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

    Africa, Blog, Kenya /

    Kenya’s Magic in 20 Days: Itinerary and Joys of Meeting Locals 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. Here is our Kenya itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi Day 2: Lunch and shopping with a friend at the ‘Christmas Market, Kenyan Style’ Day 3: Day trip to Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park Day 4: Nairobi National Park Day 5: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Center Day 6: Masai Mara Day 7: Masai Mara Day 8: Naboisho Conservancy Day 9: Naboisho Conservancy Day 10: Naboisho Conservancy Day 11: Back to Nairobi Day 12: Amboseli National Park  Day 13: Amboseli National Park Day 14: Tsavo National Park, East/West  Day 15: Tsavo National Park, East/West Day 16: Tsavo National Park, East/West Day 17: Train to Mombasa to Diani Beach Day 18: Diani Beach  Day 19: Diani Beach Day 20: Diani Beach   Things to do in and around Nairobi Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and Hell’s Gate National Park  Nairobi National Park Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust! We recommend reserving in advance, as each day only offers one slot. Giraffe Center Railway Museum Shopping at Masai Market   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

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    Journey to the Wild: First Impressions of Masai Mara

    Africa, Blog, Kenya /

    Journey to the Wild: First Impressions of Masai Mara “One cannot resist the lure of Africa.” -Rudyard Kipling We arrived safely after a 40-minute trip on a tiny propeller plane from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Masai Mara Oleikiombo Airport. The landing strip blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings with a sparse dirt runway. The plane touches down gently, stirring up a cloud of dust that quickly settles back onto the sun-baked earth. Stepping off the plane, the warm African breeze carries the scents of the savannah—a mix of earth, grass, and the distant hint of wildlife. Our guide was already waiting for us. He picked up our bags and took us to the truck. The safari car—a Land Cruiser equipped for the rugged terrain—stands ready to take us deeper into the savannah. As we loaded our bags and settled into the open-air truck, our guide started sharing stories and insights, setting the stage for our fantastic adventure. The thrill of our first safari trip was palpable. The first animal we spotted was a hyena on our way to the Base Camp Lodge. The drive to the lodge was an exciting preview of the wildlife that awaited us, from giraffes and zebras to springboks and hartebeests. It was about noon when we arrived at the Base Camp Lodge, and our guide told us he would be back at 4 p.m. to take us on our first game drive, promising more unexpected and thrilling encounters. Our Masai guide, Steve, arrived on time for our first game drive. Upon leaving the camp, a diverse array of wildlife, including hyenas, giraffes, gazelles, cape buffalo, and topi (exclusive to the Mara and Serengeti), immediately greeted us. We also spotted a Thompson’s gazelle, a warthog, a corybant, an Elan, and a lilac-breasted roller, Kenya’s national bird. Each sighting of these exquisite animals was a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity. What is special about the Masai Mara? The Masai Mara boasts a breathtaking tapestry of wild, rugged landscapes, friendly locals, and distinctive large and small wildlife. Renowned for the spectacular Great Migration, the Mara attracts 1.5 million wildebeests, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and other herbivores, to its vast savannahs annually from July to