520 Stories and Counting…

Can you believe it? It’s been ten years since we shared our first story on Leaving Out the Dull Parts. Over 520 stories later, and here we are, still spinning African yarns to delight you without fail.

From day one, this blog has been a labour of love — a tribute to the fun and joy we find in welcoming and caring for our guests, especially here in Africa, where the people are the stars of the show.

We’ve shared stories that celebrate the spirit of our team, the warmth of our guests, and those countless moments of connection that make our lodges more than just places to stay. They are where memories are deeply embedded forever.

Storytelling is an art we've enthusiastically embraced. Inspired by that classic line from Out of Africa – ‘I’m leaving out the dull parts’ – we promised only to bring you tales that are anything but mundane. Whether it's the thrill of a safari, the drama of a Mara sunset over that view, the playful mood of Kilimanjaro, or the simple joy of a story well-told around the campfire, each one has been lovingly crafted to capture the magic of our world.

But let's not forget — the stories we share are just as much about the storytellers themselves. By hook or by crook, combined with a strong dose of persuasion, we’ve collected a delightful mix of voices. Our contributors have included guests whose hearts we have stolen, team members sharing their stories, suppliers offering insights into what makes Angama special and the founders adding their 5 cents worth.

Each voice adds a new layer to the tapestry of stories we’ve woven together, reflecting the diversity and beauty of our global Angama family. Real stories lovingly penned by real people.

And then there are the grand adventures. We’ve journeyed with you to East Africa’s wildest corners: from the great apes of Uganda and Rwanda, to the molten mouth of Congo’s active volcano to the peaks of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro (be it by foot or hot air balloon); to the open white beaches of the Swahili coastline and the rhythmic bray of the Lamu donkeys. We've even ventured beyond Africa, bringing you stories from Alaska’s icy wilderness, Copenhagen’s quiet gardens and Norway’s magical Northern Lights— because adventure knows no borders.

Of course, a celebration of our blog wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the quirks and humour that have become Leaving Out the Dull Parts’ signature style. Our readers have come to expect the unexpected — a light-hearted take on lodge life, a surprising twist in a tale, or the sheer delight of discovering something new through the lens of our delightfully diverse array of contributors.  

As we look back on these ten years of storytelling, our hearts are full — for the stories we’ve told, the storytellers who’ve brought them to life, and the readers who’ve joined us on this journey. Here’s to many more years of leaving out the dull parts — and embracing the joy, adventure, and wonder that make our world so wonderfully extraordinary.