Even the most driven people in the world sometimes need a break.
Lewis Hamilton has been sharing details about a “life-changing" two-week trip to Africa on social media, talking about how transformative and “humbling” the experience has been.
The Formula One star's journey included stops in Namibia, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, and featured interactions with local tribes, wildlife spotting, dune buggy rides in the desert, impromptu singalongs in the bush and warm welcomes at every turn.
“These past two weeks have been some of the best days of my entire life. I’m not the same man I was before this trip, all the beauty, love, and peacefulness I experienced has me feeling fully transformed,” the sporting star wrote on Instagram.
The trip was extremely personal for Hamilton, who said he was “finally tracing my roots through Africa”. Hamilton’s father is British with West Indian ancestry and Hamilton’s interactions with local African tribes such as the Pokot people of Kenya clearly resonated deeply.
“My ancestors and so many others had their beautiful culture interrupted and destroyed when they were stolen from their home and brought to the Caribbean as slaves. I am so grateful to have been able to gain a deeper understanding of where I come free,” he wrote on Instagram, alongside a video of tribespeople performing a traditional dance.
Travellers to Africa often find themselves captivated by the continent’s wide open spaces, incredible natural beauty, unparalleled wildlife and warm, welcoming people.
So here’s how to holiday in Africa like Hamilton.
Hot-air ballooning in Namibia
Infinite stretches of red-hued desert, kilometres of unspoilt coastline, the world’s second-largest canyon, prehistoric fossils, dramatic dolomite rock formations and eerie ghost towns are only some of the attractions that make Namibia so enticing. Solitude and silence abound in one of Africa’s lesser-explored destinations.
Hamilton started his African journey in Namibia, calling it “one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. Words and pictures do not do it justice.” He spent time exploring the Namib desert, which extends for 1,900 kilometres along the Atlantic coast of Africa, from Angola to South Africa.
A smiling Hamilton is pictured driving a buggy across a desert expanse and posing for pictures in front of towering sand dunes. He described a hot-air balloon ride as “surreal” since it involved a rather unusual finale.
“We had to land sideways which is definitely something I’ll never forget,” Hamilton said, alongside an image of three enormous hot air balloons tilted on their sides.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
There are about 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild, with 604 in the Virunga Massif, a volcanic range spanning Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With limited permits granted each day for gorilla-spotting treks, this is a bucket-list experience for many.
For the second stop in his African odyssey, Hamilton headed to Rwanda, where he went gorilla trekking. He is seen hiking through lush green fields and stopping to engage with a group of young children who are completely unaware of their brush with celebrity, before coming face to face with a troop of gorillas, including a majestic silverback.
“How does one describe such an experience that leaves you so speechless? What a sight it was to see them in their natural habitat relaxed and protected by the community around them. This is where they should be, in their own homes free to live their lives in peace. It was a profound and truly moving experience. I’m in love with this country,” Hamilton said.
Costing about $1,500 per person per day, gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda can last from between 30 minutes to four or more hours, reaching an altitude of between 2,500 metres and 4,000 metres. Ten per cent of the revenue from permits is channelled towards local communities, to build schools and health centres, as well as roads.
Meeting local tribes in Kenya
Interacting with tribespeople from Kenya’s Pokot tribe was clearly an emotional experience for Hamilton.
“I spent time with the Pokot people in Kenya and just to be in their presence was one thing... To be welcomed was something different entirely and a massive honour I don’t take lightly. The way I felt here is how I feel with my family back at home. We are all family, anyway. I’ll carry this experience, and all my other memories from Kenya and from this journey as a whole, in my heart forever.”
The Pokot people live in West Pokot and Baringo counties in Kenya, and are one of the smallest tribes in the country. They remain totally dependent on their livestock, and their survival in the harsh surrounds of Kenya’s northern lands is remarkable. Women adorn themselves in large, colourful beaded neckpieces, while men don beads, ostrich feathers and metal embellishments.
Hamilton, who is known for his daring fashion sense, was clearly taken by the styling he encountered during his trip, making his appreciation for all facets of the culture apparent.
