The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams~ Oprah Winfrey
Hello there my friends! 😀 Today’s blog post features Patrick Muntzinger, a German backpacker, who is undoubtedly living the life of his dreams! At only 24 years old, he has been to 45 countries, and Yes Kenya made that list! 😀
I met Patrick via Instagram, where his stunning pictures of Kenya swept me off my feet! I was nearly drooling as I went through his Instagram profile, that features all the amazing places he’s visited. It screams ‘Ultimate Goals’ for anyone who loves to travel!
Yet, what captivated me the most was his Kenyan adventure… So, I reached out to him about a blog feature, a request that he graciously and most enthusiastically obliged! 😀
And so here we are! 😉 Join me on this epic journey, as we discover more about the German backpacker and his Kenyan adventures!
Fun Facts About Patrick the German Backpacker
When and where did your epic adventures begin?
I’m from Germany…. I had some family holidays as a teenager, in Italy and the US, but my real travels probably started in 2013, when I had a semester abroad in San Diego California. It was the first time I left my home for such a long time.
During that time, I managed to travel a lot around Canada, the US and Mexico. Soon after, I ventured out on my first solo backpacking trip to Asia.
How do you manage to travel to so many beautiful places?
A good combination of work, studying and traveling gives me enough time and the (low) budget to travel. For instance, I did a business internship in South Korea, and I’m currently doing a semester abroad at a Business School in Mexico City.
Long semester breaks allow me to travel a lot. (Let’s hope I’ll find a way to keep that after finishing my studies next year!) 😀
What does the life of a backpacker look like?
For me, backpacking means traveling cheap and easy – no suitcase, no fancy hotels- just me and a light backpack with the most essential stuff.
Oh, and really important no fixed schedule– being spontaneous makes traveling much more fun! 😉
I’ve traveled a lot by myself, but also with good friends–this usually depends on the country. Some places are great for solo-travel because you meet so many awesome people, (e.g. in Southeast Asia), while it’s easier to be with a friend in others. (e.g. during my Trans-Siberian Railway trip last summer)
3 favorite destinations so far?
Hey, that’s a difficult one, but let’s try! 😀
- Hawaii: Because it’s so beautiful and has it all: jungle, beaches, sport, hiking, volcanoes, action activities like skydiving – and a super relaxed lifestyle.
- Japan: It has a lot to offer – from huge cities to beautiful temples and nature. The food is great, people are extremely polite and helpful, and it’s super safe!
- India: It’s incredible, almost like another world… So many different colors, smells, emotions, cultures and places. It has everything, and I could travel this country for months without getting bored.
- Okay, I got my three already, but what should definitely be on my list as well: Kenya (more about that later), 🙂 Mexico and Thailand. 😀
How do you choose your travel destinations…?
It depends, but I mostly go for places that I’ve heard many good and exciting things about, and that are not too expensive. I also like to go to places that are not commonly visited.
The Kenyan Adventure
Drum rolls please…… 😉 And now, the questions we have all been waiting for! Always wanted to write that. Haha 😀
How did you end up in Kenya?
I have a friend (Kenyan with British roots) with the same passion for traveling, adventure and photography as I do. He had a few weeks off from his work last ‘autumn’ and he invited me to come over and travel around the country with him. 😀
What was your experience in Kenya like? Any mishaps…challenges you care to share?
My experience was great! Majorly because I have a friend there, which made my trip much easier. We were able to get around via a personal car, stay at his friends’ and family’s places and could go camping at safe costs (especially in the National parks).
I had a wonderful time, although I also observed that Kenya may not be an easy country for backpackers or low budget travelers. Tourism is mostly focused on the high-end luxury part, with expensive hotels. I wish there more opportunities for regular people to travel around Kenya who would e.g. prefer to sleep in hostels. I know so many friends who would love to do that!
Me: Ahem! I hope my Tourism industry counterparts are reading this! Challenge to find more low-budget options in Kenya accepted! 😀
Best Highlights of Your Time in Kenya?
Camping in the Maasai Mara was definitely an incredible experience! I enjoyed sleeping in the tent while hearing the lions roaring right outside.
At one point, we were surprised by a confused hippo who’d wandered right to the middle of our camping spot! Luckily we hid in the car until it was gone.
Climbing Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu country was also one of my best highlights! This area of Kenya seemed to be so different, rural and so real.
We had two Samburu warriors guiding and protecting us, up the mountain, from White Elephants (and probably rival tribes), this was both scary and exciting.
