How I Felt Travelling During A Pandemic

Since March I have genuinely only left my home twice a week, once for a weekly shop and the second time, to exercise. Even after several restrictions were lifted in July and restaurants and local travel reopened, I did not have a desire or the comfort level to change my routine. Travelling during a pandemic just felt strange and unusual.

That was until last weekend. My parents and I finally booked a trip to Naivasha so we could spend quality time together before I returned to university.

Packing a vacation bag for the first time since December 2019 was exciting, but I was also incredibly anxious on the days leading up to the holiday. Even though we all desperately needed a break; I still did not think what we were doing was right. I felt guilty despite the fact that we were following all the government guidelines and the lodge we were staying at was COVID-19 compliant. However, once I was in the car, and we were on our way, I began to relax.

Travelling From Nairobi To Naivasha

We left Nairobi and made the three-hour drive to Chui Lodge which is situated in the heart of the private, 18000-acre Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary and near the famous Lake Naivasha. The journey was pleasant, and it was lovely to leave a bustling city for the natural beauty and calm atmosphere of Naivasha. 

Travelling on the open and sometimes winding roads soon led us into the depths of the Great Rift Valley. Being surrounded by ancient granite hills, green fields, desert landscapes and lakes all in one place, reinforced the beauty of Kenya I had missed and the blue outline of Mount Logonot in the distance brought back mixed memories of pervious treks I had taken in this area. The rift encapsulates the marvellous and continuous changes of the Earth in all its glory and eased any anxieties of travelling during a pandemic.

Eventually reaching the dusty roads around Lake Naivasha, directed us into the Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary where we were immediately met by an abundance of gazelles, warthogs and zebras. Lockdown had really done wonders for the environment, but this was the first time I saw it in person, and I was ecstatic. 

Arriving At Chi Lodge, Naivasha

On arrival at the lodge, I could tell that our holiday experience was in some ways, going to be very different and perhaps this is how it is going to be for the next few years: we were greeted by friendly staff, showing the unchanged Kenyan hospitality, but everyone was wearing masks and gloves, there were hand sanitiser stations everywhere, and common areas were far more minimalistic to make the frequent cleaning easier to do. 

All this, however, did not make the holiday any less gratifying, and if anything made me feel more at ease in my new environment. 

The rooms were simple yet elegant, and the restaurant was set up in a way that social distancing was incredibly easy. Frankly, due to the size of the lodge, you would barely bump into anyone anyway, so there was a freedom of movement I did not think you would actually have.

Attractions And Activities

We did not have the most favourable weather conditions, but still went on long game-drives and relaxed poolside, enjoyed a sundowner and visited a lake home to hippos, all while social distancing and maintaining the safety for all my fellow Kenyans. It was a typical, beautiful Kenyan holiday done in a way I never thought I would experience, but I am so glad I did. 

The truth is, because the majority of the best Kenyan adventures are outdoors, it is fairly easy to relish in them and also remain safe. However, after being couped up for 6 months, it was honestly strange to be out in the open, inhaling the fresh air and having the wind blow through my hair.

Final Thoughts

So, if you live in Kenya and are as apprehensive of travelling during a pandemic as I was, I would like to tell you that yes, your concerns are valid, but the Kenyan tourism industry has done an incredible job of making them as harmless as possible.

Nevertheless, you still have a part to play to maintain this: make sure you stay at COVID-19 compliant lodges/hotels, wear your mask wherever necessary, wash your hands frequently and if you can visit a location by road and in your own car, all the better. 

The best and unsurprising part? Kenya is the first country in the world to be awarded the recommended status “Safe Tourism Seal” by Rebuilding Travel. 

Do not be terrified to travel, be vigilant of how you travel.