What an adventure: The first Reward Trip 2024 to Kenya was an incredible journey that took us from the bustling capital Nairobi deep into the Masai Mara nature reserve and back. Beautiful landscapes, majestic animals (almost) close enough to touch and an up-close insight into the fascinating culture of the Masai – this Reward Trip was unique!
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Tuesday, 6 February
The joy was great when we arrived at the elegant Sarova Panafri Hotel in Nairobi! The Reward Trip just may be our favorite opportunity to recognize the great work of our Franchise Partners and reward their fantastic work – not only with material rewards, but also with unforgettable experiences and the unique atmosphere of the Unicity community. At the welcome dinner in the hotel, old friends met, new friendships were formed and the group bonded together.
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Wednesday, 7 February
Early in the morning, we set off for the Masai Mara! The safari feeling already kicked in at the hotel, because of course we travelled in style in jeeps, which offer the best all-round views. And there was a lot to see: It seemed as if the giraffes, elephants, zebras, gazelles and buffaloes had been waiting along the way to show themselves!
After a delicious lunch at the beautifully situated lodge by the river, we went straight on to the next game drive, as mornings and afternoons offer the best opportunities to discover Kenya's wildlife! We didn't have to wait long: Many of us were able to tick off the list of the "Big 5" – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo – on this first drive already! But even the lodge itself had much to offer, because with a bit of luck, you cut spot giraffes, crocodiles and even hippos along the river.
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Thursday, 8 February
Admittedly, this reward trip was not for late risers. We also started early on Thursday for the next safari drive, because most animals show up at sunrise! (Whether mouths were open from yawning or amazement remains unclear 😉) But getting up early was worth it: on this trip, the first male lion showed off his magnificent mane, we encountered a whole herd of ostriches and also some hyenas.
But this day was not just about Kenya's unique nature and wildlife: the vast plains of southern Kenya, which include the Masai Mara, are inextricably linked with the fascinating culture of the Masai. It was a special privilege and an amazing experience to visit a Masai village and learn about the life of this ancient people. The day included a visit to Masai houses, the art of making fire (not so easy with two sticks!) and making beaded bracelets. We were also all dressed in traditional shawls, known as shukas – in red, of course, because according to the Masai this color scares off lions! And our hosts even provided a shopping experience with a small market selling handmade jewelry and other original souvenirs.
We were also all dressed in traditional shawls, known as shukas – in red, of course, because according to the Masai this color scares off lions! And our hosts even provided a shopping experience with a small market selling handmade jewelry and other original souvenirs.
In the afternoon, we treated ourselves to one last game drive where we were able to enjoy nature and wildlife one last time. A special highlight was the stopover at a river with lots of hippos!
We said goodbye to the Masai Mara with a boma dinner in the hotel garden: a delicious buffet around the campfire, great conversation, entertainment by traditional Masai dancers and all this under a cloudless starry sky – the perfect last safari evening!
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Friday, 9 February
After a quick breakfast, we headed back through the beautiful countryside to Nairobi, stopping off at Lake Naivasha Resort, where giraffes and zebras roam free! Many of us used the break for a short walk by the lake to enjoy the scenery for the last time.
Back in Nairobi, most of us enjoyed the comforts of the hotel and relaxed ahead of our big farewell dinner! We officially ended the Reward Trip with a festive gala dinner at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, which really offered something for everyone – a barbecue and a pasta station, a huge selection of starters, main courses and desserts and much more. We ate, laughed, celebrated and enjoyed an unforgettable evening!
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Saturday, 10 February
The day of departure! While some of us headed home early, others enjoyed a few more hours in Nairobi. Some visited a giraffe center to get up close and personal with those beautiful long-necks, while another group visited a local school. Many of us went on a shopping tour, for example to the Masai Market or the charming arts and crafts market Utamaduni Craft Centre. Whether gifts, an original decoration for the living room or simply a special souvenir from this unforgettable trip – everyone found what they were looking for!
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This Reward Trip went by so quickly, but the many impressions and adventures will inspire us for a long time to come! We are already looking forward to our next adventure together – see you then, Kwaheri!
Do you want to reminisce, be inspired or simply see beautiful animal photos? Then take a look at our Kenya Reward Trip 2024 photo album now!
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