Still Not Bored

We often find ourselves returning to a photograph taken in September 2013, a moment that, in hindsight, marked the true beginning of something extraordinary. The four of us stood on a rocky outcrop overlooking the vast Mara, long before Angama Mara’s North Camp existed. There was no lodge yet, no buildings, no polished decks, just open wilderness, a powerful vision, and the unmistakable feeling that we were at the start of something pioneering.  

The invitation itself felt like destiny in motion. When Steve first reached out to Neville about helping fund a lodge in Kenya, after a recommendation from his brother James, the next call was immediately to Marco. Our shared history, complementary skills, and deep respect for the Fitzgeralds made the decision feel both bold and natural. From the very beginning, this was not a passive investment; it was a commitment of belief, strategy, and trust. We knew that if we were going to do this, we would do it properly and together. 

What stood before us then was not yet Angama, only a remarkable site and a clear, ambitious vision. But the Mara had a way of instantly settling doubts. Watching the Great Migration surge across the plains, seeing wildlife in breathtaking abundance, and feeling the energy of the land itself convinced us that this was worth building, not just as a lodge, but as something meaningful, enduring, and world-class. 

Back in Nairobi, the real work began. Strategy quickly turned into action. Neville reached out across networks to bring in like-minded investors, while we committed our own capital early to demonstrate confidence and momentum. Those early funding decisions were critical; they signalled belief and created the foundation that allowed the project to move forward without hesitation. Looking back, we recognise how pioneering those moments were. We were not simply backing a concept; we were helping shape its future. 

The build itself created memories we will never forget. There were moments when things did not go according to plan, and we were called back to the site to steady the course. We slept in contractor camps, took bucket showers, and worked through long days under the African sky. It was far from glamorous yet deeply fulfilling. Those were the days when Angama truly became part of us when the vision stopped being theoretical and became tangible. 

Over time, we realised that Angama’s greatest strength would not only be its breathtaking setting, but its people. From the earliest days, the team’s warmth, professionalism, and pride created something truly special. Watching them grow alongside the business has been one of our greatest sources of satisfaction. Even today, when we step onto the deck and see guests welcomed with genuine care, we feel a quiet but unmistakable pride. 

There have been challenging chapters as well. The loss of Steve was deeply felt, and the disruption of COVID tested the resilience of everything we had built. Yet even in those difficult times, our commitment never wavered. We worked together to secure funding that protected our team and preserved the spirit of the business. When travel resumed, Angama stood ready, stronger, more focused, and more united than before. 

More than a decade on, we look back with enormous pride and fond memories of the risks taken, the relationships built, and the milestones achieved. This journey has never been static; it has evolved, adapted, and grown, just as we envisioned from the very beginning. 

And as we look ahead, our excitement remains as strong as ever. We are still involved, still investing, still guiding, and still believing. With a new look Executive and Leadership teams at the helm, Angama continues to pioneer, innovate, and inspire, and we are proud to remain part of its story, confident that the best chapters are still to come.