.
She highlights the problems of the area, with particular mention of the Samburu tribe and their desperation to gain financial help from 'rich' Western tourists; this is quite heartrending, though in other ways not so, because she notes how many of the people seem content, and smile a lot, despite having what we would perceive as so little. She also talks about the injustices towards the people to whom the land belonged, during Colonial days - as a child, of course, she did not see all this.
The book was delightfully 'real', too - Ms Kelly bemoans, for instance, the fact that she forgot to pack a bra, which causes her some discomfort and potential embarrassment throughout the trip. Other aspects I liked: each chapter is headed by an example of the Swahili language. There are beautiful sepia tinted photos of her guides throughout, and at the end you can look at a slideshow of all the pictures she took while she was there - this is really worth looking at. At the end, too, she gives links to some of the places she visited that exist only because of donations.
It's a lovely book - I definitely recommend.
A lovely book about the author's two week safari in Kenya. There is so much fascinating and beautifully written detail about the wildlife and the people she met, but it's more than that; Susie Kelly's love for the country, where she lived when she was a child, shines through. I felt it was her spiritual home.
She highlights the problems of the area, with particular mention of the Samburu tribe and their desperation to gain financial help from 'rich' Western tourists; this is quite heartrending, though in other ways not so, because she notes how many of the people seem content, and smile a lot, despite having what we would perceive as so little. She also talks about the injustices towards the people to whom the land belonged, during Colonial days - as a child, of course, she did not see all this.
The book was delightfully 'real', too - Ms Kelly bemoans, for instance, the fact that she forgot to pack a bra, which causes her some discomfort and potential embarrassment throughout the trip. Other aspects I liked: each chapter is headed by an example of the Swahili language. There are beautiful sepia tinted photos of her guides throughout, and at the end you can look at a slideshow of all the pictures she took while she was there - this is really worth looking at. At the end, too, she gives links to some of the places she visited that exist only because of donations.
It's a lovely book - I definitely recommend.
Read
October 21, 2018Thanks to Susy Kelly I have had the chance to travel to Kenya at a very reasonable price and to enjoy the local atmosphere. I had already read another book by the same author and enjoyed the close bonds we can establish with her.
A pleasant summer read.
A pleasant summer read.
June 6, 2017
Is it a good idea to revisit your childhood? For Susie Kelly it definitely was as you will discover in this fantastic book. I first became a fan of Susie back in the UK when I read of her move to France, and her adventures and exploits since. In 2014 she released I Wish I Could Say I Was Sorry, a poignant memoir, which included her wonderful childhood in Africa, and this is its long awaited sequel.
In this book we join Susie, and her husband Terry, as they take up an invitation from her old friend Vivien, owner of As You Like It Safaris, to go on a safari, and enjoy the experience through her beautifully descriptive writing and wonderful photographs.
And so, leaving her animals in France, under careful supervision, in August 2015, Susie and her husband Terry set off for an African safari. More than 40 years after leaving Africa, many things have changed, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya, which through her eyes as the plane landed now resembles a space station.
Immediately feeling like she has come home, Susie straight away treats the reader to the full African experience, as she vividly describes the sights, sounds, and if possible the smells of this amazing continent.
After meeting other safari members, and a well-deserved sleep in the Nairobi Serena hotel, Susie, Terry and their group start their safari by making their way to the Amboseli National Park 140 miles south of Nairobi, and Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. I cannot begin to describe how much Susie’s writing and reminiscing brings this book to life. Not only is the reader treated to stunningly vivid descriptions of the animals and scenery, but also the native tribes and the people who are guiding them. At this point I have to say that Susie has taken some amazing photographs throughout the safari adventure and they complement this book beautifully.
The safari group stayed at some wonderful and famous places, from the Mount Kenya Safari Club, with its touch of celebrity lifestyle, to camping in tents for an ‘Out of Africa’ experience in the Masai Mara. However, these were no ordinary tents, in fact it is only their canvas walls which gives them their name. These were beautifully furnished, double lined, insect proof rooms, on raised platforms with double and four poster beds, and they were situated on the bank of the Olare Orok river, so Susie and Terry could sit on the veranda and watch the hippos in the water.
Being an animal fanatic I enjoyed learning so much about African wildlife from this book and also the incredible people who care for, and protect it
After a childhood spent on this vast continent, time spent in England, and 20 years in France, Susie has used her own unique style of writing to bring together her African safari, and past alive, and has generously shared it with her readers.