The view from the mountain top was stunning! It definitely felt like my own little ‘Lion King’ moment! *inserts Lion King soundtrack*
Watching a Cheetah make his kill, was yet another amazing highlight of my trip. 😀
I felt that Kenya is super diverse and I’m happy that I got the chance to see such a big part of the country –from busy and chaotic Nairobi, wild Samburu, stunning National Parks to beautiful Watamu beaches and a journey back in time on Lamu Island. So many experiences!
I got the impression that Kenyans are very proud of their culture and it was great to get to know them!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: PATRICK MUNTZINGER
LOCATION: VARIOUS KENYAN DESTINATIONS
The food was fine! I didn’t get sick at all, and it was funny to see how international Kenyan food is, at least in most places; the burgers, pizza and pasta almost felt like I was back in Europe! In Samburu, some warriors actually slaughtered a goat to feed us!
What Backpacking Hacks/Tips Have You Picked Up On Your Travels?
- Take advantage of cheap flights (I mostly use Skyscanner)
- Stay in hostels (great way to meet people and it’s cheap)
- Be open to everyone and make friends with the locals (I often use Couchsurfing to get to know locals)
- Eat street food
- In countries that’re a bit unsafe, ask your hostel/hotel for areas where you shouldn’t go
- Don’t over-plan, just go with the flow!
Many, many, many thanks to Patrick for taking us along on his journey! I feel so honored for having had the opportunity to work with him on this collaboration post. 🙂
I hope this post has inspired you to get out there and make your dreams of travel a reality… Honestly, this experience has me feeling like packing my bags and taking off to wherever the winds may lead! 🙂
More so, I am inspired by the beauty and richness of our country-there’s still so much to see and discover! Let us make it happen- one destination at a time.
I love hearing from you, do leave your comments, questions and feedback in the Comments’ section below. 🙂
P.S. <Stay Inspired Always>
P.S.s. Watch Patrick’s amazing video ‘Discovering Kenya here>>
38 Comments
Ruth
November 27, 2017 at 10:16 amWow…truly lives to the saying “life isn’t a rehearsal” enjoying it best way possible.
Scrapbook Journeys
December 21, 2017 at 10:22 amYes he sure does! Thank you for reading Ruth! 😀
Scrapbook Journeys
December 21, 2017 at 10:23 amYes he sure does! 🙂 Thank you for reading Ruth! 😀
liz
August 23, 2017 at 12:17 pmthe feeling of packing my bags right away after reading Patricks travel story in Kenya was soooo intense. what a challenge! am on it
Scrapbook Journeys
September 1, 2017 at 9:14 amI feel you! His story totally inspires me every time! Wow! Yass, do pack your bags and explore our Magical Kenya!! 😀
Ann
May 11, 2017 at 3:40 pmwow love your blog
Scrapbook Journeys
May 16, 2017 at 2:19 pmHello Ann! Yaay, many thanks! I appreciate you, and welcome to my #ScrapbookJourneysFam Be sure to Subscribe so that you never ever miss a post! Thank you 😀
21 Stunning Photos of Kenya That Will Make You Want To Visit {& Stand For Peace}! - Scrapbook Journeys
April 27, 2017 at 1:35 pm[…] P.S. I have selected some of my best pictures from Patrick Muntzinger’s amazing Travel album in Kenya. You can read more about his adventures in Kenya Here. […]
Hillary
March 23, 2017 at 2:43 pmVery so captivating!
Scrapbook Journeys
April 3, 2017 at 12:06 pmHello Hillary! Many thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed it!
Fatima
March 20, 2017 at 7:25 pmGreat post! Love the photos! This is definitely on my bucket list to visit… now I just need to find the time!
Scrapbook Journeys
March 23, 2017 at 7:57 amHi Fatima! Thank you for reading and for the comment! Great to hear that you like it! The first step is wanting to go, making the time comes next, and with the will to go that will surely happen! Many thanks! 🙂
Hellenah
March 20, 2017 at 4:22 pmI love Patrick’s travel spirit, and yes the artickarticle is super awesome. I cant wait for the next travel article.
Scrapbook Journeys
March 23, 2017 at 7:36 amWow, thank you Hellenah! True Patrick’s spirit of travel is inspiring! Glad you like the article! Remember to subscribe so you that you never miss a post. 😀 😀
Kat
March 20, 2017 at 6:26 amWow, your photos are amazing, especially the ones of the lions and cheetahs! And that view from the mountain – incredible!!
Scrapbook Journeys
March 20, 2017 at 11:23 amWow, hi there Kat! It’s great to read from you! 😀 Thank you for the great feedback, all credits to Patrick on his amazing photography! That mountain view gives me goosebumps to be honest! 😀 Be sure to subscribe to the blog for more adventures! 😀
Stella Nguu
March 18, 2017 at 4:32 pmBeautiful pics. Am super challenged by this guy.
