Kenya (2009, senior, trip, winter)

[SouperStar34]

I am thinking about planning a trip to Kenya. I know some people over there that I could stay with near Nairobi.

Has anyone ever made the journey to Kenya or have any information about it?

I would like to go to Kenya after I graduate in May 2009.

[toobusytoday]

My daughter went to Nairobi in 2006 as a senior in College. She had a friend from there and went to visit her for two weeks during her winter break. I was glad she didn't tell me about the possible danger until she came back. Her friends family lived in a gated compound and inside the house each bedroom had a deadbolt lock on it so that if intruders came in they would be safe. When my daughter and her friends family went into the city none of the women took purses because there was too much danger of being mugged. My daughter has one picture of the city but it's deserted, I asked her why and she said she couldn't take her camera into the city during the busier part of the day because it would be stolen. For the one picture she had gotten up really early so she and her friend could take a picture.

Even so, she said that she had a good time and enjoyed herself. The most disheartening part to her trip was seeing so many desperately poor people and not be in a position to help.

[SouperStar34]

Interesting... Did she see much wildlife?

[toobusytoday]

She saw a lot of monkeys when they went to the coast and some other animals while on the drive there. Her visit though was not really like a regular tourist visit because she was staying with a family and didn't really do a lot of sight seeing. If you haven't already visited, I suggest you check out tripadvisor.com for more information.

[ESFP]

Never been there, but... One night I had a flat tire along the highway with no spare, in the pouring rain (sounds like a country song, eh?). I tried for 2 hours to get someone to help, they just drove by. Finally, a new Cadillac stopped, the well-dressed driver popped his trunk and started unbolting his spare. I told him he'll get filthy with all the mud. He said he didn't care, he'll follow me to a station to get his tire back. I ask where his accent (obviously not American) was from. He jumped to attention and proudly said, "Kenya". I've always wanted to visit the country since.