Disappointing Kenya Trip: Why It Wasn't Worth the Hype and My Honest Review

Recently, I had a sudden urge to go to Africa to see the animals. After looking up some travel guides online and discussing with friends, we decided to go on a safari in Kenya, Africa. I really regret not going earlier; once there, I found that the scenes from "Animal World" are incredibly stunning, far beyond my imagination!!!

I'd like to share my experiences and suggestions with you. For those who want to go to Africa, don't miss out, so you won't fall into any traps! 📒Small tips 1. Kenya has a plastic bag ban, so do not bring plastic bags. You can bring non-woven fabric bags instead. 2. About 15 days before going to Kenya, you need to get the yellow fever vaccine at the International Travel Health Care Center and obtain the yellow booklet.

3. The water quality in Kenya is not very good. Use bottled water for washing your face and rinsing your mouth. Do not drink raw water as it can easily cause bacterial infections. 4. Safari trips are mostly within national parks, so pay attention to safety. Listen to the driver-guide, do not get off the vehicle casually, and do not throw food to the animals.

5. When choosing a tour, if you see a price of less than 10,000 RMB, claiming to be a small group staying in 4-5 star hotels, be cautious. There are usually hidden costs. They might drop you off at the entrance of the attraction and not let you leave until you buy tickets, and in the end, there will be a lot of shopping.

🌟About the tour I joined Since it was our first time in Africa, we were a bit worried about safety issues... (too many cases of scams), plus potential communication barriers due to transportation and language, so we decided to join a tour. When looking for a tour, we were also quite confused, worried about falling into traps 😫, and afraid of forced shopping.

We couldn't find a suitable small group on Xiaohongshu, but just then, a friend returned from her trip to Africa, so I asked her for a recommendation. 🌟Experience Comfort is the most important since the journey in Africa involves a lot of time in the car. A smaller group means a better experience, as you can promptly discuss matters (such as meals, restroom breaks, and sightseeing) with the guide and fellow travelers.

We finally settled on a 6-person pure-play small group. The fellow travelers were also very nice, mostly around the same age, and I made new friends, which was very enjoyable. We were laughing and having fun all the way.

After returning, I only had one thought: Thank goodness we didn't sign up for a large group of dozens of people! If you want to go on a safari, you can't rush it; otherwise, you might as well not come at all...

Cost 💰 The total cost was around 30,000 RMB (including airfare, hotel, meals, and guide). There were no hidden costs, and we also participated in some self-funded activities.

I have to give a shoutout to our guide, who was not only a barrel of laughs but also incredibly responsible. Whenever we encountered any issues, he was right there, solving them in a flash. His photography skills were top-notch, and he even gave us some posing tips, helping us capture a bunch of cool shots to flaunt on social media. 😎

✨Ramblings The moment I saw a herd of animals right in front of me at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, I was so moved that tears welled up in my eyes. After the emotional outpour, I felt exhilarated sitting in the off-road vehicle, ready for more adventures. I asked the guide to snap loads of photos, and we had a blast laughing together. Hahaha! We also took a hot air balloon ride to watch the sunrise, and it was absolutely breathtaking—truly a sight to behold!

From July to September, Kenya experiences an incredible animal migration. Sisters, you absolutely must go!!! If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. 🦁✈️