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Steve’s Last Drive

Last month, Douggy Onsongo kept a promise and took the guiding team on a path less travelled

As a guide, while on safari I get to teach and tell stories, but I am also taught and told stories from people I meet from around the world. Some of these are safari pioneers and others are veterans. Talking of safari veterans, this is where my friend and employer, the late Steve Fitzgerald falls.

SteveNicky
Image courtesy of  Anna Leidenkrantz

I had been on many drives with him, but his very last drive in his favourite animal kingdom, the Maasai Mara, left lasting memories from this legend of conservation.

There is something about time and again safari lovers, they enjoy exclusivity, quiet and secret avenues in the Mara, and Steve was no exception. Paths less travelled, with or without big game, excited him the most.

On his last drive, I took Steve and his family on a lesser known circuit; my favourite haven where I take people who want to see less traffic and more adventure.

Dougie Map

He loved it and asked if I could take the rest of the guiding team from Angama on the same circuit. A month ago, more than a year after Steve left us, I embarked on fulfilling my promise to him. Our resident photographer Adam Bannister, a team of six guides and I left camp at the break of dawn and started to trace this adventure I took a year plus ago.

From the pictures and video clip we took, I'm sure you will also love this journey.

https://youtu.be/ajYDil188rw
Robert headshot
Guide driving in Mara
Sophie
Kenneth
Geoff
Sammy
Daniel
Douglas
Guides under tree 2

Images courtesy of Adam Bannister

Filed under: Inside Angama

Tagged with:

Angama Mara , Angama Team , Inside Angama , Mara Triangle , The Angama Way

About: Douggy Onsongo

As a former Angama guide, Douggy knew all the best spots for a picnic and his skills behind a camera were only second to those in front of one. He, and his golden boot, will be sorely missed by the Angama Football Club.

Browse all articles by Douggy Onsongo Meet the angama team

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Join the Conversation (6 comments)

Comments (6):

charlotte smith

3 March 2020

What a lovely tribute to Steve from your special team

Jane Hodges

27 February 2019

Beloved friends both - Nicky and Steve and such joy to have shared glorious Africa with them

James Fitzgerald

27 February 2019

Very moving - thank you!

Annette Magni

26 February 2019

Such a wonderful tribute to Steve..........you must miss him so much Douggie!

Francis C. Bagbey

26 February 2019

Very touching story. What a good connection these guides had with Mr. Fitzgerald.

    Nicky Fitzgerald

    26 February 2019

    Thank you Francis - it was a mutual love affair!

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