A Journey Between City, Wild Safari & Soft Sands
Nairobi – Masai Mara – Mombasa – Malindi
Special Thanks to Those Who Made This African Dream Possible
This adventure was made possible by our dear partners — friends who helped us live Africa in such a beautiful and profound way.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Paddington and Emilia, our wonderful partners from Essence of Africa, for inviting us to the networking event in Malindi — a gathering of travel professionals infused with authenticity, generosity, and connection.
A warm thank you also goes to John and the PrideInn Hotels team, for their incredible hospitality in every location, seamless transfers, unforgettable game drives, and the care of their wonderful local guides.
We truly make a great team!
With deep gratitude for everything we’ve lived, we’re sharing our story — our Kenyan adventure where we felt Africa in every heartbeat.
The buzz of Nairobi, the raw wilderness of Masai Mara, the Maasai dances, the tropical calm of Mombasa, the Malindi workshops, the food, the laughter, and the colors that stay with you forever.
Kenya is where you meet the grace of giraffes, the elegance of gazelles, the strength of rhinos, and the tension of a lion hunting its prey.
Come see how we lived the magic of Africa!
Travel period: October 1–10, 2025
Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi
Welcome to Nairobi! Jambo Kenya!
The moment we landed, the tropical air embraced us — warm breeze, honking cars, Swahili chatter, color, and chaos all around.
Our partners from PrideInn Azure Hotel greeted us at the airport and transferred us to the Westlands business district, one of Nairobi’s safest and most modern areas.
Our room at PrideInn Azure Hotel Nairobi Westlands 4★ was huge and spotless. Excellent service and genuine smiles. After breakfast and a short rest, we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch on the terrace — a rich mix of Kenyan and international flavors.
In the afternoon, we drove about 30 km outside the city to visit a tea plantation in Limuru.
Nairobi is full of contrasts — sleek skyscrapers and trendy cafés on one side, and street markets bursting with raw life on the other.
At Ridge Cabin Resort 4★, a brand-new luxury retreat opened in 2025, we taste the comfort and the high service, in contract with the life we just sow minutes ago on the streets.
We learned that tea pickers earn just $1 per basket, while we happily pay double that for a cup! Life’s little ironies.
A short walk among the bright green hills was the perfect detox before lunch in the garden. A photo to remember!
We are heading back to the bustling city for dinner at PrideInn Westlands Luxury Boutique Hotel 4★.
i have stayed in this hotel last year, but had no photo by the bar, now we have!
Dinner with the hotel’s General Manager, Prakash, turned into a joyful cultural exchange about travel, India, and hospitality — and of course, a fun photo at the end!
Though short, this Nairobi stop reminded us how much there is to explore.
Read more in my “Nairobi Story” — where you’ll find tips on visiting the Giraffe Center, dining at Sarova Stanley 5★, or sipping cocktails with a city view at The View, Mövenpick Hotel 5★.
Day 2 – On the Road to Masai Mara
Early morning, we set out for Masai Mara National Reserve — the beating heart of the African wilderness.
The six-hour drive unfolded through ever-changing landscapes: rolling green hills, tiny villages, children waving from the roadside, and herds guarded by proud Maasai warriors in red.
We stopped at a Rift Valley viewpoint, browsed a local craft shop, and admired the endless horizon.
This wooden rhino was nice!
As we approached the savanna, the air turned warm and earthy.
When we arrived at PrideInn Mara Camp 4★, we were greeted with traditional Maasai dances — we even tried a few jumps ourselves to “blend in.”
Our tented suite felt like a boutique hotel in the wild — spacious, elegant, with a view over the river and an inviting pool area.
Let’s enjoy the jacuzzi!
After some downtime and a spa session, we joined dinner on the terrace.
Optional for the evening was a visit to a Maasai village, where locals shared songs, dances, and the beauty of their simple, dignified life — selling colorful beaded jewelry, each piece telling a story.
Day 3 – Safari Day in Masai Mara
At dawn, we set out for our first game drive.
The golden light revealed the wild theater of Africa: lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants — life and survival in their purest form.
We stumbled upon a lioness feeding her cubs, fresh from a hunt.
i took a photo of how the warthog became lunch.
Our driver chuckled: “The warthog is not the smartest animal — it runs, then stops to think why it was running.”
Poor creature, but nature follows its rhythm.
We later saw lions resting lazily under acacia trees — full and content.
Zebras stood perfectly aligned, like dancers in a silent performance, what a sight!
But what’s it like when a mountain of strength stares straight into your eyes?
At first, he seems gentle, doesn’t he?
I waved at him playfully — but he just walked away, calm and detached, chewing lazily.
There’s something deeply moving about life in balance here — raw yet peaceful.
Even the American tourists fell asleep with their cameras in their hands…
That giraffe radiates pure grace!
Her swaying walk feels like an open invitation to join her for a slow stroll across the savanna…
Our local guide, a Kenyan with a big smile and sharp eyes, suddenly called out:
“Let’s go! We have to get back before the rain comes — look at that storm on the horizon!”
Luckily, it only brushed past us — a light tropical shower that refreshed our sense of adventure.
We returned to the lodge just before a brief tropical rain, the perfect ending to a perfect day.
In Masai Mara, you’re just meters away from The Big Five, and if you’re lucky, you’ll witness a sunset that stays with you forever.
Our local partners are at your disposal.
Day 4 – From Mara to Nairobi to Mombasa
This day was a blend of safari, city, and sea.
We left the savanna behind, drove back to Nairobi Airport, and caught a short flight to Mombasa.
