Hopefully the first of many sunsets on safari.
I have to say, it is quite nice flying into Kenya nowadays without all the extra paperwork, lines, and prep that came with Covid these last few years. I was the very last person off the plane, and still breezed through the customs line in about 20 minutes. My checked bag was waiting for me and the driver from the hotel was outside ready to go. About 5 minutes later I was checking in to the Hilton Garden Inn. Smooth as butter. Always a good way to start.
Entryway of the Hilton Garden Inn
Pretty cool sable antelope fountains outside the entrance to the Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport Kenya
There is nothing like a hot shower and a cozy bed after nearly 2 strait days of flying. At least I was only coming from the East coast, and not all the way from Hawaii. I always like to spend the first night of the safari at the Hilton Garden Inn because of its location, just out of the Nairobi airport. You avoid having to drive into the city center, where most of the hotels are...and most of the traffic. Plus, you can avoid the traffic on your way out of town to the game parks the next day.
But location isn't everything. There has to be some comfort too. The rooms are a pretty normal setup, with coffee and tea in room, a fridge, waterfall shower, and a comfy bed. The view isn't too much but we will be in the wilderness soon enough. There is a nice pool and fitness workout room on the top level. And their business center makes it easy to print out any last minute safari paperwork.
Of course, one of the big amenities I look for in a spot like this, is the breakfast. And this one is worth writing home about. Chefs are on standby, whipping up made-to-order omelets and belgian waffles. A hot food bar is stocked, as well as a juice and fruit bar, yogurt bar, coffee and latte machine, and more. This spot doubles as an in-house lunch and dinner restaurant as well.
The breakfast here is a can't-miss.
My group of six guests is here and everyone is ready and excited to get the safari started. They have already checked out some of the local Nairobi attractions like the safari park, Nairobi National Museum, the snake park, a traditional dance show, and the view from the top of the convention center. We are heading to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphange to get things started tomorrow. Then the giraffe center, Talisman for lunch, and an afternoon game drive through Nairobi National Park on our way to a private ranch for dinner.
It is actually a bit chilly for a dip in the pool but I'm enjoying the view.
Stay tuned for more fun as my African safari gets started!
Check out the starting location here on pinmapple: [//]:# (!pinmapple -1.35386 lat 36.90704 long Safari Night 1 d3scr)
-Dai Mar