Shobha’s Exciting Kenya Adventure: A Trip Full of Firsts
When my husband and I decided to take a trip to Kenya, little did we know that it would become a journey of “firsts” for us. At this stage in our lives, you’d think we’ve done it all— traveled to a few countries, raised a family, and retired into a peaceful routine.
But Kenya? It was an entirely different ballgame. From booking a trip online for the first time to experiencing the thrill of a jeep safari, staying in a dense jungle, and immersing ourselves in African culture, this trip shattered our comfort zones in the best way possible.
I still remember sitting on the plane, my husband nervously clutching his travel pillow. “Are we really doing this?” he asked, half-laughing. I smiled and replied, “Yes, and it’s going to be amazing.” And oh, it truly was!
Untamed Trails!
The jeep safari was the highlight of our trip and, of course, a first for both of us. We’ve always been cautious drivers back home, sticking to speed limits and avoiding bumpy roads. But here in Lake Nakuru National Park, caution was thrown out the window as we zipped through the rugged terrain.
The jeep swerved and bounced, sending my husband and me into fits of laughter. “Hold on tight!” our guide Joseph shouted, grinning as he expertly navigated the rocky paths. The adrenaline rush was something I hadn’t felt in years. The open roof of the jeep allowed us to stand and soak in the vastness of the savannah, the wind whipping through our hair.
Every twist and turn revealed something magical— zebras grazing lazily, giraffes stretching their necks to nibble on the treetops, and a flock of flamingos painting the lake pink. The sheer beauty of the landscape and the thrill of the ride made us feel like kids again, experiencing the world with wide-eyed wonder.
Face-to-Face with the Wild!
If the jeep safari was thrilling, the wildlife encounters were absolutely surreal. In Maasai Mara, we had our first up-close experience with animals we’d only ever seen on TV.
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The moment that took my breath away was seeing a lioness lounging under an acacia tree. Our guide whispered, “Look closely,” and there they were— her cubs, playfully tumbling in the grass. It was a scene straight out of a documentary, but this time, we were part of it.
The sight of elephants marching with such elegance was truly mesmerising. A cheetah perched on a mound, scanning the horizon with its piercing gaze, added to the thrill. And then there were the baboons— playful, mischievous, and utterly unbothered by the curious humans nearby.
These encounters weren’t just thrilling, they were humbling. Watching these animals in their natural habitat made us realise how interconnected we are with nature. It was a profound experience that left us both speechless.
A Cultural Dive!
One of the most enriching parts of our trip was learning about African culture, particularly from the Maasai community. For the first time, we stepped into a world so different from our own, yet so welcoming and warm.
The Maasai people greeted us with their vibrant attire and infectious smiles. We learned about their traditions, from their intricate beadwork to their famous jumping dance, which my husband hilariously attempted (and failed). They even taught us a few phrases in Swahili, and while our pronunciation was far from perfect, they appreciated the effort.
What struck me most was their sense of community and simplicity. Watching them go about their daily lives— herding cattle, crafting jewelry, and sharing stories— was a lesson of finding joy in the little things. It was a cultural immersion that left us richer in spirit.
Living the Wildlife!
Staying in a jungle lodge in the heart of Lake Naivasha was another first for us. The idea of being surrounded by dense foliage and the sounds of the wild was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
Our lodge was rustic yet comfortable, with large windows that opened up to views of the jungle. At night, the symphony of crickets, frogs, and distant animal calls created an ambiance unlike anything we’d ever experienced. I’ll admit, I was a little spooked at first, but my husband reassured me with his usual humor, saying, “If a lion shows up, we’ll hide under the bed!”
The highlight was a serene boat ride on the lake, where we spotted hippos peeking curiously from the water and birds soaring gracefully overhead. The tranquility of the jungle was a stark contrast to the bustling cities we were used to, and it gave us a newfound appreciation for nature’s raw beauty.
The Star of the Show!
During one of our camping nights, we gathered around a bonfire with our travel group, which was mostly young adventurers. To my surprise, my husband became the center of attention as he shared stories from our life— how we met, our travels, and our decision to visit Kenya.
The youngsters listened intently, occasionally chiming in with questions or jokes. One of them even said, “You two are proof that adventure has no age limit.” It was a moment of pride for me, watching my husband, who usually prefers staying in the background, shine so brightly.
Booking Online with Thrillophilia!
Lastly, this trip wouldn’t have been possible without Thrillophilia. For two people who still struggle with smartphones, booking a trip online was a daunting task. But Thrillophilia’s website was surprisingly easy to navigate, and their customer service was exceptional.
From detailed itineraries to seamless communication, everything was handled with professionalism and care. They even arranged for our dietary preferences and ensured that every aspect of our trip was comfortable. This first-time online booking experience was a breeze, and it opened our eyes to the convenience of technology.
Final Thoughts…
Kenya was a trip full of firsts, each one more exciting than the last. It pushed us out of our comfort zones, reminded us of the joy of discovery, and left us with memories we’ll cherish forever. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this adventure, it’s that it’s never too late to try something new.
So here’s to more firsts, more adventures, and more stories to tell. Thank you, Kenya, for giving us the trip of a lifetime.
Read More: Thrillophilia Kenya Reviews