Along the way, we stopped for souvenirs at a big gift shop — Sand Grouse Curios and Art Gallery
I usually pride myself on being a good negotiator, but this time… no luck! I couldn’t get a single magnet below 15 USD.
So I told myself — I’ll just get one at the airport instead!
Each time we stopped somewhere, we were instantly surrounded by locals trying to sell us little wooden figurines through the car window — always starting at 10 dollars.
Passing through Nairobi’s slums, where nearly a million people live in difficult conditions, was a sobering reminder of reality.
We had a delicious lunch at PrideInn Plaza Nairobi Airport 4★, then boarded a comfortable SkyWorld flight to Mombasa — only one hour.
Upon arrival, the warm sea breeze instantly shifted the vibe.
Our home for the next days: PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa Mombasa 4★, a tropical paradise with palm trees and really white sand.
A nice room and a great view!
In the evening, we enjoyed dinner and a show. Being right by the beach, the hotel hosted a lively entertainment program after sunset.
A delicious seaside dinner followed by a traditional performance made the night slip away far too quickly.
Day 5 – Mombasa
Morning by the beach — quiet, sunny, and peaceful.
The tide was low, so we lounged on the soft sand before hopping on a jet ski for some fun. It was great!
In the afternoon we head out to Mtwapa Creek, for a sundown cruise.
We pass by the historic prison in Mombasa, making our way to the dock to board the speedboats. The energy is electric as we cruise under the iconic Mtwapa Bridge, dancing and cheering with excitement.
As we glide across the water, we spot The Moorings—Mtwapa’s famous floating restaurant. A true local landmark, it’s been around longer than some of us, standing as a symbol of the area’s charm and character.
We return singing happily HAKUNA MATATA… take a shower and get ready for an elegant dinner.
Dinner at Istanbul Beach Cave Restaurant, rated #8 of 191 in Mombasa, was an absolute treat — amazing Turkish food and warm hospitality.
Try this out!
Cosy and elegant:
Day 6 – On to Malindi Beach
After breakfast, we enjoyed a few more seaside hours before a 3-hour drive north to Malindi.
Our stay: Diamonds Malindi Resort 4★ (rating 7.9). The beach has strong tides, so swimming isn’t ideal, but the pools are perfect. We settled in for three days of a business event.
Day 7 – Malindi Beach & Networking Event
After breakfast, the Essence of Africa business event began — cheerful meetings, smiles, and small gifts exchanged under the sun.
Lunch is served again in the lush garden of Diamonds Malindi Resort.
Today feels a bit warmer — maybe it’s time to look for something light and vegetarian?
Evening brought an Open Party at the neighboring Kilili Baharini Resort 5★ — a boutique gem where cocktails met tribal dances.
We all joined in — Romanians and Poles leading the dance floor!
Toward the end of the evening, we spotted a cake sitting quietly near the stage — almost forgotten.
Curious, we asked about it, and soon enough we were invited to have a slice.
It was delicious!
And just like that, we found ourselves sharing spoonfuls of cake with every delegate from Romania and Poland — dancing a little, then sneaking another bite, laughing all the way through.
Later, we spotted a beautiful painting hanging from a tree. I fell in love with it instantly, I want it!
I even made a playful bet with colleagues, and bought it the next day for $30 instead of $50. Now it’s waiting to be framed back home.
Day 8 – Malindi Business Day
Another sunny morning, more business tables, and friendly faces.
The exhibition area was full of colorful art and local crafts — a great place to find souvenirs between meetings.
Evening brought a Sundowner Dinner in the garden, under lantern lights and palm trees.
Day 9 – Farewell Celebrations
By now, we’re starting to recognize familiar faces whenever our paths cross — connecting a face to a business card or an email address.
And how do we really connect? With gifts, of course! I still treasure the little necklace I received from Afrogem, Cape Town — a sweet reminder!
Over a seafood lunch, we talked about partnerships and future plans.
That night, we traveled to Temple Point Resort Watamu 5★ for the Closing Party — a magical beachside venue known for diving and sunsets.
With toes in the sand, conversations turned from business to friendship.
Day 10 – Last Day in Malindi
Time to literally walk on water!
We booked a snorkeling trip at Marine National Park, but due to low tide, we had to walk through coral remains and seaweed to reach the boats.
The experience wasn’t as vibrant as expected — few fish, dead corals — but still an adventure to remember.
I was the captain for a short time!
After lunch on the hotel terrace overlooking the ocean, we enjoy the last hours by the beach.
Then, our 3-hour transfer took us back to Mombasa Airport for the flight home with Fly Dubai.
At the airport, I spent my last shillings on a beautiful souvenir mug, perfect for sipping African tea while writing this very story.
In Conclusion
If you’re dreaming of a journey that combines adventure, nature, culture, and relaxation, Kenya is the perfect choice.
It’s not just a trip — it’s an experience that changes how you see the world.
Join us and feel the real Africa.
We can tailor your itinerary based on your travel dates, group size, and preferences.
Let’s design your African dream together!
Daniela Berbece
Founder & Travel Designer
📞 +40 741 559 352
📧 daniela@enjoytouring.ro
🌐 enjoytouring.ro/blog
Useful Travel Info – Kenya
🔹 Visa: must be obtained online before arrival at etakenya.go.ke. No visas issued upon arrival.
🔹 Vaccinations: Yellow fever (mandatory with the Yellow Card), typhoid, hepatitis A & B, diphtheria, and polio recommended.
🔹 Travel insurance: strongly advised — Kenya’s private healthcare is reliable but costly.
🔹 Best time to visit: June–September, during the Great Migration.
