After three full days of venturing outside the city, sitting in traffic and hiking endless miles it was time to explore the largest city in Kenya, Nairobi. Nairobi also happens to be our home base for almost two weeks and if you can handle all the traffic it’s got a bit to see!
We began our day with some much needed Java and then took a minibus to the city center. Take a minibus or Matatu when you are in Nairobi! It is cheap, it is fun, and it is fast, but be mindful of your belongings! Always be mindful of your belongings in Nairobi. Once off the bus we went straight for the KICC where you get the best views of the skyline from the roof! Oddly enough this government building’s architecture was inspired by a Donkey’s Dong! I kid you not, someone thought a Donkey Dong would make for a great building 😂
We soaked in the views of the city and then went shopping in the nearby market. Now I got some neat finds, but the experience was not my favorite. I wasn’t prepared and hadn’t separated my money, so when bartering with the locals I was bullied into paying more because they could see I had more than I was telling them I had. Most people in Kenya have been very kind and helpful but be prepared when you head to the markets. Get a bronze necklace! They are beautiful.
If it rains like it did for us, go see a movie! The theater was nice, the popcorn was good and well the movie was on my list to see anyway!
After four days of being stuck in a car or a plane with little to no movement we finally got to stretch our legs. The climb to Mt. Longonot definitely did the trick! It was exhausting and a bit strenuous between jet lag and the altitude shift, but boy were we thrilled with the views you're rewarded with at the summit!
In the center of this old volcano is a jungle which is home to many cheetahs, and you can actually book a stay to camp in among them (with an armed guide of course!) so for those who are more adventurous look into that incredible experience! Also, if you have more time you can walk the entire rim. If we had more time I would have loved to do both! I’m adding it to my list of things to do when I return!
I’m a big fan of the @SheldrickWildlifeTrust. I’ve been following the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage for a while now and to have the opportunity to see these young elephants in person was amazing.
Little Enkesha for example was a young calf found with her trunk badly tangled in a poacher’s snare. Not only were the foundation’s vets able to save her life, but she now has full function of her trunk which will one day allow her to be reintegrated into the wild!
My advice is to show up early! They only open the orphanage to the public between 11am and 12pm everyday. If you adopt an orphan you could get special time with that elephant at 5pm, but you have to schedule an appointment in advance. The earlier the better, so don’t make my mistake and go adopt an elephant now, then schedule that private appointment! You can find a link at @SheldrickWildlifeTrust!
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