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Jambo and Karibu from Kenya

I just wanted to tell you about my recent visit to the amazing country of Kenya!

After arriving in Nairobi after our 9 hour flight we transferred to a Safari Lounge. This was a great place for us to freshen up and relax for a few hours as they served drinks and breakfast/lunch in here. They also have showers for people to use in between transferring to safaris. We then transferred to Wilson airport for our flight to Masai Mara. This is a tiny airport about 30 mins drive from the main airport. People should be warned that the traffic in Niarobi is terrible and a short transfer can take a long long time. I always thought flying in over the Masai Mara I may see animals but didn't expect to see the amount we did; from Zebra and Elephant to the Wilderbeest completing their migration. We arrived in Masai Mara, at Keekorok Lodge after an hour long flight.
Keekorok has its own landing strip 5 minutes away so is perfect for people wanting a short transfer who don't travel well over rough roads like me!
This lodge is not fenced so animals walk right past your window all the time. You have an escort to take you from the restaurant to your room! Good job as we had a Hippo right outside our door and 2 Zebras. Keekorok has a viewing platform complete with bar where you can overlook the waterhole with Hippos and Crocs which is amazing and we even spotted a python there!

From here we did an afternoon game drive. This was amazing!! There are so many animals within 5 minutes of the lodge - we saw Hippo, Lion, Elephant, Eland, Giraffe, Cheetah, Dik Dik and Vultures.

The next morning we awoke at 5am to go on an amazing hot air balloon safari!. This is a great option from Keekorok as the lodge is only 5 mins drive from the balloon take off site. We took off by 6am in our basket which was an unbelievable experience. It is so quiet once you get up and truly stunning seeing all the animals and where they are in the bush. The trip lasts around an hour and when you land ( we had a very smooth landing) you have a bubbly breakfast in the bush with lovely food and free flowing champagne right amongst the animals - a definite must if you can do this!

We then transferred back to the airstrip for our flight to Nairobi. On arrival back at Wilson airport at Nairobi we transferred to the Nairobi Serena hotel. Nairobi is definitely an eye opener, it has the biggest slum in the world and is totally manic with cars everywhere. En route to the hotel we visited Giraffe Manor and Karen Blixen ( Out of Africa) house. Giraffe manor is a hotel where the Giraffes roam freely.

After arriving at our hotel we decided to eat out at the famous Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi. This was great fun if you like meat, although they do have a vegetarian menu. The food is cooked on huge skewers and constantly brought to your table. You have to raise your white flag to surrender when you have had enough to eat! Yum!!

Early the next morning we transferred back to Nairobi airport for flight to Mombasa.
From here we drove to Ashnil Aruba lodge in Tsavo - this took around 3 hours and the roads were fairly good most of the way. Aruba does have its own landing strip so maybe a good option for people who don’t want to do the road transfer. The staff are so friendly and cannot do enough to make your stay special. We upgraded to a tent which was fantastic fun as they are very close to the fence, and so you can hear all the animals in the evening and we even had our out pet gecko along with all our creature comforts of a nice bed and great shower.

This is one the best trips of my life and can highly recommend for anyone to go on Safari, I will never forget my experiences and all the animals I saw here!

Nothing is a problem in Kenya and you are made to feel so welcome as they say there Hukana Matata - No worries!