October. This awe-inspiring event, considered one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, is a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity and the interconnectedness of its ecosystems. The beauty of the African landscape is truly inspiring. In the Masai Mara, black rhinos are the rarest of the African Big Five. Until recently, it was thought that the Mara only had the African Big Four. Spotting these elusive creatures added more anticipation to our safari experience. The Savannah came alive with a symphony of sounds. The air was filled with the melodious chirps of birds and wind blowing through the tall grass, adding to the sense of being truly in the wild. In the distance, the occasional grunt of a wildebeest or the bark of a zebra served as a reminder of the incredible wildlife that inhabited this land. Experiencing our first herd of elephants was an unforgettable experience. We were amazed by these beautiful animals’ sheer size and ease. We had six game drives between Masai Mara and the Naboisho Conservancy. In the first two games, we saw four of the Big Five, a term coined by big-game hunters to refer to the most challenging animals to hunt on foot. These include the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo. It was truly an unforgettable sight watching these majestic creatures! The Zebras Zebra: “There’s no limit to how much you’ll know, depending on how far beyond zebra you go.” Dr. Seuss Zebras are the most accessible animals to identify; seeing them is always a treat! Zebras graze peacefully, and their black and white stripes create a striking pattern against the golden grass. Occasionally, you may spot them roughhousing with each other. We came across a heartwarming scene that epitomized the beauty of motherhood in the wild. A tiny foal stood close to her mother, nestled within a small herd of zebras, seeking comfort and nourishment. The bond between mother and baby unfolded as we watched in quiet reverence. At that moment, the world around us faded into the background as we witnessed the timeless bond between mother and child, a bond that transcended species and spoke to the universal language of love. On the game drives, we must have seen hundreds of zebras and wildebeests in one place that looked like a mini-migration! The Giraffes Our first encounter with the inhabitants of the Masai Mara filled us with awe. A tower of giraffes, with their long, elegant necks reaching for the tender leaves of the acacia trees, epitomized the grace and elegance of African wildlife. Their gentle movements as they navigated the savannah were a testament to the harmony and beauty of life in the wild. Among the sea of giraffes, we once again spotted mother giraffes leaning down to bestow gentle kisses on their young calves and a baby giraffe sipping milk from its mother. We felt a profound sense of joy for the opportunity to bear witness to such extraordinary moments. The sight of giraffes engaging in their iconic pose never fails to mesmerize. With their long necks gracefully intertwined, they create a breathtaking tableau that speaks to the beauty and harmony of the natural world. It’s not just about physical proximity; it’s about connection and companionship. As we continue our safari through the Masai Mara, we carry the memory of giraffes in their iconic pose, a symbol of the profound connection that unites all living beings in the circle of life. More Lions We saw at least 40 lions, lionesses, and cubs from different parks, and they were all enchanting. Lions come out of the bush—first the lioness, then their cubs. We watched in breathless silence as a pride of lions lounged beneath the shade of a thorn tree, their golden coats shimmering in the sunlight

