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We Came to Kenya for Safari… But What Really Happened Blew Us Away!

We came to Kenya with one simple plan: go on safari, see incredible wildlife, and soak up the beauty of the savannah.

But what actually happened? Something even more unforgettable.
The Wanderlust Kids

Arriving with Expectations — and Finding More

The moment we landed, we were buzzing with anticipation. After months of planning, we were finally here — ready for the Mara, the Big Five, and those awe-inspiring wildlife encounters.
Yet almost immediately, the rhythm of Kenya surprised us. It didn’t start in the vehicle, didn’t start in the lodge… it started on the road.
The Wanderlust Kids

Riding a Matu — A Real Kenyan Welcome

Instead of jumping straight into a safari van, we found ourselves squeezed into a matu — a shared minibus used by locals — laughing and chatting with Kenyan drivers and passengers. It wasn’t part of the plan, but it instantly grounded us in everyday life here.
This wasn’t just travel. This was living the travel moment
The Wanderlust Kids

More Than Wildlife — People, Laughter & Shared Moments

Kenya is stunning — the landscapes, the golden light, the wildlife — but what truly blew us away were the people.
We ended up:
  • Cooking dinner in a stranger’s kitchen, invited in with warm smiles and open arms
  • Hearing stories from local families about life, culture, and community
  • Sharing meals, jokes, and laughter we never expected to have on a safari trip
These moments weren’t in the itinerary. They weren’t on any travel list. They were real life — and deeply memorable.
The Wanderlust Kids

The Safari Was Amazing — But Not the Whole Story

Of course we still saw wildlife — elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. The safari itself was magical. But it was the unexpected parts of the trip — the human connections, the detours, the shared everyday experiences — that ended up defining our journey.
It reminded us that travel is about people as much as places.
The Wanderlust Kids

What Kenya Taught Us

Here’s what we took away from this trip:
  • ✨ Expectation isn’t everything. Sometimes reality is richer.
  • 🌍 The best moments are unplanned. The heart of travel is in the surprises.
  • 🤝 Connection matters. From rides in a matu to shared dinners, people made this trip unforgettable.
Kenya gave us more than a safari — it gave us story after story to remember.
The Wanderlust KidsCheck out our YouTube video on this trip to Nairobi, KenyaBack to our main blog pageThe Wanderlust Kids
  • Visiting Nairobi, Kenya

  • Travelling to Nairobi, Kenya

  • Brits going to Nairobi, Kenya

The Wanderlust Kids