Home » Tourism: Blow by blow account of My Trip to Magical Kenya for the 3rd East African Regional Tourism Expo(EARTE) & Magical Kenya Travel Expo(MKTE)

Tourism: Blow by blow account of My Trip to Magical Kenya for the 3rd East African Regional Tourism Expo(EARTE) & Magical Kenya Travel Expo(MKTE)

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My journey started from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos where I checked in on ASKY for my Trip. I passed through the immigration with necessary check on my travel documents. I was at the lounge waiting for boarding.

We took off at exactly 10:24am which was a minute before the scheduled take off time. We landed at the Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport Togo around 10:15am for a 2hrs stopover before heading to Nairobi. Onboard Lome to Nairobi, we were served food and drinks, had to gist with my seat partner, had a short nap and finally, we arrived the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi around 9:30pm and got checked by the Kenyan Immigration.

On arrival, I was warmly received and picked up at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi by the Kenya Tourism Board officials. I was driven to my reserved accommodation (Movenpick Hotel & Residence). Had a great but very short night as we had to take off early morning for the Fam Trip. We boarded our safari van and headed to Wilson Airport where we boarded our flight to Amboseli National Park. It was a 37mins safe flight from Nairobi to Amboseli.

READ: Africa: Nairobi Gears Up to Host Magical Kenya & East Africa Regional Tourism Expo In November 2023 to Increase Tourist Arrivals

On arrival, we had a short Safari game drive and headed to our lodge (Serena Lodge) where we spent 3days and 2nights. I would say the hospitality in Kenya is topnotch as we were well received by the hotel manager with a glass of Passion fruit juice each. We were checked in and went to freshen up before we came back for lunch. After lunch we set out for the main Safari drive which took us 3 hours. We saw different animals such as Elephants, Buffalo, Hyena different bird species and many more animals.

Amboseli National Park is located in Southern Kenya well known for it is known for the largest herds of Elephants in the World, home of the Big 5(Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo) and it has the best view of Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa). Although, Mt.Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, Amboseli has the view (which means if you wish to see the mountain without climbing, the best place to be is Amboseli, Kenya.

In my tour group, we had Tanzanians, Kenyan, Chinese and a Ugandan. The Tanzanians and Kenyan most times jokingly argued about this mountain . Which country really owns it? The Kenyan would say, we own the mountain since you can view only from our country, the Tanzanians would say you can only view but you have to come to our country to experience the Mountain, as far as I was concerned then, I was super happy I could see the mountain after all the recitations I did in my Elementary school. When the time comes, I would go to Tanzania to also climb it so who owns it isn’t my concern, mine is to have the experiences and share.

I have been to three different zoos in Nigeria but I am yet to see an Elephant. However, at Amboseli, I got to see many Elephants as Amboseli is known to be their hub.

I saw WildeBeest, Leopards, Hyenas, Cheetah, Zebras, different species of birds (Kenya is also known to have 11+% of birds’ population in the World with over 1200 different species), Giraffes, Lions and Lioness in their natural habitat.

The most surprising part is that these are wild animals but they look and act harmless as they were just looking at us without being aggressive or scary. In my mind, I thought maybe I have been scammed to think that Lions are dangerous because these animals like Cheetah, Lion would see us and yet look so calm and harmless. I need to watch National Geographical more for further studies.

Aside getting to view Mt. Kilimanjaro on a daily basis, my other best experience is the Hot Air Balloon. In the early hours on Saturday morning, we left our lodge to the Kilimanjaro Scenic Balloon Safari where we were welcomed with complimentary cup of coffee with cookies, filled the Hot Air Balloon boarding form and we set to explore. The Balloon took us 3500ft above ground level and 7000m above sea level. We flew in the cloud, saw the cloud, felt the cloud, and touched the clouds. Here, we got a great view of the Mt. Kilimanjaro as we were a bit close.

After about an hour in the cloud, we descended and had our breakfast in the bush.
We had another safari game drive and did facility tours to different lodges and camps in order to assess their facilities. We went to Ol Tukai lodge, Tulia Camp, Maasai Mara, Tawi Lodge. At Maasai, the villagers welcomed us with a cultural display which we joined them. They shared their culture with us and led us to their market where we bought locally made arts and crafts. We returned back to the park for dinner and rest.

READ: Africa: The Magical Kenya Travel Expo attracts exhibitors from 35 countries

On Sunday morning after breakfast, we headed to Amboseli Airstrip for our flight back to Nairobi.

Doubtlessly, the fam trip brought my way several unforgettable experiences. Amboseli is a great place to visit with numerous Tourism potentials.

Checked in at Movenpick, had a great lunch with a live band display by the pool side. Had a long time to rest ahead of the 3-day EARTE & MKTE Conference and meetings.
On Monday morning after breakfast, we were picked up to the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, had great time meeting and sharing details with players in the industry from different part of Africa; Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Sudan, Seychelles, Tanzania, Burundi.

In the evening, we were welcomed at the Bomas of Kenya for the opening Cocktail which ended around 11pm.

After several successful meetings, I got an invite from one of the biggest DMCs in Kenya (Destination Connect) to a hosted Dinner which included some other Nigerians. This was another experience I so much love. We were served different kinds of meats; beef, chevon, crocodile meat, camel, chicken. This fun time came with a live cultural display and dance which lasted for about 2 hours. I enjoyed every bit of my stay in Kenya despite the fact it was my first experience.

In the early hours of Friday, I checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport for my return flight to Nigeria. It was a 5hrs 25mins journey. It was a smooth and timely return flight with Asky Airlines.

Thanks to Kenya Tourism Board for hosting me. Thanks to Akwaaba African Travel Market for the Privilege
God bless Africa.

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1 comment

Emory Casiano January 6, 2024 - 6:08 pm

Dear atqnews.com webmaster, Your posts are always well-written and engaging.

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