Many countries are special to me for several reasons. South Africa, because I "grew up" (i.e. became an adult) there, Botswana, because of my first solo trip back in 2018, Lesotho, because it's the one country I didn't even know I was going to until we got to the border (ahh to be a carefree student again).
In the same vein, Kenya holds a special place in my heart because it was my first trip after a long spell of not travelling, and I felt the magic of testing out a new language. You see, I started learning KiSwahili on Duolingo in October 2021 to distract me from losing my first car, and I was super consistent. I also knew not to say "Jambo" because only tourists say that. Haha
I think of my first trip to Kenya as such a well-rounded experience of luxe, safari (remember when I told you what safari means?) shopping, what a typical post-work drinks evening with a friend would look like, hanging out at Village Market, and nightlife.
As soon as I landed in Kenya for the first time in April of 2022, (2 years ago as at the time of publishing this) I knew I was in for a treat. The lush, green surroundings dotted around parts of the city and the warm, welcoming people were an immediate indicator that this trip was going to be special. My stay at the Sankara Hotel, a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of Nairobi, was an excellent way to start my adventure. The Sankara Hotel was more than just a hotel. It was an experience in itself. The staff were incredibly welcoming and went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable during my stay. Sankara is such a high-end hotel that I have been chasing that high (there's a weak pun in there somewhere) ever since.
Nairobi is a city that seems to never sleep, and there is always something to do or see. The Maasai Market and the CBD were particularly interesting to me. The colours, smells, and sounds were a sensory overload. The market was a treasure trove of beautiful crafts, and I couldn't resist buying a few souvenirs to take back home. The market was bustling with activity, and the vendors were friendly and accommodating.
I had a friend giving me this tour so when I told them I wanted to have pilau, they took me to a restaurant called Pronto that served the best Pilau I have ever had! The restaurant was cosy, and the aroma of the food was inviting. The view? Excellent! We sat overlooking the buildings of Nairobi CBD and just people-watching.
On this same visit, I also had the privilege of visiting the Maasai Mara. The vast, open savanna of the Maasai Mara was breathtaking. The camp/hotel I stayed in was situated in a prime location overlooking a little creek within the National Park.
The sound of nature was everywhere, and it was a stark contrast to the noise of the city. We were also treated to a Boma night of Maasai dancing, food and culture.
The early morning game drives were an incredible experience. Watching the sunrise over the savanna was magical. The game drives were led by knowledgeable guides who knew the park inside and out. They were able to spot animals from miles away, and I was amazed at how close we were able to get to the animals. Seeing lions up close was a highlight of the trip. As is the case with game drives, it was an awe-inspiring experience to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Back in Nairobi, I had a full experience of shopping and clubbing. The Bar Next Door, where I danced the night away with friends of my older sister who fast became my friends, was a great hangout spot. The music was a mix of local and international hits, and the vibe was electric. The crowd was a mix of locals and tourists, and everyone was there to have a good time.
After dancing at Bar Next Door, my friends and I went to a place called Numero 5. The music had a familiar sound that reminded me of home, and I felt an instant connection to the place. The drinks were flowing, and the atmosphere was lively. It was the perfect end to a fun night out and my first-ever trip to Magical Kenya.
On my second trip to Kenya in November 2022, one of the most memorable experiences I had was visiting Giraffe Park. Located in Nairobi, this conservation centre is home to several endangered Rothschild's giraffes. I was amazed by the sheer size and beauty of these majestic creatures as they gracefully wandered around the park and walked up to us. What was even more incredible was the opportunity to get up close and personal with them. I had the chance to feed them by hand, which was an unforgettable experience. I was struck by their friendly nature and curious personalities, and it was heartening to see the conservation efforts being made to protect them.
Another highlight of my trip was visiting The Social House. This was a fun hangout spot that also doubled as a co-working space, which would be perfect for me as a remote worker to work there from time to time. The space had a trendy, modern vibe with plenty of comfortable seating and a great atmosphere. I loved how it was decorated with lots of greenery and colourful accents, giving it a warm, welcoming feel. I spent several hours here, sipping on fun colourful drinks with colleagues-turned-friends. The staff were also incredibly friendly and accommodating, which made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Later that night, my friends and I headed to Kengeles, a lively club that was the perfect place to dance the night away. The music was amazing, with a mix of local and international tracks that got everyone on their feet. I loved the vibe of the place, which was full of energy and excitement. We spent hours chatting and laughing with locals, who were incredibly friendly and welcoming. It was a night to remember, and even though I only had two hours of sleep before my early flight, I felt like it was worth it.
Overall, my trips to Kenya were some of the most incredible experiences of my life. From the stunning landscapes to the vibrant culture and friendly people, there was so much to see and do. Whether it was watching lions roam the Maasai Mara, feeding giraffes at Giraffe Park, or dancing the night away at Kengeles, I felt like I was truly immersed in the beauty and energy of this amazing country. I can't wait to go back and explore more of what Kenya has to offer!