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    The Ultimate Safari: Comparing Stays at Masai Mara and Naboisho Conservancy

    Africa, Blog, Kenya /

    Masai Mara Reserve The Masai Mara Reserve is one of Africa’s most famous and rich wildlife regions. It is located in southwestern Kenya, bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The Masai Mara Reserve is a public park; anyone can enter and tour it. Many tour operators offer safari tours; this is where my research on Kenyan safaris started. The Masai Mara is home to a kaleidoscope of wild and rocky landscapes, warm and hospitable Masai people, and a fantastic diversity of large and tiny animals. It is world-famous for hosting the dramatic Great Migration, which brings 1.5 million wildebeests to its expansive savannahs every July through October. The Mara also supports about 95 animal species and almost 550 bird species. The Mara is home to the African Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, Cape buffalo, and leopards. The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the few national reserves in Africa that is fortunate enough to host all of “The Big Five.” However, spotting rhinos and leopards can be as challenging as finding gold! The Masai Mara National Reserve is the “Home of the Big Cats” (lions, leopards, and cheetahs). It is famous for having the most significant number of big cats in East Africa and worldwide, delivering exceptional sightings and unrivaled cat encounters. Park Entrance Fee: Visitors pay park entrance fees to support conservation efforts and sustain the park’s ecosystem. As of January 1, 2024, the Masai Mara National Reserve has two different entry fee structures based on the travel season: January 1–June 30: Non-resident adults pay $100 per day, children ages 9–17 pay $50 per day, and students and citizens of Masai Mara pay different rates. July 1–December 31: Non-resident adults pay $200 per day, children ages 9–17 pay $50 per day, and students and citizens of Masai Mara pay different rates. Children aged eight and under receive free admission. Conservancy Private conservancies, such as the Naboisho Conservancy, are not just areas of land set aside for wildlife conservation. The Masai people own these exclusive havens, and local organizations or private businesses run them. Though smaller than the Masai Mara Reserve, these conservancies offer a more intimate and personalized safari experience, making you feel like a privileged guest in the heart of the wild. The Naboisho Conservancy consists of 50,000 acres of pristine wildlife territory and spectacular scenery in the Great Rift Valley. Situated within the greater Mara Region, it borders Mara National Reserve to the southwest, Olare Motorogi Conservancy to the west, and Ol Kinyei Conservancy to the east. The number of tourists at the Mara Naboisho Conservancy is limited—about 100 people at any given time, ensuring you’re not just another vehicle in a crowd. You might find yourself the only one around, enjoying unspoiled views of the wildlife. The Conservancy is home to one of Africa’s highest populations of lions. Their passionate and knowledgeable guides promise a memorable and thrilling time. The Conservancy supports land and wildlife conservation while generating wealth for Masai landowners. By visiting Mara Naboisho, you contribute to protecting the cultural heritage of the local Masai people and improving access to their vital services. Spanning 145 square kilometers, Mara Naboisho Conservancy is the second-largest Masai Mara region and has one of the highest wildlife concentrations in the region. Its rolling hills, riverine acacia woodlands, and sprawling grasslands host elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, and many lions. With only nine safari camps, it offers an exclusive safari that is free from crowds and provides a more authentic feel. Due to the limited number of accommodations, booking early is essential, especially during the peak travel season from July to October. Each camp and lodge offers unique qualities, ensuring a comfortable, satisfying, and exceptional safari experience. What are the differences between staying at Masai Mara Reserve and Naboisho Conservancy?   Access The Masai Mara Reserve is open to the public, meaning there are more tourists. Such activity positively affects the wildlife, as they are familiar with humans’ presence. The reserve accommodates both day and overnight visitors, guided and unguided. Guests staying at the conservatory can interact closely with the wildlife. For instance, at a big cat sighting in the Masai Mara Reserve, you might see 20 to 30 cars, and sometimes even more. Most of the time, you will only see three or four vehicles at a time in a private reserve. Private conservancies only let a certain number of people in each day, and park tourists are not allowed to stay there all day. During the day, people who remain in private conservancies can visit the reserve. However, this isn’t the case; only those residing in conservancies can access safaris. Game Drives The reserve has strict rules about where you can go and what you can do on a game drive. The Masai Mara Reserve restricts game drives to the main road only during daylight hours. Your guide must stay on the road and get closer to the animals. However, the reserve is the best place to see the famous river crossings of the Great Migration in July. Game Drive at Masai Mara National Reserve The Naboisho Conservancy permits guides to drive off-road, allowing visitors to get closer to the animals. There is a limit on the number of cars at each location. The scenery makes it easier to see the animals and enhances viewing enjoyment. Naboisho Conservancy Game Drive Night Drives While the Reserve prohibits night drives, private conservancies like Naboisho permit them. Every safari-goer should have the exciting encounter of seeing nighttime animals like leopards prowling at night at least once. On our night game drive, we saw an unforgettable leopard! Walking Safaris Only private conservancies, not the Masai Mara Reserve, allow walking safaris. Exploring the bush on foot offers a new perspective and lets you learn about the smaller creatures and plants often overlooked during game drives. Accommodations The Masai Mara Reserve has various properties, from camps and lodges to beautiful luxury properties. Accommodations in private conservancies offer a more luxurious and personalized feel. These can

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    Sossusvlei: Journey to the Heart of the Namib Desert

