Kenya

Jambo, friends!

Kenya holds a special place in my heart. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit six or seven times in the past few years. Each time, I uncover something new—some unexpected magic that reminds me why I keep coming back.

One of the things I love most about Kenya is how easy it is to navigate, especially as a young professional. The energy in Nairobi is undeniable—full of ambitious, driven people making things happen. But beyond the bustling city, there’s something deeply magical about the outdoors. Imagine taking a casual stroll through a public park and seeing monkeys jumping from tree to tree. That’s just an average day in Kenya!

One of my favorite experiences was visiting Nairobi National Park. Can we talk about how insane it is that you can be in the middle of a major city and, within 30-45 minutes, find yourself face-to-face with lions, rhinos, and other incredible wildlife? It’s surreal. On one of my trips, I took a friend who was celebrating a milestone birthday. It was her first time on the continent, and it was emotional for her. She is the first in her family to set foot in Africa, a product of the transatlantic slave trade, now standing on the land of her ancestors as a free woman. Watching her take it all in, capturing every moment, and soaking up the experience made me realize—there’s a magic to experiencing Africa for the first time that I’ll never fully comprehend. I always say I’m jealous of people seeing the motherland for the first time, and this moment only confirmed that feeling.

Another standout moment was our trip to Amboseli National Park. If you know anything about Amboseli, you know it’s breathtaking. We saw massive elephants up close, including a lone bull elephant who was definitely giving us “keep your distance” vibes. But the real jaw-dropping moment? We witnessed flamingos flying in perfect synchronization, something even our guide said he had never seen before. Usually, flamingos stay in one area, then migrate overnight, but for some reason, they put on a show just for us. The only downside? No lions. And y’all know I wanted to see lions!

That’s when we made the last-minute decision to visit Nairobi National Park for a second chance at spotting them. Our driver didn’t have a walkie-talkie, which made me nervous since that’s how guides usually communicate to find the animals. I went silent—internally wondering if we had just wasted our time and money. But 45 minutes in, we spotted two massive male lions. One looked older, his mane slightly weathered by time, but he was still majestic. Seeing these creatures in their natural habitat, just existing as they have for centuries, was completely worth it. The driver even called me out later, joking that he could tell I was skeptical. He got me there!

That’s what I love about travel—those unexpected moments, the surprises that make a trip unforgettable. I’ve been able to experience Kenya solo, forging my own relationships and understanding of the country. But sharing it with a friend during such a significant time in her life? That’s what made this trip so special. Kenya isn’t just another place on my passport; it’s a home away from home. The friendships I’ve built here feel like they’ll last a lifetime. And while Kenya, like any place, has its challenges, I find a deep sense of solace in East Africa that I truly cherish.

Until next time—love & adventure,

Nnenna the Navigator