Beyond Safari: How to visit Kenya

Podcast Episode #5, A Better Way to Travel 

What comes to mind when you think of Kenya?

Close your eyes and visualize it; what do you see?

*now scroll down*

If any of the cliché images of safari, wild animals, and dusty, dry savannah are what come to mind, you’re not the only one.

One of the things mainstream tourism does is watering down and neatly packaging and positioning destinations to make them more easily understandable and appealing. Also, combine that with the impact of certain postcolonial narratives that are told about countries such as Kenya. Therefore, it becomes even more difficult to experience fully everything the country has to offer.

Unless that is, you’re travelling with a knowledgeable local.

Today I’m joined by Samia and Nasra Bwana. These two Kenyan Muslim women providing an alternative travel experience of their home country. Together, Samia and Nasra run Halal Safaris. It is the only exclusively halal tour operator in Africa that explore Islamic heritage in their local region.

In this episode, Samia and Nasra will share the popular perception that Kenya is specifically known for, the safari. They will explain why safari is more of a colonial hangover than a true depiction of all that Kenya has to offer.

Moreover, you will gain an exclusive insight into Swahili culture. Also, you will know more about the experience of being Muslim in East Africa. Last but not least, they will share a snapshot into the appeal of life on the island of Lamu.

Let’s go!

Soumaya

PS. This is our second to last podcast episode in this series! If you’ve enjoyed it so far, leave the team and me a comment below, we’d love to hear from you!