The Kenya Safari

Overview

A platform helping travelers explore and book authentic safari experiences in Kenya.

Details

Between December 2024 and February 2025, I had the privilege of working alongside Manuel Mwaro Mangi, a seasoned safari guide and the founder of The Kenya Safari, to develop a digital presence for his new safari venture. Manuel, with his deep-rooted experience in guiding safaris, wanted to expand his reach to a global audience by offering authentic Kenyan safari experiences through a well-crafted website. The challenge was to create an online platform that not only reflected the uniqueness of Kenyan safaris but also appealed to a diverse clientele, eager to explore and experience the beauty of Kenya’s wildlife and culture.

As a solo freelancer, I was responsible for every aspect of this project, overseeing all stages from the initial design phase to the final website deployment. This included the conceptualization of a logo that would capture the essence of The Kenya Safari’s brand, along with building a fully functional website that would showcase the company’s services, packages, and values. The aim was to create a platform that was not just aesthetically pleasing but also user-friendly and informative for potential customers.

The website had to embody the adventurous spirit of a Kenyan safari, while also ensuring a smooth and professional browsing experience. I worked closely with Manuel to understand his vision, aligning it with best practices in web design to create a website that would serve as both an informational hub and a marketing tool. The design process involved crafting a layout that highlighted the various safari packages, along with detailed information about each experience. I made sure to incorporate stunning visuals that would capture the grandeur of Kenyan landscapes and wildlife, helping visitors get a sense of the adventure that awaited them.

Given the nature of the safari business, it was also crucial to integrate a simple yet effective way for clients to inquire about packages. I implemented a contact form that allowed users to easily reach out for more details or request bookings, as the booking process was not automated and required manual interaction with the company. Although the website was not mobile-first, I ensured the site was responsive and functional across different screen sizes, so it could still be accessed comfortably on mobile devices.

Overall, this project was not only a great opportunity to work on an exciting and meaningful brand but also a testament to my ability to manage and deliver an end-to-end solution for a client. From crafting the initial logo to implementing the final details on the website, every stage was designed to support the goal of offering a seamless and memorable experience for The Kenya Safari’s customers. This collaboration has been one of the highlights of my portfolio, showcasing my full range of web development skills, and it’s a project I’m extremely proud of.

Programs Used

For the development of The Kenya Safari website, I employed a variety of tools and technologies to ensure a seamless and effective design and coding process. The initial design phase was carried out using Figma, a powerful and versatile design tool that allowed me to create detailed wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs. Figma’s collaborative features enabled me to share design proposals with the client, receive feedback, and iterate on designs quickly, ensuring that Manuel's vision for the safari company was accurately translated into the digital space. The tool's intuitive interface made it easy to design responsive layouts and experiment with different color schemes, typography, and visual elements, all of which would later be adapted into the website’s front-end.

Once the design was finalized, I transitioned into the development phase using Visual Studio Code (VS Code), an integrated development environment (IDE) that I rely on for its speed, flexibility, and powerful extensions. With its lightweight interface and robust features, VS Code provided a productive environment for writing and editing the code needed to bring the website to life. I utilized its powerful debugging tools, integrated terminal, and extensions for version control to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow throughout the development process. Together, these technologies created a powerful stack that supported both the design and functionality of The Kenya Safari website. The combination of HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript ensured that the website was not only visually engaging but also highly functional, offering a smooth user experience for potential safari-goers while making it easy for the client to manage content and interact with their customers. Each language and tool played a specific role in bringing the website’s features to life, from the initial design mockups to the final interactive experience.

In addition to these technologies, I implemented a fully dynamic system for managing the safari packages, which allows the client to easily update, add, or remove packages as needed. This functionality was made possible by the creation of an admin panel that I designed and developed specifically for this project. The admin panel provides a user-friendly interface that allows the client to manage their safari offerings without requiring any technical expertise. Through this panel, the client can update package details, change pricing, add images, and modify descriptions effortlessly.

The data for the safari packages is stored in a MySQL (MariaDB) database, which ensures that the information is securely stored and can be accessed and manipulated efficiently. The database serves as the backbone for the dynamic content on the website. Each safari package’s details, such as the name, description, price, duration, and images, are stored in structured tables. This makes it easy to retrieve and display the most current information directly on the website, ensuring that users always see up-to-date offerings.

Using PHP and SQL queries, I integrated the website with the database to dynamically display the safari packages. For example, when users visit the “Packages” page, the website fetches the package details from the database and presents them in a visually appealing and organized manner. With this dynamic system in place, the client can confidently add new packages, edit existing ones, or remove outdated offerings with just a few clicks—making the website flexible and adaptable to future changes in the safari services offered.

This approach not only streamlined the management process for the client but also ensured that the website was always aligned with the current inventory of safari packages. The admin panel I created is a central hub where the client can manage all the content efficiently, giving them complete control over their website’s offerings. By using MariaDB for the database and PHP for the back-end logic, the solution is both robust and scalable, allowing for seamless updates as the business evolves.

The combination of dynamic content management, easy-to-use interface, and secure database storage enhances the overall experience for both the client and the end users. This system ensures that The Kenya Safari website remains fresh and relevant, and that the client can easily make updates as their services and offerings change over time.

Color Palette

Fonts Used

Logo Design

As part of the comprehensive development of The Kenya Safari website, I was also responsible for creating the company’s logo, ensuring that the visual identity aligned with the brand’s values and target audience.

The goal was to design a logo that not only captured the adventurous spirit of Kenyan safaris but also conveyed a sense of professionalism and trust. I explored various design concepts, incorporating natural elements such as wildlife silhouettes, acacia trees, and earthy tones to reflect the authenticity and beauty of Kenya’s landscapes.

After collaborating closely with the client to gather feedback and refine the initial ideas, I delivered a clean, memorable logo that served as a strong visual foundation for the brand. The final design is versatile and suitable for use across digital platforms, marketing materials, and even merchandise, ensuring consistent brand representation across all touchpoints.