Travelling has always been enriching and rejuvenating for me. What started as vacations has now turned into a monstrous addiction. An addiction, I am not guilty of. So, this time’s addiction was Kenya. A land with diverse wildlife, warm people, and a rich landscape – Kenya is an African dream we lived.

We toured Kenya for a week, exploring places like Amboseli, Nakuru, Naivasha, and the Masai Mara. We did the African safari, called a game drive, in each of these places. At the end of seven days, we were high on wildlife and greenery but never bored. This African country is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. And, each national park offers you a unique safari experience, distinct from one another.

Amboseli National Park

Five-hour drive from Nairobi, Amboseli is a quaint town in the southern part of Kenya. It is home to a variety of animals, especially elephants. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park paints a panoramic picture of African elephants strolling through the savannah. This towering mountain allures us to the beauty of Africa and its wilderness. Also, this park is worth visiting to immerse in a unique ecosystem comprising wetlands, woodlands, and dry lake beds.

Nakuru National Park

Nakuru is a county in Kenya located in the Great Rift Valley. This national park offers a picturesque game drive with a waterfall as a bonus treat. Spotting Pumba and Timon was the most exciting part of this game drive for me. Apart from that, this national park is a paradise for bird watchers. The game drive ends at Lake Nakuru, which is famous for its flamingos. This soda lake transforms into a breathtaking hue of pink, creating a visual delight for the onlookers.

Maasai Mara National Park

This was the best of all national parks that I visited in Kenya. The Maasai Mara has a grassland landscape and is the largest national park in Kenya. It also shares the border with Serengeti in Tanzania. The game drive starts from the Maasai Mara and stretches up to Mara River, which is the hotspot for nature’s grand spectacle – the great migration.

Masai Mara, with its stunning savannah and lush wildlife, is a jewel worn by Kenya. And, if you are a fan of The Lion King, this place will give you that “Hakuna Matata” feel. The sweeping vistas of the savannah and its dramatic skies make this place more beautiful than depicted in the film.

Our journey was complete after a visit to the Maasai village. The Maasai is a popular ethnic tribe whose traditions add to the rich tapestry of Africa. We spent some time at the village interacting with the Maasai folks, getting an insight into their culture. Later, we purchased souvenirs from their mini market. Buying souvenirs from them is highly recommended because money spent there goes to the economic development of the Maasai folks.

Lake Naivasha

Naivasha is closer to Nairobi and this was where we did our last safari in Kenya before our return to Saudi. Unlike other safaris, at Naivasha National Park you could do a walking tour amidst giraffes, baboons, zebras, and horses. To reach this conservancy, you must take a boat ride through Lake Naivasha – the largest freshwater lake in Kenya. It is a scenic ride through the tranquil waters, spotting pelicans, eagles, and kingfishers. The bloat of hippos can also be seen playing hide and seek in the water. This lake and the national park offer an opportunity to experience wildlife up close. Additionally, it is an immersive experience and a must-do activity in Kenya.

Safety

One of the concerns about travelling in Kenya was the issue of safety. Well, Kenya is quite safe while travelling with a guide. There are several conjectures on safety in African countries, but Kenya is safe for travelers. If you are wary and mindful of your surroundings, there is nothing to worry about in Kenya about safety. We did an all-inclusive tour package with Laxatrails Safari. The itinerary and bookings were tailor-made by them according to our preferences. Needless to say, our stay was safe and comfortable with Laxatrails.

The roads are the only thing to be concerned about while travelling in Africa. They are quite challenging, making the journey strenuous. Rough roads and congested traffic stretch out the journey. However, Nairobi was an exception, unlike the rural parts of Kenya.

Food

The popular food is Ugali in Kenya. As ours was an all-inclusive package, we had no issues with food. Most of our resorts served delicious food. Also, we had chapatti and rice wherever we travelled. What more do Indians need when you have found your staple in Kenya?

Indeed, Kenya offers an incredible flavour that resonates throughout Africa. Each place stirs together like a mystical ingredient to create a flavourful country. Lucky I am, to have savoured Kenya. My heart is full and gratified. To sum up, Kenya indulged us in a delectable journey that will forever be etched in our memories’ sanctum.