There’s a lot to look at if you plan a trip to this part of Africa: parks, wildlife safari, accommodations, flights, shopping, museums, etc. When I traveled from Boston to Nairobi in October 2023, we used a travel agent called “Game Watchers” and created our own schedule, and they coordinate the transportation.

The first thing most people do on an international from Logan airport, is stop in Doha, Qatar at Hamad international airport – because that’s where you usually swap flights and handle layovers.

Qatar

Qatar is a small peninsula to the east of Saudi Arabia, right on the water of the Persian Gulf. I’d describe the airport there as a modern grand central station for international flights. Qatar is in a great central location, and the airport is really nice – so you don’t mind hanging out ! Another quick note about islamic nations, tourists usually need to cover shoulders, and knees. I wouldn’t really question it, just remember you’re in another country and you should be respectful of their traditions.

Of course, it’s not exactly a mosque, so the dress code is a bit more relaxed – but bring a light button down sweater and pants if you’re planning on being there for a long layover.

Also, I love arabic writing. I find it to be one of the most beautiful written languages in the world!

قطر

Let’s look at Kenya’s capital city:

Nairobi.

Nairobi is a bustling cityscape, I’d compare it to New York. The month of October is the dry season, with clear skies and balmy temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore Nairobi. People drive scooters and cars through thick mid-day traffic in mind-boggling interwoven patterns – there are a lot of busy people.

Where to stay

We stayed at the Tamarind Tree Hotel downtown, which is a comfortable 3.5 star hotel with a large restaurant. The hotel’s elegant interiors are adorned with contemporary African artwork and furnishings – a blend of modern luxury with traditional charm. The nice thing about Nairobi is you’re never too far from a mall or giraffe petting zoo or hotel, or a national park. Stay in the middle and keep it classy – Nairobi is nice but, it’s still a big city and you’ll need to be somewhat cautious.

Driving

One thing I have to say is immediately upon getting into Kenya, it’s noticeable that everyone is incredibly nice. It’s got to be top 5 or 10 most hospitable countries. People are just really nice, or, they’re incredibly busy!

So, If you’re driving – just don’t lol because Nairobi is actually more crazy than Boston, when it comes to traffic! Trust me, you’d rather witness it from the passenger seat.

Swahili

When you’re in Kenya, people are very entertained that you can speak a few words of Swahili. They have 42 different tribes (plus india, which is considered #43) and yes, each tribe speaks their own language. Swahili, is the single unifying language in Kenya. And English is the “business” language. So, at any given point, most individuals speak a minimum of 3 languages! By the way, JAMBO is a great word to learn in Swahili. It means: Hello.

Other cool phrases in Swahili: “Poa”

Everyone says this one. It means “cool” like: everything’s cool. Everyone will smile as you use this phrase the same way you would “aloha” in Hawaii. Don’t forget ASANTE which is thank you. Oh, and if you’re really grateful, throw a SANA at the end, for ASANTE SANA: Thank you, very much.

Learn some Swahili. It’s fun.

Ok, let me just get to the point.

The absolute best part of Kenya: JAMBO BWANA

Oh. My. God. Yeah, it’s a song – not just any song. I’d compare it to a natural anthem. It’s SO fun. Everyone sings it, and it’s super catchy. Have a listen (see translations, too!)

Everyone is SO happy, and regardless of what’s happening – it’s immediately a spontaneous celebration. What a beautiful thing to do, as a people. The lyrics are roughly translated to “hi sir, how are you? That’s great. Welcome to Kenya, we love to have you – there’s no problems” – yes. It’s magical.

Famous African Tribe: Maasai

Of the 42 original tribes in Kenya, the Maasai is the one that stands out. That’s because they’re the only tribe that has never let go of their old ways, their heritage, and their traditions. Other tribes modernized, with smart phones, cars, and electricity. The Maasai people still live in the same way they’ve always lived, carried the same traditions, dress, and customs. You can tell who they are, because of their brightly colored garb, big head dress, usually walking live stock through busy thorough-fares, with a large cane, and often carrying massive items or baskets on their head, for ease of transportation. They farm, raise cattle, sell honey and make beads.

