Some trips are loud and exhilarating. Others are quiet and restorative. Then there are rare journeys that do both awaken your senses while gently pulling you inward. My February 2024 escape to Nairobi and Kigali with Grin Ace Tripz was one of those rare journeys. It was a thoughtfully curated blend of luxury, culture, adventure, and reflection, one that stayed with me long after I returned home.
Nairobi, Kenya—Where Sophistication Meets the Wild
I left Lagos aboard Kenya Airways on a six-hour flight and arrived in Nairobi at first light, greeted by crisp morning air and a city that carried itself with calm confidence. There was no rush, no chaos, just a quiet assurance that I was somewhere special.
My home for the stay was the Concord Hotel, a five-star sanctuary that felt instantly welcoming. From the polished interiors to the attentive service, everything was designed to make you slow down. Breakfast each morning wasn’t just food; it was a ritual. Warm pastries, rich coffee, beautifully plated dishes, and luxury served without urgency.
The Carnivore Experience
Our first major stop was The Carnivore Restaurant, one of Nairobi’s most iconic dining experiences. Right from the moment I arrived, it felt theatrical. A lush, garden-like entrance opened into a medieval-style banquet hall filled with character and anticipation. I took my seat on a zebra-inspired chair, and by then, already certain this would be no ordinary meal.
At the center of the table, stood a small white flag, and we were given one rule: as long as the flag stays up, the meat keeps coming. And it did. One skewer after another arrived: beef, lamb, chicken, pork, ostrich, and crocodile—each carved fresh onto our plates by servers moving effortlessly between tables, smiling like they knew exactly what they were doing to us.
Every bite was smoky, tender, and deeply satisfying. There was no rush, no formality, just laughter, conversation, and the shared pleasure of indulgence done right. Carnivore felt bold yet welcoming, indulgent without ever being pretentious. It captured something unmistakably Kenyan: generosity, warmth, and a genuine love for shared moments.
Long after the plates were cleared and the flag finally lowered, the feeling lingered—that quiet satisfaction of having taken part in something truly iconic.
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC Tower)
From Carnivore, the day carried us higher—literally—to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC Tower), one of Nairobi’s most recognizable landmarks. The ascent itself felt symbolic, like stepping out of the details of the city and into its bigger picture. It was one of those moments where you pause, breathe, and simply take it all in.
We rode the elevator up to the 27th floor, then climbed a short staircase that led to the open-air rooftop, locally known as the Helipad. The moment I stepped out, Nairobi revealed itself in full. At about 105 meters above the ground, the city stretched endlessly in every direction, alive with movement yet strangely calm from above.
The views were breathtaking. Skyscrapers rose confidently alongside older buildings, roads curved and intersected like veins, and pockets of green softened the city’s edges. Locals and tourists gathered quietly, cameras in hand, all drawn by the same thing—the rare chance to see Nairobi from this perspective.
The Giraffe Centre
From towering buildings and winding roads, we moved toward open skies and gentle giants, arriving at Giraffe Park for one of Nairobi’s most grounding experiences. There was something deeply grounding about being that close to wildlife, a reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
The experience began on the elevated feeding platform, where visitors are invited to interact with the giraffes at eye level, an encounter that instantly dissolves any sense of distance between you and the wild.
Feeding them by hand was both exhilarating and grounding. Holding out pellets as they leaned in, their long tongues curling effortlessly around your palm, felt surreal in the best way. Between feeding moments, we walked along the nature trail, listening to guides share stories about conservation efforts and the center’s role in protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
Nairobi’s final moment was unexpectedly emotional. At a local restaurant, I was served egusi soup, rich, warm, and unmistakably Nigerian. Thousands of miles from home, that familiar taste wrapped me in comfort. For a brief moment, Nairobi didn’t feel foreign at all. It felt like home.
Kenya to Kigali
From there, we headed back to our hotel and prepared for a trip to Kigali. Straight to the airport and boarded our Kenya Airways flight to Kigali, carrying full hearts and satisfied souls.
We arrived in Kigali around 1:00 a.m., and even at that hour, the air was cool, the streets were quiet, and the transition into rest was seamless thanks to an early hotel check-in.
By morning, Kigali revealed why it is often described as Africa’s cleanest city. The streets were screaming luxury on a different level. I mean, it was sooo clean.
A Trip to Gisenyi
First, we had a scenic drive east that took us to Gisenyi, near the DRC Goma border. By the water, the mood shifted again, this time to playful luxury. We spent time on jet skis, gliding across the lake, and enjoyed relaxed boat rides under open skies. The breeze, the water, and the easy laughter all felt light and unforced. It was joy in its simplest, purest form.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
The most moving experience of the trip came at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Walking through the exhibits, reading the stories, and standing in silence, it was impossible to remain untouched. Tears came without warning. It was heavy, sobering, and necessary. In that space, travel stopped being about leisure and became about understanding. It’s about remembering, about honoring resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
Adventure followed at Fazhenda Kigali, where ziplining across open landscapes and testing my aim at archery brought back laughter and adrenaline. Between activities, there was space to breathe, eat, and simply enjoy the surroundings.
Kimironko Market
Balance returned gently at Kimironko Market, alive with color, craftsmanship, and conversation. We wandered through stalls filled with fresh produce, handmade textiles, artwork, and everyday essentials. Bargaining was friendly, laughter came easily, and every exchange felt personal. Shopping here wasn’t just about buying; it was about connection. Real people, real stories, real culture. A reminder that life continues, vibrantly and beautifully.
Why Grin Ace Tripz Made the Difference
I had an amazing travel experience with Grin Ace Tripz, not just because of the destinations, but also because the entire journey was curated thoughtfully.
Nairobi introduced me to bold flavors, striking wildlife, and a city pulsing with confidence and creative energy. Every experience felt intentional, immersive, and perfectly paced, never rushed, never overwhelming.
Kigali offered something different: quiet streets, deep history, and a culture rooted in reflection and intentional living.
What made this journey exceptional was Grin Ace Tripz’s role as a true travel guide. They didn’t just plan logistics; they shaped moments, balanced luxury with meaning, and allowed each destination to reveal itself naturally. With Grin Ace Tripz, travel becomes more than a trip.
It becomes an experience you feel, remember, and carry with you.
Ready to create your own unforgettable journey? Call or WhatsApp Grin Acre Tripz on +234 813 080 3773
