From Cheetah Hunts to Carnivore Feasts: My Last Day in Kenya
Our last full day in Kenya began with a thrilling return to Amboseli National Park, eager for another adventure under the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. We'd already seen some incredible wildlife over the past few days, but today, Amboseli had even more magic in store for us.
Return to Amboseli: The Chase Begins
After an early breakfast at our lodge, we piled into our trusty safari vehicle and set off, excited to see what new wonders awaited us. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the savannah as we drove, spotting a few elephants moving majestically in the distance. As we wound our way through a different part of the park, the scenery felt new, even though we'd been here just the day before. But soon enough, something changed. Our usually laid-back guide suddenly had a glint in his eye. Without a word, he pressed his foot to the pedal and we started flying down the dusty paths. It felt like we were on a mission—a safari mission.
"What’s going on?" we kept asking. But our guide, laser-focused on the horizon, offered no explanation, leaving us guessing. It was clear he knew something we didn't, and the anticipation was building. Before long, we noticed other safari vehicles converging on the same area. Something big was happening.
Suddenly, we turned a corner and saw a massive herd of impala grazing in the tall grass. The sight of so many animals together was breathtaking, but it didn’t seem like the reason for our guide's urgency. He scanned the landscape intently, and then... he found it. A lone cheetah, low to the ground, crouching in the grass, eyes locked on the unsuspecting herd. My heart started racing, knowing what was about to go down.
We watched in hushed silence as the tension grew. Would the impala notice in time? No such luck—the cheetah sprang into action, and the chase was on. Dust flew as the impala scattered in every direction, but the predator was locked on to one poor, slow member of the group. It was over almost as soon as it began. The impala didn't stand a chance, and the cheetah enjoyed a well-earned lunch.
The Play-by-Play of a Lifetime
Now, I’m no wildlife videographer—my shaky footage of the hunt is probably better suited for a family home video than any National Geographic special. But Alicia, my friend and safari companion, provided the kind of commentary that would make any sports fan proud. Her play-by-play narration was spot-on, and I'm pretty sure ESPN would be lucky to have her! The exhilaration of witnessing such a natural spectacle left us buzzing for the rest of the day.
Exploring the Rest of Amboseli
After the drama of the hunt, we spent the rest of our time exploring the park at a slower pace, soaking in the sights and marveling at the variety of wildlife. We passed by hippos wallowing in the cool waters, flamingos elegantly wading along the shorelines, and wildebeest migrating in long, graceful lines. The richness of life in Amboseli was staggering.
One highlight was the climb to a lookout point, giving us a panoramic view of the park below. It felt like stepping into my childhood dreams of The Lion King—I half-expected to see Mufasa and Simba overlooking their kingdom. Standing there, the wind in my hair, I had to stifle the urge to lift up an imaginary baby lion and proclaim, “Nants ingonyama bagithi baba!” It was one of those moments where Africa truly felt like home, even if just for a day.
The Road Back to Nairobi
With Amboseli fading into the distance, it was time to begin the journey back to Nairobi. It was a bittersweet drive, knowing our safari adventure was ending. But we still had a few more stops to make before our trip officially concluded.
Bartering at the Market: An Art Form
After our scenic drive back to Nairobi, we made a meaningful stop at a bustling local market. This wasn’t a shopping spree for souvenirs; instead, our guide handed each of us a handful of Kenyan shillings and challenged us to see how much food we could buy. The goal? To fill our bags with fresh produce that we would later donate to a food pantry he knew of. It was a chance to give back and immerse ourselves in a true Kenyan market experience.
The market was alive with colors, scents, and the sounds of animated haggling. I wandered from stall to stall, engaging in friendly negotiations with vendors over piles of vibrant vegetables. My big win of the day was scoring a bunch of the largest avocados I’ve ever seen—they were the size of small melons! As I held them, I felt a pang of regret that we wouldn’t get to taste them ourselves. Our guide, however, wisely warned us that Kenyan produce, grown with local methods and irrigated with unfiltered water, could be a bit too adventurous for our American stomachs.
Instead, we focused on filling our bags with other locally grown fruits and vegetables: tomatoes, cabbages, onions, and carrots—all to be given away to families who needed them. It was eye-opening to see how far our shillings stretched and how much we were able to gather for donation. Though we couldn't enjoy the fresh, sun-ripened avocados ourselves, the joy came from knowing they would bring delight to someone else.
Kobe Tough Bead Factory: Stories of Resilience
After our shopping spree, we visited the Kobe Tough Bead Factory, an inspiring organization that employs local women, giving them an opportunity to create beautiful beaded jewelry and crafts. Each piece tells a story, not just of the artisan who made it, but of the empowerment and community fostered by the factory. We got a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous process involved in bead-making, from shaping to firing to decorating. Of course, I couldn’t leave without buying a few stunning pieces to bring home!
The Final Feast: Carnivore Restaurant
With our shopping bags stuffed and hearts full, we headed to Carnivore, a famous restaurant in Nairobi known for its adventurous menu. It was the perfect way to wrap up our Kenyan adventure. A little bit of everything found its way to our table—succulent cuts of meats, from traditional beef and chicken to the more exotic options that Kenya is famous for. Each bite was accompanied by tangy sauces, fresh salads, and warm breads. We washed it all down with glasses of passion fruit juice that was so delicious, I wish I could’ve bottled it up to take home.
The meal was a feast in every sense, and the perfect send-off. We laughed and reminisced about the highlights of our trip, from the breathtaking landscapes to the incredible wildlife encounters. I was stuffed to the brim but somehow managed to find room for a decadent dessert.
A Tearful Goodbye at the Airport
All too soon, it was time to head to the airport for our very early morning flight. We took some final pictures with our guides, exchanged heartfelt goodbyes, and learned the meaning of "Kwaheri"—the Swahili word for "goodbye." As I boarded the plane, I promised myself that this wouldn't be my last trip to Kenya.
The Flight Home: An Unforgettable Journey
What happened next, well, that’s a story for another day. Let's just say that my layover in the Netherlands included an unexpected detour when I was detained as a “biomedical hazard.” It’s a funny story—now—but you'll have to ask me in person if you want the full, hilariously horrifying details!
Until Next Time, Kenya!
Kenya, you were an adventure beyond my wildest dreams. From the savannahs of Maasai Mara to the wetlands of Amboseli, and from glamping under the stars to indulging in Nairobi's cuisine, every moment was a gift. I'm already planning my return.
Until next time, Kenya—Asante sana na kwaheri!
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