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Running a marathon with the big five. At least that was the plan

Running a marathon with the big five. At least that was the plan

Riots ended the promise for an extraordinary experience in a Kenyan game reserve. And while some thrilling safaris made up for any disappointment, there’s always next year.

Philippa CoatesLife & Leisure deputy editor

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In terms of timing, it was a disaster. Upon checking in at the Ole Sereni hotel in Nairobi at 10.30pm, I learnt that a few hours earlier, protests at Parliament House against a new tax bill had turned deadly.

The following morning brought more bad news just as 100 or so other international guests checked in. The protests had spread across Kenya and 23 people had been killed. The situation was unstable; schools were shut. It was Thursday. None of us was going to run our marathon come Saturday.

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Philippa Coates
Philippa CoatesLife & Leisure deputy editorPhilippa Coates is deputy editor of The Australian Financial Review's lifestyle liftout, published online and in print. She is based in our Sydney newsroom. Connect with Philippa on Twitter. Email Philippa at pcoates@afr.com

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Original URL: https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/travel/running-a-marathon-with-the-big-five-at-least-that-was-the-plan-20240731-p5jxy7