It's hard to explain how quickly Kenya asks you to shift gears. One minute you're dodging honking motorbikes in Nairobi, the next you're woken by hippos, and before you've even taken a breath you're on a boat watching dolphins skim across the Indian Ocean.
City
I came to Kenya to attend the amazing Kenya Travel Expo, so my adventure began in Nairobi. To say the city is busy and fast-paced would be an understatement, but it provides an incredible glimpse into daily life in Kenya. There's something almost hypnotic about watching a dapper businessman in a crisp white shirt and tie maneuver through heavy traffic behind a car. boda boda (scooter), briefcase in hand.
Amidst all this organized chaos, you need a place to relax, and Novotel Nairobi Westland provides exactly this. Stylish, modern and futuristic, this hotel offers all the comforts you need after a busy day. The rooftop bar is particularly unique. Here, all the tension from the airport and city streets melts away with a cup of espresso (or a dava cocktail).
But the real magic, of course, lies outside the city.
hunting trip
There is no alarm louder than the deep, loud grunt of a hippopotamus in the Talek River, just meters away from the tent. Mara Fearless Tented Camp. Walking into camp feels like coming home. The warm wooden structure blends seamlessly into the landscape and you barely notice where nature ends and accommodation begins.
I always say that the success or failure of a trip lies with the tour guide. Our guide Samson proved to be the difference between a good experience and an unforgettable one. His knowledge of the wilderness was encyclopedic. But more importantly, he understood exactly what kind of experience we wanted.
“We sometimes wear jeans when we go into town,” one young Maasai told editor Dorine Reinstein, “but we prefer our traditional red clothes. Lions recognize our colors.” Photo: Marvin Myers
Our first sighting of a leopard was both spectacular and challenging. Dozens of cars were vying for position, and the poor leopard looked as overwhelmed as I did. Mara attracts a lot of tourists, and sometimes it does. Samson noticed our discomfort and, with just one sentence, changed the entire game. He understood what we needed: space, silence and the feeling of being with animals on their own terms. Within an hour we were alone with a lioness and her cub, watching them tumble and play in a delightfully chaotic way that only small animals can master.
We were worried about the weather—heavy rain was expected during our stay—but those moody clouds actually added to the drama. The landscape has a vibrant feel to it, especially when a herd of elephants wanders into view under dramatic skies. Then the storm broke overhead. Our Land Cruiser filled with nervous laughter as we sailed through an ever-deepening river. It was an eye-opener: I no longer had to worry about the weather in Kenya. Be it a golden glow or a downpour, each brings life to the place in its own way.
I’ll admit I’m not a big fan of visiting local communities. There is always a fear of crossing the line between genuine communication and intrusive tourism. But when curiosity meets respect, something special happens. During our visit to a Maasai village, I was surprised by the candid conversations we had with community elders. When I asked young women whether they could refuse an arranged marriage, he admitted grumpily that “they could, but it's never happened before”, which was refreshingly honest.
What struck me most was their relationship with the wildlife around them. “We sometimes wear jeans when we go into town,” said a young Maasai man, “but we prefer our traditional red clothing. The lions recognize these colors in us. They respect us and we respect them.”
ocean
Just as we settled into the rhythm of the hunt, Kenya once again asked us to switch gears. After leaving Mara, I got on the plane and suddenly arrived at Diani Beach, which is really as beautiful as everyone said. After experiencing the energy of Nairobi and the wild immersion of Mara, being able to relax on the beach felt like the perfect ending.
exist Diamond Relaxation Beach and Golf Resortinstead of a typical hotel room, we had our own private cabin – one of four cabins arranged around a secluded swimming pool. The setting is outstanding: privacy when you want but easy to gather around the shared pool to enjoy the sunset.
Diani Beach is the perfect place to end your trip to Kenya’s diverse landscape. Photo credit: Dorine Reinstein
The dolphin cruise at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park was a highlight for me and made everyone feel like they were children again: no show, just the sea, a bit of luck and dozens of dolphins all around us. Guides will point out the fish below, ensuring even nervous snorkelers don't miss the bright flash of an angelfish or dart parrotfish. If a passenger gets seasick, they quietly offer sliced oranges and a joke or two; no fuss, just genuine concern.
Looking back, what I loved most about Kenya was not the headlines but the off-script, slightly chaotic, sometimes steamy moments that make a place feel real. Three completely different holidays rolled into one.
