My first trip to Africa was an unforgettable experience. A journey so full of beauty, excitement, and fascination that it stands out as the most impactful I’ve ever undertaken.
Kenya, a young nation brimming with cultural richness and ethnic diversity, defies the many challenges it faces. Despite its poverty and social inequalities, Kenya is a country looking forward, striving to build a better future even in places as challenging as the Kibera slum.
What struck me most about Kenya was the pristine nature preserved in its many parks. I was unprepared for the sheer variety and abundance of wildlife. Having spent much time in European wilderness areas, I was blown away by the biodiversity here. So much so that it felt like I had stepped onto another planet, or perhaps Earth in a primordial age, untouched by human hands. This sense of awe and wonder is something I will carry with me always.
Day 0: Traveling to Nairobi
The trip to Nairobi was long and exhausting, taking nearly 30 hours from home to hotel. Our journey began early with a train ride from Milan to Venice, followed by a bus to the airport. We flew with Qatar Airways, experiencing a smooth transfer in Doha despite the stifling heat. After another long flight, we finally arrived in Nairobi at dawn, where an Uber whisked us away to our hotel in the city center.
Fun fact: On the Qatar Airways flight, one of the entertainment options available on the passenger tablet was the ability to listen to the Quran.
Day 1: Meeting the Group and Visiting Giraffe Center and Kibera
Our first full day in Kenya was packed with activities, starting with a visit to the Giraffe Center. This popular tourist spot allowed us to interact closely with giraffes, feeding them by hand. While it was a fun experience, it was just a small taste of the incredible wildlife encounters that awaited us.
In the afternoon, we visited Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest slums. This was a deeply moving experience. Despite the extreme poverty, we found a resilient and dignified community. Our guided tour took us through narrow, winding paths, where we saw firsthand the living conditions of the residents. We visited self-funded schools and workshops where locals create crafts, all efforts to improve their lives through education and enterprise.
It was a unique experience, but not one suited for everyone. Navigating the narrow paths between the corrugated metal houses in Kibera requires caution, as sharp edges protrude dangerously. The alleys are lined with open drainage channels carrying rotting trash and waste. Amidst this maze, children are everywhere, smiling and running through the hazardous pathways with a remarkable familiarity, displaying their deep knowledge of Kibera’s labyrinthine streets.
Day 2 and 3: Safari in Masai Mara Park
The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the two days we spent on safari in Masai Mara. The anticipation of seeing wild animals up close was almost unbearable, and the park did not disappoint. We were fortunate to see a lion on our first day, which set the tone for an incredible experience. Over the course of two days, we saw countless wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, giraffes, elephants, hippos, and even cheetahs. The only animals that eluded us were rhinos and a family of leopards we just missed.
Among the most unforgettable moments was our first lion sighting—completely unexpected and happening just as we were heading back on our first day of safari. The encounters with giraffe and elephant families were equally thrilling.
The most “National Geographic” moment came when we spotted crocodiles lurking by the riverbank as gazelles cautiously approached the water. We waited for over half an hour, hoping to witness a hunt, but the gazelles, sensing danger, never ventured close enough. Unfortunately, we had to move on before any attack occurred, but the experience was still exhilarating.
We covered over 150 km in two days, traversing the vast savannah in rugged mega-jeeps. Some animals were easier to spot than others, and our drivers worked together, sharing tips on where to find the more elusive creatures.
Main pics
Fun fact: to reach Masai Mara from Nairobi, you must travel along a long, busy road originally built by Italian POWs during World War II. Captured by the Allies, these Italians were deported to Kenya under British administration and tasked with constructing this crucial road. The quality of their work left a lasting impression, earning them the respect of the Kenyan people to this day. Along the way, there’s a small kiosk overlooking the Rift Valley, named after a prominent Italian city—a fitting tribute to the road’s origins.
Day 4: Masai Village and a Night in the Eco-Camp
Visiting a Masai village was an enriching experience that exceeded my expectations. I initially feared it would be a staged, touristy encounter, but it turned out to be genuinely informative. Our Masai guides led us on a walk through their lands, explaining how they use various plants for medicinal and practical purposes. We learned about the challenges and changes facing the Masai community, such as the integration of modern education and technology into their traditional way of life. The visit concluded with a tour of traditional Masai homes, skillfully constructed by women using elephant dung, mud, and wood. That evening, we enjoyed traditional singing and dancing around a campfire before retiring to our tents for the night.
Day 5: Mount Longonot and Crescent Island
Our day began before dawn with a hike up Mount Longonot, an extinct volcano with a unique ecosystem within its crater. The hike, while not overly strenuous, was challenging due to the dusty and rocky terrain.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to complete the full circuit around the crater, but the panoramic views were more than worth the effort.
After the hike, we visited Crescent Island on Lake Naivasha. This man-made sanctuary is home to a variety of herbivores, including giraffes and zebras. Walking among these animals in their natural habitat, without barriers, was a surreal and magical experience.
Day 6: Exploring Hell’s Gate National Park
Before leaving Kenya’s interior, we decided to explore Hell’s Gate National Park by bike. The ride through the park allowed us to get up close to giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. We also took a hike to the gorges that inspired scenes from “The Lion King,” including the cliff where Mufasa meets his fate.
Day 7: Transition to Mombasa and Diani Beach
On the seventh day, we embarked on a six-hour train journey from Nairobi to Mombasa. The train ride was a unique experience in itself, offering glimpses of Kenya’s diverse landscapes. Once in Mombasa, we visited Fort Jesus, a historical site with an impressive but somewhat underwhelming presence. Afterward, we made our way to Diani Beach, crossing the coast via ferry.
Day 8: Snorkeling and Exploring Wasini Island
After a restful night at a resort, we set out for a day of adventure on Wasini Island. The day began with a boat ride, where we were lucky enough to spot dolphins.
We spent the morning snorkeling in the clear waters, exploring coral reefs teeming with sea turtles, vibrant fish, and other marine life. After a delicious seafood lunch on the island, we took a walk through the local village, where we were greeted by smiling children eager for attention and small gifts.
Day 9: A Day of Relaxation
Our last full day in Kenya was dedicated to relaxation. We had planned a canoe trip through the mangroves at sunset, but a sudden rainstorm cut the outing short. Instead, we spent the evening reflecting on our journey, playing games, and enjoying each other’s company.
Day 10: The Journey Home
On our final day, we enjoyed a few last hours on the beach before packing up for our journey home. To avoid the delays caused by the ferry, we took a shortcut on a newly constructed but unfinished highway, which got us to the airport in good time. Exhausted but filled with memories, we boarded our flight back to Italy, bringing our Kenyan adventure to a close.