Rumble in the Jungle

Turning 50 is a major milestone for everyone and it's considered a time for reflecting on the past, taking stock of our time on earth and prioritising what the next chapter should be. For me, it was all of those things — but also a chance to lean fully into the joy of living.  And, most importantly, to share that with my family.  

So, we did something that we’d never done before. We decided to swap our usual holiday spots for an adventure into Kenya’s iconic wilderness: the Maasai Mara, which holds so much expanse and Amboseli, with its jaw-dropping views of Mount Kilimanjaro. We chose to stay at both Angama lodges, and what an inspired decision that turned out to be.   

From the moment we arrived, we were embraced by the amazing hospitality. It was quite the experience to have that feeling coupled with unbelievable safaris — from being metres from a pride of lions, watching a mating pair of leopards and a coalition of cheetahs.  

And then there was Amboseli, where we tracked down and met one of the world’s oldest Super Tuskers, Craig. We walked in the bush with the Maasai and ventured into the darkness on a night safari. It was the adventure I had dreamt of, and we packed our bags full of unforgettable memories. 

But what I did not expect was to dust off an old passion of mine: boxing.  

I grew up admiring and emulating the greats — Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and, of course, Mike Tyson. I even had a few amateur bouts under my belt. So, when I heard that Collins, Angama Amboseli’s General Manager (the Kenyan Tyson), won a few trophies in his heyday, I relished in the chance to recreate the famous ‘Rumble in the Jungle’.

So, after a game of croquet at The Field, it was time for our exhibition. What started as a quiet and friendly sparring session quickly escalated — the familiar adrenaline rush and competitive energy filled the air. For a moment, we were both back in our prime, having the time of our lives and were giving it as good as we got. 

I can confirm that no severe injuries were sustained on both sides, but we definitely felt the punches... We may not be young bucks anymore, but we certainly put up a good fight. 

A big thank you to Collins for stepping into the ring with me and a heartfelt thank you to the teams at Amboseli and Angama Mara. We have great respect and appreciation for our Guides, Ntira and Elvis. We came for the wildlife but left with friends for life.