    Africa, Blog, Namibia /

    Sossusvlei: Journey to the Heart of the Namib Desert Some places defy description through mere words or pictures. Sossusvlei is one such place. I could post hundreds of photos of our time in Sossusvlei, but they would not accurately depict the mesmerizing landscapes we saw with our eyes. No Nat Geo programs or pictures can compare to the sheer beauty of this place. As the Jimny pulled up to the entrance of Sossusvlei, the towering dunes stood as a majestic reminder of Namibia’s timeless desert landscapes. Filled with anticipation, we drove to Sossusvlei at 4 a.m. the following day, before the park opened. Sossusvlei is a 40-minute drive from Sesriem. The park gate opens at 6 a.m., but if you stay inside, you can enter the secondary gate an hour before the main entrance opens. Watching the sunrise above the blood-red dunes of Sossusvlei is one of the highlights of our Namibian adventure. Sossusvlei is a place where Namibia’s desert’s vastness is overwhelming and achingly beautiful. It is a hyperbole of nature—one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I can’t possibly do justice to the Namib Desert’s epic scenery. It’s a sight that demands to be seen with one’s own eyes. The Namib-Naukluft Park in Namibia is home to the world’s oldest desert. In the heart of Namib-Naukluft Park lies Sossusvlei, a photogenic clay pan surrounded by some of the tallest dunes in the world. Encompassing nearly 50,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness, the park boasts some of Africa’s most stunning scenery, making it a remarkable desert landscape. The dunes are also around 1,312 feet high, almost as high as the Empire State Building. The best times to explore the dunes are in the morning or late afternoon when the crowds are thin, the colors intensify, and the heat is more bearable. Be sure to take enough water, as it gets scorching hot, and the walk can be challenging. Sometimes, it feels like the dunes belong solely to you, inviting exploration and reflection. Ascending the 325-meter orange dunes offers a surreal experience, providing panoramic views reminiscent of the Martian landscape. Adjacent to Big Daddy is Deadvlei, which captivates with its cracked clay pan and the remnants of Namibia’s desert-adapted Camelthorn Trees. This surreal landscape, formed from the shifting sands and dry climate, offers a glimpse into the ever-changing nature of the desert. The skeletons of the trees are said to have died some 600 to 700 years ago and are now found to be black because of the scorching sun. The trees are dead because the dunes blocked the flooded waters of the Tsauchab River, but they did not decompose due to the dry climate. The red dunes in the area are thousands of years old, and the land has barely rusted.  “The primary environmental threats the area is experiencing are the low amount of water and the arid and humid climate caused by the scorching heat. The white clay pan in Deadvlei is now turning into a concrete floor, and the photographers posing for photographs in the area, especially the trees, need to be extra cautious because the trees are nearly dead.” – WorldAtlas.com Big Daddy, the world’s tallest dune, lies just behind Deadvlei. Soaring 325 meters above the surrounding landscape, it is one of Namibia’s most popular hiking destinations.  Elim Dune is located 5 kilometers inside the park gate and is easily accessible. It’s partially covered in vegetation, making it more distinct from other dunes. It’s a perfect location for sunrise, when you can watch the daybreak over Sesriem and the mountains to the east. For those with time to spare, Sesriem Canyon is worth a visit. The Tschaub River shaped it over millions of years, and it’s one of the few places in the area with year-round water. The mighty Tsauchab River carved a narrow gorge millions of years ago, and its towering sandstone walls offer relief from the scorching sun. It’s located 4.5 km within the national park gates, on the left, and you can park and walk through the canyon. Make sure you lock your car. Please beware of the resident baboons, who eagerly await unsuspecting visitors to raid their vehicles for food.  Dune 45 is one of the most photographed dunes in the world, known for its stunning views of the parched earth. Despite not being the tallest dune in Sossusvlei, it attracts many tourists due to its proximity to the road, relatively gentle slope, and breathtaking vistas. We returned to this dune to watch the sunset. Located 45 kilometers from the Sesriem gate, Dune 45 provided a mesmerizing experience, even though the afternoon was a bit hazy. We stayed until sunset before returning to the campsite, only to realize we had forgotten that the Sesriem gate closed at 7:30 PM. We raced back, unsure of what would happen if we missed the closing time, and arrived at the gate just in time at 7:29 PM. The Jimny did it! Sossusvlei isn’t merely a destination; it’s an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes, where nature’s grandeur reigns supreme! Author: CristyPhoto Credit: Nathan Latest Post All Posts Blog The Maha Kumbh Mela: A Journey of Faith and Endurance Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 1: Immersed in the Sea of Humanity Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: Our Journey Beyond the Sangam Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: A Sacred Dip and A Holy Parade Read More Serendipity in Jaipur: A Journey Back in Time Read More Jaipur: A City of Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos Read More Savoring Jaipur: The Ultimate Rajasthani Thali Experience Read More Daily Turmoil: The Unchanging, Timeless Chaos of Jaipur Read More When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unknown in India Read More

