This year I heard Africa call my name. I couldn’t ignore the African inside of me. Born and raised in South Africa, my home, my background and Ethnicity all belong to the African continent.
My last trip to South Africa was three years ago. I’ve traveled to many countries choosing not to go home, but tears filled my eyes when I heard the song from the Lion King. I went to watch the recent 2019 version with my son. The representation of Africa stirred my emotions. Africa began to echo “Come to me”!
So how could I resist? I wanted to see the animals in their natural habitat. I wanted to become one with nature. I wanted to leave behind my concrete jungle, my obsession with being organized and being directed by time.
Africa was drumming in my soul and my feet wanted to move along eagerly.
Where to start? Africa is made up of many countries, but Kenya sang the loudest. She knew what I needed and was ready to welcome me.
I wasted no time, a visa was not on the issue this time. South Africans and Africans can enter visa, free but all other nationalities get a visa on arrival for 50 USD.
My research on Kenya, Safaris, beaches, food transport, etc. consumed me for a week.
I knew my holiday had to include a Safari. Four years ago, I went on a safari in Tanzania, but all African countries are unique and tourism differs from one to the next.
As usual, Google became a valuable resource to satisfy my travel curiosity. I searched Safari companies and quotes were emailed to me.
It can become so confusing trying to keep to budget and depending on a stranger in Kenya to create an itinerary that will be worth your time and money.
Travel tip- Trip advisor is also a great tool to use when planning a holiday. The reviews posted by previous travelers will become resourceful information before you arrive at your destination. The company that I finally chose for my Safari, did not have many reviews on Trip Advisor, but the communication with the agent was a big deciding factor for me. She helped me decide the length of my safari and guided me towards building the rest of my itinerary that included time on the coast of Mombasa and Nairobi city.
My holiday went from bush to beach to the city. The company made me feel like a new family member and checked up on me even when I was not on tour with them. I was able to enjoy my safari without having to worry about anything else except where the animals were, but even that was easily taken care of by Monsu, our driver who was constantly communicating with the other safari vehicles over the radio to make sure we got to see Africa’s big five.
Travel Tip– Before booking with a safari company make sure that they are legit. Some companies might try to scam you, claiming that they are a safari company. Most Safari companies expect you to pay a deposit before you arrive to pay the hotels and confirmation of your presence. Your deposit is a guarantee that you are attending. Cancellations are less common once you have paid upfront. Be careful when transferring money to a company you have not dealt with personally.
My holiday experience is unique and everyone will have a different review at the end of the trip. I always suggest companies that are reliable, trustworthy, and affordable and can help you have the best experience.
You can check a company status on http://www.katokenya.org/
Parrot Safari – Tourist information center – Nairobi Kenya
Tel: +254 715 376270 or +254 735 867454
Website: www. Paraotsafaris.com
Email: info@parrotsafaris.com
I found the company online. Anges was the agent who responded to all my inquiries. She took into account that I would be traveling solo and placed me in a group with other solo travelers. This turned out to benefit me as I didn’t feel alone and connected well with the other travelers. By the end of the Safari friendships, we made and memories were created together. Our Kenyan driver Monsu, was just as friendly and welcoming as Anges.
Parrot Safari is a newly established company with a professional approach to the tourism industry. They go over and beyond to show you the true beauty of Kenya. The company will create a safari that you will enjoy. All prices are based on the package you want and can afford.
I opted for the mid-range package.
What makes a budget, mid-range, and luxury different?
The accommodation is what makes it unique and the added services for luxury will, of course, include better food and beverage options.
The safari remains the same. We all going to the same game reserves and spotting the same animals. I cannot give you an idea of luxury safari in Kenya, but when I did Tanzania it was a private safari and the experience was completely different from the mid-range.
I was very happy with the hotels in my package and the service.
Travel Tip– The price given to me for a six-day safari from Parrot safari was the best price when I compared it to other safari/tour companies.
The package cost includes:
- Transport in a tour van with a hatch roof.