Whether you are looking for a book about Africa, love wildlife, or are addicted to memoirs, I guarantee that you will not be able to put this one down!
In this book we join Susie, and her husband Terry, as they take up an invitation from her old friend Vivien, owner of As You Like It Safaris, to go on a safari, and enjoy the experience through her beautifully descriptive writing and wonderful photographs.
And so, leaving her animals in France, under careful supervision, in August 2015, Susie and her husband Terry set off for an African safari. More than 40 years after leaving Africa, many things have changed, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya, which through her eyes as the plane landed now resembles a space station.
Immediately feeling like she has come home, Susie straight away treats the reader to the full African experience, as she vividly describes the sights, sounds, and if possible the smells of this amazing continent.
After meeting other safari members, and a well-deserved sleep in the Nairobi Serena hotel, Susie, Terry and their group start their safari by making their way to the Amboseli National Park 140 miles south of Nairobi, and Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. I cannot begin to describe how much Susie’s writing and reminiscing brings this book to life. Not only is the reader treated to stunningly vivid descriptions of the animals and scenery, but also the native tribes and the people who are guiding them. At this point I have to say that Susie has taken some amazing photographs throughout the safari adventure and they complement this book beautifully.
The safari group stayed at some wonderful and famous places, from the Mount Kenya Safari Club, with its touch of celebrity lifestyle, to camping in tents for an ‘Out of Africa’ experience in the Masai Mara. However, these were no ordinary tents, in fact it is only their canvas walls which gives them their name. These were beautifully furnished, double lined, insect proof rooms, on raised platforms with double and four poster beds, and they were situated on the bank of the Olare Orok river, so Susie and Terry could sit on the veranda and watch the hippos in the water.
Being an animal fanatic I enjoyed learning so much about African wildlife from this book and also the incredible people who care for, and protect it
After a childhood spent on this vast continent, time spent in England, and 20 years in France, Susie has used her own unique style of writing to bring together her African safari, and past alive, and has generously shared it with her readers.
Whether you are looking for a book about Africa, love wildlife, or are addicted to memoirs, I guarantee that you will not be able to put this one down!
June 6, 2017
This is the latest travel memoir from Susie and once again I was captivated from chapter one. For me, being back in a Susie Kelly book is comforting as well as entertaining and this one didn’t disappoint.
If I had to describe this book in just one word, it would be thoughtful. Susie, who grew up in Kenya, returns with her husband Terry for the safari opportunity of a lifetime. She thoughtfully shares her Kenya with us; the sights and colours, the sounds and scents, as well as the fabulous meals they indulge in. While any good writer could bring a safari trip to life, Susie, who has over 50 years of love for the country, is able to add an extra dimension on top of her wide-eyed wonder and obvious joy at all they experienced. In this memoir she compares and contrasts the Kenya of her youth with what she finds today and adds her thoughts and experience when talking about the lives of the white settlers who brought such change to Kenyan life.
From Five-Star luxury, to slum schools, to elephant orphanages, every experience is described with honesty, sympathy and not forgetting Susie’s unique sense of humour. Her love for the people, the place and the life she led there came across and as her trip came to an end I could feel her ‘drinking’ Kenya; consuming as much of everything as she could to keep it within her.
Susie is a great ambassador for Kenya and through her I felt I had ‘seen’ a little slice of the real Kenya. While I’m unlikely to ever be able to follow in her footsteps, I’m sure for many readers, having read this book they will visit. For the rest of us, it’s the best safari experience you are likely to get, without going on safari!
If I had to describe this book in just one word, it would be thoughtful. Susie, who grew up in Kenya, returns with her husband Terry for the safari opportunity of a lifetime. She thoughtfully shares her Kenya with us; the sights and colours, the sounds and scents, as well as the fabulous meals they indulge in. While any good writer could bring a safari trip to life, Susie, who has over 50 years of love for the country, is able to add an extra dimension on top of her wide-eyed wonder and obvious joy at all they experienced. In this memoir she compares and contrasts the Kenya of her youth with what she finds today and adds her thoughts and experience when talking about the lives of the white settlers who brought such change to Kenyan life.
From Five-Star luxury, to slum schools, to elephant orphanages, every experience is described with honesty, sympathy and not forgetting Susie’s unique sense of humour. Her love for the people, the place and the life she led there came across and as her trip came to an end I could feel her ‘drinking’ Kenya; consuming as much of everything as she could to keep it within her.
