Growing up in Kenya: meet your local expert

From the spectacular crags of Mount Kenya to the endless grasslands that play host to the great wildebeest migration (starring two million herd animals), Kenya is a country where drama comes as standard. There are highlands to hike and coral reefs to dive, urban life to enjoy and tribal culture to appreciate. Exploring endless parkland in search of the Big Five is an unforgettable safari experience complete with acacia-studded horizons, red-robed tribesmen, and that vast African sky. Nobody knows a country like a local, and our trusted local expert in Kenya Robert is well-seasoned on the wildlife, natural scenery and the culture of his nation! We spoke to him to find out more about this magical country, as well as any top tips that he has for travelers wanting to visit his shores.

What was your favorite thing about growing up in Kenya?

Another one of my favorite pastimes as a child was trekking around in the Kenyan wild. I often did this on my own, as my parents already had enough on their hands without worrying about things like camping. Like most village boys, I used to sneak away with my friends in the afternoons to go fishing at one of the large dams. We would fish for hours and then barbecue them on the campfire, we would then take a swim before making our way home at sunset (trying my best not to get caught by my parents).

Do you have any fond childhood memories?

One of my favorite childhood memories is when we would occasionally (usually on Sundays) go to Nairobi, which was a mere 20km away from where we lived. To this day I still have no idea how a family of nine could fit into such a small car!

Whether it was seeing a cultural show in Bomas of Kenya, visiting Nairobi National Park for a game drive, or going to the animal orphanage for some time with the ever-mischievous monkeys… though these outings were rare, I would have to say they were some of the best times of my childhood. Upon returning from one of these outings, the evening would be spent rehearsing the stories I would be telling the other pupils in school the next day; tales of the monkey in the trees, the lions gnawing on meat from a bone, or the exciting acrobatic moves I watched at the Bomas of Kenya cultural center.

In school, knowing about all the different animals and their characteristics and behaviors made me a celebrity of sorts. At break time, I would sit all the boys down and tell them about how strong the lion is or how the cheetah can outrun all the other animals. Thinking of it now; I’m not sure that all the things I told them were correct… but one thing is true, they liked listening to my wildlife stories almost as much as I liked telling them. I remember thinking, maybe I will become a wildlife tour expert when I grow up.

As a local expert in Kenya, what would you say this country’s greatest treasure is?

It’s definitely a combination of factors that makes Kenya the perfect destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. Sitting right by the equator, you get year-round sunny conditions, making it a great place to visit at any point of the year. Even during the coldest months, Kenya still manages long days of sunlight.

Another treasure of Kenya is the abundance of wildlife, especially including the Big Five. The phrase Big Five was coined by the 19th-century hunting expeditions that included Winston Churchill and many other well-known figures. It refers to the most prized animals that were hunted during these expeditions including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Kenya has an abundance animal life, including not only the Big Five, but hundreds of animals and birds.

The Kenyan landscape is its own treasure. Only in Kenya can you move from the Chalbi Desert, to ice-covered mountains, to the savannah grasslands of magical national parks, and finally to the powdery white-sand beaches with its turquoise blue waters. Kenya is a trove, full to the brim and overflowing with treasures.

What is one thing that you hope every traveler will take home with them after visiting Kenya?

As a local expert, I always hope that the trips I plan leave people inspired and give travelers a better appreciation for the country and its people. With 42 different tribes the country is incredibly diverse, and this is something that anyone who visits Kenya can experience.

My role in all of this is to educate my guests and translate all these cultures as best I can, as well as all the other aspects of our great country including its natural beauty, wildlife, economy and politics. The best things that a traveler can take away from Kenya are not only an increased knowledge of our country, but also a personal experience with it.

Additionally, I always hope that a traveler will contribute in a positive way to the destination they visit, leaving it even better than they found it through enhancing environmental conservation and assisting local communities, among other things. It’s always a more fulfilling experience when a visitor goes back home knowing they positively impacted their vacation destination, and this is what I aim to achieve with all travelers who allow me to plan their trips (that’s why I partnered with TravelLocal)!

Make it happen

We hope this interview with a local expert in Kenya has given you a unique glimpse into local life, and a first-hand look at what it’s like growing up in this beautiful country. If you’re feeling inspired, get in touch with a local expert in Kenya today, and begin planning your trip!