Nairobi Nights (and Days!)

Continuing my adventures in Kenya, I spent a short time in Nairobi. I stayed at another Sarova hotel, The Stanley, and I went to a few places that really knocked my socks off. Again, impeccable service and great choices for little miss vegan! Just another reason, if you don't already have plenty, to make your next vacation destination Kenya!

So, as seen above, I attended an event at the African Heritage House. Owned by an American no less, this house and the grounds on which it stands, is pretty incredible. It had beautiful artifacts from all over Africa and it overlooked a vast Kenyan landscape. The event was catered by the Stanley hotel and again, I was quite happy with my belly stuffing lunch. Plenty of veggies, salads, rice and beans and all served with a smile ; )

Now this next place is probably the least likely place you would find me but it was part of my trip and was on the itinerary. The whole lot of us were taken to a celebratory party for Virgin at a new, hip place in town called Carnivore. Yeah, Carnivore!!! I and my 2 other veggie buddies on the trip were quite worried about starving that evening, however, we didn't!!! Their passed appetizers were ridonckulously good!!! Hand made pomme frits with a delicious avocado dip, yummy veggie samosas and veggie potsticker dumplings. Between handfuls of those, a nice helping of Dawa (kenyan mojitos!!) and dancing for hours, it was the healthiest, and most fun, night out I have had in a long time. My stomach did turn at the sight of the menu but I had to make do that evening and I did, quite nicely too! I guess don't judge a restaurant by it's name!! Check out Carnivore online ; )

On my next visit I intend on stopping by Chowpaty in downtown as it is veggie Indian food as well as Slush Limited (Parklands Road, Corner Plaza, Westlands, Nairobi (at Rank Xerox House)P:254-20-03751039). So many places to go, places to eat and so little time!!!

Until next time, Jambo!!!!

My Maasai Mara Experience

Maasai Mara, Kenya, was one of the most incredible places I have ever had the good fortune to visit. Beautiful landscape and breathtaking animals roaming everywhere but the part that will always stay with me was the wonderful people I met. The Kenyans and the Maasais were hands down the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I was lucky enough to be able to stay at the Sarova Mara Game Lodge and I can't express what a lovely time it was. And yeah, they took care of this finicky vegan!!

I was in Kenya documenting a charity project organized by Virgin Unite. Virgin and the Sarova Hotel chain joined forces to help build new dorms and other facilities for the Sekenani Primary School. It was a week of fun and hard work for those who were chosen to aid in the construction of the school and I was so excited to be a part of it all.

The Sarova Mara Lodge was paradise. Complete with a tropical pool, putting green, rustic bar and luxury tents, the Sarova knows how to make their guests feel special. On top of the serene accommodations, the the animals that roam the grounds are out of this world.

Prior to my trip, I was worried that my dining would consist of my stash of Luna bars, lots of bread and bottled water. I couldn't have been more wrong! The meals were all buffet style with numerous stations with every dish clearly labeled and this was the case whether we ate at the lodge or we had a special meal out in the bush or anywhere off site. There were always happy staff members around to answer any questions and they kept all of the veggie dishes on one side of the dining hall so I, as well as 2 fellow veggies on the trip, had no problems loading up our plates with local delicacies. There was always a delicious selection on rices, bean dishes (both Indian and African) and tons of veggies! Some days there was a stir fry or pasta station and I would load up on helping of freshly made goodness ; ) In addition, I was always able to get fresh juice or huge bottles of water to take with me for the day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner was always something to look forward to at the lodge because I knew I could always find something tasty and satisfying and it always came with a smile!

So the lodge was amazing, the food was delectable and the staff was extraordinary, need I say more? One more thing,if you do find yourself in this part of Kenya, make sure you spend time with the Maasais. I learned so much from them and made lifelong friendships. These people are so steeped in their traditions and yet live amongst a world filled with cell phones and internet without being swayed. Again, they are some of the kindest and happiest people I have ever come across and I look forward to visiting my new friends very soon. In the photo above, the Maasai chief, Ole Tira, walked me to the plane that took me away from one of my happiest adventures yet; )
(My friend Andrew Luck snapped this shot - Thanks!!)

For more information on the charity and others like it, visit Virgin Unite. And to check out the Sarova Mara Lodge, pop over to Sarova Hotels.