wildlife – Iris Grace Painting

*Baboon Rock, Sosian wildlife conservancy, Kenya.*

A Dreamy 16th Birthday

In September 2025 we visited Sosian Lodge in the Laikipia Highlands. Months later we are still dreaming of Africa.

We are so thankful to all of the team at Sosian and also the expertise at Aardvark Safaris, they made this trip possible. As you can imagine the planning was immense and I needed helping hand from the initial stages of finding the right country, area and lodge that would be autism friendly to the logistics and finer details. They took my list of ideals and special requests with Iris’s safety in mind and created the most spectacular holiday of a lifetime for her 16th Birthday.

Here are some highlights from this unforgettable and inspiring trip combining safari drives to see the wildlife with culture and the arts.

The Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata) is distinguished primarily by its striking coat pattern. These distinctive block-like spots extend onto their lower legs, tail, and face. Each individual giraffe possesses a unique coat pattern, much like human fingerprints.

An afternoon with the Samburu tribe. Their leaps to the rhythmic clapping and chants are a celebration of their physical fitness and endurance. We share a love for music, movement, community and the natural landscape. They jump to express joy and an act of communal unity.

The Samburu children playing at their camp.

Iris watching the Samburu tribe dance with her violin and wearing her Morris Dancing jacket from England. Iris’s little violin was her anchor, a comfort, her joy, a loyal friend that travelled everywhere with us. It turned out to be more than I realised. It was a link to socialising and connecting with the tribe, the staff at the lodge and the other guests.

The children playing with Iris’s violin.

Craftsmanship

The creation of traditional Samburu attire is a labor-intensive process requiring skill and artistry. Women engage in communal beadwork, passing down techniques and designs through generations. This cooperative effort strengthens community bonds and ensures the continuity of cultural practices and also now provides vital income to the community with visitors buying their beautiful crafts.

The Samburu people of northern Kenya are renowned for their striking traditional attire, which serves as a vivid expression of their cultural identity.

The traditional dress is more than mere clothing; it is a powerful symbol of identity, pride, and heritage. Each garment tells a story, reflecting the wearer’s social status, age, marital status, and personal achievements. In a society where community and kinship are paramount, these symbols play a crucial role in social interactions and cultural continuity.

Colours

The language of colours in Samburu clothing:
Red: A symbol of bravery and strength, often associated with warriors.
Blue: Represents the sky and water, vital elements for survival in the arid landscape.
Yellow and Green: Symbolize wealth and fertility, reflecting the importance of livestock and agricultural success.
These colors are often combined in intricate patterns, each unique to the wearer, which allows for personal expression within the framework of cultural tradition.

The Role of Beadwork

Women’s traditional dress is characterized by intricate beadwork that can weigh several pounds. This jewelry is not only decorative but also serves as an essential part of a woman’s identity. The patterns and colors of the beads can indicate her marital status, age, and even her family’s wealth.

The Wildlife

Sharing all of the animals we saw on our game drives on one blog is impossible so I will write some stories about our experiences in further posts to come. Sosian is a haven for over 70 species of mammals, 30 species of reptiles and over 350 species of birds.

The Hippopotamus in the Ewaso Narok River , weighing almost as much as a car, fast & aggressive. A cool hippo fact – their bodies produce sunscreen, a fluid under the skin protects them from the sun and water keeps them cool and prevents the skin from drying out.

Impala, one of the most gorgeous looking antelopes on the plains, with shiny coats of red with white markings. They can jump 3 meters high and over 10 meters far to escape from predators.

The density of the wildlife population in Laikipia ranks second only to the Masai Mara, in Kenya and the area supports more endangered mammals than anywhere else in East Africa. Rare species in the area include the endemic Jackson’s hartebeest, Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Laikipia also boasts the second highest population of elephant in Kenya, with around 6000 resident in the area, of which several hundred can be seen on Sosian at one time.

Discovering the beauty of Laikipia is something we shall never forget, we have left with a deeper understanding and love for the wildlife which motivates a sense of responsibility to safeguard it.

“It seems to me that the natural world is the great source of excitement: the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest.

It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”

~ David Attenborough

This Spring we have been on a mission with the The Woodland Trust to plant more trees to create our own therapeutic woodland.

Native Trees & Climate Change

We have planted native English tress, 105 in total! Oak, Field Maple, Grey Willow, Rowan, Silver Birch & Wild Cherry.

Trees are one of our best defences in the fight against climate change. They absorb carbon, cool cities, prevent floods, clean air and protect wildlife. Planting more trees isn’t just about saving cute animals, it’s about safeguarding our health, homes and future.

The Health Benefits Of Planting Trees

For Iris there are extra benefits from this project, she gets to spend time in nature which helps her anxiety & balances her nervous system.

The digging and heavy work activates her proprioceptors. So what does this mean? Proprioceptors are embedded within our joints and muscles that receive feedback each time we move; they provide us with information about our body’s position in space and where each body part is, as well as what it’s doing. They also give us information regarding how much or how little force we are exerting. This system controls balance, movement, and body awareness. The more detailed work helps with fine motor skills and has the added bonus of sensory joys and intriguing discoveries.

How you can join in with the fun – Plant your own tree

You can help by planting a tree in your garden, outdoor or community space. Even a single tree can make a big difference. Every sapling counts. From alder to yew, plant a tree in your outdoor space and help protect us all.

Here is a link to some helpful advice about how to plant a tree – How to Plant Trees – Plant Trees – Woodland Trust

Connecting with nature lowers cortisol levels and increases serotonin levels, enhancing mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Nurturing plants and witnessing their growth boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment.

While planting the Willow Trees in the garden it reminded me of Iris’s painting ‘Willow Grace’, so will leave you with some beautiful colours to inspire some planting.