• 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…

  • giraffe manor
    Africa,  Kenya,  Safari,  solo

    What It’s Like to Visit Giraffe Manor Solo

    Giraffe Manor in Kenya is a dream destination for many travelers and it promises an adventure that’s both unique and memorable. Nestled in the outskirts of Nairobi, this boutique hotel is famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes that freely roam the grounds and frequently poke their heads through the windows in search of a snack. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like to visit Giraffe Manor solo. Getting to Giraffe Manor Pre-arrange your transfer with Giraffe Manor (it’s included with your stay) to make getting to the Manor a breeze. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel or be waiting for you at the airport with a friendly…

  • 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…

  • swahili phrases
    Africa,  Kenya,  Safari,  Tanzania

    5 Swahili Phrases to know for your Trip to Africa

    When visiting a place where I don’t speak the language, I always try to learn a few basic phrases to communicate with locals. Here are a few Swahili phrases I learned while traveling in Africa. 1. Jambo Hello 2. Karibou Welcome or you are welcome here Join the Newsletter Subscribe to get my latest travel tips, tricks, and inspiration! Subscribe I respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time. Built with ConvertKit 3. Polepole Slowly 4. Asante or Asanta sana Thank you or thank you very much 5. Maisha Marefu Long Life (used as a toast) You may not always pronounce the words correctly, but a big smile and making an…

  • Underwater hotel room at Manta Resort
    Africa,  Overwater Bungalows,  Tanzania

    Underwater Hotel Room at the Manta Resort

    Part overwater bungalow, part underwater hotel room, the Underwater Room at the Manta Resort is an experience unlike any other! How to get to the Manta Resort The Manta Resort is located on Pemba Island off the coast of Tanzania in the Zanzibar archipelago. You can fly to Pemba Island from Zanzibar (ZNZ) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) in mainland Tanzania. Be sure to have $50 per person in cash with you when you land for your travel visa. Once you arrive at Pemba airport, it’s about a 90-minute drive to Manta Resort. Check with your airline regarding luggage weight restrictions as many of the flights in the area are…