Mi Bella Mondo

    Kenya’s Magic in 20 Days: Itinerary and Joys of Meeting Locals

    Big 5 Elephant 5
    Arriving in Kenya for the first time was like stepping into a vivid dream, where the colors seemed brighter, the landscapes more expansive, and the people warmer than I could have ever imagined. Our journey began in Nairobi, a bustling metropolis that hums with the rhythm of life and adventure. We felt excitement and a hint of nervous anticipation as soon as we stepped off the plane.

    We were greeted with smiles and warm welcomes when we arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The airport staff, our driver, and even fellow travelers exuded a genuine friendliness that immediately put us at ease.

    “Karibu Kenya!” everyone said with a broad smile. Their warm greetings and genuine smiles made us feel instantly at home. “Welcome to Kenya!”

    Planning this trip was challenging, as our family had to consider many factors. We deliberated over which county to visit, which safari destinations to explore, and how to manage our budget. Due to school and work commitments, December was the only time we could all go. It was not the ideal time for a safari or to witness the Zebra/Wildebeest Migration. I also learned that seeing the Big Five is not guaranteed during the rainy season. However, my research revealed that Kenya’s infrastructure is more developed than that of some other countries I considered. This was a crucial factor in choosing Kenya for our first African Safari!

    A few days in Nairobi: Wildlife, Culture, and Comfort

    The comfort and convenience of our accommodations made our stay in Nairobi even more enjoyable. We booked through Marriott’s Homes and Villas, which allowed me to upgrade to Marriott’s following reward status by staying a few more nights before year-end. Our Marriott Homestay, nestled in Westland, was a mere 30-minute drive from a warm, comfortable bed, offering us a perfect retreat after a day of exploration. With so much to see in Nairobi, the luxury of not having to rush off straight away was a delightful treat.

    Nairobi, often overshadowed by the allure of the safari circuit, is a gem awaiting discovery. It’s not just a city but a vibrant hub of unique experiences that will leave you in awe. You can even go on safari in Nairobi, where ample game wildlife roams practically within the city limits at Nairobi National Park. We had the pleasure of hiring an incredible driver, Maxwell, who showed us the best of Nairobi.

    Spending a few days in Nairobi is the perfect way to start your African adventure. From bustling city life to serene and exciting wildlife encounters, Nairobi offers various experiences, from exploring wildlife and natural beauty to discovering the city’s history and modern attractions.

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    Here is our Kenya itinerary:
     
    Things to do in and around Nairobi
     
    Lunch and Dining Experience
     
    Lunch at Babette’s in the Karen District

    The leafy suburb of Karen does not feel like part of the same city as you drive past high walls, giant trees, and perfectly tended gardens. In honor of Karen Blixen’s book, Babette’s Feast, we had lunch at Babette’s in the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden. We sat in the garden, and the ambiance was relaxing. The food was good; we had pizza, calamari, pasta, and chicken stew.

    Lunch at Carnivore’s

    I am figuring out what to write about my experience at Carnivore. The meat was excellent. However, I had anticipated a more diverse selection of games. They only had crocodile and Ox balls. Additionally, they attempted to fill you up with turkey, chicken, and pork before finally serving the sirloin at the last minute. It’s an all-you-can-eat restaurant. However, my kids thought the steak was the most exciting serving.

    Haandi Indian Restaurants

    We liked this restaurant and ended up having dinner a few times. We ordered our usual Vegetable Korma and Chicken Tikka Masala. It had excellent food, reasonable prices, and was near our apartment.

    The Joy of Meeting Kenyans!

    Meeting Kenyan people during this trip enhanced our travel experience in numerous ways! From the urban sophistication of Nairobi to the traditional villages of Maasai and the coastal charm of Mombasa, the Kenyans we met left us with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of their beautiful country. We had the opportunity to learn about traditional Maasai beadwork, taste authentic Kenyan cuisine, and even participate in a local Maasai ritual. With each greeting of ‘Mambo Jambo,’ new connections, friendships, and cultural exchanges were made.

    Everywhere you turn, you are greeted with ‘Karibu’ or ‘Mambo Jambo,’ a lively and warm way of saying hello. This phrase is more than just a greeting and is deeply rooted in the friendly and hospitable nature of the Kenyan people. ‘Mambo’ is a casual Swahili greeting that roughly translates to ‘What’s up?’ or ‘How are things?’ ‘Jambo’ means ‘Hello’ and is one of the first Swahili words many visitors learn. Instantly, it makes you feel welcomed, like you are a part of the community, and that’s the beauty of it.

    ‘Mambo Jambo’ is not just a phrase but a vibrant representation of the Kenyan way of life. It’s a way of greeting that goes beyond words, where every interaction is an opportunity to share joy and connect with others. It’s a part of their culture that brings people together, and experiencing it firsthand is truly enriching.

    “All I wanted to do was get back to Africa. We had not left it yet, but when I would wake up at night, I would lie, listening, homesick for it already.” Ernest Hemingway

     

    Highly recommended driver in Nairobi: Maxwell Obell’s contact email is Maxwell.nairobi@gmail.com, and his WhatsApp number is +254 702 599 930. Tell him Cristy sent you, and I said hello!

    Author: Cristy

    Photo Credit: Cristy & Nathan

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