- Pick up and drop off at the airport after the trip
- Accommodation as the itinerary
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Professional tour guided services by an English speaking driver/ tour guide
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives in the park and national reserves
- Statuary taxes
- Drinking bottled water
Package cost excludes:
- Hot air balloon (optional estimate price 400 USD)
- Personal insurance
- Tips
- Masai Village (optional activity at 10 USD)
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- Visa
- Air ticket
Six days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli national park magical tour
Day 1- Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast at the hotel you booked for a stay in Nairobi the driver will pick you up between 7:30 am and 8:00 am with the rest of the group. You will head towards Masai Mara with a stopover to see the views of the Great Rift Valley. Here there is a souvenir shop and a small café.
Traveling Tip – Always make sure to bargain when buying the souvenirs.
100 Kenyan shilling = 1 USD dollar.
Most items are sold between 500 Kenyan shillings upwards. I bought a safari hat for 2000 Kenyan shilling which cost 1500 Kenyan shilling somewhere else. Be careful when paying and don’t allow yourself to be ripped off. If you miss buying it you will get it somewhere else cheaper.
The driver will continue the journey heading towards Narok town, west of Nairobi for lunch and later head to Masai Mara national reserve. Before the day ends the group will be taken for an evening game drive to watch the sunset and hopefully spot a leopard or one of the other big five.
Accommodation – Enkorok tented Lodge
Day 2- Masai Mara National reserve full day game drive
The morning will start early so you can enjoy the beautiful African sunrise while you head into the reserve. The day will be busy spotting animals and taking lots of pictures. You will watch animals in their natural habit and will be amazed by the African landscape. At lunch, the driver will take you to a quiet place in the bush to enjoy a picnic lunch packed for you by your hotel. At the end of the day, you will arrive at your hotel in time for dinner and to relax. Some campsites have a bar and a cozy campfire to enjoy in the evening.
Day 3- Masai Mara National Reserve – Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation- CityMax hotel
Another early morning game drive before departing for Nakuru to have lunch. What a fantastic morning feeling the wind on my face and the sun on my back. I watched the Rhinoceros walk past our van and the wildebeest graze. A pack of monkeys watched as we drove past them in search of giraffes.
There was an optional activity – Lake Nakuru boat ride- 2000 Kenyan Shilling = 20 USD
Traveling tip– I recommend taking the boat trip. It is an hour’s ride and you will see beautiful exotic birds, hippopotamus, Giraffe, and zebras.
Interesting fact- Out of Africa the movie was filmed in Kenya
Day 4- Lake Nakuru National Park- Amboseli National park
After breakfast, we continued to enjoy the game drive through the park which is home to Rhinos and birds. We then departed to Amboseli for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation – AA Amboseli lodge
Day 5- Amboseli National Park full game drive
Be prepared to spend the entire day spotting and viewing animals from the hatch of the van. Your senses will get lost in amazement at watching the animals in their natural habitat. The park is home to huge and majestic elephants. You might get an opportunity to see Mt. Kilimanjaro (It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain in the world, with its summit of 5,895 meters (19,341 ft.) above sea level and at about 4,900 meters (16,100 ft.) high from its plateau base.) this depends on the weather. If the sky is clear you can see the snow on top of the mountain. Located in Tanzania you can see the view in Amboseli.
Day 6- Amboseli National Park- Nairobi- Mombasa
The final day of safari. After a delicious breakfast, we departed back to Nairobi. Driving through the game reserve and having a chance to see the animals one last time. It felt like the animals were wishing us goodbye. The zebras ran excitedly as the car passed them. The impalas stood tall watching us and the elephants continued to walk and enjoy the African grass. It sounds like storytelling ending to my safari experience. No words can explain the emotions I felt watching the animals in the wild. I would suggest taking the time to plan a safari in Africa to experience nature at its best.
Day 7- Mombasa – Serena beach
Instead of spending a night in Nairobi I decided to fly to Mombasa to experience the beaches. The one hour flight went very quickly and soon enough I was experiencing hot and slightly humid weather compared to Nairobi’s cool mornings and evenings.
Mombasa airport is very different from Jomo Kenyatta airport in Nairobi. When you arrive you can feel the coast welcoming you.
My hotel was a 30-minute drive from the airport. Costing me 1500 Kenyan shilling which is 15 US.
