What’s Next?
They say you should reinvent yourself every ten years—I couldn’t agree more. It keeps you growing. But I never imagined that when I kept telling myself I needed one more career chapter, it would lead me here. Like much of my journey, this wasn’t planned. I stumbled into it, hoping, as always, that I’d find my wings and learn to fly before crashing and burning!
Little did I realize that the following four years would present the most formidable challenges yet. I’ve never felt a greater urge to give up than during those early years, but if there’s one thing I struggle with even more, it’s quitting. Nevertheless, it has been incredibly rewarding. For the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of leading photographers on incredible, life-enriching journeys across Africa. Thank you. In this next chapter, I’ve positioned myself to share my 20 years of experience across Africa, and especially in Kenya, with everyone!
Mackay Africa was born at the end of 2020, during the pandemic, when I returned to Kenya—initially to escape COVID, spend a month in a place I loved, and journey north into the remote tribal regions to reconnect with friends and capture behind-the-scenes footage for the launch of my fine art print website. What started as an unplanned twist of fate soon led to something much bigger. Before I knew it, I had become the founder of a licensed tour operator, complete with custom-designed safari vehicles, an office, and an incredible team! Once again, I returned to live full-time in Kenya.
Despite being a separate entity, Mackay Africa extends the Piper Mackay Photo Safari brand. At Mackay Africa, our focus is on collaborating with tour leaders, agents, families, friends, and photographers to custom-design safari experiences, managing every detail from start to finish.
HERE IS WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
I highly recommend Mackay Africa and their attentive staff to plan your next Safari. I will certainly use them when I return to Kenya. Their attention to detail and help every step of the planning process was invaluable. Their driver/guide was very helpful, knowledgeable, and personable. ~ J Walker
If I could give you one tip when you are looking to plan and book your African safari, that would be to book it with Mackay Africa. Your safari experience will be 100% catered to your personal wants and desires. The game drives, the vehicles, the guides and the camps, and the experiences they choose for you will be nothing short of extraordinary. The people at Mackay Africa will become family, it will leave you longing to return again very soon ~ Sunshine Travelers
Mackay Africa is a full-service safari company that provides excellent pre-trip information as well as supports every step during your time in the country. From my first contact with Mackay, I felt very comfortable with the help and suggestions they provided. I was very impressed with the communication during the planning stages. They have the ability to design a trip based exactly on your interests. Being based in Nairobi, they are very familiar with all the properties and have an exceptional staff and excellent guides. Help, if needed, is only a call away.
The properties were all exceptional, and the food was great, whether at the lodge or in the field. I felt very comfortable from the time I was met at the airport until I left the country. In the field, our driver/guide was excellent at providing information and, most importantly, was excellent at positioning the vehicle for photography. He was very flexible with respect to our desired schedule. The vehicles are designed with photographers in mind, with a drop-down door and low window openings.
I would encourage anyone, particularly photographers, considering a trip to Africa to contact Mackay to discuss their interests. ~ Bill P