Maisoon Barghouty
For many travelers, an African safari sits firmly on their bucket list, reserved for “someday” after retirement or when there is finally enough time to plan the perfect adventure. But after recently returning from her first safari in Botswana, Acendas travel advisor Maisoon Barghouty has a different recommendation: don’t wait.
Now preparing to escort Acendas’ Kenya Wildlife Safari in October 2027, Maisoon is bringing firsthand insight and enthusiasm to a once-in-a-lifetime journey that she believes belongs much higher on travelers’ priority lists.
A First Safari That Left a Lasting Impression
Maisoon traveled to Botswana in March for an eight-day safari adventure, spending time in Johannesburg before exploring some of southern Africa’s most remarkable wildlife regions.
While she expected to see incredible animals, she was surprised by how immersive the experience truly was.
“You’re going to their home,” she said. “They’re not coming to ours.”
Unlike a zoo, where animals exist behind barriers, safari travelers witness wildlife in its natural habitat. Families of elephants cross rivers together, giraffes stroll across roadways, and lions rest in the open landscape. Every sighting offers a glimpse into the natural rhythms and relationships that define life in the wild.
One particularly memorable encounter involved a herd of elephants crossing a river.
“They always had one elephant ahead and one at the end protecting the group and the babies,” Maisoon recalled. “It was fascinating to watch how they take care of each other.”
More Than Just the Big Five
Like many first-time safari travelers, Maisoon hoped to spot Africa’s famous “Big Five.” While the elusive leopard managed to stay hidden and the rhino never appeared, she still enjoyed countless unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Among her favorites were the hyenas.
“We got to experience the laughing hyenas in nature, in their habitat,” she said. “At the zoo, I always thought they looked scary. But seeing them with their families, playing with their young, I completely changed my view of them.”
The trip also included zebras, giraffes, hippos, elephants, lions, and an impressive variety of bird species found only in Africa.
“It’s amazing how your perspective changes when you see animals living naturally,” she said.
Adventure Around Every Corner
One of Maisoon’s favorite aspects of the journey had nothing to do with wildlife.
In a single day, she traveled by commercial jet, a 24-seat regional aircraft, a 12-passenger bush plane, a safari vehicle, and even a helicopter.
“It was just one transportation method after another,” she laughed. “For someone who works in travel and talks about these experiences all the time, actually living it was incredible.”
The helicopter ride wasn’t originally part of the plan. Heavy flooding in Botswana’s Okavango Delta made traditional road access impossible, forcing operators to adapt.
Rather than canceling experiences, Acendas Vacations’ local partners arranged an alternative route using boats and helicopters to transport guests safely to remote lodges.
“It was a perfect example of how experienced suppliers handle challenges,” Maisoon said. “No matter what happens, the goal is always to make sure travelers are safe and still able to enjoy the experience.”
Why Kenya in 2027?
Although Maisoon’s safari took place in Botswana, the Acendas group departure will explore Kenya, timing the journey to coincide with one of nature’s most spectacular events: the Great Migration.
During this season, massive herds of wildebeest and other animals move across the plains, creating extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.
While the overall safari experience remains similar, Kenya offers distinct landscapes, ecosystems, and wildlife encounters. Travelers will stay in intimate safari lodges and camps located within or near wildlife reserves, surrounded by nature rather than traditional resort developments.
“The lodges are small and fill very quickly,” Maisoon said. “That’s why we’re encouraging people to book now.”
Acendas currently has rooms reserved for the group, but availability is limited, making early planning essential.
Why You Shouldn’t Save Africa for Retirement
One of Maisoon’s strongest pieces of advice challenges a common perception.
Many travelers assume an African safari should be saved for later in life. She believes the opposite.
“Do it sooner than later,” she said. “You have to wake up early, you spend time on bumpy roads, and you’re actively searching for animals. It’s an adventure.”
She also sees tremendous value for families.
Children who have only seen wildlife in books or zoos gain a completely different perspective when they encounter animals in their natural environment.
“You’re helping them learn about nature, animals, ecosystems, and conservation,” she said. “It’s something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”
Special Experiences Exclusive to the Acendas Group
In addition to the safari drives and wildlife encounters, Maisoon has worked to incorporate several special touches that add unique value to the Acendas departure.
Highlights include:
- A bush breakfast in the African wilderness
- Sunset cocktails overlooking the landscape
- A visit to an elephant orphanage, where rescued young elephants are cared for by conservation teams
- Exclusive group experiences designed specifically for Acendas travelers
The elephant orphanage is particularly meaningful to Maisoon.
“These are elephants that have been injured or need help,” she explained. “Visitors can learn about the conservation efforts and, depending on the circumstances, may even have opportunities to get close to them.”
The Value of Expert Guidance
For Maisoon, the biggest lesson from her own safari experience is the importance of working with a travel advisor who understands both the destination and the traveler.
“Every person is different,” she said. “We take the time to know our clients, understand what they enjoy, and help them choose experiences that fit them.”
That personalized guidance becomes especially valuable on complex journeys such as an African safari, where travelers may encounter everything from bush flights and remote camps to changing weather conditions and unique wildlife experiences.
As Maisoon prepares to lead her fourth escorted group tour, she’s excited to share a destination that now ranks among her personal favorites.
Asked where Africa now sits on her travel list after visiting places such as Alaska, Fiji, Egypt, Italy, and Amsterdam, she smiled and pointed to her upcoming plans.
“I’m preparing a group for Africa,” she said. “That should tell you something.”
To speak with an experienced Acendas vacation advisor, contact us at 866-448-8747, or visit our website at https://acendas.com/vacation/. To speak with Maisoon Barghouty about the 2027 African safari, call her at 314-818-0020, or email her at maisoon.barghouty@acendas.com.