Scrapbook Journeys
March 20, 2017 at 11:21 amThanks for reading Stella! Hey, glad to read that Patrick’s travels have inspired something in you!It’s never too late to start! 😀
Nesh
March 18, 2017 at 1:22 pmBack packing has truly opened my true adventure self thanks to the blog, I can’t match him but I plan to explore more and live with the experience. What I have seen it’s very cost effective as well
Scrapbook Journeys
March 20, 2017 at 11:19 amHi Nesh, thank you for reading and taking time to comment 🙂 Super appreciated! I love your adventurous spirit, so I know you can totally get to this point and more! Keep going and stick around for more adventures on the blog! 😀
Godwin Jimmy
March 17, 2017 at 4:35 amWOW!!!!! i must confess these pictures are truly magical. and a tourist @ 24 who has visited 42 countries that a achievement.
Scrapbook Journeys
March 17, 2017 at 12:03 pmYes, Patrick is totally inspiring the rest of us ay? Thanks for reading Jimmy, totally appreciated! And thanks for taking time to comment! 😀
Shevy
March 17, 2017 at 3:21 amAmazing photos! Patrick seem to have been on some great adventures in different countries at only 24. Glad he took the time to share them with us. Lucky dude! I wish I had a Kenyan friend too because after seeing all these pics especially of the zebras I wanna add it to my bucket list. I think if I didn’t have to depend on my job I’d definitely be travelling the world.
Scrapbook Journeys
March 17, 2017 at 12:02 pmHi Shevy! Great to read from you! Yes Patrick is totally an inspiration, having done so much travel so young! Karibu Kenya, I bet you will not miss a friend here by the time you come! Do add it to your bucket-list, it’ll be worth your while…and hopefully you start traveling-one destination at a time..Thanks for reading! 😀
Neil Copping
March 16, 2017 at 10:58 pmWow, sounds like the adventure of a life time. Takes me back to my back packing days. Don’t know if I would get much sleep in the tent with the sound of lions roaring lol. Thanks for sharing this, really enjoyed reading it. Fantastic pictures too.
Scrapbook Journeys
March 17, 2017 at 11:59 amHi Neil! Wow, I didn’t know that you were once a backpacker! Now that sounds quite interesting! Haha, yes I think the sound of lions would have me shaking like a leaf, yet it’d make for a good story too..no? Thanks for reading and taking time to comment-well appreciated! 🙂
Kasia
March 16, 2017 at 10:50 pmWhat an amazing adventure. So inspiring! I’ve wanted to visit Africa for a long time. I hope I’ll get to go one day. It seems like the most peaceful place in the world. So beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing Patrick’s journey 🙂
Scrapbook Journeys
March 17, 2017 at 11:57 amThank you Kasia, great to read from you! And Welcome/Karibu Africa- Kenya in particular! 😀 I think you would enjoy the adventure! I am grateful Patrick agreed to let me share his story with the world, thanks again for reading and taking the time to comment!
phina
March 16, 2017 at 10:41 pmSpectacular..
Scrapbook Journeys
March 17, 2017 at 11:47 amThank you Phina 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to read and comment 😀
J. Shan'Trice
March 16, 2017 at 8:46 pmGreat blog post! The vivid pictures included in the blog are impeccable. Gesh…Now I want to visit Kenya!
Scrapbook Journeys
March 16, 2017 at 9:34 pmThanks a lot J.Shan for taking the time to read and comment!:D Yes, Karibu Kenya, you will love it! Remember to subscribe to the blog for more posts! xx 😀
Corina Culeva
March 16, 2017 at 7:44 pmThat’s an extremely inspiring article! Very good idea to feature Patrick in this post! Well done!
Scrapbook Journeys
March 16, 2017 at 9:36 pmThanks a Corina for reading and taking the time to comment! I appreciate the feedback. 🙂 Remember to subscribe to the blog for more posts!:D
Patricia
March 16, 2017 at 4:34 pmWooow Awesome read right there
Scrapbook Journeys
March 16, 2017 at 6:54 pmThank you so much for reading at! Good to have you back here! 😀
Maggie Kiama
March 16, 2017 at 3:48 pmAwesome, Awesome felt like I took the trip too
Scrapbook Journeys
March 16, 2017 at 6:53 pmHi there Maggie! Many thanks for reading, and I totally feel you on this one!! Patrick’s travels have inspired me-I can’t wait to travel to all these amazing places in person! 🙂