I love over-engineering trips and planning the most minute details of trips. I stressed myself out hardcore in preparation of Africa, especially after deciding to change our first leg from JNB to NBO for convenience.

So for Day 1, I used Marriott points for a free night at Tribe hotel, rebooked a flight to Kilimanjaro for this evening, and decided that getting sleep and hanging out with elephants and giraffes would be the perfect day.

FYI, I never thought we would go to Kenya. With several things in the news, we planned on skipping it altogether. I’m SO HAPPY I changed our plans because Nairobi exceeded my expectations and we felt very safe the entire journey.

Tribe Hotel. Located next to a ton of embassies so you know it’s in a good part of town, we were also on a compound of sorts next to the Village Market. The hotel was up to typical SPG standards, and the service was impeccable. The only gripes I have are that the airport transfer was $90 but to hire a driver for half a day to take us to cool places plus the airport was $100. What gives? Also I wish we had an extra day there to hang by the beautiful pool. They did serve us room service only food in the lobby at our request, so all in all I highly recommend Tribe. Comfy beds, nice rooms and fixtures– even a rainfall shower which I know my 6’3 boyfriend would’ve appreciated.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. All I have to say is… elephants! Baby elephants! 28 of them! 2 were unfortunately injured but it didn’t stop us from being able to pet and love on some ellies. Feeding time is from 11-12 and requires a ticket once you enter. Crowds start to get pretty big by 1030am so I recommend getting there early. We chose to stand on the far side and got a lot of elephant action without having insane crowds around. Cost $21 for 3 people and the money goes to the ellies. Have exact change or make a donation, they really need it!

Giraffe Centre. Not to be confused with the Giraffe Manor which is next door and would’ve cost $1500 for us to stay there one night… I squealed with delight when we arrived because there were about a dozen giraffes hanging out! You actually get to feed and pet them here for $10 per person. Best $10 ever spent! Each giraffe was 2 stories tall and had a name and personality. They love to head butt you if you aren’t feeding them, which is hilarious and terrifying. Truly goofy, perfect creatures. They are native to this part of Africa so it was our best chance to see them. SO worth it.

I said it before but I’ll say it again, HIRE A PRIVATE DRIVER. Taxis at these locations are few and far between, and it only cost $100 to have a cool lady driver for the day who took us to each spot as well as a restaurant for lunch where we indulged in passion fruit juice.

I know there is some political unrest in the country right now, but I didn’t experience any of it. Would totally go back!