Previously a Fashion Editor at British Elle Magazine, Sunday Times Style and Grazia, Bonnie Rakhit is currently a freelance stylist, writer, blogger and presenter based in London.
She is founder of TheStyleTraveller.com: ‘A fashion editor’s guide to the world’s most stylish places,’ which was recently voted one of the Top Five Luxury Travel and lifestyle blogs in the UK.
Preferred name, insta handle, and where you call home?
Bonnie Rakhit aka TheStyleTraveller, @bonnierakhit, London.
What was your most magical moment in Kenya?
It was all so magical but my two favourite experiences were the sunrise jeep drive through the Masai Mara and and also the Masai Dancers around the bonfire at night. But just coming so close to nature throughout the trip was incredible, to see lions, giraffes and rhinos right in front of you is incredible.
Go on, tell us your approximate luggage count for Kenya?
So for once I was very good, for the internal flights we were given a maximum weight of 15kg and I actually (rather amazingly) managed to stick to it!!
Did you take any extra camera kit, and did you find photographing the wildlife challenging? Any photography tips?
I think it’s good to take a range of lenses with you if you have them, especially for the elephants and giraffes a long lens is good, but to be honest, we got to get so close to the lions and zebras my standard lens on the camera was totally fine!!
Your one essential for the early morning drive wake-up call?
I’m going to pick two essentials and both were actually provided by the Fairmont Hotel. One, a cup of tea to wake you up and two a gorgeous red Masai blanket to keep you warm before the sun comes up. You don’t really need anything else.
Give us a rundown of your favourite look from Kenya.
I had a couple of favourite looks, one was my cream and rust stripe maxi dress from Nasty Gal, which I wore in a great group shot with two of the other girls. And the other was a Karen Millen cream and khaki stripe halter crop top with matching palazzo trousers, more of a practical (yet on trend) option!
What were your five key beauty essentials for Kenya?
I love the face cream from Esse an African brand. I also used Kérastase shampoo and conditioner to keep my hair from going frizzy. Make up wise – I kept it minimal with Armani silk foundation, black eye liner and mascara. Oh and don’t forget the sunscreen, I love La Roche Posay.
Please tell us your can’t-live-without clothes/shoes/accessories that you took to Kenya.
1) Safari utility jumpsuit from Nasty Gal
2) Lovers and friends white dress from Revolve
3) Khaki silk jogging bottoms from Ted Baker
4) Leopard print bomber from Nasty Gal
5) Matching stripe co-ord set from Karen Millen
6) Pink jewelled bikini from Bahimi beach wear
7) Khaki zoom trainers from Nike
8) Brown ankle candles at Office
What do you wish you’d packed for me Kenya that you didn’t take??
A safari hat and perhaps another sweater as it did get cold in the evening.
Any Questions or Tips to add?