Barry Bowlers head on tour to Kenya

Ten members of Barry Athletic Bowls Club enjoyed a memorable tour of Kenya, combining friendly matches with an unforgettable wildlife safari experience.

The tour took place over 18 days and was designed to strengthen sporting links with bowls clubs in Kenya while also giving members the opportunity to experience the country’s remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

The group travelled via Nairobi, where they were welcomed by members of the Nairobi Bowling Club. The tourists enjoyed both the competitive spirit of the friendly matches and the hospitality of their Kenyan hosts.

The tour culminated in a memorable St David’s Day event, with the hosts at Muthaiga Country Club treating the Athletic team to a day filled with all things Welsh, including flags, music and a three-course themed meal of cawl, roast lamb and Welsh cakes.

Tour organiser and captain, Mark Ellis, commented that the tour was “a fantastic opportunity not only to play bowls abroad but also to build friendships and experience a completely different culture.”

During the visit, five friendly fixtures were played against local clubs. Although closely contested, the emphasis was firmly on camaraderie and shared enjoyment of the sport.

Highlights included: a mixed triples match at Nairobi Bowling Club; a social bowls evening with Kenyan members and families at Ruiru under floodlights, which included Kenyan dancing; a presentation of Welsh memorabilia to mark the fixtures; an 80th birthday celebration event at the Nairobi Bowling Club.

The group travelled to the Maasai Mara National Reserve for a three-day safari experience. They were treated to guided game drives across the savannah, where they saw an incredible range of wildlife.

For many of the group, seeing these animals in their natural habitat was the highlight of the trip. One club member said: “Standing just a few metres away from a herd of elephants watching over their newborn babies was something none of us will ever forget.”

The tour also included a visit to a traditional Maasai community, where they learned about local traditions, music, and crafts. The visit helped members gain a deeper understanding of Kenyan culture and rural life.

After the Maasai experience, the tour group enjoyed a train journey to Mombasa where they were treated to a 5-star hotel experience and enjoyed several nights out at The Smugglers’ Cove restaurant.  Some enjoyed a deep-sea fishing adventure, and one of the party caught a Dorado, which was cooked and eaten the same night at the hotel.

The tour was regarded as a huge success by everyone involved. Members returned with fantastic memories, new friendships, and a renewed enthusiasm for the sport.

Nina Ray, one of the tourists, said: “Tours like this bring the club together and create lifelong memories. We’re incredibly grateful to our Kenya hosts for their kindness and hospitality.

“It was an honour and a privilege to be hosted for afternoon tea at Charles and Susan’s house and to enjoy local Kenyan food. It’s an experience none of us will ever forget.”

Charles and Susan Mburu, members of Nairobi Bowling Club, were part of the Kenyan team which toured South Wales in 2025, when Mark Ellis played on Charles’ rink a few times as a guest. Charles and Susan guested for the Barry tourists in Kenya.

Following the success of the tour, the club is now exploring opportunities for future international visits and welcoming overseas bowlers to Barry in the coming years.