Nairobi

After months of planning and packing just a 35-pound bag (limited by our Safari Co for flights between camps). Nairobi is nine hours ahead of our time zone, so we braced ourselves for jet lag and a whirlwind of new experiences. The city buzzes with life, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a reality of widespread poverty. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, sustaining millions of livelihoods. Formerly a British colony until gaining independence in 1963, Kenya is now a democracy with an elected president.

Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi
We spent our first day in Nairobi settling in and adjusting to the nine-hour time difference. In the afternoon, we walked a few blocks to grab lunch and pick up groceries from a local store. Walking was manageable, especially since there were four of us and we traveled during the day. The biggest challenge was navigating the chaotic traffic, especially the motorcycles that seemed to come from every direction!

Day 2 – Lake Nakuru National Park
The next morning, a driver from Game Watchers picked us up for the journey to Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive took several hours on paved roads through a blend of urban and rural landscapes. It was a great opportunity to observe everyday life in Kenya.

Lake Nakuru did not disappoint. Almost immediately after entering the park, we encountered a pride of lions casually walking along the road before climbing into the trees to rest—an unforgettable sight. Throughout the day, we spotted elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, hippos, and a diverse array of birds. A special highlight was seeing a black rhino—the only one we encountered on the entire trip.

Day 3 – Elephant Orphanage & Karen Blixen Museum
Our third day was dedicated to cultural and conservation experiences in Nairobi. We visited the Elephant Orphanage, where we learned about efforts to rescue and rehabilitate young elephants. Afterward, we toured the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the Out of Africa author. Both visits deepened our appreciation for Kenya’s rich history and commitment to wildlife preservation.

Links to some helpful Websites

Lake Nakura National Park