Every year around Big Five’s anniversary which is today, February 12, I head off to East Africa. Fifty-two years ago today, Big Five was started by pioneers, including my father, with nothing but dreams and the little money they had. It’s especially meaningful this year, as it’s my first trip back to Kenya since my father passed away in 2024. As I do every year, I’m returning with a few wonderful travel advisors and their clients.
We’ll begin in Nairobi before heading out on safari, so stay tuned for some incredible adventures ahead. And yes, we might just spot a few animals along the way. What makes this safari particularly special is that I’ll be visiting some deeply significant places in my family’s history, including the hotel where my parents first met in Nairobi, and the Norfolk Hotel, where my father worked at the front desk before founding Big Five. I always laugh when I see the pool at the Norfolk because it’s where I learned to swim. I love sharing that story with the Fairmont team, jokingly reminding them every year that I was there long before they were, and thanking them for my freestyle swimming skills.
Dinner in Nairobi at my favorite street food spot is also a must. It’s a tradition I enjoy, hosting friends and colleagues for a night of delicious fusion food—combining local Kenyan and Indian dishes. There’s no better way to showcase culture than through food. Another highlight of Nairobi is visiting my childhood friends, especially one who has been in my life since we were 3 years old. I often say the team on the ground is like family to me, and in East Africa, that feels even more literal—some of these people even changed my diapers!
Stay tuned for more in this multipart dispatch.
We have been in contact with our Kenya office since very early this morning. We have both travelers currently in Kenya and travelers en-route. Those currently in the country are safe and accounted for and on safari. The first departure from Kenya is in about 48 hours. Those en route to Kenya are in transit and have been provided hotels by the airlines or by our 24 hour White Glove Service® assistance team.
The hotels and camps are working with us to push the arrival dates back and move the reservations accordingly. Terminals 2 and 3 are being prepared for international arrivals as both have immigration facilities. We are expecting for international arrivals to resume by Friday. Land transfers into Kenya from Tanzania are not affected except for increased security. Domestic flights from Wilson Airport are carrying on while domestic flights from JKIA are expected to resume later today along with cargo flights.
If you have any immediate questions please feel free to ask here or on Twitter by mentioning @bigfivetours with the hashtag #Nairobi
Please see the following statement from the Statehouse Spokesperson on the situation.