In one Instagram story, he is seen posing with two women wearing vibrant, multicoloured ensembles. “Was so into their clothes that I asked to take a photo with these women. The colours and patterns were so beautiful, even more so up close in person.”
Visits to animal sanctuaries
The opportunity to get up close to wildlife is a primary driver for many visitors to Africa.
From safari experiences that allow encounters with large mammals and big cats in the wild, to more intimate interactions at animal sanctuaries and opportunities to learn about the conservation efforts unfolding across the continent, there are unlimited opportunities to engage with the natural world.
Hamilton embraced them all. Beyond his encounters with the gorillas in Rwanda, there are also pictures of him on game drives, watching elephants from a hide and stroking a baby giraffe at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
Owned by the Samburu community, the sanctuary in northern Kenya predominantly takes in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves, with the aim of releasing them back into the wild.
Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm for the work they are doing. “Thank you to the wonderful people at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary for not only hosting us, but more importantly, dedicating their time to rescue, research and conservation. They're the first indigenous, community-owned and run sanctuary in Africa and the work they do for these animals should be an inspiration to us all," he said.
“This was a truly centring experience, one that reinforces that we all share this planet. We’re not above animals, we’re with them. More often, we’re guests in their homes. Every day in the motherland is more beautiful than the last. Much love, Kenya.”
Lewis Hamilton's style evolution in 48 pictures: high street fan to couture track star
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Lewis Hamilton, in a black suit, arrives at the Bambi Awards on November 27, 2008, in Offenburg, Germany. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black coat and suit, arrives at Buckingham Palace to be awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II, on March 10, 2009, in London. WPA -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black suit with a burgundy tie, attends the F1 Charity Party in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital at the Victoria and Albert Museum on June 17, 2009. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a blue suit over a black T-shirt, and brother Nicholas Hamilton arrive on the red carpet for The Brit Awards at the O2 Arena on February 15, 2011. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black bomber jacket over jeans and a T-shirt, and Nicole Scherzinger attend the premiere of 'Jack Reacher' on December 10, 2012, in London. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a blue suit, attends the Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014, in Kuala Lumpur. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black textured suit, and Nicole Scherzinger attend the GQ Men of the Year awards at The Royal Opera House on September 2, 2014, in London. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a grey chequered suit, and Nicole Scherzinger arrive at the British Fashion Awards in London on December 1, 2014. AFP -
Lewis Hamilton, in a purple velvet tuxedo, and his dog Roscoe attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards at The Hydro on December 14, 2014, in Glasgow, Scotland. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a red suit with a black shirt, attends the Elle Style Awards on February 24, 2015, in London. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a blue Topman tuxedo, attends the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2015, in New York City. FilmMagic -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black textured tuxedo, attends amfAR's 22nd Cinema Against Aids Gala at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 21, 2015, in Cap d'Antibes, France. Getty Images -
Nicolas Hamilton and Lewis Hamilton, in a yellow tropical print bomber jacket and jeans, attend the premiere of 'Minions' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 11, 2015, in London. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in white jeans and a jacket, arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on August 30, 2015. AFP -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black Dolce & Gabbana brocade tuxedo, attends the GQ Men of the Year awards at The Royal Opera House on September 8, 2015, in London. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a white tuxedo, attends the British Fashion Awards at the London Coliseum on November 23, 2015. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a grey suit with Max Verre shoes, attends the 24th Annual Elton John Aids Foundation's Oscar Viewing Party on February 28, 2016, in West Hollywood, California. AFP -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black suit over a jumper and shirt with Cartier accessories, arrives at the Laureus Sport Awards in Berlin on April 18, 2016. EPA -
Lewis Hamilton, in a metallic brocade jacket by Ports 1961, arrives at amfAR's 23rd Cinema Against Aids Gala at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 19, 2016. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a red tartan suit and black turtleneck jumper by Versace, and Donatella Versace arrive at the British Fashion Awards in London on December 4, 2017. AFP -
Lewis Hamilton, in a white Tommy Hilfiger suit, attends the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018, in New York City. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a burgundy suit, attends the CFDA Fashion Awards at Brooklyn Museum on June 4, 2018. AFP -
Lewis Hamilton, in an a brown chequered tracksuit by Stella McCartney, attends the Stella McCartney show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 04, 2019. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a metallic Tommy Hilfiger suit, arrives on the red carpet for the 2019 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2019. EPA -
