Journey to Kenya: Nairobi and Masai Mara

A journey that captures the vibrant energy of Nairobi and the untamed majesty of the Masai Mara.

Nairobi: The Green City in the Sun

My arrival at Nairobi Airport was met with a welcome that instantly immersed me in the rich culture of Kenya. The traditional shuka or the Masai shawl attire, most commonly red with a plaid or checkered pattern, draped over my shoulders was a beautiful, grand gesture, a ceremonial entry into the land of the proud Maasai people.

Stepping into the city, the pulse of Nairobi was immediately apparent. The streets buzzed with life and commerce woven by street vendors and the colorful stalls of flower sellers, filling the air with unfamiliar scents and sounds.

A visit to the historic Jamia Masjid on Banda Street was a moment of deep contemplation. This architectural marvel, founded in 1902 by Syed Maulana Abdullah Shah, stands as a magnificent testament to the Muslim heritage in East Africa. My evening culminated in a sensory delight: a fine dining experience featuring a live BBQ, an exquisite end to a bustling day.

Day Two: Gentle Giants and the Great Rift

The next morning, the focus shifted to conservation at the Giraffe Centre. This remarkable institution, established in 1979 by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, plays a crucial role in protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Standing on the raised platform, I had the privilege of feeding these gentle giants in an eye-level encounter that was both humbling and joyful.

From Nairobi, we journeyed towards Naivasha, climbing the 8,000-foot-high Great Rift Valley near Lari. The view was breathtaking, offering a dramatic vista that underscored the raw geological power of the earth.

Our destination was the tranquil Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge, a truly natural and scenic haven. I was astonished to find zebras grazing calmly in the courtyard, a wonderful reminder that in Kenya, wildlife is never far away.

The afternoon was spent on Lake Naivasha, where a boat ride took us to the private Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. Walking amongst the animals felt like stepping into an open-air movie set. The island was a sanctuary for zebras, big bucks, deer, and giraffes, coexisting peacefully. Though a hyena was also present, the overall atmosphere was one of quiet, unspoiled nature.

Day Three: Into the Wild Heart of Masai Mara

The real adventure began as we journeyed to the Masai Mara National Reserve, the jewel of Kenya’s safari circuit. Here, the drama of the wild unfolded before my eyes. We witnessed the majestic lion, the swift cheetah, the towering ostrich, vast herds of zebras, and the formidable hippopotamus.

The highlight, a moment of raw, untamed nature, was witnessing a live hunt by a lion catching a baby pig. It was a stark, powerful reminder of the delicate and relentless cycle of life in the savannah.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, we watched a captivating performance by the Masai Mara native tribals, gaining valuable insights into their centuries-old nomadic life and traditions.

Day Four: A Bumpy Farewell

My Kenyan journey concluded with an unforgettable flight. We departed from a remote airstrip in the Mara, boarding a propeller flight back to Nairobi. It was quite a bumpy ride, a thrilling final jolt that perfectly symbolized the adventurous spirit of the trip.

From the vibrant streets of Nairobi to the breathtaking wildlife theatre of the Masai Mara, this journey was an indelible experience that brought me closer to the majestic spirit of Kenya.