Packing for a Kenya safari is all about choosing the things that make game drives, long commutes between locations, and early mornings easier. I’ve rounded up ten items that were surprising essential that you’ll be grateful you packed.

For years, I followed the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust online, captivated by the stories of rescued elephants and the keepers who raise them. I never expected Kenya or SWT to land on my 2025 travel calendar, but this sanctuary became one of the most grounding and beautiful surprises of my trip. In this guide, I share what it’s really like to visit, how the Trust supports Kenya’s conservation efforts, and everything you need to plan your own experience.

Shooting in Kenya really pushed me as a photographer. With my Sony a7III, a 200–600mm lens I’d never used before, and a mix of primes and wide angles, I learned quickly what actually works on safari and what doesn’t. Here’s the setup that got me through ten days of wildlife, culture and landscapes.

Zebra Plains Mara Camp was the most peaceful and luxurious stay of my entire Kenya trip. From spacious tented rooms and incredible food to warm staff, beautiful pool views, and game drives just minutes from camp, this lodge blends comfort with the magic of the Maasai Mara. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your stay.

The Maasai Mara is very dynamic and alive. I visited during the dry season when the grass thins out and the animals are clearly in view. Cheetahs hunting in real time. An elusive leopard and her cub. Lions napping and their cubs hidden not far away.

The range of animals is what makes Maasai Mara so special. Hippos, hyenas, topis, giraffes, impalas, wildebeests. It’s wild and cinematic and truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of safari.

I visited Amboseli during the dry season when the skies stayed clear and the animals are not only out but out with babies. There were elephants moving in slow, powerful herds, lions napping in the sun, and zebras and gazelles were everywhere you looked.

Between the wildlife and the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is full of life and the dreamiest safari you’ll want to embark on.

Stumbling upon the Festival of India in Charlotte, North Carolina, we spontaneously walked right into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, classical Indian dances, live music and the wonderful aroma of Indian cuisine. Here’s what I learned from that chance moment.

There’s a bigness about Seattle—the mountains, the space needle, the evergreens, the Fremont troll. Whenever I travel to places like this, I’m reminded that I’m a small person in a big world, and while for some people that means insignificance, for me, it simply means there’s more to life than just me. It’s an invitation to be curious about what I don’t know, including parts of myself.

Tracee Ellis Ross is showing the world what Black women like me have always known: solo travel isn’t just about how many destinations you can travel to. It’s about claiming space for yourself, your joy, and your truth. Her show, Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, recently renewed for a second season, sparked so much conversation in the Black female community because it centers the very things my blog has always been about: confidence, self-discovery, and freedom.

For the fall and winter season, my first purchase is always one critical piece of outerwear that I ideally can shape the rest of my wardrobe around. When I saw Sézane’s Brown houndstooth Oscar jacket, I knew immediately this was the piece. Martha’s Vineyard is a coastal destination where it’s perfectly normal and probably preferred to dress down, but for me, there’s always room to take it a step further, especially in Sézane.

Nestled at the end of Circuit Avenue, The Sweet Life Café is where Martha’s Vineyard dining meets charm and seasonality. With beautifully plated dishes that highlight fresh ingredients like peach salads and scallops topped with pomegranate, this intimate spot captures the perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Mister O1 is the product of a dream that started with an Italian visa and a whole lot of passion. Creating signature star pizzas with ingredients like truffle oil, burrata, spicy honey, and imported Italian meats, you’re certainly in for a unique and delicious treat. Mister O1 now has multiple locations in Miami, and if you’re in Atlanta, there’s a spot in Buckhead that’s absolutely worth the trip.

Planning a trip to Chicago? We’re sharing why the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see for art lovers, featuring iconic pieces by Monet and Edward Hopper and powerful works by prolific Black artists like Jacob Lawrence and Walter Ellison.

Think you know what the Museum of Sex is about? Think again. Explore history, art, psychedelics, and play in an incredibly fin arcade in this unforgettable deep dive into human sexuality.

Taste some of Atlanta’s best wings at What The Fry! inside Chattahoochee Food Works. With customizable sauces, fry styles, and seasonings, it’s a must-visit spot if you love wings like we do.

Discover why Rock Steady is one of Atlanta’s best Caribbean fusion restaurants. From unforgettable shrimp and grits and fried snapper bites to the energetic atmosphere with a fire DJ, this is the comfort food spot you’ll want to visit again and again.

Sacco Pizza is a classic no-nonsense Italian pizzeria where I had two slices and a Coke for about $10 after a night at the theater. It’s the kind of New York establishment that reminds you an inexpensive meal can feel like heaven when you need it most and probably just a few steps away from wherever you might find yourself in the city.

Yardbird Table & Bar in Miami serves up Southern food with standout flavor and consistency. Known for classics like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits, Yardbird is a must-visit restaurant in South Beach for reliable comfort dishes.

Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace is a restaurant right outside of Joshua Tree, and it is an experience. When I think of a roadside saloon from back in the day, this is what i’d imagine. You can hear live music here, but it’s also an unexpected and legendary culinary gem that has earned a reputation as one of the most recommended restaurants in the high desert.

Before you book a hotel, consider these tips to avoid common mistakes. If you’re a solo traveler especially, it’s important to think ahead about safety, neighborhood walkability, and hotel amenities you can take advantage of. This guide helps you make smart booking decisions that could ultimately save you time, money and effort.