A Nairobi Safari Walk ‘Romance’

The first time I heard of Nairobi Safari Walk, my mind ran wild with romantic ideas…. I imagined worn paths through a gigantic forest, with birds chirping away while playing catch, and cheeky monkeys peering curiously at smitten couples, lost in their own world.

But then, with travel writing comes an insatiable curiosity…I badly wanted to see for myself what Nairobi Safari Walk is all about, and share it with other romantic hopefuls, like myself. 🙂 😉

So, with  my sister and Wanjiku Thuo in tow, the ‘date’ was a go.

Unfortunately, my romantic notions met a sudden death at the Safari Walk entrance. 🙁  Wanjiku, ready as any photographer could be, had a camera bag and tripod. However, this drew the attention of the guards who assumed that we’d come for a ‘wedding’ photo-shoot. I can’t imagine what gave them that specific idea…? After all, dressed super casually in denim, neither of us girls was running for bride of the year! 😀

Apparently, we needed to pay an additional amount (above the entrance fee), to serve as a ‘shooting fee’. This was alarming, as we had not anticipated such a ridiculously high cost.

They finally let us in, after we promised profusely that we weren’t hiding any wedding gowns or cute stilettos to change into. That, plus a severe warning that if they found us posing for pictures, dressed in different attires we’d be in big trouble! It felt good to get in though, much like a foreigner whose long-suffering & awaited visa has finally been approved!

The Nairobi Safari Walk, as I discovered, is a small chunk of the ‘Nairobi National park’. It is designed to give visitors a taste of Kenya’s wildlife offering, in an enclosed setting. Easily accessible, it is 7km away from the city centre, and is run by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

As we walked in, I could feel nature pulling me in, into its wide alluring arms. I fell for the raised wooden boardwalks that offer a vantage point to see the animals, which are held within fenced-in structures.

The animals you get to see depend a little on luck and timing, because the animals maybe sleeping in and are not all always within view. But you will be pleasantly surprised all the same. 

For tree lovers, you will like it here, as it houses about 150 species of local trees. You can also expect to see a wide array of insects and birds.

The most spectacular sighting for me was the ‘Albino Zebra’. Its light brown shade is exquisitely beautiful and unique. We jokingly referred to it as a ‘Light-skin Zebra’. 😀

Black and white Zebra in all its glory

I was thrilled to see a lioness up close. 🙂 We learned some interesting facts about lions and their mating habits, from one of the guides we happened to meet. I found it funny that ‘male’ lions got the good looks with their thick, lovely manes, while the lioness got the role of seducing the male. Furthermore, she provides for her young by doing majority of the hunting, yet the lion literally gets the “lion’s share” of the kill.  Lucky guy!

Safari Walk is a good choice if you are short on time, since the place is not overly huge. But, if you are looking for a wider selection, you may opt to try out the other attractions in the same premises like the Animal Orphanage or go on a Game Drive into the larger National Park. There is a restaurant, on the grounds, that is worth checking out, as they don’t allow food into Safari Walk.

It doesn’t hurt that Safari Walk is quite affordable, and can make a good family outing or date venue. (winks) The entry fees range from Kshs. 250 to Kshs. 350 for Citizens and Residents, while Non-residents pay 25 USD. Unless of course, you are looking to do a professional shoot which attracts an additional cost, as we learned.

The photographer, Wanjiku Thuo, finally gets captured in front of the camera 🙂

Stop and Drop Yoga Moment. (Side Plank)

Having had the chance to test reality vs. my romantic notions, I came to this conclusion: Life is really what you make it. Though we had an iffy start, it did not keep us from relishing the beauty of Nairobi Safari Walk. And, as far as romance goes, not to worry- every day is a chance to learn something new as you let nature romance you 😉

Have you been to Safari Walk, what was your experience like? Share with me on the comments section below.

Stay Inspired 🙂

Photography: Wanjiku Thuo

Outfits Inspiration: Mercy Mithamo

Nairobi Safari Walk