The Game Plan
Planning a trip of this scale with my parents was, I swear, not the easiest task in the world, but we finally nailed down the itinerary. Our journey started in Nairobi, the international gateway to the plains, where we spent one night before our safari guide collected us. The adventure itinerary included two nights each in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, followed by a final night in Ngorongoro before we headed home. Given the complexity and comfort requirements, we opted for a private tour package, which proved to be an excellent decision. (If you're considering a DIY trip, detailed information about the Mara and Serengeti parks can be found in my previous post.)
The Unexpected Rain In Nairobi
Our arrival in Nairobi was met with a torrential downpour. Fortunately, ours was the only flight at the time, so we moved swiftly through immigration and claimed our bags without delay. Stepping onto the covered walkway, the deafening rain pounded the roof—a relentless assault that felt ready to tear it open.
For the locals, this deluge was a cause for celebration. It was one of the year's heaviest summer storms, finally giving the sun-baked earth a much-needed drink. For us, it was simply an obstacle. Getting to our Uber meant dragging suitcases through deepening puddles. For someone used to city shelter, it felt like a losing battle.
When our Uber finally appeared, it felt like a rescue. The driver kindly helped load our luggage into the boot, and we sank into our seats, finally able to catch our breath. The drive to our hotel in the Westlands district took us through the city centre, offering a glimpse into Nairobi's chaotic rhythm. The traffic was formidable, a dense web of vehicles. Yet, pedestrians moved through it all like water, weaving between congested cars with an unflustered resolve. It was clear this city operated by its own unspoken rules.
Our Stay At Novotel Nairobi Westlands
Our arrival at the hotel, the Novotel, was like entering a high-security compound. Guards inspected our car thoroughly before allowing us through the gate, and every piece of luggage had to pass through an X-ray scanner. On one hand, the level of security was reassuring. On the other, it was a sobering reminder of the challenges the city faced.
Stepping inside, the hotel felt modern and immaculate—the perfect haven after our chaotic arrival. It was exactly the sanctuary we needed. To our delight, our rooms were ready even though we were a bit early for check-in. We made our way up to the fourth floor, where our room opened up into a spacious and pristine space. At last, we could drop our bags, take a deep breath, and let the day's journey melt away.
After a short rest, we set out to tour the property. We found the rooftop, which features a heated outdoor pool (closed due to the weather) and a stylish bar—definitely the start of a holiday vibe. We then ventured into Trunk & Tandoor, an Indian-inspired bar also on the top level. Sitting by the window, we enjoyed an impeccable view of the city at high altitude and sampled some flavourful small bites before dinner. Thanks to my ALL Gold status, we were able to redeem beverage vouchers, and I was especially impressed by the attention to detail in the service, including the wet towel service before the meal.
We took a quick detour to check out the surprisingly quiet spa and the well-equipped fitness center. We also found out the hotel even featured a salon—a first for me in a hotel. After our self-guided tour, we decided on an early dinner at the hotel's Italian restaurant, Gemma's Cucina Italiana, ready to fuel up for the safari ahead.
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