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Countdown to Kenya
I can hear Kenya calling me… two days out until my first Africa adventure!
I’m packed, prepped, and ready to go!!
And for once I’m feeling pretty calm about the whole thing. I’m definitely excited instead of anxious, which is really refreshing!!
Booking the Trip
Going to Kenya has been on my bucket list forever.
I’ve had images of giraffes on my vision board for over a decade! When I was a teenager I had giraffes around my bedroom, and to this day I am drawn to them in any form.
Going on an Africa safari always meant Kenya to me. I toyed briefly with South Africa but just felt drawn to the Kenyan savannah. So when the opportunity to finally make the trip came up there wasn’t even a question. Kenya was calling!
Unusually for me I am not planning this trip. Instead I’ve utilised a travel agency and just sat back. They planned the flights, airport transfers, the safari, and extra night’s accommodation in Nairobi for me.
On a family recommendation I booked with Freedom Destinations. Everything seems to be in order, and i appreciate the guide they provide for preparing to visit Kenya.
I’m embarking on a six day safari, visiting four locations in Kenya.
The tour includes four game drives, and all meals whilst out of Nairobi. The lodges are inside the National Parks, with opportunities to view the wildlife from your accommodation. I’m particularly excited about visiting The Ark which overlooks a main water hole in Aberdare National Park.
We cover a lot of ground and maximise our time, so will be quite full on. But I’m hoping to squeeze in as much time soaking up nature as possible.
Planning and Preparation
Obviously there are some things I have to do myself in getting organised.
The five key things to do in preparation for Kenyan travel are:
- Get vaccinations up to date and buy malaria medication
- Apply for an e-visa
- Check passport has six months on after departure date
- Check luggage rules for safari, NOT just the flight
- Purchase some Kenyan shillings – cash is still king in Africa
I was almost caught out by the luggage rules. Thinking I’d just take a suitcase until four weeks ago, it turns out this is not okay.
The general rule of thumb is have a soft shell bag, which can be easily squeezed into tight spaces. Ideally keeping the weight to under 12kg.
So my trusty backpack is getting out the attic for the first time in six years!
Packing Essentials
If you search the internet, every site will tell you the same generic advice.
Essentially, wear natural colours, lightweight trousers, and long sleeves.
Now my wardrobe is primarily black and blue so this meant shopping!
I have managed to get three pairs of thin trousers in khaki green and brown, three linen tops in beige, and a couple of sand coloured shirts. So I guess we shall see if this was necessary or not in a few days… watch this space!
I’m really trying to travel light, and hopefully won’t get any last minute anxiety about not having enough.
I’ve already probably over done it with mosquito repellent and sunscreen. And it’s taking a lot of restraint to not add in another pair of shoes.
I do have a few snacks in case gluten free food is an issue. And a rather heavy duty portable fan because I really hate being too hot. But if that’s what I have to do to keep my anxiety at bay, so be it.
Staying Anxiety Free
I feel oddly chill about this trip… I’m just excited without feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
I haven’t really overthought anything and feel confident I’m prepared enough.
There was a minor blip last week as I fell down a tripadvisor review rabbit hole. It’s so easy to focus on negative comments even when they are in the minority.
Basically, I started looking up all the safari accommodations out of curiosity. Having not done any of the booking myself I didn’t really give it much thought. These were the lodges on the tour, end of planning.
Initially I am just excited as I look at the pictures and see the scenery. The top reviews are glowing and I’m really pleased with where we will be staying.
Then I see one or two one star reviews and I start to overthink.
What if there’s no gluten free food?
What if the bed is so uncomfortable I can’t sleep at all?
What if I get bitten by bugs or catch a disease from the water?
And so on and so on?
But as a testament to just how excited I am for this trip, I quickly conclude that I don’t care. I so desperately want to visit this country there is nothing that can put me off.
I don’t care if the flight is awful, the rooms dated and dirty, or if I have to live off rice for a week. If I see giraffes in the wild I am ecstatic!!
The countdown is on…
This time tomorrow I’ll be at the airport hotel, probably too excited to sleep!
Honestly I might be too excited to sleep tonight too!
And in just under 48 hours I’ll land in Kenya. My Africa adventure awaits!
