Jambo!
Last summer, we went on a dream trip to Kenya! The highlight of our trip was definitely camping in the African savannah and experiencing the safari in the world famous Masai Mara National reserve!
We have all seen the videos of safari but when you actually experience it, it's totally mind blowing! We saw over 40 wild animals including Lions, Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Leopards etc. and the migration of wild buffaloes!
The most frequently asked question from our friends and family was, "Scary, right?". Yes, it is scary at least initially for tourists like us but not for the locals. It's amazing to see how they co-exist with the wild animals; with a lot of awareness of animal behavior and do's and don'ts. It's a way of life here!
We also got a taste of life in Masai village and checked out their beautiful hand made crafts like jewelry, baskets, shawls, wooden/ metal arts.
The village folk performed a traditional dance which was lovely and we heard many stories. 
Masai young boys were known to kill a Lion to prove their strength in the past. Today, the villagers are quite aware of the importance of the safari tourism industry and take pride in conserving the wild animals. They have a jumping contest instead and the highest jumper wins the hand of the most suitable girl!
Our next stop was in another wild animal conservancy called Ol Pejeta. It's such a beautiful place set against the back drop of Mount Kenya! They are known for their conservancy efforts especially towards Rhinos and rescued Chimpanzees. They are home to the last two remaining female endangered northern white rhinos. This area also cuts through the equator.
The capital city, Nairobi was our pit stop between the safaris. Here we got to spend a few days with my Uncle, Aunt and cousin who hosted us. We also visited several interesting sights near Nairobi like Lake Elementaita, the great rift valley, Giraffe center, more Masai market shopping and Kazuri beads! 
Kazuri, which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili, began in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting in hand crafted ceramic beads. Its founder started it with a mission to provide and sustain employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan society, especially Single Motherhood women. Today Kazuri has grown tremendously and now has a large workforce of over 340 women skilled in the crafting of ceramic beads, strung into beautiful and artistic jewelry. Each piece is handmade and hand painted in rich colors. We got a tour of the bead making, kids tried their hand at painting/ stringing the beads; and I had my fill selecting beautiful colors of these beads to take home. Making wire wrapped jewelry is one my hobbies!
Our final destination was to the African coast, Diani beach! A few days of sun, ocean and delicious food was a wonderful way to end this trip of a lifetime! Hakuna Matata!
We will always cherish the great memories of sunrise safaris and sundowner bonfire in the savannah!
Asante sana!
2 comments
After reading this I want to go there even more….
Lovely narration Priya. Must have been an amazing experience!