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With a heart full of hope and excitement, I embarked on my month-long trip to Kenya, a land of breathtaking diversity. It offers stunning savannas, majestic wildlife, and vibrant cultures, making it a captivating destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. My journey in Kenya was one of a kind—where I initially volunteered at a childcare centre on the outskirts of Nairobi for nearly two weeks, after which I hopped from one game reserve to another, experiencing the thrill of spotting the animals in their natural habitat.
Now that Kenya is visa-free for Indians and there are direct flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to Nairobi, this country has made its place in every traveller’s bucket list. Here’s a perfect itinerary for those who wish to experience the best of the African wilderness.
Popularly known as "the Green City in the Sun," Nairobi is the only capital city in Africa with a National Park within its boundaries. Once you arrive in Nairobi, take some rest and set out to explore the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can also sign up to foster a baby elephant. Then, continue with your journey to the Giraffe Center, where you'll meet the Rothschild giraffes.
For lunch, head to the Carnivore Restaurant to savour the taste of authentic Kenyan grilled meat. After lunch, you can explore the Railway Museum of Nairobi, which has an interesting collection showcasing the continent’s railway history, including locomotives of the highly controversial Kenya—Uganda Railways.
Best places to stay in Nairobi: Holiday Inn (near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport), The Giraffe Manor, and The Brandy Bus in Karen.
Best places to eat in Nairobi: The Carnivore Restaurant, Tamambo Bar and Grill, Mawimbi, and The Grove Restaurant.
There's a reason why Kenya is called "The Safari Mecca of the World," and I only realised it once I experienced my first ever African game drive. Known to be the oldest national park in East Africa, this is the home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, and a diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. It’s best to opt for the early morning safari, from 6 am to 9 pm.
Post breakfast, set out for the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve, which will take about five and a half hours to reach from Nairobi. If lucky, you can catch the evening game drive at 3.30 pm and watch the breathtaking African sunset.
When I entered Maasai Mara at dawn, I had goosebumps—it felt like I was on the set of the Lion King movie! It’s beautiful to watch nature unfolding at its own pace, and a day’s game drive here will surely bring you closer to the wildlife thriving in this part of the world. Apart from the game drive, you can also visit the Maasai tribes and explore their traditional villages on the outskirts of the reserve.
Best places to stay in Maasai Mara: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Sopa Lodge, Olkinyei Mara Tented Camp.
Bidding adieu to Maasai Mara, it’s time to set out for Lake Nakuru National Park, nestled amidst the Great African Rift Valley and known for its endangered rhinoceros and other fascinating wildlife populations. Here, I got to spot thousands of flamingoes, and you can too! Your wildlife encounters here will be stunning and etched into your memory forever.
Best places to stay near Lake Nakuru National Park: Ziwa Bush Lodge, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, and Flamingo Hill Tented Camps.
After an early morning birding at Lake Nakuru, you can head off to Lake Naivasha, a mere two-hour drive away. Situated at an elevation of 1,884 m, this is the highest lake within the Great Rift Valley. Once you reach, opt for a boat safari that will take you closer to diverse bird species and bloat of hippopotamuses along the serene shores of the lake.
If you’re keen on hiking, you can also explore Hell’s Gate National Park, the only national park in Kenya where walking safaris are allowed. Yeah, you read that right—you can walk through the trails of Hell’s Gate with a guide and watch the zebras, eland, hartebeest, and antelopes pass by.
The distance from Lake Nakuru to Amboseli is approximately 358 km and can be covered in six hours. Although not as famous as Maasai Mara, this place made me fall in love with the majestic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro! Chase the sunset once you reach, and glimpse the crimson hues painting the horizon. Amboseli is renowned for its abundant elephant population, making it the perfect place for you to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Best places to stay in Amboseli: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Kilima Safari Camp, Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Take a walk around your camp or lodge, soaking in the first rays of the sun. If your heart still longs for another game drive, go for it. You might just glimpse a mighty elephant with the Kilimanjaro as the backdrop—just like I did. Around the afternoon, leave Amboseli for Nairobi, where your epic adventures began.
Getting There
Flying is the swiftest and most common way to reach Kenya. The main gateway, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, receives flights from around the world. Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA) is another option.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Kenya is from January to March, when the weather is dry and favourable for spotting animals. If you're keen on wildlife photography and want to witness the annual wildebeest migration, June-July and October-November would be perfect.
