“To live long is to see much”
Swahili Proverb
Although known mostly for the inland savannah plains of the Maasai Mara, Kenya boasts beautiful beaches on its Indian Ocean coast along with metropolises teaming with history clashing with modernity. We have already explored Maasai Mara in a previous blog post, and in this one we will continue our adventure into one of the bustling powerhouses of East Africa, Kenya!
Welcome to Kenya!
Itinerary
- First, I flew into Mombasa on the coast of Kenya from Zanzibar, Tanzania.
- I spent a couple of nights exploring Mombasa, which is the second largest city in Kenya and one with historical significance. I mostly explored around the city and its bustling markets, forts, and mosques. Notable sights include Fort Jesus, a stroll into the Old Town and its markets, and the Mombasa Tusks (Pembe Mbili). Since this was an ancient trading post, watch out for Swahili, Arabic, Portuguese, and British influences!
- Then, I took an hour taxi ride down to Diani Beach, where I spent several nights. This is the backpacker hub of Kenya, set along one of the most pristine coasts of the Indian Ocean. Winds are high up so it is a perfect place for windsurfing! Otherwise, this is a perfect place to meet people from around the world, soak the sun in and plunge into the water during the day, and party during the night! Do not miss out on great Swahili cuisine either!
- From their, I flew directly from a small airstrip, Ukunda airstrip, to Maasai Mara (which I wrote about in another blog post here!)
- From Maasai Mara, I flew in directly into Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, landing in one of its 2 airports, Wilson airport (for small charter planes).
- I spent two nights in Nairobi before flying back home. If you want to know one thing about Nairobi, it is that it is the only capital in the world that has a National park filled with animals in their natural habitat within its immediate vicinity! Notable places to visit include Giraffe Manor (where you can feed and pet Giraffes and have breakfast with them), Kenyatta International Convention Center (where you can see the whole city from the helipad for a panoramic view), Mamba Village (crocodile farm), and Bomas of Kenya (a cultural open-air center featuring local dances). At night, if you are in the mood to party and meet both locals and international tourists, make sure to pass by The Alchemist, one of the most famous night clubs in all of Kenya!
A Few Tips
- The trip between Mombasa and Diani Beach can be done mostly by taxi (with a small ferry ride in Mombasa). I am not aware of other ways to go there but this seemed the better option. You can hire local taxis that can double both as a tour guide and as transportation all the way down to Diani Beach
- Diani Beach is a backpacker haven, so make sure to experience one of the hostels there! I stayed in Diani Backpackers. Also, you do not need to share a room with someone. There are hostels that offer cheap private rooms.
- Yes, Diani Beach has a small airstrip that takes you to Maasai Mara.
- Make sure you take the necessary vaccinations and medications prior to traveling there (especially against yellow fever and malaria). There are many local travel clinics in your city that offer those. Make sure to carry the yellow vaccination certificate for yellow fever and other vaccines with you as they might ask you for that in customs.
- On the same note, make sure you visit your primary care doctor and take some necessary medications with you (anti-nausea/diarrhea, motion sickness, fever, antibiotics…etc).
- Don’t forget mosquito repellants! Also, most beds in Kenya have nettings over them but do double check before reserving any accommodation!
- If someone offers a free tour/guide, be skeptical as they usually expect hefty tips. Set a price in advance.
- There is a lot of solicitation of services around you that is both endearing and sometimes quite annoying. Be ready to weather down these efforts or at least bargain the price!
- In Nairobi, make sure to research where you stay. There are places that are generally safe, and others that are not and are advisable to avoid. Hire a local guide to show you around at all times.
Check out even more places on my instagram page, Doctor on the Plane! @doctorontheplane
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