Shobha’s Thrillophilia Review of an Adventurous Trip to Kenya
My husband and I always wanted to explore the wildlife of Africa. It had been a long time since we had last gone for a vacation and we decided to visit Africa this time. We spent nights scrolling through stunning photos of giraffes, lions, and endless savannahs - each photo more captivating than the last.
We argued over which park to visit first, but our endless planning got easier when we reached out to Thrillophilia. Their team helped us finalize the perfect itinerary, guiding us through the best spots like Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara. With their expert advice, our dream trip was no longer just a fantasy - it was becoming a reality!
A New Adventure Begins
When we arrived in Kenya, we were both excited and full of curiosity about everything we were about to discover. It was my first time on the African continent, and I couldn't wait to explore the stunning wildlife and the beautiful landscapes.
Our drive to Lake Nakuru Lodge was absolutely scenic, just the way we had seen in the documentaries. But what really struck me was the vastness of the landscape. The hills seemed to stretch endlessly. When we arrived at Lake Nakuru just in time for lunch, I remember feeling like a kid in a candy shop as I looked out over the lake from the dining area. The place was so peaceful and calm - the kind of serenity you’d expect in a hidden paradise.
After lunch, we headed out for our first game drive. As we cruised through the national park, my husband pointed out a group of giraffes grazing by the trees. I was so mesmerized by them that I almost didn’t hear him when he said, “Look, there’s a lion!” I gasped. The lion was resting on a rock, looking as if it owned the entire park. The sight of this majestic creature was so surreal that I had to pinch myself.
The rest of the afternoon was a blur of excitement, and by the time we returned to the lodge for dinner, we were both exhausted but thrilled about what lay ahead.
The Safari Adventure Continues
The next day, we set off for Maasai Mara, which was about a four-hour drive from Lake Nakuru. The journey was long, but our guide kept us entertained with stories of the Maasai culture and the reserve’s history. When we arrived at our lodge in Maasai Mara, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was so close to the wild that we could hear animals in the distance at night.
After settling in, we went for a half-day game drive. The vast plains of Maasai Mara were stunning - endless grasslands stretching out to as far as we could see. Within a couple of minutes, we saw a herd of elephants munching away on some trees.
I looked at my husband and said, “I feel like we’re in the middle of an Animal Planet documentary!”
He laughed, “It’s more like we’re part of it now! Look at those elephants, they’re so close.”
Our guide then drove us further into the reserve, and that’s when we saw the first wildebeest. We were in awe as the animals peacefully roamed around, and I couldn’t help but take tons of pictures. Our half-day drive ended with a magical sunset - it felt like the whole world had paused to let us enjoy the moment.
“Pure magic...isn't it?” my husband remarked, and I nodded.
Moments in Maasai Mara
The third day was packed with a full-day game drive, and it was worth every minute. We set off early in the morning, with the sun barely rising over the landscape. The cold air was refreshing, and as the sun rose higher, we were treated to views of the Mara that took my breath away. We saw so many animals - zebras, buffaloes, gazelles, and even a cheetah in the distance, hunting in the tall grass.
At one point, our guide stopped the vehicle near a watering hole. Over there, a pride of lions was resting under the shade of a tree. As we watched them from a safe distance, one lioness yawned and stretched, and I remember turning to my husband and whispering, “It looks like she’s giving us the ‘don’t bother me’ look!”
We spent several hours in the reserve, and our guide made sure to pack us a delicious lunch to enjoy right there in the wild. The food was perfect - simple, fresh, and just what we needed. As we sat by the vehicle, enjoying our lunch, we were surrounded by the distant sounds of wildlife. It was one of those moments where everything felt right.
“Imagine living here, surrounded by all this beauty every day,” I said, completely stunned by the view.
Full Hearts, Lasting Memories
Our last stop was Lake Naivasha, a peaceful retreat before heading back to Nairobi. After checking into the lodge, we decided to go for a boat ride on the lake in the evening. We also spotted a few hippos lounging on the banks, and the boatman pointed out a variety of bird species.
"Shobha, look at those pelicans! I had no idea they were so big!" my husband exclaimed, his camera clicking away.
I smiled, “You’ve got to get that shot! These birds are so beautiful.”
As we cruised along, I reflected on how incredible the trip had been. From the lions of Lake Nakuru Park to the elephants of Maasai Mara, every moment had been filled with wonder. Kenya had exceeded all our expectations.
Read More: Thrillophilia Kenya Reviews