Kenya Stole My Heart: A Journey Beyond the Typical Safari
Catching that Kenyan breeze outside our jeep in between destinations.
You know that feeling when life hands you exactly what you need, even when you didn't know you were searching for it? That's what Kenya was for me. When I received an invitation for a FAM trip (travel industry speak for familiarization trip) to scout Kenya as a potential destination, my heart instantly said yes. While Morocco had already stolen a piece of my heart, East Africa? This was entering entirely new territory.
Why Kenya? (And Why Not the "Obvious" Choice)
Here's a little secret I want to share with you - while everyone flocks to the Serengeti, Kenya offers something uniquely special, something a little less...well, Instagram-saturated. Don't get me wrong, Tanzania is incredible, but I've always had a soft spot for the underdogs. Plus, with overtourism becoming a real concern in places like the Serengeti, I wanted to discover alternatives that could offer our community something equally magnificent but more sustainable.
Pure joy looks like this! Exploring Kenya by bike lets you experience the landscape in a whole new way. No engine noise, just you and the wild open spaces.
Standing at the crossroads of the world in Nanyuki - where our adventures quite literally straddle the equator!
The Real Kenya: Beyond What Google Can Tell You
Let me be real with you - Kenya isn't just about safaris (though oh my goodness, the wildlife will blow your mind). It's about so much more:
The People
The Kenyan people touched my heart in ways I never expected. Their kindness is genuine and overwhelming. One evening, sitting by the campfire with our chef Issa (who, by the way, is an absolute culinary wizard), he shared stories about raising his sister's daughters after her passing. "It's not important right now that they know I'm not their father," he told me. "What's important is that they grow up to be strong and smart and healthy. This is how it is in Kenya."
Speaking of Issa - can we talk about the food for a moment? I'll be honest, I went in with modest expectations, but our private chefs, Issa and Ruben, absolutely blew me away. Every. Single. Day. We're talking homemade soups (sometimes prepared by headlamp!), Indian cuisine, fresh pasta, Thai dishes, and the most amazing salads. And yes, this dynamic duo is exclusive to my trips - just one of those special touches that makes our journeys unique!
Walking with the women of the Samburu community.
One of our Samburu guides whose deep knowledge of the land has been passed down through generations. His stories will change how you see the world.
Using miswak, AKA nature’s toothbrush—a local plant known for its teeth-cleaning properties.
This is modern Kenya - where traditional ingredients meet contemporary creativity. Just wait until you taste these rainbow carrots with local honey and locally-sourced ingredients at one of Nairobi's innovative farm-to-table restaurants.
Who says sustainable travel can't be sophisticated? Sipping on passion fruit cocktails in Nairobi.
The Landscapes
Friends, I had moments where I literally forgot I was in Africa. One minute you're looking at scenery that could be the coast of Lake Superior, the next you're in what feels like Colombia, and then - BAM - you're surrounded by wildlife that reminds you exactly where you are. The sunrises and sunsets? They defy description.
Pedaling through Hell's Gate National Park.
Those magical African sunsets hit different when you're watching local fishermen navigate Lake Naivasha's waters.
Samburu National Reserve offers some incredible wildlife spotting.
My favorite photo of the entire trip taken while hippo spotting at Lake Nakuru—these quiet moments are what make Kenya truly special.
The Wildlife (and the Real Talk About It)
Nature is beautiful, but let's be honest - it's also raw and real. My animal-loving heart had to come to terms with some realities (sorry, Disney didn't quite get it all right). But what I learned fascinated me:
Did you know giraffes and warthogs (or "pumbas" as they're called in Kenya) travel together? The warthogs use giraffes for shade and predator alerts, while the giraffes... well, they use the warthogs as easy bait. Nature is metal, friends.
Those beautiful zebras standing together facing opposite directions? They're actually watching each other's backs. Practical AND photogenic!
And yes, hippos are NOT the gentle giants you might think. They're actually considered the most dangerous animals in Africa (though their babies are ridiculously cute).
Ope—hello there! Local residents like this hippo remind us we're guests in their home. Responsible tourism means respecting wildlife and their habitats.
Pelican flying over Lake Naivasha.
Face to face with one of Kenya's most magnificent residents. Conservation isn't just a buzzword here - it's a way of life, and your visit helps protect these incredible creatures.
That moment when you realize you're not just on any safari - you're witnessing one of Earth's most spectacular wildlife displays in its natural habitat.
Sometimes the most profound connections happen when you just look…UP.
Something that really struck me was the dedication to wildlife protection. You never leave your jeep during safari - it's not just about the hefty $5k fine, it's about respecting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Seeing armed rangers patrolling for poachers was a sobering reminder of the ongoing battle to protect these amazing animals. The idea that anyone would want to hunt these magnificent creatures is completely incomprehensible to me.
