Nairobi was a whirlwind, a place where plans seem to form on their own, fueled by the city’s vibrant energy and the allure of unexpected adventures. Arriving late on December 23rd, we checked into the JW Marriott, our haven of comfort in the bustling Kenyan capital. As the city settled into the festive spirit, we had little idea that our stay would turn into a series of unforgettable experiences.

Christmas Eve: From Elephants to Lions (and Everything in Between)

The morning began with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, the perfect way to fuel up for a day that would take us from urban luxury to the wild heart of Africa. First on the agenda was a visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, a heartwarming sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants. While the babies were adorable and it was nice to pet them, there were about 100 people there and the interactions were limited, making it far less intimate than we would like.

As if by serendipity, we met Carina, Veronika, and Alberto at the orphanage. What started as all of us arriving late and trying to find our way into the orphange soon turned into an impromptu decision to hire a landcruiser and head out for a safari in Nairobi National Park.

Our initial plan was to spend an hour or two exploring the park, but Nairobi had other plans for us. Three and a half hours later, we had traversed the park, marveling at its unique juxtaposition of wildlife against the backdrop of the city skyline.

We were fortunate enough to spot the three of the Big Five: lions (including a mating pair right in the middle of the road!), rhinos, and the African buffalo.

The evening brought a dose of nostalgia as we reunited with my old friend Pamela, someone I hadn’t seen in over two decades. We met her and her boyfriend, Felix, at Njuguna’s, a traditional African eatery known for its hearty servings of traditional beef and goat. Between bites and sips, we caught up on years of life, and got some local advice and tips. To round off the day, we stopped for a few errands before heading back to the JW Marriott, where we ended the night with drinks at their chic rooftop bar.

Christmas Day: Giraffe Encounters and Poolside Bliss

Christmas morning greeted us with a sense of calm. We visited the Giraffe Center, where these majestic animals extended their necks to greet us and get snacks —a close encounter that brought out the childlike wonder in all of us. Watching the giraffes up close was a magical experience, their graceful movements and inquisitive eyes captivating us completely.

The rest of the day unfolded at a relaxed pace. We lounged by the JW Marriott’s pool, indulging in refreshing drinks under the warm Nairobi sun. The festive spirit lingered as we packed and prepared for the next leg of our adventure. In the evening, we ventured to Jiko at the Tribe Hotel for a casual Christmas dinner. The meal was a perfect blend of an international mix, combining western, african and indian into the menu.

Reflections on Nairobi

In just two days, Nairobi offered us a kaleidoscope of experiences: wildlife encounters, heartfelt reunions, and moments of sheer indulgence. While we enjoyed our time, Nairobi was more about having a little break after all the travel to get to Kenya and allowing for some buffer time in case of flight delays. It was a great experience, but not necessarily a city I would highly recommend as a must-visit destination.