• middle-age woman carrying two backpacks smiling as she takes a mirror selfie
    Africa,  Kenya,  Safari,  Tanzania

    Safari Packing List Tanzania & Giraffe Manor in Kenya

    Safari Packing List Tanzania: Luggage for Your Adventure I’ve been to 34 countries and making my safari packing list for Tanzania was one of the most challenging ones to date! Here’s everything I packed for Tanzania, what I used and didn’t use, and a few things I forgot to pack for the unforgettable adventure of my Tanzania safari! Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack Duffel bags or soft sided bags are highly recommended as they are more suitable for the travel conditions encountered during a Tanzania safari, such as limited luggage space on smaller planes and the necessity for flexibility while loading a safari vehicle. Avoid hard suitcases and you’ll be…

  • four points by sheraton nairobi airport
    Africa,  Kenya

    Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Kenya

    Built in 2017, Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is conveniently located just one kilometer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 20 minutes from Wilson Airport (WIL), and four kilometers from the Syokimau Railway Station, making it an incredibly conveniently located hotel. When my flight to Nairobi was scheduled to arrive late in the evening, I needed a convenient airport hotel to spend one night before my stay at Giraffe Manor. I’m a Marriott girl at heart so I was thrilled to see that Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport was minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport! Once my flight arrived, I collected my bags and got through customs and…

  • pexels kureng workx 4404524 scaled
    Africa,  Kenya,  Safari,  Travel Tips,  Visa

    Do I need a Kenya Visa?

    Do you need a Kenya visa for your upcoming trip? Whether you’re going on a safari or to Giraffe Manor, it’s important to research in advance of your trip whether or not you’re required to obtain a visa. Do I need a Kenya Visa? On January 2, 2024 the government of Kenya implemented an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system in Kenya. As of January 5, 2024, all travelers to Kenya (with limited exceptions) will be required to apply for and pay for an eTA. Kenya Entry Requirements To visit Kenya, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry and you must have at…

  • Africa,  Safari,  Tanzania

    Safari Hotels in Tanzania

    After my time in Kenya at Giraffe Manor, I headed to Tanzania for the next part of my African journey: safari! Here are the safari hotels in Tanzania (plus a few in Zanzibar) where I stayed during my weeklong trip! Olerai Lodge Formerly a family home, Olerai Lodge opened as a hotel in 2019. Set among an acacia grove this sun-soaked hotel is surrounded by lush greenery and is an absolute delight! This unexpected gem of a property was my favorite way to start my Tanzania trip! From sundowners at the circular fire pit to the cozy cottage nestled among flowers, the property was beautiful and the service was stellar!…

  • Africa,  Destinations,  Tanzania,  Zanzibar

    Nungwi Dreams by Mantis Hotel in Zanzibar, Tanzania

    Located on the northern tip of Nungwi Beach on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania, Nungwi Dreams by Mantis Hotel is a beach lover’s paradise that’s a world apart from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and worlds away from the mainland safari circuit. How to Get to Nungwi Dreams by Mantis Hotel Or take a two-hour ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar. Note that the ferry crossing can be rough depending on the season. Nungwi Dreams is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport and port in Stone Town. Fly to Zanzibar Stone Town Airport (ZNZ) from a variety of airports including Dar Es Salaam’s…