Kenya is a land of contrasts. Everyone should visit Kenya at least once—not just for the spectacular wildlife you will see on safari, but also for its beautiful lakes and beaches. The landscape is just as memorable and photogenic as that lion walking beside the Land Rover or that Masai warrior stalking the plains. For us, the safari in Tsavo National Park was unforgettable because of what we saw, smelled, and felt there.

In autumn 2002, we planned to go somewhere warm with our friends for New Year’s Eve. We drank several wines before deciding to go to Africa and Kenya. None of us had been to Africa before (besides Egypt), so we were excited about the trip.

The weather in Estonia was freezing during Christmas. Therefore, it felt unbelievable and desirable at the same time to go somewhere with temperatures well over +30 degrees. When we left Tallinn, it was -20 degrees.

First, we flew to Vienna, where we had to spend several hours at the airport. From Vienna to Mombasa, we flew during the night. The flight was more than 10 hours. It was good that the time difference was just 1 hour with Vienna and no difference compared to our home.

It was so hot when we arrived at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa. The representative of the tourist agency greeted us. We just stood there with clothes suitable for a much colder climate. Our luggage was taken to the minivan’s roof (which was not very new). The suitcases were tied onto the roof.

Our journey had begun. The feeling was delightful as the weather was warm. The city of Mombasa appeared odd, unlike the many towns we had visited. Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya, lying by the Indian Ocean. It has an important port, and it is also a center of the coastal tourism industry.

The minivan took us to the Safari Beach Hotel, where we stayed for the following week.

The story continues at Safari Beach Hotel.