Lewis Hamilton, in a monochrome look by Louis Vuitton, attends the Louis Vuitton menswear spring/summer 2020 show during Paris Fashion Week on June 20, 2019. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a white shirt and black accessories, attends the 'Le Mans '66' premiere on October 04, 2019, in Zurich, Switzerland. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a silver dinner jacket, arrives for The Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall on December 2, 2019. EPA -
Lewis Hamilton, in a silver Dior suit, attends the Laureus World Sports Awards at Verti Music Hall on February 17, 2020, in Berlin. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a pink denim co-ordinated set by Heron Preston x Levis 501, rides a scooter ahead of the F1 Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, on October 30, 2020. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in black shorts and a jacket with pops of lime green, ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of France on June 17, 2021. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a lilac Fendi cargo-style set with Bottega Veneta boots, ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix on July 02, 2021, in Spielberg. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in clashing prints with a Myfawnwy jumper and blue trousers, ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 15, 2021. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in an oversized tartan Lanvin shirt, walks in the paddock ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix on August 26, 2021. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a bird-print set by Nahmias, walks in the paddock ahead of the F1 Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo di Monza on September 12, 2021, in Monza. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black Kenneth Nicholson suit with lace detailing, attends the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021, in New York City. AFP -
Lewis Hamilton, in a red Maison Margiela jumper and recycled Ahluwalia tracksuit bottoms, walks in the paddock ahead of the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi Autodrom on September 24, 2021. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in black Balenciaga, poses on the catwalk during the Balenciaga spring/summer 2022 show during Paris Fashion Week on October 02, 2021, in Paris. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a blue jacket over a kilt by Burberry, walks in the paddock during previews ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix at Intercity Istanbul Park on October 07, 2021. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a blue AMI Alexandrew Mattiussi suit and polo neck, attends the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards at the Museum of Modern Art on November 1, 2021, in New York City. AFP -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black and white Death to Tennis tracksuit, in the paddock ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 11, 2021, in Sao Paulo. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a grey sleeveless top and trousers by A-Cold-Wall, in the paddock ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix at Losail International Circuit on November 18, 2021. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a vest and trousers by 3.Paradis, in the paddock ahead of the Saudi Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on December 2, 2021. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black Wales Bonner suit with a Dior shirt, poses with his medal after being appointed as a knight during a investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on December 15, 2021. AFP -
Zendaya and Lewis Hamilton, in head-to-toe black Valentino, attend the Valentino show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 6, 2022. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in an oversized Isabel Marant red tracksuit, in the paddock ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on March 17, 2022. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a white Alexander McQueen jacket with cream trousers, ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on March 18, 2022. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a blue and orange floral Jacquemus jacket and shorts set, arrives ahead of the third practice session ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit on March 19, 2022. AFP -
Lewis Hamilton, in a black and red Ahluwalia parka and short set, arrives ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on March 20, 2022. AFP -
Lewis Hamilton, in a multi-coloured oversized coat by Blue Marble Paris, arrives at the paddock ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on June 30, 2022. AP -
Lewis Hamilton, in an all-purple look by Teddy Vonranson, arrives at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on September 8, 2022. AFP -
Lewis Hamilton, in a patterned Louis Vuitton two-piece, arrives at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 22, 2022. Reuters -
Lewis Hamilton, in a khaki boiler suit by Craig Green, arrives at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo on November 10, 2022. Reuters -
Lewis Hamilton, in a patterned tank top by Raf Simons, at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in an orange tie dye Fendi look, walks in the Paddock prior to practice ahead Brazil F1 on November 12, 2022. Getty Images -
Lewis Hamilton, in a purple floral shirt and matching trousers, arrives at Yas Marina Circuit for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 17, 2022. Victor Besa / The National -
Lewis Hamilton, in a Tommy Jeans x Martine Rose shirt and jeans, arrives for the first practice session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 18, 2022. AFP -
From left, Lewis Hamilton's style over the years, in 2008, 2022 and 2015.
