Kenya is a country of contrastand excitement – in the very best way. Here, you can start your day on a world-class safari and end it with your toes in white sand by the Indian Ocean. On safari, vast savannas and acacia trees set the scene for incredible wildlife experiences: lions resting in the shade, elephants on the move, giraffes gliding across the plains – and, if you’re lucky, all of the Big Five.
Trude Helén Hole – author, journalist, sommelier and coach
A pleasant mix of diversity. Kenya is a vibrant East African nation known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. Home to more than 40 ethnic groups, the country blends tradition and modern life in a unique and dynamic way.
From bustling Nairobi to rural villages, Kenya’s identity is shaped by community, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. With a growing economy, strong creative scene, and global influence in areas like athletics, conservation, and tourism, Kenya stands as one of Africa’s most iconic and inspiring countries.
Kenya is also known for its people – genuinely warm, welcoming, and quick to share a smile. There’s an ease and openness in everyday encounters, whether in a busy city, a small village, or out in nature. Those bright smiles and friendly greetings stay with you long after the journey ends, often becoming one of the most memorable parts of visiting Kenya.
Dust, adventures and crystal clear ocean
On this journey I brought my three adult children. As a wine-importer in the ’90s and a visit to Kruger National Park, I have dreamed of taking my children on safari ever since I first experienced this type of amazing adventure myself. South Africa is still one of my favorite countries also regarding wine – you will find my books about wine with recipes at your favorite retailer.
After dust and adventures on the savannas, the coast provides the perfect balance. Along beaches such as Diani Beach and Watamu, you’ll find crystal-clear waters, palm trees, a relaxed pace of life, and vibrant coral reefs. Days are filled with sun, swimming, fresh seafood, and Swahili culture – often topped off with unforgettable sunsets.
We spent five wonderful days at Leopard Beach Resort and Spa at Diani Beach, and stayed in our own luxury beach bungalow with perfect view towards the beach and the Indian Ocean – waking up to the sound of birds, monkeys and waves is magical. The hotel offers good facilities and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and is highly recommended for all age groups.
The magic of Amboseli, and Tsavo East and West
The Maasai Mara is iconic, especially during the Great Migration, while parks like Amboseli and Tsavo offer equally magical moments. Tsavo is Kenya’s oldest and largest national park and covers no less than 40% of the total national park area in Kenya. Tsavo is separated into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, as the park is divided between Nairobi and Mombasa. Tsavo East offers flat savannah landscapes and grasslands, and is highly loved by photographers because of the very special light.
Tsavo is known for its large game populations, including the largest number of elephants in Kenya, estimated to around 8,000. The elephants have an almost reddish glow due to their daily ‘dust bath’ in Tsavo’s red soil. Tsavo also offers a rich birdlife with 500 different species of birds, including the ostrich, and with a little luck you can also experience “The Big Five” here – the buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros.
We stayed at Ashnil Aruba Lodge in the heart of Tsavo East National Park. The Lodge features 46 rooms and 6 tents, and its location is superb, just a couple of hours from the coast of Mombasa, and 5 hours leisurely drive from Nairobi. With several watering holes nearby attracting wildlife, spotting animals is easy because the park lies flat with savannah grassland.
Tsavo West is more diverse than Tsavo East, with a more dramatic landscape. Here you will find the beautiful, volcanic freshwater springs Mzima springs, which are a vital oasis for the wild animals in the otherwise dry savannah landscape. At Mzima Springs, 200,000 liters of fresh spring water comes from the ground every minute. Most of this freshwater flows into the Tsavo River and helps create ideal conditions for hippos and crocodiles in particular.
In Tsavo West we stayed at Kilaguni Serena Lodge, which is beautifully situated on a hill with great views of the Chyulu Hills and Mt. Kilimanjaro, and of course wild animals – as Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge and Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Kilaguni Serena Lodge is an experience in itself.
Amboseli National Park and Kilimanjaro
In addition to the wild animals, Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, makes its mark on the Amboseli Park with its almost 6000 m above sea level. Majestic, with its hopefully eternal snow on top, the mountain seems almost unreal on the warm flat savannah. A large part of the park’s 392 km2 consists of swamps formed by the meltwater from Kilimanjaro, which form the area’s pantry for the herbivores.
Amboseli Park is best known for its large herds of elephants. It is estimated that there are about 1000 elephants in the park’s fragile ecosystem. These elephants are considered to be some of the largest elephants in Africa – their ears are enormous. However, elephants are not the only wild animals in Amboseli. The park is home to as many as 50 other mammals, including lions, cheetahs and plenty of zebra and wildebeest. 400 species of birds have been recorded here, including pelicans, flamingos, ostriches and more than 47 different species of birds of prey.
