My weeklong vacation in Kenya was drawing to a close. Our tour guide had two final destinations in store for us: a visit to a endangered giraffe sanctuary and to the Karen Blixen farmhouse. Ms. Blixen was the author of the “Out Of Africa” novel, based on her life and experiences in Kenya. Situated in the Ngong Hills- west of Nairobi, the Danish author relocated to this residence in the early part of the 20th century and started a coffee farm. I devoured a tasty breakfast of baked beans, pumpkin, potatoes, mushrooms, and whole wheat bread at the Mara Leisure Camp, prior to boarding our tour vehicle. The tented camp had indeed provided a nice variety of vegan-friendly meals throughout my stay.
As we drove through the camp exit in the Mara, we spotted a leopard perched on the grassy plains.
Along our route, a grand church came into view, signifying the importance of religion in this country.
Through our vehicle windows, I noticed several monkeys playfully chasing each other or sitting peacefully atop the nearby hills.
Our first stop was the endangered giraffe sanctuary. The center provides a massive conservation land area for the giraffes to roam. It is not a zoo. The Africa Fund for Endangered Wildlife was started in 1979 and thus the commitment to help the plight of the region’s endangered Rothschild giraffes. The growing giraffe population is then introduced into the Kenyan parks and reserves. I got the opportunity to feed one of the giraffes.
Our guide made a stop at the local Westlands Mall in the Westlands, where we were given ample time for lunch. My lunch at Mister Wok ( https://www.misterwok.net/ ) included steamed white rice, carrots, baby corn, string beans, and mushrooms. For a mall, it was a decent meal.
We arrived at the Karen Blixen estate with its impressive, lengthy driveway dotted with towering trees and beautiful flowers.
The home was surrounded by many acres of land.
Old farm equipment and coffee processing equipment are found on the property.
Gorgeous flowers and plants surround the back and sides of the residence, as well.
The guided tour is narrated and walks guests through Blixen’s library, including her writing desk.
In the vast field outside of the home, one finds the original coffee processing equipment.
As we drove through small villages on our way back to Nairobi, we spotted street vendors selling their goods and produce from their outdoor food stands.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, I called vegan-friendly Nyama Mama restaurant( https://www.thegoodearthgroup.com/nyama-mama ) to deliver dinner to my hotel. My meal was the popular local dish of matoke(bananas) and veggie stew with zucchini, potatoes, and carrots in a flavorful soupy sauce. A side of chapati bread accompanied dinner.
The next morning, I called Artcaffe (http://www.artcaffe.co.ke/) to deliver breakfast to my Nairobi hotel. Their “vegan breakfast” consisting of roasted eggplant and zucchini cooked in a tomato, garlic, & chili sauce topped with tumeric tahini was fabulous. It was accompanied by their freshly baked, vegan bread.
The day was free until my evening flight. I decided to relax by the hotel pool to appreciate the warmth and sunshine. After all, it was cold back home in the USA and snow was expected upon my return.
For lunch, I ordered a meal delivery to my hotel. Tin Roof Cafe ( https://www.tinroof.cafe/ ) is a vegan-friendly restaurant that is also popular for its nutritious juices and smoothies. My satisfying entree was a greens, veggie, and beans bowl with a delicious smoothie.
Later that night, I arrived at the Nairobi airport awaiting my flight back home to the United States. The main cafe on the second level of the airport provided a vegan option of plantains in tomato sauce, spinach, cowpea curry. Kenya Airlines meals were quite tasty and vegan-friendly from the sandwiches to the veggies and grains. I really enjoyed my vacation in Kenya with its spectacular landscape, delightful wildlife, fascinating history, and superb vegan meals. I recommend that everyone visit this amazing country.