By Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis
Some places touch your heart, and then there’s Africa—wild, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful. Over 10 days, I experienced the best of Kenya and Tanzania, from thrilling game drives to intimate encounters with the untamed wilderness. Every sunrise brought new wonders, every night was filled with the calls of the wild, and every moment felt like a dream.
I arrived in Nairobi at 5am on Saturday morning just in time for a shower, breakfast and briefing with the American tour group that my friend had chosen to travel with. This trip had needed a little more preparation than usual. Most of the time taking a plane for me is like taking a bus but here I needed a visa for Kenya, a visa for Tanzania and a yellow fewer booster. Somehow having to prepare adds excitement to a journey.
Day 1-2: Nairobi – Lake Nakuru – Flamingos, Rhinos, and Scenic Beauty
The road from Nairobi to Nakuru takes you through some of Kenya’s stunning landscapes, making the journey an experience in itself. The drive is quite long—approximately 3-4 hours—but as you head out of Nairobi, the city gradually gives way to the countryside. You’ll pass through lush green hills, open savannahs, and small towns that give you a taste of rural Kenyan life.
As you drive, the sights are ever-changing, offering glimpses of the everyday life of local people. You’ll pass colorful markets, roadside vendors, and bustling villages where life moves at a different pace. As you get closer to Nakuru, the terrain shifts from gently rolling hills to more dramatic landscapes, with the Great Rift Valley starting to make its presence known. You’ll begin to notice the stark beauty of the valley and the distant views of its volcanic peaks.
The Lion Hill Lodge is perched above the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru. The lake is famous for its pink-hued shores, thanks to thousands of flamingos wading in the shallows. But the real highlight? Spotting both black and white rhinos, a rare and humbling sight. The park is also home to Rothschild’s giraffes, elegant creatures that moved gracefully across the acacia-dotted landscape.
Day 3-4: Masai Mara – The Heart of the Wild
Next stop: Fig Tree Camp in the legendary Masai Mara. Nestled along the Talek River, the camp gave us an unforgettable experience—falling asleep to the grunts and splashes of hippos right outside our tent or worse because the night ‘s are so quiet, you feel that they may actually be inside your tent.
The vast golden plains of the Mara didn’t disappoint, delivering all the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos—along with the Ugly Five (hyenas, wildebeests, vultures, marabou storks, and warthogs). 
Day 5-6: Serengeti – Into Tanzania’s Wilderness
Crossing into Tanzania, we arrived at Embalakai Camp in the Serengeti, where the adventure continued. The Serengeti is a place where time seems to stand still—endless savannah, acacia trees, and wildlife everywhere. At night, the experience was even more surreal. From our tent, we could hear lions roaring in the distance and hyenas laughing nearby. Walking alone was not an option—a Masai warrior had to escort us back to our tent, spear in hand. It was both thrilling and humbling.
The Serengeti is nature’s grand theater, and we were lucky enough to witness a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary—a lion bringing down a zebra. It was brutal yet fascinating, a stark reminder of the circle of life.
The highlight of the Serengeti? An epic hot air balloon ride at sunrise, floating silently over the savannah as herds of wildebeest and elephants roamed below. The experience was crowned with a champagne breakfast in the middle of the wilderness—a moment I’ll never forget.
Day 7: Arusha – A Touching Visit to the Shanga Foundation
Leaving the wilderness behind, we traveled to Arusha and visited the Shanga Foundation, a heartwarming initiative where people with special needs create stunning handmade crafts. Watching them work with such dedication and skill was truly inspiring. It was a beautiful reminder that travel isn’t just about places—it’s about the people you meet along the way.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Eden
Ngorongoro is often called Africa’s Garden of Eden, and it’s easy to see why. The crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a wildlife haven—thousands of animals thrive in this natural enclosure. From the deck of the luxurious Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge, we gazed over the lush landscape, taking in the beauty of this ancient caldera. Game drives here were spectacular, with sightings of rhinos, hippos, and even a rare serval cat.
Day 9-10: Amboseli – Elephants and Kilimanjaro’s Majesty
Our final stop was Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli, a park famous for its elephant herds and the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Watching elephants roam against the snow-capped peak of Africa’s highest mountain was pure magic. Amboseli delivered one last gift—one final encounter with the Big Five, bringing our journey full circle.
Final Thoughts: Africa is Just Awesome
From the thundering hooves of the Serengeti to the silent majesty of Kilimanjaro, this trip was a love affair with the wild. Kenya and Tanzania stole my heart with their beauty, their people, and their untamed spirit. One thing is certain—I’ll be back. Because once Africa touches your soul, it never lets go.
Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis (facebook)