Susie is a great ambassador for Kenya and through her I felt I had ‘seen’ a little slice of the real Kenya. While I’m unlikely to ever be able to follow in her footsteps, I’m sure for many readers, having read this book they will visit. For the rest of us, it’s the best safari experience you are likely to get, without going on safari!
February 25, 2018
Great information for travellers in a humorous informative travel story
Susie Kelly tells the story of her travels to Kenya, the land where she grew up, in a really funny way and at the same time gives lots of information for would-be travellers to Kenya.
Susie’s longest standing friend Vivienne, owner of As You Like It Safaris in Kenya, invited Susie and Terry on a safari and was not going to take no for an answer. The itinerary included visiting five of Kenya’s greatest wildlife reserves and two of its most exclusive clubs.
The book starts with personal history of Susie’s which sets the scene for her knowledge of Kenya and gives an insight into her life. This aspect made me want to read Susie’s other books as well.
Susie left all her bras in France where she lived and used a lot of reading space discussing how impossible it was for her to buy a bra once in Kenya. It is funny, but I found that a bit distracting as I did not want to know about her travels without a bra.
However, I found Susie’s writing warm, generous and informative. She compared her previous experiences with Kenya as it is currently, which I found extremely interesting. She highlighted the level of poverty with the luxury foreign travellers’ experience. It is difficult for all of us to face the injustice of levels of economic security but Susie made it a reality in a very sensitive humanitarian way. It left me feeling that the world could do more to alleviate poverty.
This is an excellent way to write about travel for knowledge as well as enjoyment for the reader, except for the bra.
BonnieK
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Susie Kelly tells the story of her travels to Kenya, the land where she grew up, in a really funny way and at the same time gives lots of information for would-be travellers to Kenya.
Susie’s longest standing friend Vivienne, owner of As You Like It Safaris in Kenya, invited Susie and Terry on a safari and was not going to take no for an answer. The itinerary included visiting five of Kenya’s greatest wildlife reserves and two of its most exclusive clubs.
The book starts with personal history of Susie’s which sets the scene for her knowledge of Kenya and gives an insight into her life. This aspect made me want to read Susie’s other books as well.
Susie left all her bras in France where she lived and used a lot of reading space discussing how impossible it was for her to buy a bra once in Kenya. It is funny, but I found that a bit distracting as I did not want to know about her travels without a bra.
However, I found Susie’s writing warm, generous and informative. She compared her previous experiences with Kenya as it is currently, which I found extremely interesting. She highlighted the level of poverty with the luxury foreign travellers’ experience. It is difficult for all of us to face the injustice of levels of economic security but Susie made it a reality in a very sensitive humanitarian way. It left me feeling that the world could do more to alleviate poverty.
This is an excellent way to write about travel for knowledge as well as enjoyment for the reader, except for the bra.
BonnieK
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
June 6, 2017
I have read most of Susie's books and enjoyed them all. I consider myself rather knowledgeable about wildlife, yet I still found plenty here that was new to me about the animals and the Masai Mara in particular. The way Susie writes is uncommonly accessible and draws you in as if you were being told about the safari and exploits of a good friend, and the juxtaposition between this visit and Susie's youth in Kenya is skilfully done. As the pages turn, the reader finds they have come to know the various guides and characters, appreciating the good they do in this world in far-off lands. I found the ending particularly moving too. A very worthwhile read. 4.5 out of 5*
July 15, 2018
Enjoyable read
I very much enjoyed this book though I thought I would never get to the end! I learned so much about Kenya and it’s people and wildlife. I would love to go there. I read this on my Kindle so spent much time hard pressing to get information and pictures of the things the author wrote about, that added to the length of the book.
I work with people who have Alzheimer’s and dementia, what I learned from this book I will be sharing with them, hooking my tablet up to the TV and showing them the many animals and landmarks from the book. Thank you so much author for your rich writing, I now have a lovely presentation to share many times over.
I very much enjoyed this book though I thought I would never get to the end! I learned so much about Kenya and it’s people and wildlife. I would love to go there. I read this on my Kindle so spent much time hard pressing to get information and pictures of the things the author wrote about, that added to the length of the book.
I work with people who have Alzheimer’s and dementia, what I learned from this book I will be sharing with them, hooking my tablet up to the TV and showing them the many animals and landmarks from the book. Thank you so much author for your rich writing, I now have a lovely presentation to share many times over.
July 6, 2017
Having thoroughly enjoyed all Susie Kelly's books, and as I was born in Kenya, I couldn't wait to read her latest book - it certainly did not disappoint!