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    Solitaire’s Mystique: A Fascinating Drive from Swakopmund to Sesriem

    Africa, Blog, Namibia /

    Solitaire’s Mystique: A Fascinating Drive from Swakopmund to Sesriem The drive from Swakopmund to Sesriem along the gravel road unfolds like a cinematic odyssey, revealing the raw beauty of Namibia’s hinterlands. The transition from the coastal haven of Swakopmund to the heart of the Namib Desert is a visual masterpiece, and each kilometer traversed introduces another chapter to our Namibia story.  As the Jimny’s wheels kiss the gravel, the coastal breeze of Swakopmund gradually yields to the barren embrace of the Namib Desert. The gravel road stretches ahead, a sinuous ribbon weaving through an otherworldly landscape of rolling hills and vast horizons. The colors are more intense, painting the surroundings in hues of burnt sienna, ochre, and dusty gold. As we continue the drive, the ever-changing panorama includes occasional encounters with gemsboks, antelopes, and springboks gracefully navigating the arid terrain. Ancient, weathered mountains stand as silent sentinels, their rugged peaks mirroring the resilience of the desert itself.  Stopping in Solitaire  Solitaire, a small town in the heart of the Namib Desert, exudes a quirky and nostalgic charm, creating a captivating oasis in the arid expanse.  As we approach Solitaire, the landscape shifts, revealing the iconic red dunes in the distance. The first sign of Solitaire emerges like a mirage: a collection of weathered cars, vibrant desert flowers, and the iconic red-and-white gas station.  The atmosphere transports us to a bygone era as we arrive at Solitaire. Rusted cars dot the desert landscape, reminiscent of America’s Route 66. The solitary petrol station, a beacon in the vastness, serves as a stop for fuel and whimsical photographs. The locals, known for their warm hospitality, share a few laughs, leaving an enduring mark on our visit. We quickly stopped at Solitaire for gas, lunch, and an apple pie to reach our next destination. As we left Solitaire and resumed our drive to Sesriem, the memories of this desert lingered, adding a touch of anticipation of what awaited us at the world-famous dunes. Author: CristyPhoto Credit: Nathan Latest Post All Posts Blog The Maha Kumbh Mela: A Journey of Faith and Endurance Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 1: Immersed in the Sea of Humanity Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: Our Journey Beyond the Sangam Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: A Sacred Dip and A Holy Parade Read More Serendipity in Jaipur: A Journey Back in Time Read More Jaipur: A City of Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos Read More Savoring Jaipur: The Ultimate Rajasthani Thali Experience Read More Daily Turmoil: The Unchanging, Timeless Chaos of Jaipur Read More When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unknown in India Read More

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    The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Kenya

