In the southern region of Kenya, specifically in Amboseli National Park, my mother and I found ourselves seated in the exposed restaurant of a lodge. Mount Kilimanjaro remained concealed behind a thin veil of cloud. Our anticipation was palpable as we awaited the commencement of another afternoon safari, when unexpectedly, an adult elephant loomed over the rear fence. With sheer delight, we gestured towards it, observing in silence as it meandered around, playfully swaying its trunk.
The scene felt reminiscent of a cinematic moment, a fitting analogy considering that throughout our entire dream vacation, I felt as though I had unwittingly landed the lead role in a comedy film.
At the age of 30, I embarked on a Saga holiday to Kenya and Tanzania.
The yearning to explore Africa had always been my mother’s ambition. Since her childhood days of watching “Born Free” and “Daktari,” she harbored a desire to witness wild animals in their natural habitat. However, for various reasons, she had never actualized this dream.
Then, in 2023, with her retirement and my newfound autonomy as a business owner, we finally seized the opportunity to make it a reality.
For nearly a year, my mother scoured for the most cost-effective trips that encompassed all the destinations she had longed to visit, ultimately opting for Titan Travel’s ‘The Great Migration Tour.’
The comprehensive Titan Travel package encompassed all our desired experiences, including visits to Amboseli National Park renowned for its elephants; the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and its elephant orphanage, where we witnessed the nurturing of young elephants; and The Olduvai Gorge, often hailed as the cradle of civilization.
Moreover, the itinerary featured the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, offering us the opportunity to encounter the Big Five and immerse ourselves in the splendor of African wildlife and landscapes.
The accommodations comprised luxury camping sites and lodges, ensuring an authentic yet comfortable experience—ideal for my mother, who grappled with certain health issues and couldn’t endure extended periods on an inflatable camping mattress.
Filled with anticipation, we promptly submitted our deposit. However, in hindsight, I regret not paying closer attention to the Saga emblem at the bottom of the payment form.
Saga, for the uninitiated, specializes in exclusive holidays for individuals over 50, albeit welcoming companions over 40 as well.
Upon reflection, it struck me as peculiar that their logo was affiliated with this particular tour, seemingly designed for a diverse demographic. A swift online search elucidated that although Saga had acquired Titan Travel in 2009, the two entities continued to operate distinct tours. Consequently, I dismissed it as inconsequential.
Before we knew it, November 2023 had arrived, and my mother and I were en route to Africa.
Upon our arrival at Nairobi airport, our tour guide awaited us amidst a flurry of tour operators and hotel shuttles, easily identifiable by the Titan Travel sign he brandished—albeit with a perplexing twist, as the reverse side of his sign bore the inscription ‘Saga.’
I rationalized that since the logo was prominently featured on all our documentation, it merely served as an additional means for participants to identify their designated trip.
As our cohort of 16 gradually congregated, it dawned on me that, at 30 years old, I stood as the sole individual below 60 on the expedition.
While some travelers acknowledged that the trip was accessible through both companies and harbored no qualms about the inclusion of younger participants, others scrutinized my unconventional appearance, characterized by my nose ring and tattoos, as well as my mother’s vibrant pink hair.
The situation failed to ameliorate thereafter.
During check-in at the hotel, the receptionist inquired whether I was affiliated with the Saga group. Upon reluctantly confirming my association, they seemingly assumed I was the tour guide and consequently handed me the keys and paperwork, casting a benevolent smile in my mother’s direction.
I cringed later that evening as I made my way to the elongated, pre-assigned dining table adorned with a conspicuous Saga sign.
I had harbored nebulous expectations regarding the composition of fellow travelers on this Titan Travel excursion. While cognizant of safaris often being synonymous with ‘retirement holidays,’ I had envisaged a more diverse age demographic.
That initial evening felt akin to a job interview rather than a convivial holiday exchange.
I found myself subjected to inquiries regarding the affordability of the vacation, the rationale behind traveling with my mother, and my decision to forgo marriage and children.
It became apparent that many within our group harbored reservations about me, necessitating a concerted effort on my part to dispel the notion of me embodying a petulant adolescent or conforming to the stereotypical drinking-and-dancing archetype often associated with Ibiza escapades.
The astonishment was palpable when they discovered my penchant for classic literature, extensive travel experiences, and affinity for 60s music.
The prevailing query pertained to my awareness of embarking on a Saga holiday tailored for an older clientele. ‘Absolutely not!’ I reassured them.
Nonetheless, it was imperative for all participants on the excursion to surmount their initial misgivings and forge connections, gradually unveiling their jovial and convivial dispositions as I engaged with them on a personal level.
Upon my return, friends inquired about the vacation, prompting me to jest, ‘Well, it appears that turning 30 yields unforeseen consequences. You might even find yourself on a Saga holiday.’
In earnest, I relayed my disappointment to Titan Travel regarding the absence of forewarning about the amalgamated tours. Despite meticulously scrutinizing the promotional material of both companies and consulting our tour guide prior to departure, no indication was provided that the tours would be combined.
Our tour guide had disclosed that we were not the first travelers to inadvertently find themselves on a Saga tour. In a prior instance, a couple had encountered a similar predicament, grouped with individuals decades their senior.
While Titan Travel responded, asserting that ‘although Saga customers now travel alongside our clientele, the tours offered by both brands are highly complementary, with minimal impact on the quality of service provided.’
The response struck me as somewhat dismissive. While I harbored no expectations of compensation, their reluctance to acknowledge the lack of transparency in their marketing strategies could potentially mislead other prospective travelers.
Admittedly, the inadvertent inclusion on a Saga tour did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the journey.
The indelible memories of witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat and witnessing my mother fulfill her long-held dream persist. The sight of a grazing zebra from the bathroom window of our hotel room remains etched in my mind.
While a few awkward encounters could have been averted, fostering a sense of relaxation and enjoyment from the outset had we been adequately informed.
Nonetheless, this experience imparted a valuable lesson: one is never too old to embark on an adventure.
A spokesperson from Saga remarked: ‘We are delighted to learn that the customer thoroughly relished her holiday experience. Our tours, orchestrated and executed by Titan, strive to communicate this synergy to all participants, many of whom book through alternative agencies. Our core commitment revolves around inclusivity and transparency for all travelers, irrespective of their source of booking. We extend a warm welcome to patrons from various high street retailers, in addition to Saga, our affiliate company, without imposing any age restrictions on adults.’