Travel Tip– There are local taxi companies outside the airport, safari/tour companies, and Jambojet sales counter.
I booked my flight via Kiwi.com
I woke up the next morning needing rest from the safari. The hotel offered breakfast in the garden which I enjoyed. The later afternoon I walked to Serena beach which was a fifteen walk minute from my hotel. I spend the rest of the day at the beach eating Masala chips and drinking Stoney ginger beer (Soft drink)
Travel Tip– If you want to stay next to the beach I would recommend Mombasa Continental hotel- booking.com
Their beach menu was very reasonable and served a variety of options. The DJ onsite played the best music I have heard in a long time.
I would suggest searching on YouTube for Fally Ipupa – Zaiko Langa Langa – kizomba mix – Aya Nakamuru – Brenda Fassie – Vulundelala Kwaito mix (my personal favorite as she was South African Afropop singer)
My body stays in tune with the African beats as I watched the tide come in and the Kenyan people flock to the sea for a swim. While walking on the beach I met a tour company that offered to take me to Wasini Island, which lies in southeast Kenya 3 kilometers off the coast of the Indian Ocean for half the price than what I was offered by the tour operator at my hotel.
Traveling Tip– There are many affordable tour companies on the local beaches that will take you for a day trip. Make sure to take their business card and get a fair quotation.
Accommodation – Sunset paradise holiday homes- Booking.com – https://sunsetparadiseholidayhomes.business.site/
Day 8- Mombasa Likoni ferry – Wasini Island
Kenya Chikoh tours and explorers
Tel: +254 721 425 858 or +254 786 485 858
Email: idzachiko@yahoo.com/ info@kenyachikohtours.com
The tour company picked me up at 5:30 am for an early start. It would be a group tour of five people with me included. We drove through the streets of Mombasa until we finally arrived at the port, where we docked the van onto a ferry.
The short trip across the waters allowed us to take in beautiful views of the sea. Finally arriving at our departure point, we were guided onto a traditional dhow (Jahazi) filled with other passengers.
Our day on the sea began spotting bottlenose dolphins. Then it was time for snorkeling. Our guide took care of us in the water. Swimming among the fish felt exhilarating and it was exactly what I needed after my safari.
Later we headed to Wasini Island for a delicious Swahili lunch- (Grilled Masala fish, coconut rice, seaweed, and Matoko- cooked bananas and potatoes)
Interesting fact– Tourism is the main source of income for the people on Wasini Island. I am glad that I took the trip.
The day ended with a tour in the local village and learn about their water conservation methods and lifestyle. It was so humbling seeing a different way to live. It makes you realize how fortunate you are to get the opportunity to be in Kenya.
The people in the village do not access the mainland daily only when they need to and depend on satisfying their needs by being creative, resourceful and knowledgeable about their environment.
The tide was finally coming in and we were escorted to our dhow by boat. Since the water level is really low it makes it impossible for large boats to reach the shore.
On our way back our tour company created a fun, happy atmosphere on the boat by using the large empty water bottles, a sprite class bottle, and a butter knife to make local music. We sand along to Hakuna Matata – (Swahili language phrase from East Africa meaning “no worries”)
It was truly a wonderful and perfect day!
Day 9- Mombasa – Bamburi beach
My day started with an early morning swim in the hotel’s pool, followed by a breakfast that included Mandazi (sweet fried bread).
I decided to take the local tuk-tuk to Bamburi beach for lunch. The beach is beautiful and gets very busy when the tide comes in at 2 pm. Once again I met a local beach tour guide who was so friendly and talkative. I explained to him that I was interested in seeing the city of Mombasa and he managed to arrange a tour for me on my last day at a very affordable rate compared to what I read online.
Chico tours & Dolphin trips – Mombasa Kenya
Tel: +254 714 753548 or +25475316017
Email- emmanuelchico31@gmail.com
Day 10- Mombasa to Nairobi
After checking out of my hotel at noon, the tour company picked me up and we headed to the city to enjoy the last day in Mombasa before heading to the airport back to Nairobi.
We stopped at Mombasa’s Uhuru Garden that is adjacent to the famous prototype tusks along Moi Avenue and has become home to an estimate of 5000 bats.
