About Us

Tortilis Camp

Tortilis Camp

Our Mission

Our mission is to help create some of the happiest days of our clients lives. We strive to do so by designing the best safari and beach break experiences in the world. We aim to introduce more people to this majestic part of the planet and to enable authentic experiences with the highest possible level of service in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. By growing tourism in this region we love, we also aim to help aid local communities and conservation efforts by stimulating the local economy and through our charitable donations.


Our Story

Monique was born and raised in Kenya, growing up on the shores of Lake Naivasha. It was there, surrounded by the landscapes she'd later build a career around, that her love of this region took root.

Monique was sent to boarding school in Dublin, Ireland, part of a large cohort of Kenyan pupils that attended the same school. It was through this Irish-Kenyan connection that she met our Marketing Director, Alec, beginning a friendship that has now lasted 26 years. After school and years spent travelling the world, Monique returned to East Africa to manage operations for a multinational travel company based in Diani, where she still lives today. She has since gained deep experience managing lodges across Kenya and boutique hotels along the South Coast, giving her an unmatched, insider's understanding of the region's finest properties. Even back in her school days, Monique was informally helping friends, and friends of friends, plan unforgettable trips to East Africa using her local knowledge. That instinct for crafting the perfect experience never left her. Combined with her professional expertise, it's what allows her to design trips that feel effortless, personal and truly authentic.

Alec, who has spent 17 years working in digital marketing and customer experience, saw an opportunity after his own trips to the region to connect travellers with Monique's local expertise and give them access to the very best East Africa has to offer, in the hands of someone who knows it inside out. That partnership, rooted in an Irish-Kenyan friendship that goes back to their school days and built on Monique's unrivalled knowledge of the region, is what East African Experience is built on.


Our Team

Monique Baronet

Monique Baronet

Experience Design Director

Monique was born and raised in Kenya, growing up on the shores of Lake Naivasha. After attending boarding school in Ireland and traveling the world, Monique went on to manage  operations for a  multinational travel company based in Diani, where she now resides. Monique also has vast experience managing lodges across Kenya and boutique hotels on the South Coast.

Having spent much of her life in remote areas, Monique has developed a deep appreciation for the diverse beauty East Africa has to offer. Her extensive experience in the travel industry fuelled her passion for creating bespoke experiences for those eager to explore this stunning part of the world.

Alec Barrett

Marketing Director

Alec oversees marketing and operations. His  primary role is to connect people with the best travel consultants in East Africa. He manages the processes, website, CRM and all things digital. He lives in Dublin, Ireland and enjoys sport, live music and travel. He was fortunate enough to make some life long friends from Kenya in school in Ireland. It is through these friendships and his love of the region that he has been able to relish his role.

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Primary Booking Partners

We partner with two of East Africa's most respected Destination Management Companies to ensure your booking is in the very best hands. Both are fully bonded by the Kenyan Association of Tour Operators and members of the African Travel & Tourism Association, providing full financial protection and booking peace of mind.

Cheli & Peacock have been operating since 1985 with offices in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Regarded as a premier DMC in East Africa, they work with travel consultants worldwide to deliver exceptional service and ensure you receive AMREF flying doctor insurance throughout the region.

Hemingways Safaris are an award-winning DMC with an outstanding reputation for luxury travel across East Africa. They ensure you receive RESCUE air cover for complete peace of mind throughout your journey.




How We Create Memorable & Authentic Experiences

As your personal East Africa travel consultants, we focus entirely on you, your needs and your desires for a special trip. We leverage our local knowledge to help you enjoy the very best East Africa has to offer and are thrilled to help you craft your bespoke, authentic experience.

To provide you with booking peace of mind, we partner with two of East Africa's finest Destination Management Companies; Cheli & Peacock and Hemingways Safaris as well as the finest boutique lodges and luxury accommodation providers in the region. We carefully choose our partners based entirely on the quality of service they provide.

Given our experience and local knowledge, we feel that talking to us is the best first step you can take. Armed with our advice you can book with whomever you choose. There is absolutely no obligation to book through our partners. However, we have chosen to partner with them because they are simply the best at what they do. Should you book through one of our handpicked partners, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and they will manage all payments,contracts, bookings and documentation. We receive a referral fee from our partners at no additional cost to you.

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About Us East African Experience Co.

Testimonials & Press

Please see all testimonials and press here

 

"One of the best experiences of my life"

Joanne McNally, Comedian. Irish Independent

 


 

Charity, Community & Conservation

We are delighted to donate a minimum of 3% of annual profits to The Mara Elephant Project who do fantastic work in disrupting poaching in the region and combatting conflict and habitat loss by working closely with local communities. Additionally, all of the accommodation providers we work with are involved in inspirational local community projects. More details can be found on the individual accommodation pages which are available here.

 

Homepage - Mara Elephant Project

 

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