Callaway

4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Kenya Taking a trip to the other side of the world can be daunting, but if you are prepared, it can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever have the opportunity to experience. 1. Use Caution When Eating Local Food If you have chosen a safari company to guide you through your travel in Kenya, most hotels/camps are completely safe. However, you will most likely have many opportunities to try some of Kenya’s local delicacies: Ugali, Mukimo, and Nyama Choma are some of the native’s favorites. Wash your hands after washing raw vegetables, don’t consume raw meat, and drink your coffee black to avoid any contaminated milk or dairy products. By taking simple precautions you will lower your risk of coming down with the stomach bug among other illnesses. 2. Visit a Local Tribe Some of the best memories I have in Africa was getting to spend a day with the villagers of a local tribe. I got to tour the tribe’s mud huts, participate in a traditional dance, learn a few Swahili words, and sing along to one of the classic Kenyan songs, Jambo Bwana. It was truly a memory that I will never forget. 3. Don’t Miss out on the Sunrise Safari Despite the jet lag you will be experiencing from the long plane ride, make sure you take every chance to experience as much of the Serengeti as you can! On one of the sunrise safaris my group went on, we watched the sun peak over the horizon as lion cubs were wrestling each other just a few feet away from our vehicle. It might be an early wake up, but it’s SO worth it. If you get the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to cruise over the African plains in a hot air balloon. 4. Prepare for an “African massage” Most of the time, your safari tour will last multiple hours, and it’s not always a smooth ride. You will be traveling over rough terrain and spending a large portion of the trip driving down unpaved gravel and dirt roads. The locals call this bumpy and often jarring ride an “African massage.” Kenya is an amazing country filled with unparalleled culture, experiences, and people. With a little planning and research, you can have the adventure of a lifetime.