Susie's humour and love of Africa is evident on every page, as she so accurately and vividly describes the awesome landscape, the animals, birds, colours and sounds of this wonderful country. An enjoyable entertaining and informative read, not to be missed!
Susie's humour and love of Africa is evident on every page, as she so accurately and vividly describes the awesome landscape, the animals, birds, colours and sounds of this wonderful country. An enjoyable entertaining and informative read, not to be missed!
February 25, 2018
Almost like being in Kenya yourself
I wish I had read this before I went to Kenya. My Swahili would have been better and I would certainly have known more about the wildlife. We could not afford the posh luxury Kelly describes in this book, but even in our cut-rate trip in 2018, we experienced much of what Kelly describes in vivid detail. I too loved Kenya, even without her nostalgic memories.
I wish I had read this before I went to Kenya. My Swahili would have been better and I would certainly have known more about the wildlife. We could not afford the posh luxury Kelly describes in this book, but even in our cut-rate trip in 2018, we experienced much of what Kelly describes in vivid detail. I too loved Kenya, even without her nostalgic memories.
August 28, 2017
Excellent account of an English lady's safari in Kenya, a land she had
land in which she had lived in as a child and young adult and would always remember and love. Her adventures on the safari and her nostalgia for Kenya and it's native people are recounted vividly. It's easy for the reader to share her awe, affection and memories of this beautiful country.
land in which she had lived in as a child and young adult and would always remember and love. Her adventures on the safari and her nostalgia for Kenya and it's native people are recounted vividly. It's easy for the reader to share her awe, affection and memories of this beautiful country.
October 18, 2017
Reliving the Dream
When I started reading this book so much of it sounded familiar. Then I realized I was reliving my safari to Kenya. There were so many of the same things I remember. And every animal they saw I saw too. Great read if you've ever been to Kenya or plan on going
When I started reading this book so much of it sounded familiar. Then I realized I was reliving my safari to Kenya. There were so many of the same things I remember. And every animal they saw I saw too. Great read if you've ever been to Kenya or plan on going
November 10, 2017
Special
Susie's books are special. They have transported me to places that I'll never get to visit. They have also expanded my knowledge of the wonderful world in which we live. Highly recommended!
Susie's books are special. They have transported me to places that I'll never get to visit. They have also expanded my knowledge of the wonderful world in which we live. Highly recommended!
November 28, 2017
A love for Kenya
The author really loves the people of Kenya and the scenery. Having lived there in her youth gave her a foundation for the book. She compares then and now effectively to the reader. It was a bit wordy but I did enjoy this book.
The author really loves the people of Kenya and the scenery. Having lived there in her youth gave her a foundation for the book. She compares then and now effectively to the reader. It was a bit wordy but I did enjoy this book.
January 24, 2018
Not great but a good book. Easy read. Author goes out on a tangent sometimes but worth the time spent reading it. Bought the book because I am planning a trip to Kenya and gave me some insights into a country I know so little about.
March 16, 2021
Interesting, informative, as well as entertaining, I would have loved to be on that safari.
February 15, 2020
Having just returned from my own Kenyan safari, I was eager to read what others had to say about this enchanting land. Susie Kelly's Safari Ants, Baggy Pants and Elephants: A Kenyan Odyssey definitely fit the bill.
Written in a loose, conversational style, this intimate travelogue tells Susie's journey back to Kenya during an extended safari, but what makes it a unique among safari travelogues is the narrative she brings as someone who lived in Kenya pre-independence. In words, observations and actions, Susie teeters between celebrating independent Kenya and mourning - with often cringe-worthy privilege - the loss of the colonial world of her childhood. The voice is nothing if not authentic.
This is also a great travelogue, showing and telling the history of the many parks visited, the people she encounters and the animals who cross her path. There are plenty of details and descriptions to bring life to a journey. Again, since my own visit to Kenya was still fresh in my mind, reading Safari Ants, Baggy Pants and Elephants: A Kenyan Odyssey was especially enjoyable. I can only imagine the excitement it would create in someone heading into their first safari!
Written in a loose, conversational style, this intimate travelogue tells Susie's journey back to Kenya during an extended safari, but what makes it a unique among safari travelogues is the narrative she brings as someone who lived in Kenya pre-independence. In words, observations and actions, Susie teeters between celebrating independent Kenya and mourning - with often cringe-worthy privilege - the loss of the colonial world of her childhood. The voice is nothing if not authentic.
