A trip that was not just perfect but extra ordinary- A once in a lifetime kinda experience - I recently traveled to Kenya with four other travelers and Nature Insight Safaris for a 7-night, 8-day adventure covering Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, and Nairobi —... read more and I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable trips of my life.
This was actually my third time visiting Kenya, but surprisingly, this one turned out to be the best safari experience I’ve ever had, all thanks to the amazing itinerary and the exceptional service from the Nature Insight Safaris team.
Our journey started at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which I was visiting for the first time — and I instantly regretted not coming here earlier! The landscapes are stunning, and the wildlife experience is extraordinary. We were fortunate enough to see black rhinos up close, an incredibly rare and emotional sight since they are an endangered species. We even got the chance to feed baraka - a black rhino, which was beyond magical. The conservancy also surprised us with a pride of lions, setting the tone for an unforgettable start to our safari. And a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary was such a wholesome experience.
From there, our adventure continued to Masai Mara, where we had the thrill of spotting all the Big Five — not just once, but multiple times! We saw three cheetahs, three leopards, and even witnessed the mating behavior of lions and ostriches, something I had never seen before. Each sighting felt like a scene straight out of a documentary — raw, real, and fascinating.
Another highlight was our walking safari at Crescent Island (Lake Naivasha). It’s such a unique experience to actually walk among the wildlife instead of sitting in a 4x4 — something you rarely get to do anywhere else in the world.
The accommodation arrangements were also outstanding. We stayed in a mix of private villas, safari lodges, and resorts, each offering a distinct charm. Our stay in Ol Pejeta with a private chef felt luxurious and personal, while our Masai Mara lodge, set amidst lush greenery near the park, offered the perfect safari atmosphere with cozy cottages and beautiful views.
The food throughout the trip was another pleasant surprise — a delicious mix of local Kenyan cuisine and options suited to the Indian palate, ensuring everyone was comfortable and happy.
A special mention must go to our guide, Joe, who truly made this trip exceptional. His deep knowledge of wildlife and their behavior, combined with his ethical approach to safaris, stood out. He always maintained the perfect distance from animals, ensuring we didn’t disturb their natural habitat — yet he somehow managed to position us for the best sightings and photographs. Unlike many guides who follow the crowd, Joe took us on quieter routes, giving us exclusive, peaceful encounters with nature.
Lastly, the group experience was wonderful too. We were a mix of travelers from different parts of India, and every evening we’d gather to share stories, laughter, and reflections from the day — adding a warm, communal touch to the adventure.
Overall, this trip was everything I could have hoped for and more — beautifully organized, deeply immersive, and genuinely memorable. If you’re planning to visit Kenya and want to experience its wildlife in the most authentic and responsible way possible, I wholeheartedly recommend Nature Insight Safaris.
They don’t just show you Kenya — they make you feel it. ❤️