Elephants, Eco-Domes and Elevation: A Life-Changing Journey to Kenya with Global Angels

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Elephants, Eco-Domes and Elevation: A Life-Changing Journey to Kenya with Global Angels

In May 2025, I had the privilege of inviting a group of Elevation Collective members to support our friend and fellow collective member, Molly Bedingfield, and her remarkable Global Angels Foundation. Over ten unforgettable days, we experienced the extremes of Kenya—from dusty, impoverished villages without running water to the beauty of Molly’s eco-domes nestled within a 26-acre permaculture farm in Tsavo.

From Nairobi to Ngutuni Safari Lodge in Tsavo: The Journey Begins

After meeting up in Nairobi, our group—which included Hilary Wilson, Elisabet Vinberg Hearn, Tessa White, Rachel Morris and her daughters, Emily and Rosie, my son Matt, and myself—boarded a train bound for Voi. The vastness of the landscape, occasionally interrupted by modest shacks and goat herders, a stark contrast from the bustle of Nairobi.

Our arrival at Ngutuni Safari Lodge astonished us with the awe of elephants drinking from the watering hole right outside our rooms. These animals are a symbol of the wild beauty of Kenya and a gentle reminder of what’s worth protecting. It was a surprise at night to even see super tuskers – huge rare elephants with tusks of over 100 kilos.

Safari and Soul-Searching

The days that followed included early morning and evening safaris, and moments of reflection in evening circles. We saw lions feasting on buffalo, giraffes grazing on leaves high up in trees, and baboons playing on rocks like scenes from The Lion King. But amid the wonder, we were reminded of the fragility of life in these communities. Molly, feeling unwell for part of the trip (with a form of dengi fever), continued to lead bravely. Our group stepped in, sharing responsibilities, supporting one another, and growing closer in the process.

The Eco Village: A Vision in Earth, Lime and Care

The Global Angels Eco Village—reached by a bumpy, remote road—was a revelation. What Molly and her team have built here is nothing short of extraordinary. With the help of 35 local employees, they’ve created a model for sustainable, regenerative living. Earth and Lime domes, two with mezzanine floors overlook sweeping valley views. Swales redirect rainwater to reduce soil erosion which is a major problem here. Permaculture beds grow ginger, okra, peppers, and salads. Every detail is carefully considered and impressively maintained.

Here, dirty water from showers is recycled. Worm farms nourish the plants and rainwater tanks and compost toilets are part of daily life. Chickens and goats are raised, and the farm supplies produce and employment in an area where most people survive on less than $15 a month.

Stories We Will Never Forget

Some of the most poignant moments came when we visited local families and a primary school supported by Global Angels. We carried jerry cans filled with clean water to homes that lacked plumbing. Even with plumbing water bills are too high for most people to consider. We sat with mothers and grandmothers, met beautiful children living in tin shacks, and witnessed how water is filtered using chalky stones to make it “90% safe.”. Also, how one family had recently lost a daughter swept away by sudden flood water.

One family of seven—spanning four generations—shared a single-room dwelling. Another had no water tank or husband, the kitchen smoke risked causing risk of serious illness. Yet when we brought water and food, their gratitude was overwhelming. One received 3,000 shillings for our visit—about £24—which, in local terms, is clearly more than a month’s income and was greatly appreciated.

At the primary school, where Global Angels provides both breakfast and lunch, a quiet little girl on the periphery of the class took my hand and refused to let go. That simple gesture moved me. I’ll never forget it. I also wondered what she was going through at home where alcoholism is often a problem.

Building, Planting, and Being Changed

We helped make earth and lime bricks (not easy) and carried materials to build a new water tank. We dug and planted a new garden area with the help of Agnes and Gibson—two wonderful employees who care for the land. There was lots of laughter, teamwork, and a sense of real contribution. We also bounced ideas around strategy, marketing and fund raising. It may have been just a few days, but something lasting had been planted in all of us too.

A Lesson in Leadership and Collective Good

Our time at the Eco Village wasn’t just about helping others—it was about transformation. For my son Matt, at 19 it felt like a rite of passage. It helped me realise that The Elevation Collective should also be about family as the experience has certainly brought us closer together. I came away really appreciating Matt’s ability to engage with people as he became a very popular member of the group. He also appreciated me more and got to hear from others about my own contribution in founding and leading the collective.

Molly’s work is creating lasting change. She’s not just feeding children or building homes – she’s creating jobs, regenerating ecosystems and empowering local people to do things nore sustainably,

From Tsavo to the Coast

Some of us ended our trip with a stay at a stunning resort in Diani Beach. The contrast was significant. Cascading pools, beautiful tropical gardens, and air-conditioned rooms reminded us of the privilege we often take for granted. Yet even here, conversations involved water tanks, farming projects, and how we could do more.

There were lighter moments too—I decided to swim all seven pools and my son said I had raised the average age of people who had done it from 3 to 5. We narrowly avoided a tuk-tuk journey as it reeked of ganga, and my son and I watched the Champions League Final surrounded by 30 locals.

What I Took Home

Ten days of great connection with my son. Newfound appreciation for permaculture and regenerative systems. Witnessing the impact of clean water—something so basic, yet so essential. The joy of serving together with a community of heart-led leaders who with similar values were the very best of friends.

A Call to Action

The need is great. Global Angels feeds and educates children, creates jobs, and regenerates land in one of the world’s most underserved regions. With just $15 a month, you can help change a life. With corporate support, volunteering, or donations, we can scale what works.

Molly employs 35 people in Tsavo and is building a living model of sustainable development. But she can’t do it alone.

To make a donation and support this life changing project go to https://globalangels.org/donate/

Or if you are an organization and want to help then email Molly directly at molly@globalangels.org

If you are interested in finding out more about The Elevation Collective and it its focus on amplifying more good in the world then contact Chris@chriscooper.co.uk.