An Adventure Begins (Day 1): My Journey to Kenya (Africa Travel)

Elephant Nursery in Nairobi, Kenya

Traveling can be both exciting and exhausting, and my recent trip to Kenya was no exception. With a 19:00 flight from Hong Kong to Doha, followed by a 3-hour transit at Hamad Airport and a final 5-hour flight to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, my journey was filled with anticipation. However, a few hiccups along the way made the experience even more memorable.

After a seven-hour flight, we arrived in Doha, where we had a brief layover. The transition from one flight to another was smooth, but my excitement was mixed with fatigue. 

Ralph Lauren Cafe in Doha International Airport, our frequent location during transit for flight to other countries, a convenient place because in the Orchard area close to many boarding gates, and it's just opposite to the toilet.

Finally, we boarded our flight to Nairobi.

Upon landing in Nairobi in early morning, the immigration process was slow. There was only one counter for holders of foreign passports, and as the queue grew longer, officers directed tourists to the lines for nationals. This created a bit of confusion, and I found myself waiting for about 40 minutes to clear customs. Despite the wait, I remained optimistic, knowing the adventure that awaited me.

Crowds building up at Nairobi International Airport's immigration area, due to a long processing time and few lanes for foreign passport holders.

A Warm Welcome to Kenya (Africa Travel Begins)

As I exited the arrival gate, I was greeted by our guide, Solomon from African Horizons. 

A breezy morning arriving in Nairobi, beginning our journey in Kenya

Following him, I was excited to see our 4x4 safari vehicle, which would accompany us for the next few days. Our driver, Tony, was equally enthusiastic, and I felt a rush of excitement as I boarded the closed safari vehicle, ready for the adventures ahead.

Our first time traveling in a 4x4 safari vehicle

First Stop: Tamarind Tree Hotel

After about 45 minutes of driving through Nairobi, we reached Tamarind Tree Hotel, our accommodation for the night. Conveniently located next to Wilson Airport, which is the ideal port for domestic flights to various airstrips, including those leading to the famous Masai Mara. The check-in process took about 20 minutes, and soon we were settled into our room, ready to recharge for the day ahead.

Decent room for our first night in Nairobi.

Exploring Nairobi National Park

After a brief rest, we left for Nairobi National Park, one of the few natural habitats for wildlife situated within a city. Covering an impressive area of 117.21 km² (45.26 sq mi), the park is home to a diverse range of animals. Our first stop was the ivory burning site, a powerful monument where the government burned confiscated ivory from illegal poaching. This act demonstrated their commitment to wildlife protection, and it was a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against poaching.

Ivory burning site in Nairobi National Park

Next, we visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program. Watching the orphaned elephants come out to meet visitors was truly heartwarming. Their playful interactions and mischievous antics were a joy to witness. 

Elephant orphans rescued from the wild will stay in the sanctuary for some time. Since the sanctuary is connected to the Nairobi National Park, they still have frequent contact with the wild. When deemed suitable, they will be released into the wild.

The caretakers provided insights into the sanctuary’s history, explaining how they rescue and rehabilitate elephants that have been injured or orphaned in the wild. We even had the opportunity to touch the elephants’ rugged skin as they approached the fence.

For those interested in making a difference, the sanctuary offers a chance to “adopt” an elephant, sponsoring their care and feeding. This opportunity added a meaningful layer to our visit, making it clear that every bit of support helps the incredible work being done.

Cheeky elephants will come close to the fence to check you out!

Feeding Giraffes at the Giraffe Centre

After our heartwarming experience with the elephants, we headed to the nearby Giraffe Centre in the city. Here, we had the chance to feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes. With our entrance fee, we received small giraffe snacks, and I couldn't resist the excitement of feeding these gentle giants. However, we were warned to be cautious, as giraffes can engage in head-butting fights, which could lead to an unexpected bump!

Giraffe feeding with the giraffe food snack provided by the Giraffe Centre

Following our animal encounters, we enjoyed a delightful meal at the Tamarind Brasserie. The food was exquisite, setting the perfect tone for the rest of our day.

After lunch, we made our way to the Karen Blixen Museum, the actual home of the Dutch author who wrote "Out of Africa." For fans of the novel and the film, visiting this site felt like a pilgrimage. 

The mansion provided a glimpse into Blixen's life, and from its grounds, we could see the picturesque Ngong Hills along with remnants of her coffee bean farming.

Wrapping Up Day One

As the day came to a close around 5 o'clock, we were transferred back to the hotel for some much-needed rest. It was a well-planned itinerary that allowed us ample time to adjust after our long flight while also immersing us in the rich culture and wildlife of Nairobi.

Reflecting on this first day, I felt grateful for the experiences that had already begun to unfold. The warm welcome, the enchanting wildlife, and the fascinating history all set the stage for what promises to be an incredible journey in Kenya.