Kenya

For Carla’s Family

October 2016.

More than just a safari

Dear Carla,

Kenya is a dream for someone like me—it offers impossibly stunning vistas, wildly unfamiliar animal life, and a robust and friendly culture that’s sure to captivate any visitor. For your family itinerary, I have selected a broad palate of options, but also have kept in mind your desire to have a chance to delve deep into several locations, going for more depth than breadth in your experience. With these goals, you will have a chance to experience Kenyan culture in the city on both ends of your trip, and during the interludes in between, you will spend extended periods in two unique and wild places—Hippo Point and the Mara.

Day 1: Arrival  

As you touch down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your driver will take you to Emakoko for an overnight stay. Based on our conversation, I have chosen a location where you will be able to admire wild game from the comfort of your room—possible because the lodge is located in Nairobi National Park. You can also find relief from jetlag and slip into the vacation mood with a relaxing massage.

Day 2: Nairobi

At dawn, your private charter will ferry you to Laikipia to stay at a wonderful house owned by a friend of mine. After the exhilaration of your flight, you and your family will catch your breath for the night, sample delicious Kenyan delicacies, and have plenty of time to explore the colorful history of this extraordinary country as you dig in to what it has to offer.

Days 3-5: Laikipia

Over the course of your days here you will get to discover the semi-desert north, where you will have a more intimate encounter with Kenya’s diverse wildlife. Here, you will see Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, oryx, and plenty more beauties that you won’t have spotted in Nairobi National Park. The diversity of flora and fauna here are far too captivating for a nature enthusiast like yourself to absorb in just one day. Fortunately, a local expert, Francis, will be available each day, striking out early with you to guide you through a fresh portion of the otherworldly scenery. Over the course of these days, you will have a wildly up-close and personal experience with game drives and walks as well as with the local Samburu people.

Days 6-9: Maasai Mara

Because ten days is all you have for your trip, you will fly down to the Maasai Mara, the jewel in Kenya’s wildlife crown. The northern extension of the great Serengeti, this 700-square-mile reserve has stunning vistas and an extraordinary diversity and quantity of game. As in the north, per your preferences, I have scheduled you several days with Nabaala in order to become more deeply acquainted with this place, its customs, and its wildlife. The mysterious but renowned Massai people will be at hand if you or your children are eager to get your jig on and join in a warrior dance.

The size of your entourage will influence the choice of your camp, lodge or house. While comfort is always a priority, you seem to be looking for a certain authenticity in your travels. Based on our conversation, your family will love Rekero, Mara Plains, Topi House and Ngare Serian. Be sure to venture into the Mara Triangle, up into the Olareorok Conservancy, and south of the Talek to the striking Lookout Hill.

If you opt for a private camping safari, count on having a lovely camp located on one of the river bends under sweeping fig trees.

Day 10: Return to Nairobi

On your return to Nairobi, call upon my good friend Sandy, an American expatriate who has lived in Kenya for more than 40 years. She will usher you through a day of visiting traders and designers if you are interested in craft and wish to get some mementos and meet those who make such beautiful pieces. After all, people are what travel is all about—those with whom we choose to travel and those we meet enroute.

As this day falls on Friday, start off with the Maasai Market at Village Market, where all the traders come to share their designs and wares. From there, you can proceed to contemporary art galleries for your art collection. One Off in Roslyn is the oldest and best loved contemporary art gallery in Nairobi, exhibiting works by East Africa’s most established names. Banana Hill Gallery is funky and impressive, showcasing a large number of colorful paintings and remarkable sculptures.

To satisfy your daughter’s passion for fashion, The Souk is the place to be, where Lulu, Anna T, and Linda Camm will be waiting. However, Lisa Christoffersen and Sandy, herself, offer the best Africana around.

Day 11: Depart

Though today is departure day, you still have so much to see, so much to savor. Should you decide to return to Kenya, it would be worth it to stop over at Campi ya Kanzi in the Chyulu Hills or visit the Coast, either up to Manda Bay in Lamu, or closer, Diani Beach. If you make a second or third trip to Kenya, go a bit off the beaten path and head up to Turkana and visit Desert Rose and Eliye Springs.

And, so, there we have it. The sense of place is everywhere, in everything. Keep reading, keep listening to music and keep watching for those story-telling hands. And if we can be of service, please give us a call.