    Africa, Destination, Kenya /

    EXPLORE KENYA                                  Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 224,081 square miles Capital: Nairobi Main Religion: 85% Christian Population: 56.2 million people Official Language: Swahili is Kenya’s official language. English is widely spoken. Currency: The Kenyan shilling is the currency in Kenya. The conversion rate was from 1 USD to 127.62 Kenyan shillings. All major credit cards are accepted. Banking Hours: M-F 09:00–16:00 and Sat 09:00–12:00 Telecommunication: Country code: +254 plus Area Code plus 2-digit Area Codes (Nairobi 20, Mombasa 41, Nakuru 51, Kisumu 57, and Eldoret 53). Climate: Despite its location on the equator, Kenya’s climate is usually sunny, dry, and moderate for most of the year. The Laikipia Plateau in Central Kenya maintains comfortable temperatures due to its altitude. Coastal areas are hotter, but the ocean breeze helps to maintain pleasant conditions for most of the year. There are two rainy seasons: the heaviest rains (called masika) usually fall from mid-March to May, and a shorter period of rain (called vuli) occurs in November and December. January and February are mostly dry, although there may be a chance of rain. The dry season, with cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October. Travel Requirements As of January 1, 2024, foreign nationals can visit Kenya without a visa for business or tourism for up to 90 days. However, most visitors must apply for and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorization (E.T.A.) online at least 72 hours before travel. E.T.A. cost: $30–$34 It takes up to 3 business days to process the ETA.  E.T.A. validity is limited to one trip. To apply for an E.T.A., you’ll need to provide the following information: A recent passport-sized photo Contact information, including email address and phone number, is required. Arrival and departure itinerary Accommodation booking confirmation(s) Use a payment method like a credit card or debit card. If you are visiting for personal reasons, please provide your hosts’ passport numbers (or the number from another identity card). If you are visiting for business, you should have an invitation letter from your company. East African Community (E.A.C.) nationals are exempt from the E.T.A. requirement VAT Refunds: Most goods and services, including accommodations and food, in Kenya include the value-added tax (VAT), which is currently 16%. Foreign visitors must present receipts at the airport and carry purchased items in their luggage to get a VAT refund. Transportation Options Main Airport: Kenya has several major airports, including five international airports and Wilson Airport, the main airport for domestic flights. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the largest airport in East and Central Africa, is the main airport in Nairobi and Kenya. It handles most inbound and outbound flights. JKIA is located in the Embakasi neighborhood of Nairobi, 11 miles southeast of the city’s commercial center. JKIA has scheduled flights to more than 50 countries and it records approximately 123 flights daily. Moi International Airport (M.I.A.), the second-largest airport under Kenya Airports Authority (K.A.A.) management, is the primary airport serving the coastal strip. Wilson Airport, a smaller secondary airport in Nairobi, primarily caters to light aircraft and small airlines. It’s the main airport for domestic flights, especially if you’re heading into the countryside. Kisumu International Airport and Eldoret International Airport are international airports in Kenya.  Public Transport: Non-motorized transport (N.M.T.) is the most widely used mode of transport. In Nairobi, 45% of people walk for their daily trips, and many others use N.M.T. to reach public transport. For transportation within Nairobi, the most popular option is Uber, which provides a reliable and secure means of getting around.  Bus Service: Matatus, or shared minibuses, are the most popular mode of public transportation among natives in Kenya. They leave their destinations when they are full, so there is no set schedule, but with fixed and reasonable fees, they are an excellent way for Kenyans to go about it. Travel by Train: Train travel in Kenya is a unique and picturesque method of experiencing the country’s different landscapes and connecting major towns. Kenya’s railway infrastructure, notably the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), offers pleasant and efficient transportation for inhabitants and visitors. Transport: Over the years, tarmacked highways and flyovers have significantly improved urban roads, particularly those in Nairobi and Mombasa, alleviating traffic congestion. However, rural roads still need to be improved and be in better condition, making navigation difficult for visitors. Travel Safety Tips Kenya is a safe destination compared to other African countries. Nairobi Central and City Square are busy and relatively safe during the day, but it’s best not to travel alone. We had no issues when we took Uber to nighttime dining establishments. As with any large city, exercise caution and common sense. Avoid walking alone or traveling in isolated areas, and always be vigilant. Leave your valuables in your hotel’s safe box, and bring only what you need. Health Safety Malaria is prevalent everywhere, except in Nairobi and areas higher than 2500 meters above sea level. We prepared for this trip and took precautions during our time in Africa. We had anti-malarial medications and different kinds of mosquito repellant that we brought from home. Malaria is more common along the coast and around Lake Victoria. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes only come out at night, so always practice precautions. We wore long sleeves, clothing with permethrin, mosquito repellent spray, and even mosquito repellant bracelets. We had mosquito nets in our bedrooms at Diani Beach to ensure our safety while sleeping. To avoid mosquito bites, we sprayed mosquito repellant daily. We successfully avoided mosquito bites by taking these precautions. If you suspect malaria or any other mosquito disease, such as fever, low energy, chills, and lack of appetite, similar to flu-like symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. There are clinics throughout the country that are well-equipped to deal with malaria. You can receive immediate medication and treatment.  Fun Facts! Kenya has 536 kilometers of coastline in the Indian Ocean. It has

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