I was very lucky to discover the bats as my tour guide did not tell me about it.
Travel tip– Many tourists go to Uhuru garden to watch the bats fly around as the sunsets.
We then headed to Fort Jesus for some history and views of the ocean from the fort. I met an interesting artist outside selling handcrafted recycle souvenirs. I think it is amazing how people use their talent to fund their small businesses.
My driver took me to the Castle royal hotel for my last meal in Mombasa. I recommend ordering the whole tally Swahili fish served with masala chips and spinach.
I spend my lunch reminiscing about the great time I had in Mombasa and feeling blessed at the kind and hospitality of the Kenyan people.
Day 11- Nairobi
Accommodation – Cloud Hotel & Suites – Parklands Nairobi – Diamond Plaza http://cloudhotelsuites.com
After a very long wait at Mombasa airport (I flew Jambojet), I finally landed in Nairobi. Taking an Uber from the airport is cheaper than the local taxi, but I did notice that after midnight booking an Uber was impossible for me.
Once again I found myself meeting a local taxi driver who was willing to take me to my hotel for 1500 Kenyan shilling- 15 USD.
Traveling Tip– taking a taxi anywhere in the world requires caution. If you are not sure about rates, download uber and check the rates they give you on the app. This will be an estimate of how much the local taxi should charge. Airport staff and information services can also direct you to a reliable taxi driver that most probably is waiting outside for incoming arrivals.
I only got a few hours of sleep before heading out to explore the rest of Nairobi. The same taxi driver I met at the airport was willing to take me to the Giraffe centre, Sheldrick elephant orphanage and downtown Mombasa for a decent rate of 5000 Kenyan shilling – 50 USD. I was dropped off at my hotel at 4 pm.
Nairobi city tour
- Giraffe centre- Entrance fee – 1500 Kenyan Shilling – 15 USD
- Sheldrick elephant orphanage – Entrance fee- 500 Kenyan Shilling – 5 USD
- KICC – Kenyatta International Convention Centre(KICC), formerly the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, is a 28-story building located in Nairobi, Kenya – Entrance fee 500 Kenyan shilling = 5 USD
The rooftop offers amazing views of the city and is a definite must to see.
Interesting fact- The KICC currently stands as the sixth tallest building in Kenya, reaching a height of just over 105 meters.
- Bomas of Kenya – Experience the rich diversity of Kenyan traditional music and dance. You will be able to walk through the different homesteads on display after the performances. If you hungry you can enjoy traditional Kenyan food at Utamaduni restaurant – book online https://www.bomasofkenya.co.ke/utamaduni-restaurant
- Galleria Mall- Located across the Bomas of Kenya. If you need groceries there is a Carrefour located inside the mall.
- Masai Market – The market moves around the city on different days of the week. Opens from 8 am to 6 pm
- Tuesday: Westgate Shopping Mall in Westlands (the upper car park) relocated to Kijabe Street opposite the Norfolk Hotel
- Wednesday: Capital Centre on Mombasa Road near the airport
- Thursday: Nakumatt Junction Shopping Mall on Ngong Road
- Friday: Village Market in Gigiri (the upper car park)
- Saturday: The High Court parking lot in the city center (behind the Hilton)
- Sunday: Yaya Centre in Hurlingham
Day 12- Nairobi –Abu Dhabi
My final morning in Nairobi I had breakfast in the sky lounge overlooking the city before Parrot safari collected me to escort me back to the airport for my final flight back home.
It felt great to receive excellent service from a safari company that continued to provide a service to me days after my safari ended with them.
Kenya is truly a beautiful country and has so much to offer travelers seeking adventure, wildlife, beaches and city tours.
What makes Kenya a perfect holiday is the people. Kenyans are very social, hospital and proud citizens. They understand the importance tourism has on the economy and to the wildlife.
Tour companies, hotels, and the service industry are ready to welcome you when you arrive.
Traveling Tip– Check the weather before traveling and planning. There is a low and high season. December turned out to be a great time for me. I experienced very little rain and the sky was blue most of my trip. I enjoyed the sunshine and good weather.
I hope you get to experience Kenya!!
Superlady!
6 Comments
Leave your reply.