By Noura Khan
Special to The Times Kuwait
I never imagined that an eight-day safari in Kenya would transform my perception of travel so profoundly. What I expected to be a wildlife-only experience turned out to be a human, cultural, and natural journey—one that blended adventure, authenticity, and impeccable organization.
Before I take you through the details of the trip, I would like to clarify that obtaining entry clearance for Kenya is a simple and fully online process for Kuwaiti travelers. All you need to do is apply for the electronic travel authorization (eTA) before your trip. Approval usually arrives within a few days, making the entire procedure smooth and hassle-free.
From the moment I arrived in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi until my final day in the Maasai Mara, every detail was expertly arranged by Magical Skies LTD, whose professionalism ensured a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Nairobi was a city beyond expectations. I arrived in Nairobi with modest expectations, yet the reality was a vibrant and surprisingly modern experience—a bustling city rich in culture, energy, and rapid urban development.
Although my original itinerary did not include visiting malls or exploring the city, my guide—familiar with what Gulf travelers enjoy—suggested incorporating a few quick urban stops. It turned out to be an excellent addition that enriched the beginning of my journey.
The first recommendation was the Giraffe Centre. The experience was simple yet memorable: feeding giraffes, capturing unique photos, and learning about conservation efforts. A perfect family-friendly stop before diving into the deeper safari experience.
Out of curiosity, I asked my guide to take me to some of Nairobi’s popular malls. His selections were excellent: The Hub Karen,a spacious, semi-open mall, was beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, offering numerous halal dining options suited for Gulf visitors.
The Village Market, an artistic open-air mall with festive décor, offered local craft shops, and an impressive range of halal and vegetarian restaurants. Among the guide’s recommendations was The Art Café, a stylish and popular café known for its modern ambiance and diverse menu. I would highly recommend this place to any visitor heading to Nairobi.
One of the journey’s most meaningful surprises, however, was the Kenyan people themselves—warm, friendly, humorous, and genuinely helpful. Whether in the city, villages, or wildlife reserves, I was greeted with kindness and hospitality everywhere I went.
My safari experience included visits to Mount Kenya, the Maasai Mara, and Northern Mara. Each region offered a unique landscape and wildlife experience, enriching the journey with extraordinary variety.
On our journey from Nairobi to Mount Kenya, we made a short stop in Nanyuki, a town located exactly on the Equator Line. Standing at the Equator 0.0 marker felt symbolic—a moment where I was literally positioned between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. It is a simple yet memorable stop that many travelers enjoy for photos and for the unique feeling of being at the world’s midpoint.
After a day of urban exploration, I traveled toward Mount Kenya in a modern safari vehicle equipped with a pop-up photography roof, comfortable seating, full safety features, and air-conditioning. The drive itself was an experience,as we passed tea plantations, villages, forests, and beautifully shifting landscapes.
After two days near Mount Kenya, it was time to continue the journey to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a vast area of preserved savannah. Despite the small aircraft size, the domestic flight was safe, punctual, and comfortable.
Maasai Marais where wildlife is at its finest and where the story truly unfolds. Offering breathtaking scenes of wildlife, the national reserve had freely roaming lions, cheetahs stalking prey, elephants crossing the vast plains, giraffes wandering gracefully, and thousands of wild animals in every direction. Here, the guide, skilled in reading animal behavior, tracking movements, and choosing ideal viewing moments, became key to making the most of the experience.
During my time in the Maasai Mara, my guide arranged a visit to a traditional Maasai village. It was a heartwarming cultural encounter, where I learned about their everyday lifestyle, saw their traditional mud-built homes, watched their famous jumping dance, listened to their rhythmic chants, observed how they make fire using traditional methods, and met the women who craft the iconic Maasai beadwork. A short visit, yet rich with culture, authenticity, and human connection.
Safety was embedded into every aspect of the trip, starting with staying within designated routes, using fully equipped safari vehicles, following expert guidance, receiving clear instructions, and ensuring seamless coordination. Safety was not only a feeling, but a constant priority that allowed me to enjoy each moment with confidence and peace of mind.
From feeding giraffes and exploring Nairobi’s urban gems, to the serenity of Mount Kenya and the unforgettable moments in the Maasai Mara, this journey was far more than a safari; it was a human, natural, and cultural story that will stay with me for years to come.
