Kenya For First Time Visitors: Nairobi and the Maasai Mara

Kenya is one of the best countries for a first-time visit to the African continent. Buzzing Nairobi is overflowing with cultural activities while local wildlife parks serve as the perfect warm-up for a safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Travelers with extra time on their hands may opt to conclude a vacation in this East African country on the beautiful beaches of Mombasa.  

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Nairobi: The gateway to Kenya’s wilderness

Most journeys in Kenya begin in its capital. This modern metropolis is worthy of a much higher status than a stopover city – spending a couple of days in Nairobi is highly recommended. This dynamic destination has a thriving food scene and cultural institutions to explore alongside a surprising amount of wildlife attractions.

The Kazuri Beads Women’s Factory is a fair-trade workshop where female artisans produce ceramic beads and pottery by hand. Tours and souvenir shopping supports this important institution while further shopping experiences may be enjoyed at the mobile Maasai Market. 

Nairobi National Museum provides a comprehensive overview of culture, prehistory, and natural history. Highlights include the exhibit on traditional Kenyan tribes and the collection of early hominid fossils from the Rift Valley. The Karen Blixen Museum is housed in the former residence of the Danish author who penned Out of Africa. It offers insight into colonial history and the life of the writer Karen Blixen, with beautiful views of the Ngong Hills completing the experience.

In terms of wildlife experiences near Nairobi, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a must-see attraction. This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates baby elephants before returning them to the wild. Nearby, the Giraffe Centre offers up-close encounters and hand-feeding experiences with the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Nairobi National Park is another vast wildlife reserve just minutes from the city centre, where lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and other species roam against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyscrapers. This is a surreal safari experience unique to Nairobi.

In terms of what to eat, Nyama Choma (grilled meat) is a beloved Kenyan dish to seek out at restaurants and local markets.

The Maasai Mara: Kenya’s number one safari destination

After spending time in Nairobi, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is the natural next step for a Kenya travel itinerary. Located around 150 miles southwest of the city, close to the border with Tanzania, this is the crown jewel of safari destinations in Africa. Besides the sweeping savannahs, acacia trees, and high density of big cats, the Maasai Mara also stages the Great Migration between July and October.

Game drives and walking safaris in the Maasai Mara are thrilling; there is a high probability of seeing sprinting cheetahs, leopards dozing in trees, and prides of lions lounging after a hunt. Elephants slowly make their way across the plains while there is a chance of spotting a rare black rhino. Safari experiences are delivered by skilled Maasai trackers who offer insight into the ecosystem. They’re also educated on the traditions of the Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with this land for generations. A hot air balloon flight at daybreak concludes an unforgettable safari experience in the Maasai Mara.

‍Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations to design a custom itinerary for Kenya, covering Nairobi, safari, beaches, and luxury lodges.

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