This is also a great travelogue, showing and telling the history of the many parks visited, the people she encounters and the animals who cross her path. There are plenty of details and descriptions to bring life to a journey. Again, since my own visit to Kenya was still fresh in my mind, reading Safari Ants, Baggy Pants and Elephants: A Kenyan Odyssey was especially enjoyable. I can only imagine the excitement it would create in someone heading into their first safari!
September 2, 2018
I loved this book!
An African photo safari is near the top of my bucket list. I have to wait until next year to go there so I'm living vicariously through this wonderful and informative journey by Susie Kelly. The Kindle version of this book is very moderately priced plus has the added benefit of her awesome photos in slideshow format at the end of the book. Besides being a great writer she is also an excellent photographer which added to the experience. I highly recommend this book to any one even remotely interested in travel. Now I know that As You Like It tours will be my safari guide next year and that was worth the price of the book.
An African photo safari is near the top of my bucket list. I have to wait until next year to go there so I'm living vicariously through this wonderful and informative journey by Susie Kelly. The Kindle version of this book is very moderately priced plus has the added benefit of her awesome photos in slideshow format at the end of the book. Besides being a great writer she is also an excellent photographer which added to the experience. I highly recommend this book to any one even remotely interested in travel. Now I know that As You Like It tours will be my safari guide next year and that was worth the price of the book.
December 17, 2020
I love Susie Kelly's books! This one relates her return to Africa after fifty years as she & her husband join a group and head off on safari into Kenya. Having grown up in Kenya towards the very end of the British colonialist years, she is eager to revisit her childhood as well as indulge her passion for wild animals and birds. Her story is funny, honest, empathetic and full of keen insights as the tale moves back and forth from her past to the present safari. I always know it will be an enjoyable adventure when Susie writes a book and this one is no different from the others!
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April 25, 2024Safari in Africa
Hang on for a great ride around Africa. Great descriptions of the landscape and wonderful in site into the native people who live there. Going back on a safari Susie and her husband is invited to try out her best friend new business. Experience hoe Susie feels after 50 Yeats of being away and what it feels like to come home. I couldn't put this book down. Loved it.
Hang on for a great ride around Africa. Great descriptions of the landscape and wonderful in site into the native people who live there. Going back on a safari Susie and her husband is invited to try out her best friend new business. Experience hoe Susie feels after 50 Yeats of being away and what it feels like to come home. I couldn't put this book down. Loved it.
December 17, 2018
You felt like you were there
Having picked this book to read and reading it was the sequal, I had to read her first book, then into this book. Having been lucky to have been on a mini 3night tented camp safari myself, it was a great read and reminded me of my time , it was written well, making you feel like you were seeing it yourself,
Having picked this book to read and reading it was the sequal, I had to read her first book, then into this book. Having been lucky to have been on a mini 3night tented camp safari myself, it was a great read and reminded me of my time , it was written well, making you feel like you were seeing it yourself,
December 3, 2019
Fantastic!!
Absolutely loved this book! Her writing takes you along on her fabulous return to the country of her childhood. I think I was sitting next her on the adventure. Be sure and read ALL her books including her childhood growing in Kenya. I'm enjoying reading about her life in France with all her humorous neighbors. Can't wait for the next book.
Absolutely loved this book! Her writing takes you along on her fabulous return to the country of her childhood. I think I was sitting next her on the adventure. Be sure and read ALL her books including her childhood growing in Kenya. I'm enjoying reading about her life in France with all her humorous neighbors. Can't wait for the next book.
January 28, 2021
If you love travelling, wildlife or are just wondering whether to venture out to Kenya read this book. It takes you beyond your imagination to a world few can relate to, in the most positive uplifting laugh out loud, highly descriptive language. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Readers of The Story of Africa or The Elephant Whisperer will want to add this to their reading list.
November 26, 2019
One of the best books I ve read in a long time
I couldn’t wait for evening when I got to get back to this book. Oh to have had such wonderful experiences,I’m quite jealous. She always sees the good or fury side of any situation. Quite a marvelous book.
I couldn’t wait for evening when I got to get back to this book. Oh to have had such wonderful experiences,I’m quite jealous. She always sees the good or fury side of any situation. Quite a marvelous book.
January 13, 2020
Very interesting coverage of a safari with lots of wildlife seen. This book was made more interesting by the fact that the author had grown up in Kenya. I like learning about Kenya — old and new. Amazing how we think we know about Kenyans until someone opens our eyes to whom they actually are.
August 29, 2018
I am from Africa. I loved reading the descriptions about the visits to the wildlife reserves. The story flows and is easy to follow.
August 31, 2018
It was ok.
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