A gentle giant casually greeting a nearby Jeep on our morning drive in the Kenyan bush.
The Unexpected Magic of Tent Living
I have to share something that surprised me - I absolutely LOVED tent camping! I’ve certainly tent-camped many times in my life, but I was nervous and excited about doing it in a foreign country, bringing my own camping gear, etc. While our future group trips will definitely include upgrade options (because I know it's not everyone's cup of tea), there's something magical about overlanding. Picture this: moving from place to place, setting up camp under vast African skies, and experiencing this incredible communal aspect of travel that makes everything feel more authentic and connected.
Our intimate group sizes mean you're not just another tourist in a convoy - you're part of a close-knit family of adventurers sharing life-changing moments together.
Our home on wheels.
Breaking Down the Misconceptions
Let's address what might be on your mind - Kenya can feel really foreign and maybe a bit intimidating to many people. I get it. But here's the truth: I felt safe the entire time. Yes, it's different. Yes, it's going to push you out of your comfort zone. But there is NOTHING cookie-cutter about Kenya, and that's exactly what makes it magical.
Break down barriers and build bridges of understanding, one high-five at a time.
Supporting local economies isn't just good practice - it's how we ensure tourism uplifts communities.
The Must-Experience Moments
Want to know what should be on your Kenya bucket list?
Riding in a Matatu - these incredibly vibrant local buses of Nairobi are a whole vibe, complete with contests for the best designs!
Visiting local villages and tribes - the authenticity of these experiences is humbling.
And yes, a safari! We were incredibly lucky to see four of the "Big 5" in less than 24 hours, including a lion on our very first day!
Meet one of the incredible women entrepreneurs in the Samburu community who reminds us that true luxury lies in authentic connection.
This is the view the animals had of US.
Saying hello to my new friends.
The Hidden Gems That Change You Forever
Our visit to the Umoja Women's Village in Samburu.
Picture this: nestled along the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River, about 380km from Nairobi, lies a community that embodies everything I believe travel should be about - resilience, transformation, and the power of women supporting women.
This isn't your typical cultural visit (you know I'm all about going deeper!). While the village is home to members of the Samburu tribe (cousins to the Maasai we often hear about), what makes it extraordinary is that it's a sanctuary created by and for women and their children. When we arrived, we were welcomed with traditional songs and dances that at first glance looked joyful and mesmerizing - imagine intricate beaded necklaces seeming to dance with a life of their own! But here's where the magic of slow, intentional travel comes in - because beneath those beautiful performances lies a story of incredible strength.
The village was founded in the early 1990s by the inspiring Rebecca Lolosoli as a safe haven for women escaping harmful traditional practices. I'll be honest - some of the stories are heavy (trigger warning: the women here have survived gender-based sexual violence, forced early marriage, and other challenging circumstances). But what they've created isn't just a refuge - it's a thriving community that shows what's possible when women come together to create change.
This is exactly why I scout these destinations personally - while many visitors to Kenya focus solely on safari experiences (which, don't get me wrong, are INCREDIBLE), connecting with the women of Umoja offers something equally powerful - a chance to learn about real challenges, real solutions, and real change happening at the grassroots level. If you're moved by their story like I was, the best way to support their mission is through a respectful visit or direct donation to their community. And yes, this will absolutely be a meaningful stop on our 2026 journey.
Joy is contagious! Our pineapple farmers showing off their harvest.
Meet Justin, our incredible local guide who knows every corner of Kenya. His infectious laugh, photographic eye, and deep knowledge of the area makes every trip an unforgettable adventure.
Kobe Tough, a bead shop that I absolutely fell in love with. I love their mission. They take you through the entire process of making handmade beads, from creating the clay to buying the necklaces and bracelets in the store.
Seeing these artisans create and hearing them sing literally brought me to tears.
Each bead is carefully selected and sorted by hand - it's this attention to detail that makes Kenyan artisanal work so special.
Looking Ahead: Join Me in Kenya
I'm planning something incredibly special for 2026. We'll bring sanitary supplies for local schoolgirls (because missing school due to periods shouldn't be a thing), support local artisans, and experience the raw beauty of Kenya together.
If you've ever dreamed of Africa but felt overwhelmed by the planning, uncertain about traveling solo, or worried about making responsible choices - I've got you. This isn't your typical safari tour. This is about community, connection, and experiencing one of the most beautiful places on Earth in a way that gives back more than it takes.
Stay tuned for more details about our upcoming Kenya adventure. And remember, sometimes the best journeys are the ones that choose us.
Ready to explore Kenya in a way that's authentic, responsible, and truly transformative? Join our waitlist to be the first to know about our 2026 Kenya adventure!
