This post is originally from March 21, 2026

For this next part of the trip we are touring around Kenya with G Adventures. I always get some sense of trepidation as I wonder what personalities will be on the trip, but it’s also exciting because I’ve met some of the most amazing people from all over the world. Because this group was made up of 11 travelers we were kind of split into two groups as we traveled in 2 safari vehicles the entire way. It just so happened that we got on the best jeep with the greatest people – a Canadian couple who’s son happens to live in our neighborhood and a Danish lady who is on her first solo trip. The 6 of us have become like family and we have had so many laughs along the way.

We left Nairobi bright and early so that we could arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru is situated in Kenya’s Rift Valley and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its massive flamingo populations, the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and both the black and white rhinos. The reason the flamingo population has been so abundant is because the lake has been shallow and is made up of alkaline soda which is perfect for these birds to feed on the algae. Over the past few years however, the population has decreased significantly. Why? Since 2010 the lake has increased by over 40% due to increased rainfall, climate change and sediment inflow. Not only has it made for the lake to be inhospitable for flamingos, but it has expanded so much so that the wildlife are losing their land. You could see the effects as roads that were there only months ago are now completely submerged. Although we only saw dozens of flamingo instead of hundreds, Lake Nakuru was a still complete a show stopper!

While there, we were able to do 3 separate game drives. Right off the bat we came across one of the most rare animal to spot. The elusive leopard! Perched in a tree and hanging from the end of the tree branch, this beautiful leopard gave us dozens of super model poses.

Over the next two days we saw the largest herds of buffalo I’ve ever seen (approximately 300!), incredible bird life, the nearly extinct Rothschild giraffe up close, both black and white rhino, lions and so, so much more! Below are only a few shots…

And here are some of the monkey folk ~

Fun fact, did you the difference between the black and white rhino is not because one is black and the other white? The word ‘white’ comes from a mistranslation of the Afrikaans word for ‘wide’, describing the wide, square shape of its mouth. The black was named to differentiate them. Black rhinos have more of V shaped upper lip and are smaller. They graze on trees whereas white rhinos graze on grass. Typically the black are more allusive and aggressive of the two. Below are a few shots of the white rhino.

And so many birds…birds are really tough to get a good shot – they move fast!

As we were leaving the park to head to our next destination we stumbled upon a whole herd (or tower to be grammatically correct) of giraffes. They were right next to the road and were putting on quite a show. Two males were fighting by swinging their necks and smacking one another with the horns (ossicones). Although they were fighting, it looked more like a synchronized dance. Basically when giraffes do this they are trying to determine which one will become the alpha male and join the ladies. Anyway, while we were watching the ‘necking’ action a group of them started running towards a tree. Unbeknownst to them there was a lion laying right under that very tree! Best live tv show ever!