Large groups of buffalo are also a characteristic of the place. Contrasting the wet swamp areas is Lake Amboseli, which is a dried-up salt lake that gives the park its dry and dusty appearance. The low vegetation around the lake and the flat terrain makes it easy to spot the animals and get nice photos. The fact that Mt. Kilimanjaro looms in the background doesn’t make the place any less photogenic. The park is also surrounded by many Maasai villages, so there is a good chance to meet the locals here.
We stayed at the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge that offers a fantastic view of the majestic mountain and its snow-capped peaks which can be seen from the morning before the clouds settle around the top of the mountain.
Don´t rush – take your time and breathe
Remember to be truly present, not just through camera and mobile. Take it all in, breathe slowly and enjoy the whole trip. The lodges were all great experiences in themselves. I recommend at least two nights at each place to find peace and enjoy the lodge’s facilities surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife. After a long and adventurous day among Africa’s wild animals, I also recommend a cold drink at the lodges terraces before dinner is served to absorb the whole experience – trust me, you will need it.
Kenya is beautiful nature, exotic wildlife, magic ocean, warm encounters, smiles and pure joy – all in one journey. And we will be back!
Live your life through joy, generosity and love – then the world becomes a better place to be for all of us.
Shortly about me/this blog – I am an author, journalist, artist, sommelier and traveller that have experienced a lot of beautiful places all over our amazing world. I have written articles for several magazines for more than three decades, and have written over 30 books, including more than 20 on the subject of wine. You can read my travel tips here – and my books can be found on Amazon, among other places.
If you want to cooperate, please feel free to contact me at: truhole@hotmail.no
Please join this blog if you like, by clicking the FOLLOW icon on the right. If you wan´t to add me at SOME or see my art or buy my books or wine courses – please do so. You will find all my SOME sites at linktr.ee/trudehelenhole. Thank you, and have a beautiful day with a lot of love and laughter.
Culinary Delights for Foodies and Wine Lovers – Perfect Pairings and Recipes to Elevate Your different Grape Experience. Understanding food and wine pairing is a Wine Lover’s Dream. In this series, we reveal simple key factors worth knowing to match the distinctive wine styles to different cuisines. Each pairing highlights the unique characteristics of the wine and its grape. Buy it on:
Kenya is a country of contrast and excitement – in the very best way. Here, you can start your day on a world-class safari and end it with your toes in white sand by the Indian Ocean. On safari, vast savannas and acacia trees set the scene for incredible wildlife experiences: lions resting in the shade, elephants on the move, giraffes gliding across the plains – and, if you’re lucky, all of the Big Five.
A pleasant mix of diversity. Kenya is a vibrant East African nation known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. Home to more than 40 ethnic groups, the country blends tradition and modern life in a unique and dynamic way.
From bustling Nairobi to rural villages, Kenya’s identity is shaped by community, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. With a growing economy, strong creative scene, and global influence in areas like athletics, conservation, and tourism, Kenya stands as one of Africa’s most iconic and inspiring countries.
Kenya is also known for its people – genuinely warm, welcoming, and quick to share a smile. There’s an ease and openness in everyday encounters, whether in a busy city, a small village, or out in nature. Those bright smiles and friendly greetings stay with you long after the journey ends, often becoming one of the most memorable parts of visiting Kenya.
Dust, adventures and crystal clear ocean
On this journey I brought my three adult children. As a wine-importer in the ’90s and a visit to Kruger National Park, I have dreamed of taking my children on safari ever since I first experienced this type of amazing adventure myself. South Africa is still one of my favorite countries also regarding wine – you will find my books about wine with recipes at your favorite retailer.
After dust and adventures on the savannas, the coast provides the perfect balance. Along beaches such as Diani Beach and Watamu, you’ll find crystal-clear waters, palm trees, a relaxed pace of life, and vibrant coral reefs. Days are filled with sun, swimming, fresh seafood, and Swahili culture – often topped off with unforgettable sunsets.
We spent five wonderful days at Leopard Beach Resort and Spa at Diani Beach, and stayed in our own luxury beach bungalow with perfect view towards the beach and the Indian Ocean – waking up to the sound of birds, monkeys and waves is magical. The hotel offers good facilities and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and is highly recommended for all age groups.
The magic of Amboseli, and Tsavo East and West
The Maasai Mara is iconic, especially during the Great Migration, while parks like Amboseli and Tsavo offer equally magical moments. Tsavo is Kenya’s oldest and largest national park and covers no less than 40% of the total national park area in Kenya. Tsavo is separated into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, as the park is divided between Nairobi and Mombasa. Tsavo East offers flat savannah landscapes and grasslands, and is highly loved by photographers because of the very special light.
