Both our families, the Carr-Hartleys and the Hopcrafts, have long histories in East Africa. Specialised Safaris’ guests can take advantage of this combined fount of knowledge, expertise and long-standing connections, all of which make for a truly authentic and private safari.
The Carr-Hartleys first arrived in Africa in the late 1880s and were amongst some of the original safari guides.
Of course, back then safaris were hunting operations. Mikey’s grandfather, Tom Carr-Hartley, was a renowned wildlife handler, as were his father and uncles, before the family moved into conservation and safaris that favoured cameras over guns.
As Kenyans of this era, the Carr-Hartleys rubbed shoulders with many of the biggest names of the 20th century. Denys Finch Hatton was a friend; Karen Blixen (who later wrote Out of Africa as Isak Dinesen) was a neighbour. The movies Snows of Kilimanjaro and Mogambo were filmed on the Carr-Hartley family ranch, and pictures of Clark Gable, Ava Gardner and Ernest Hemingway feature in the family photo album.
Tanya Carr-Hartley is from the well-known Hopcraft family, who moved to Kenya in 1902. From their family home, Loldia Farm by Lake Naivasha, they worked as farmers and conservationists, managing and protecting this stunning piece of land.
