Yejide McKenzie in Kenya

Iconic Amboseli: an elephant with Kilimanjaro majestically from the plains in the background
Day 1 & 2: Tortilis Camp – Amboseli National Park

After a night in Nairobi, Yejide took an early-morning charter flight to Amboseli. If you’re not an early riser, you should consider staying at the Tamarind Tree Hotel – it’s a 5-minute drive away from Nairobi Wilson Airport!
Her first destination was Amboseli National Park. It’s a place of stirring contrast: the gently undulating plains compared to the towering heights of Kilimanjaro, and the dry lake beds in contrast to the verdant swamps. After the Maasai Mara, Amboseli is Kenya’s most popular destination.

Tortilis Camp
A bonus of the early charter flight meant that Yejide was treated to a great morning game drive before her arrival at Tortilis Camp for lunch. Each of the camp’s thatched, platformed tents offer stunning views of Kilimanjaro – talk about a great way to wake up in the morning!

Left: Yejide standing with the general and chief of the Maasai Manyatta Right: warm greetings at the Manyatta’s school

The permanent water of Amboseli’s swamps ensures a sizable population of plains game
Her game viewing highlights included plenty of elephants, birds, plains game. Most notably, two lionesses with some playful cubs – check out the video above!

Yejide had clear views of Kilimanjaro during her entire time at Amboseli

With Dickson, her guide at Tortilis Camp
Day 3: Little Governor’s Camp – Maasai Mara National Park

Wildebeests grazing along the Mara River
But the biggest draw is the annual arrival of the hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra of the Great Migration, which Yejide arrived just in time to catch its tail-end. The fortunate safari-goer even has a chance to witness the a true spectacle: thousands upon thousands of wildebeest frenetically cross the Mara River!

Little Governor’s Camp
For families and young couples considering a safari to the Maasai Mara, Yejide recommends Little Governor’s.
Spotted Hyenas chasing off black-backed jackals – Maasai Mara

Left: a zebra cautiously drinking from the Mara River; Right: a curious baby giraffe
Day 4: Governor’s Il Moran – Maasai Mara National Reserve

Unlike some camps in Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, Yejide stayed at camps with open vehicles

Governor’s Il Moran

Left: a crocodile sun-bathing by the Mara River Right: a topi scanning the horizon
Her final sundowner in the Mara was a wonderful time for Yejide to reflect on her time on safari. In her own words, she said “I had a wonderful time… this trip was life changing.”
Day 5-8: Nairobi City Touring
Yejide returned to Nairobi the following morning. She was promptly met by Jonathan Moko – AAC’s super-friendly and super-knowledgeable guide!

Left: with Jonathan Moko; Center: Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage; Right: Giraffe Center
Johnathan took her to The Giraffe Center, Karen Blixen Museum, the Kazuri Beads Studio, and the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. These interactive experiences with the elephants and giraffe are definitely worth your time. Yejide particularly enjoyed her time at Daphne Sheldrick – there was a clever elephant who drank out of the hose instead of walking ways away to the waterhole!
An elephant at the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage drinking directly from the hose