THE ADDRESS Magazine Summer 2014 | Page 379

Photo: Anisha Shah waving their trunks around to signal hunger to the rangers. After feeding, the elephants interact, play with each other, roll around in the mud and raise a chorus of sighs and laughter among visitors. The experience will melt the hardest of hearts. Stop for lunch at upmarket Karen Blixen coffee gardens. Driving through Karen, you can’t fail to be wowed by huge gated mansions, lush tree-lined boulevards and large expat community. It’s a wealthy enclave with heavy security and some of the city’s finest schools. Karen Blixen was the Danish author best known for her account of living in Kenya, made into film ‘Out of Africa.’ The restaurant, set amidst lush flower-filled gardens is an oasis serving international cuisine and cocktails. Expect to hear a range of foreign accents, as expats from around the globe fill the spot. The Langata Giraffe Centre, run by the African Fund for endangered wildlife, is a haven for the rare Rothschilds giraffe and runs education programmes on conservation. The elevated feeding platform is fun for all the family to interact with and feed the giraffes. Nairobi has a fabulous food scene, for all budgets. Tamarind remains a firm favourite, situated on Karen Road and serving up fresh seafood. My personal favourite, Mandhari at the Serena Nairobi serves the best Lobster Thermidor in town. Be sure to try East African staple, Matoke, derived from green bananas, which can be cooked in various ways and is inexpensive, delicious and filling. Kenya and safari go hand-in-hand and has propelled the country to international tourism stardom. The most popular spot is the Masai Mara, a short plane hop from Nairobi’s Charles Wilson Airport. Safari heart – Masai Mara Arrival can be a bumpy landing in the bush on the small bush planes. You’ve been warned. Wilderness begins here, as curious animals line the runway. Keep your eyes peeled as even the drive to base camp is a game drive, often spotting elephants and giraffe almost instantly. Naibor Camp is full of heart and soul. With unparalleled wildlife, game drives that can last all-day at the wish of guests, and special touches at base and out in the bush, Naibor is an intimate boutique couple-run property with a family feel. Secreted inside the bush, hidden entirely by vegetation it is, in theory, a mobile camp. An eco-warrior of the bush, expect luxury in environmentally friendly and sustainable measures. With so many beautiful places in the Mara, it’s difficult to distinguish an exceptional base. Naibor’s heart comes from the manager-couple. Originally from Sydney, Ken and Michelle moved to the Mara as passionate wildlife photographers. What they bring is the friendliest heartiest environment, striving to make this home from home for both themselves and guests. As an intimate camp with few suites, guests join a family ambiance. Socialise over drinks around the fire at dusk and communal meals always with a healthy dose of roaring laughter and fine wine. Michelle has firmly imprinted her culinary stamp on the kitchens, where she experiments with www.theaddressmagazine.com 379