Back on African Soil - Kenya 2022

Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara, Kenya

If you have known me for years or just happened across by blog or social media feeds, the one thing you already know is that I love Africa. To the core of my heart.

I was so incredibly fortunate to return once again, this time for ten days in Kenya. With the help of my friend, Dave, at KAI, and Annie and her team at Liberty East Africa, I was able to travel with a colleague during the best possible season - the time of the great migration. Though we did not witness any epic river crossings, we were able to see all of the big five, lots of babies, the cutest lion cubs ever, more big cats than I can count, and so much more. Read on and I will “take” you on my journey.

Grab your boarding pass and let’s go!

Giraffe Center, Nairobi, Kenya

I flew into Nairobi which has connections from all over the US. Easy breezy, no airline hiccups on this one!

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and a bustling metropolis, complete with skyscrapers and lots of traffic! It is also the only city in the world with a national park within the city limits. Yes, national park with all the wild animals! Amazing!

Nairobi was definitely a mix of work and play. While there, I visited properties and met with local travel partners, essential to my job as a travel advisor.

Giraffe manor Nairobi

This trip included a visit to the iconic Giraffe Manor to see their new addition, The Retreat. Only available for day use right now, this is a beautiful addition to this property. If you have ever dreamed of staying here and joining the giraffes for breakfast, please let me know. It is a little tricky to figure out which rooms to book to actually get the giraffe experience.

There was also fun involved! I spent time at the Giraffe Center getting up close and personal with their family of orphaned giraffes. I also spent time at the Sheldrick Trust, an amazing organization who rescues orphaned baby elephants with an incredible success rate of returning them to the wild. And one of my all-time favorites - I was able to tour the Karen Blixen House, my inspiration all those years ago to travel to Africa in the first place. All three are worth your time if you ever travel to Nairobi!

Lake Nakuru, Kenya

After finishing up all the work and fun in Nairobi, we traveled overland to beautiful Lake Nakuru. Though not the thousands of flamingoes sometimes seen here, we were able to spot quite a few. This lesser known national park is home to lots of cats and is especially known for its white and black rhino population. I was able to spot several white rhino but I am still on the lookout to check the elusive black rhino off my list!

Over the Masai Mara, Kenya

Next up … off to the Masai Mara in a bush plane, one of my favorite experiences on any trip to Africa! Kenya is so open and expansive and to see this from the air is an experience like no other.

The Masai Mara is probably the most well known of Kenya’s National Parks. I was there during the migration period when the massive movement of wildebeest, zebra and antelope follow the rains (and grass) from Tanzania to Kenya and back again. Though I did not experience any epic river crossings this time, we were able to amble our way through herds of them in the Mara Triangle.

I stayed for my first few days on a private conservancy, which I highly recommend on any safari. There are fewer vehicles, better guides, and the animals are all the same! We spent time with leopards, a beautiful pride of lions (the Marsh pride, for those that follow the prides) who had two adorable cubs, little baby hyenas, endless giraffe, elephants, zebra, and countless other animals.

Masai Mara, Kenya

For me, one thing that sets Kenya apart from other safari experiences are the endless vistas. The Mara is so open and beautiful. Just stunning!

Many of the guides here are from the Masai tribe. Having grown up on these lands, they are a fountain of knowledge. I also learned so much about their traditions and families. Meeting people of other cultures is always a joy for me and the time spent with the Masai added so much to this journey.

My guides in Mara North Conservancy, from Alex Walker’s Original Serian Camp

People often ask me why I love Africa so much. My response is really two fold.

Africa is the only place in the world that I travel where I am not on the top of the food chain. That is humbling for me and keeps my perspective of my own importance in a good place.

And it never ceases to amaze me how everyone I meet there is so incredibly warm and open and kind. For many in these countries, life can be hard without the comforts that we here in the US take for granted. Yet, they always have a smile and a kind word, never an angry or impatient one. The warmth of all I have met stays in my heart long after I return home.

Masai Mara, Kenya

Oh, and the animals and landscapes are unrivaled!!!! Let’s not forget that. Seeing the wildlife in their natural habitat and watching how nature all works together is almost a spiritual experience.

This trip was a mix of work and play. As a Travel Advisor, there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes beyond the pretty images we post. We are meeting with our partners, both old and new, visiting properties so that we can match you with the right “home” while you are traveling, and all-around taking everything in including guiding skills, property conditions, and things to do on the ground. This is especially important for Africa as it is unlike any other kind of travel that you might do. It is really important to trust your trip with an advisor who is experienced in this destination.

If you ever want to learn more about what a safari day typically looks like, as well as the differences between all these countries and what they offer, you can schedule some time with me here. I always love to chat about safari and these amazing countries in southern and Eastern Africa!