Kenya -

Surreal Nairobi – between safari and concrete

Gosia — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:23:35 +0000

It’s hard to believe that the land now occupied by Kenya’s capital was once covered in swamps. The Maasai called this place Enkare Nyrobi, meaning “cool waters.” This is where the name of the metropolis comes from. Nairobi’s development began at the end of the 19th century, when the area’s potential as a trade center was recognized. As the city grew, the Maasai, who grazed cattle here, were displaced. Today, Nairobi is called the “Silicon Savannah” due to its flourishing tech industry. It is also known as the “Green City in the Sun,” and for good reason. The city boasts numerous parks and green spaces. Nevertheless, it is a city of contrasts. Over 60% of its 4.5 million inhabitants live in poverty. Nairobi is also home to one of the largest slums in Africa—Kibera. Just a short distance beyond the borders of the Central Business District, you can witness the true realities of life in this city. Personally, the city didn’t appeal to me, but it is worth visiting for one unique attraction. Just 7 kilometers from Nairobi, you can find yourself in a completely different reality. The Nairobi National Park offers a surreal sight of wildlife against the backdrop of the urban skyline. The park was established in 1946 and is the oldest protected area in Kenya. Despite its relatively small size, the park is home to many wild animals. Over 70 species of mammals live here, including lions, leopards, zebras, monkeys, and buffalo, though elephants are absent as the park is too small for them. The park is also a popular bird-watching destination and a key habitat for the endangered black rhinoceros. Entrance to the park isn’t cheap. A standard ticket costs $60, while a discounted one for children is $20. However, the opportunity to witness wildlife against the backdrop of a large metropolis justifies the price. The roads are in good condition, and during the dry season, the park can be easily explored with a regular car without four-wheel drive. However, be aware that park rangers might claim this is impossible, trying to push you to rent a 4×4 vehicle at a cost of $150 to $200. This is false, and as long as the weather conditions are favourable, entering the park with a regular private car shouldn’t be an issue. In conclusion, Nairobi may not be an ideal tourist destination, but it’s certainly worth a visit for the unique opportunity to see wildlife set against the skyline of this vast metropolis.

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Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park

Gosia — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 16:57:45 +0000

Lake Naivasha is located along the eastern part of the East African Rift, a tectonic depression system that has shaped the landscape of this region in interesting ways. It’s the highest freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,884 meters above sea level, and is fed by the Malewa and Gilgil rivers. The high elevation of Lake Naivasha and its freshwater environment create a unique ecosystem that attracts over 400 species of birds. Visitors can spot numerous cormorants, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and eagles. In addition to the birds, the area is home to numerous hippos, while the lakeshore provides an ideal habitat for zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and monkeys. Moreover, the park is home to various predators. One of the most surprising sights for me was the rare view of a lioness climbing a tree. Apparently, in areas with higher vegetation, lions often rest in tree canopies to gain a better vantage point for spotting prey. Another incredible sight was a leopard lounging on a tree trunk, perfectly blending into its surroundings. At first glance, it was almost invisible. Furthermore, I was finally able to see there the endangered rhinos. Nearby, the impressive Hell’s Gate National Park offers stunning cliffs, gorges carved by water, and geothermal activity. The park offers various attractions, from wildlife observation, hiking and climbing to cycling. It is the only park in Kenya that allows such activities. A must-visit spot is the lower gorge, where visitors can see interesting rock formations. Hell’s Gate was formed as a result of volcanic activity. In the early 20th century, a volcanic eruption forced the last remaining tribes to leave the area, giving rise to the park’s name, “Hell’s Gate.” The park features numerous geothermal springs, a product of volcanic activity, which are used for energy production. The Olkaria geothermal power plant, the largest and oldest in Africa, is located here. The park also features a spa where visitors can enjoy hot spring baths. Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park offer the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a great option for a day trip from Nairobi, providing a chance to relax in the midst of Kenya’s beautiful natural surroundings.

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Amboseli National Park- balloon ride with a view of Kilimanjaro

Gosia — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 16:54:14 +0000

Amboseli National Park is the second most visited park in Kenya, right after the famous Masai Mara, attracting tourists from all over the world. The park’s name, “Amboseli,” means “salty dust” in the Maasai language, reflecting its semi-arid nature. Initially established in 1906 as the Southern Reserve for the Maasai people, it was designated a national park in 1974. The park’s diverse landscape consists of four main zones: savannah, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and the dried-up Amboseli lake bed. The park is home to numerous underground springs fed by the ice cap of Kilimanjaro. These water sources create an ideal habitat for birds. Around 400 bird species inhabit the park, including pelicans, kingfishers, flamingos, herons, ostriches, and storks. However, the park’s most famous attraction is its large elephant herds. It’s estimated that over 1,600 elephants live in Amboseli. In addition to elephants, visitors can also see lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and hippos. The best view of the park is from Observation Hill, offering a sweeping panorama of the plains, swamps, and if weather permits, a glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, standing at 19,341 feet. Sadly, seeing the entire mountain is rare, as its peak is often hidden by clouds. The best time to see it is at dawn or sunset, when the clouds tend to rise. Last year, while I was in Tanzania, I only managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of the mountain’s majestic peak. So this year, I set myself the goal of seeing it in all its glory. I had no choice but to opt for a balloon ride. 😉I must say, it was one of those experiences that I’ll remember for a long time. While it might not be the best way to spot wildlife, from high up, you can admire the park’s spectacular panorama. High above the ground, I watched an incredible sunrise over the vast Amboseli plains. Then, moments later, Kilimanjaro emerged from the clouds. The view was breathtaking, and the mountain seemed to rise from nowhere. I could even see the snow-covered peak. At that moment, I thought to myself, it’s time to make another dream come true and climb to the summit. The best time to visit Amboseli is during the dry season, from June to October. During this period, the grass is shorter, making it easier to spot animals, as they gather around water sources. The weather is also favorable – the days are warm, and the nights cooler, with temperatures dropping to as low as 15°C. Entrance to the park costs $60, with a discounted rate of $35 for children. Amboseli National Park is not only a haven for wildlife but also a symbol of successful conservation efforts. It stands as a living testament to the harmonious coexistence of people and wildlife, especially the Maasai people, who have played a key role in protecting this unique ecosystem. Amboseli National Park offers unforgettable experiences. The stunning views of Kilimanjaro, vast elephant herds, and rich biodiversity make this place truly special. Finally, a sunset at the campsite at the foot of Kilimanjaro 😊

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