We are getting down to the wire in terms of moving and leaving the States. We are comfortably 75 days from departure. Still, not fully into moving mania panic mode, so it’s a great time to do a quick list of the amazing gems in Kenya I must see.

This list ranges from nature preserves, to amazing marine conservatories, and city treasures.

1. Lake Naivasha

   Lake Naivasha is located about 4 hours West of Wamunyu and accessible via bus, Lake Naivasha is a part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and is a freshwater lake. The distance from Wamunyu and Nairobi makes Naivasha a perfect weekend trip and a place to find some solace from either the routine in urban or city life. Naivasha gets its name from its tendency to become rough with winds, which the local Masai named it ‘Nai’posha’ which means rough water. Its spelling comes from the British who (unsurprisingly) misspelled it. Housing around Lake Naivasha is fairly straightforward depending on the traveler’s preference. The infamously expensive and beautiful Sopa Lodges have a location in Naivasha town. But, for more rugged travelers there are a plethora of guesthouses and resorts that range from 65$ to 70$ per night. The best time to visit Naivasha for game viewing and weather would be anytime during the short dry season of January-February.

2. Mombasa

Mombasa is essentially the Swahili Sister City to Tanzania’s Zanzibar. Ever since learning of the Swahili city states in my History of Africa course I was drawn to the complexity of religions, cultures, and languages in the region. Visiting Zanzibar was incredible in its own right as well as Bagamoyo and Tanga. Visiting Mombasa and seeing the nuances of Kenya’s Swahili states will be just as incredible. Mombasa is best known for its colonial structures and the second biggest city outside of Nairobi in central Kenya. Its location on the coast makes it a perfect beach escape and home to the world’s most beautiful marine conservatories as well. Given this, and my overall obsession with the city states, I can’t possibly leave Kenya without seeing this gem. From Wamunyu, Mombasa is a 7 hours bus ride which in African time could be upwards of 10, depending on the seasons. Obviously, the best time to visit Mombasa would be in the short dry season of January – February or after June when the long rainy season has ended. A charter flight from Nairobi to Mombasa would be preferable and relatively cheap. Mombasa is known for the World Heritage Site of Ft. Jesus which was constructed in the 16th century by Portuguese ‘explorers’. It gets its name because it was built in the shape of a man. Ft. Jesus is an eerie reminder of Mombasa’s complex colonial history and is a step back in time. After Ft. Jesus, take a trip down the coast to visit the Malindi Marine National Reserve near the small fishing coast of Watamu. Housing ranges from extremely luxurious beach resorts to smaller and more affordable resorts.

3.  Nairobi

Nairobi is the vibrantly metropolitan capital of Kenya. Home to the Embassy which is our point of contact within the program and a hustling bustling nightlife, I would be remiss if I did not visit Nairobi. Many of the amazing and local experiences in Nairobi can be found on the amazing Tastemakers App. Tastemakers is a app that is run by local curators in African cities like Nairobi, Dakar, Kigali, and Lagos who have picked out the coolest local experiences for travelers who want to see the real Africa outside of the stereotypes. I’ve chosen a few experiences from the app that I am dying to try out. Given my love for brunch and yoga, Tastemakers has a ‘Bend and Brunch’ experience that starts with an hour of yoga and a bottomless brunch. Yoga and mimosas? Yes, please. After that flow and boozing, ideally there would be time to take a day trip to Hell’s Gate. About an hour West of Nairobi, this National Park is near Lake Naivasha and in the package is accompanied by a bike tour, a lunch and a boat ride on the lake. Lastly, as if Nairobi didn’t have enough vibes, there is Thrift Social that doubles as a thrifting journey and a party. Thrift Social is a brother sister duo who combines their interests of dope vibes and thrifting for an amazing party experience. These experiences and more can be found on the Tastemakers app on Google Play.

I’m thrilled to see all that Kenya has to offer and am positive that I won’t be disappointed. Can’t wait to share more with you all as we move closer to January 10th!

-Mariah