Tsavo is known for its large game populations, including the largest number of elephants in Kenya, estimated to around 8,000. The elephants have an almost reddish glow due to their daily ‘dust bath’ in Tsavo’s red soil. Tsavo also offers a rich birdlife with 500 different species of birds, including the ostrich, and with a little luck you can also experience “The Big Five” here – the buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros.
We stayed at Ashnil Aruba Lodge in the heart of Tsavo East National Park. The Lodge features 46 rooms and 6 tents, and its location is superb, just a couple of hours from the coast of Mombasa, and 5 hours leisurely drive from Nairobi. With several watering holes nearby attracting wildlife, spotting animals is easy because the park lies flat with savannah grassland.
Tsavo West is more diverse than Tsavo East, with a more dramatic landscape. Here you will find the beautiful, volcanic freshwater springs Mzima springs, which are a vital oasis for the wild animals in the otherwise dry savannah landscape. At Mzima Springs, 200,000 liters of fresh spring water comes from the ground every minute. Most of this freshwater flows into the Tsavo River and helps create ideal conditions for hippos and crocodiles in particular.
In Tsavo West we stayed at Kilaguni Serena Lodge, which is beautifully situated on a hill with great views of the Chyulu Hills and Mt. Kilimanjaro, and of course wild animals – as Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge and Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Kilaguni Serena Lodge is an experience in itself.
Amboseli National Park and Kilimanjaro
In addition to the wild animals, Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, makes its mark on the Amboseli Park with its almost 6000 m above sea level. Majestic, with its hopefully eternal snow on top, the mountain seems almost unreal on the warm flat savannah. A large part of the park’s 392 km2 consists of swamps formed by the meltwater from Kilimanjaro, which form the area’s pantry for the herbivores.
Amboseli Park is best known for its large herds of elephants. It is estimated that there are about 1000 elephants in the park’s fragile ecosystem. These elephants are considered to be some of the largest elephants in Africa – their ears are enormous. However, elephants are not the only wild animals in Amboseli. The park is home to as many as 50 other mammals, including lions, cheetahs and plenty of zebra and wildebeest. 400 species of birds have been recorded here, including pelicans, flamingos, ostriches and more than 47 different species of birds of prey.
Large groups of buffalo are also a characteristic of the place. Contrasting the wet swamp areas is Lake Amboseli, which is a dried-up salt lake that gives the park its dry and dusty appearance. The low vegetation around the lake and the flat terrain makes it easy to spot the animals and get nice photos. The fact that Mt. Kilimanjaro looms in the background doesn’t make the place any less photogenic. The park is also surrounded by many Maasai villages, so there is a good chance to meet the locals here.
We stayed at the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge that offers a fantastic view of the majestic mountain and its snow-capped peaks which can be seen from the morning before the clouds settle around the top of the mountain.
Don´t rush – take your time and breathe
Remember to be truly present, not just through camera and mobile. Take it all in, breathe slowly and enjoy the whole trip. The lodges were all great experiences in themselves. I recommend at least two nights at each place to find peace and enjoy the lodge’s facilities surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife. After a long and adventurous day among Africa’s wild animals, I also recommend a cold drink at the lodges terraces before dinner is served to absorb the whole experience – trust me, you will need it.
Recommended hotels and outstanding lodges; Kilaguni Serena Lodge, Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge and Leopard Beach Resort and Spa at Diani Beach.
…………….@……………
Yours sincerely Trude Helén Hole
Norwegian author, journalist, sommelier, lecturer & artist
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Live your life through joy, generosity and love – then the world becomes a better place to be for all of us.
Shortly about me/this blog – I am an author, journalist, artist, sommelier and traveller that have experienced a lot of beautiful places all over our amazing world. I have written articles for several magazines for more than three decades, and have written over 30 books, including more than 20 on the subject of wine. You can read my travel tips here – and my books can be found on Amazon, among other places.
If you want to cooperate, please feel free to contact me at: truhole@hotmail.no
Follow this link to my media agency; New Spirit Communication
Please join this blog if you like, by clicking the FOLLOW icon on the right. If you wan´t to add me at SOME or see my art or buy my books or wine courses – please do so. You will find all my SOME sites at linktr.ee/trudehelenhole. Thank you, and have a beautiful day with a lot of love and laughter.
Find me at SOME
TM / ©trudehelenhole
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Culinary Delights for Foodies and Wine Lovers – Perfect Pairings and Recipes to Elevate Your different Grape Experience. Understanding food and wine pairing is a Wine Lover’s Dream. In this series, we reveal simple key factors worth knowing to match the distinctive wine styles to different cuisines. Each pairing highlights the unique characteristics of the wine and its grape. Buy it on:
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