From now on you can call me by my Maasai name, Naserian, meaning ‘be safe always’.
I started writing this post in the Masai Mara, on my 4th Rock My Adventure trip of 2017, whilst dressed in traditional Maasai clothing (this is what happens when you tell your Maasai friend “I like your outfit, I want to dress like a Maasai” and he says “Ok, let’s go shopping tomorrow then” and that was that) and going by my given Maasai name ‘Naserian’.
I can honestly say that I’ve had the best and most challenging few months of my life – I just don’t know where the time has gone.
The trips this year have been awesome, but it’s mostly because of everyone I’ve travelled with and the locals and other travellers that we’ve met along the way. That’s what makes for an awesome travel experience. The people.
After the trips, a few of my group members went off to travel by themselves and in some weird turn of events, even though we were all moving around, I managed to be in the same place as all of them at one point or another, so we got to hang out again in Zanzibar and Nairobi!
It’s also been amazing to meet readers too, as I often meet people who read my blog when I travel in Africa (so weird and awesome at the same time) and it’s been so cool to connect and give them advice, take advice and swap travel stories/experiences in person and actually become real-life friends!
I’ve also made lots of new friends and reconnected with old ones who have helped me in every step of this crazy journey. And it really has been a crazy journey. This is Africa, after all. But everything came together just right and the feedback I’ve had has been amazing.
Aside from the people, the activities and experiences have been amazing too and I can’t believe how much I’ve managed to pack into my time here. From sleeping on an active volcano to gorilla trekking, to partying, to dolphin spotting, to giraffe kissing, to safari – we’ve done it all.
So I wanted to show you a few of my favourite pictures from the 2017 Rock My Adventure Season (updated to include the October Tanzania & Zanzibar tour too).
Rock My Uganda, Rwanda & DRC Adventure
Rock My Kenya Adventure
Rock My Tanzania & Zanzibar Adventure – August
Rock My Tanzania & Zanzibar Adventure – October
I hope to see you in Africa one day, whether it be on one of my tours or serendipitously on the road… until then, keep dreaming and planning adventures!
Helen/Naserian x
10 Comments
LaMesha
September 5, 2017 at 9:14 amThese trips look so awesome. Would love to go on a trip with you one day.
Allanagh
September 5, 2017 at 10:24 amSuch a brilliant post Helen. That made me so happy (and slightly emotional) reading it! Will be sharing with friends. x
Sarah
September 6, 2017 at 4:41 pmThis bought a tear to my eye. It really was very special being able to experience some of the above with you! xx
Jo
September 8, 2017 at 7:20 amWhat an amazing looking series of trips! And now I want to go to Africa…
Monica
September 13, 2017 at 5:12 amOne day I will make it back to Africa, but for now I’m living vicariously through your lovely adventures! Congrats on pulling off something this big!
Serhat
September 15, 2017 at 12:27 pmWhat a great route! It seems you will have a lot of fun in these places. Africa is really interesting.
Thomas @ BestTravelsandVacations
September 21, 2017 at 2:01 pmIt seems amazing. All the pictures are looking so good.:)
Arianwen
September 27, 2017 at 10:32 pmI love the bright colours of your Maasai outfit. You look stunning! This trip looks incredible too. Tanzania was the first place I ever travelled solo, back in 2010, and I’ve wanted to explore more of Africa ever since. Can’t make this trip but keep me posted about the next one!
Helen
October 17, 2017 at 10:11 amAw thanks!!!! Would be awesome to have you on a trip! Hopefully we’ll meet at Jen’s! 🙂
Leken
February 6, 2018 at 9:19 amGreat journey Helen!