The Maasai have been photographed in countless magazines, scientific journals, and remain one of the most iconic groups in the whole of Africa. Their language is Maa, and although they all know swahili (again) if you learn the native tribe stuff – it’s way cooler.

Hey what’s up? = Supa (SUH-PAH)
(to which, you would reply) “Right on, everything is groovy” = Ehpa (AY-PAH)
Thank you = Ashe Oleng (AH-SHAY OH-LENG)
How much money = Ropiana ajda (RO-PEE-AH-NA AJ-DAH)

I love to learn language, and I commonly like to ask (each and every culture) what their word is for God. In Maa, the word for god is Enkai. The word for fire is Enki Ma, which seems to be an interesting connection.

Kobe Tough Bead Shop

This place is almost run entirely by Maasai women. They’re getting paid more of the dollar you spend, shop here. Very nice people and very strong products.

Well, you gotta do JAMBO BWANA if you’re doing a tour!

Giraffe Center

Yes! It’s everything you want. The Giraffe Center in Nairobi will charge a small fee, give you a small cup of food, and let you walk on the elevated boardwalk, which is conveniently face-high for the Giraffe. They’re hungry – don’t let them eat your entire stash in one bite!

Off in the distance: Giraffe Manor. Wake up and the Giraffes eat with you through the 2nd floor window.

Must-See Restaurant

We had a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, former home of the renowned Danish author immortalized in the classic memoir “Out of Africa.” The food was excellent, you can stroll through the lush gardens that inspired Blixen’s literary masterpieces, or peruse the built-in art gallery / gift shop with some local artisans.

Another Must-See Restaurant

This place! With the unmistakable elephant sculptures, and amazing food. It’s in “Karen” which, yep, you guessed it – named after Karen Blixen (who admittedly, did contribute a great deal to the area, but, still it cheapens the experience to be in Africa and the “rich area” is literally named KAREN). The food is really good, there’s no bad choices out here.

National Museum of Kenya

We had a visit to the Museum, they have animals, too. There’s a massive catalog of art by Karen Blixen, a sort of local icon.

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

This is an absolutely wonderful conservatory in Kenya. They’ve got it all, location, staff, cute baby animals, and unforgettable experience. You’re standing on the ground next to big animals, it’s rally special. They feed them all in groups, by age, and species, and it’s so cute to watch them running out when the dinner bell rings.

Safari

Here’s a big question: Did you do “the whole safari thing” ?

Yes. Yes, we did. In my opinion, it’s an essential requirement because you’re in the land of “The Big 5″. There’s no better opportunity to get in touch with your primal side via the animal kingdom.

So, here’s the kicker – you really want to figure out the difference between these next 2 places.

National Parks versus National Conservatory

Ok, what’s this mean? Simply put a National Park is government run, and a Conservatory is not.

Ok, what’s that mean? A National Park is going to be a more crowded destination. That’s counterintuitive to an exceptional wildlife experience, based on the sheer fact that crowds of humans don’t exactly inspire “relaxation vibes” in the natural animal kingdom. Less is more.

We did visit the iconic Nairobi National Park. It’s close to the city center and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos – if you see them. If not, you’re driving down long, dusty, bumpy roads as you pass droves of other people doing the same, across the breath-taking acacia-tree-dotted dessert plains.

Always: Conservatory. Always.

Conservatories are basically Africa’s 2-part formula of conserving wildlife/wilderness and jobs/capitalism. It’s perfect because humans learned you can capitalize off “nature” without needing to farm it, pave it, burn it, or build it. You just conserve it, and the world comes with open hearts (and wallets).

You have to fly to them, so it’s a small added expense to take a 2 hour flight instead of a 10 hour drive. Take the flight, and see the view from above. It’s worth it.

I’m grateful for the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories of Kenya’s warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled natural beauty,