The Rainy Adventure in Nairobi National Park
Ah, Kenya. This country has a way of surprising you every single day, and this one was no exception. It started with a soft patter of rain, waking us up in the early hours of the morning. While some might have groaned at the gray skies, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to get what we were looking for—the elusive rhino sightings at Nairobi National Park. This was our final shot to complete the Big Five list, with rhinos being the last holdouts. And, honestly, if we were going to get drenched to check this last box, so be it! Rain or shine, nothing was going to stop us.
Arriving at Nairobi National Park
We packed up for the day and headed straight for Nairobi National Park, which, fun fact, is one of the only wildlife reserves in the world that exists just a stone’s throw from a bustling city. Nairobi’s skyline is visible from certain parts of the park, creating this surreal blend of urban meets untamed wilderness. The park, which spans over 45 square miles, is home to a staggering variety of animals—lions, giraffes, zebras, and of course, both black and white rhinos, which were our prime targets for the day.
As our jeep bounced along the muddy paths, windshield wipers working overtime, the rain didn't dampen our spirits—it actually felt like it was setting the perfect scene. A mist clung to the acacia trees, and everything seemed quieter, hushed by the gentle drum of raindrops. Our guide assured us that this weather was a blessing; the cooler air tends to bring out animals who would otherwise be hiding in the heat of the day. Especially rhinos.
The Thrill of the Rhino Hunt Begins
We meandered through the park, eyes straining to spot any movement in the bushes. The rain was steady but gentle, and our group was full of excited anticipation. Every turn brought hope that we’d see a massive, lumbering figure in the distance. For the first hour, however, there wasn’t much to see—just some giraffe out for a snack, not bothered by the worst of the weather. But we weren’t discouraged; our guide knew the best spots, and we trusted his expertise.
Finally, as we rounded a bend, there they were—our first rhinos! Not one, but two, standing in the clearing like they were the royalty of the savannah. It took a second to register what they were up to, but it quickly became clear they were very… distracted with each other’s company. Let’s just say they were doing their part to get rhinos stay off the endangered species list. We all had a good laugh, snapping a few “respectful” photos before driving off to give them their privacy. (Sorry folks, no NSFW rhino romance pics here!)
More Rhino Sightings - In the Mud, No Less!
As the rain kept falling, we saw another dark silhouette moving through the drenched landscape—a solitary male rhino, seemingly oblivious to the downpour. He was splashing and rolling in the mud, having the time of his life. It was one of those raw, unguarded wildlife moments that felt almost too real to be true.
We watched in awe as he wallowed, covering himself in a thick layer of mud, which our guide explained helps protect them from both sunburn and insects. Who knew rhinos were so practical?
Just as we thought things couldn't get any better, we spotted a baby rhino, tentatively stomping around in the wet grass, occasionally jumping in little circles like a toddler discovering puddles for the first time. It was absolutely adorable—definitely the cutest thing we’d seen all trip. My camera was practically glued to my face, trying to capture every splash and wiggle.
Rainbows and Sunshine - Kenya Shows Off
Just when we were starting to think it would rain all day, the downpour began to taper off, the gray clouds slowly drifted apart, and suddenly—bam!—the sky was a perfect clear blue. As if Kenya was showing off, a giant rainbow appeared, arching gracefully over the savannah. It was like something out of a nature documentary, and we all just sat there, stunned into silence. Nairobi National Park, with its rolling hills and patches of thick bush, looked absolutely magical. If there was ever a time to believe in the magic of Africa, this was it.
With the weather cleared up, it was like the whole park came to life. Giraffes emerged from the shelter of trees, munching on their mid-morning snack of acacia leaves, and a pair of ostriches strutted around like they owned the place. Then, we saw her—a lioness stretched out in a patch of sun, lazily grooming herself. She looked completely unfazed by our presence, as if to say, “I survived the rain; now, it’s time to bask.”
The Elephant and Rhino Orphanage
Leaving the park, our next stop was something I’d been looking forward to the entire trip—the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a renowned elephant and rhino orphanage. This incredible sanctuary rescues baby elephants and the occasional rhino, nursing them back to health until they’re ready to be released back into the wild. I’m not going to lie; I practically sprinted to the entrance.
The babies were just as delightful as you might imagine. Playful, curious, and not shy at all. They gathered around the caretakers who bottle-fed them with massive milk bottles, occasionally trumpeting in impatience if they felt another was getting more attention. We were allowed to pet them if they came close, and feeling their surprisingly rough, bristly skin was an experience I won’t forget. It was kind of like petting a giant, wrinkled puppy with hair that’s more like straw.
One particularly bold little elephant seemed to take a liking to our group, edging closer until he practically nuzzled against me. We then got a less than glamourous view of the backside of the elephants. Hey, it was a fully immersive experience!
Heading to Amboseli - A New Adventure Awaits
With our spirits high and the scent of baby elephant lingering in the air (they’re a bit more pungent than you’d expect), we left Nairobi behind and headed toward Amboseli National Park, a journey that would take us right into the shadow of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive was long but scenic, passing through wide open plains and small villages, giving us a glimpse of everyday life in rural Kenya.
As we neared the park, the landscape started to shift—more trees, towering termite mounds, and the unmistakable presence of Kilimanjaro’s mighty peak looming in the distance. We made it to our camp just as the sun began to dip, casting a golden hue over the horizon. It was one of those fleeting moments where everything seems to be exactly as it should be.
Locals call it the mountain “going to sleep” when Kilimanjaro is shrouded in evening clouds, and that’s exactly what happened, right as we sat down to a hearty, open-flame-cooked dinner prepared by the camp’s local chefs. Nothing beats eating under a starlit African sky, the warm food a perfect contrast to the chill of the evening.
Campfire Tales - The History of Kenya
After dinner, we gathered around the campfire, a warm circle of light in the cool, dark night. Our guide, Heron, started telling us the legends and stories of Kenya—some real, some more mythical, all of them captivating. We heard tales of ancient Maasai warriors, the struggle for independence, and the lore of the land that has been passed down for generations.
Now, I’d love to say I sat there soaking in the stories like a calm, collected traveler. But let’s be real—halfway through a tale about a cunning lion spirit, a giant dung beetle decided I was the perfect landing pad. My so-called grace vanished instantly, and I may or may not have shrieked loud enough to startle everyone around the fire. Heron laughed so hard he had to pause the story until we all calmed down. I’d like to think the beetle just wanted to hear the end of the story too.
Back to the Tents - A Night with the Sounds of Africa
After our story time, we reluctantly peeled ourselves away from the fire’s warmth and headed back to our tents. Sure, they had electricity and running water, but falling asleep to the distant roar of lions, the call of night birds, and the rustle of leaves in the breeze felt as wild as it gets. It’s camping with just the right touch of comfort—enough to feel safe, but still close enough to nature to hear the heartbeat of the savannah.
As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn’t help but think about the rhinos we’d seen that morning—the ones who started it all, rolling in the mud and frolicking in the rain. It’s moments like these that make me grateful to be in a place as wild, as beautiful, and as unpredictable as Kenya. There’s something magical about the way this country gets under your skin, and I can’t wait to see what surprises tomorrow will bring.
Kenya, you’ve got my heart, dung beetles and all.
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