This cake was designed for my Great Uncle’s 80th Birthday. Like a lot of my family he lived in Tanzania and I wanted to make something based on this. He’s also been diagnosed with Dementia and so I really wanted to make this a special one that he would remember.

I did intend on making sugar flowers and having more paintwork but unfortunately I was taken ill and then had to battle with the hot weather.

The middle tall tier is made of two 6inch cakes on top of each other which was a first for me as it measured 21cm tall. Covering this was a challenge in itself. In fact I had a nightmare with it but it all came together in the end! Thanks to all those that gave me lots of support when I was having a melt down!

The birds are: red one – southern carmine Bee-eater, Blue and orange – Variable sunbird, pink, blue and green – Lilac Breasted Roller.