Author | Li Chengdong

Dong's Notes Issue 145:

Returning to Africa Essay (1): "Why Does Dong's Trip to Kenya Have Such a Lasting Impact?"

Returning to Africa Essay (2): "Going Global with Brands Requires the Determination of Wukong in Rags Searching for His Master!"

Returning to Africa Essay (3): The first two issues mainly focused on business investigations in Africa. This article records Dong's five-day Safari life in Kenya and four key questions;

Questions: ① Why choose Kenya for check-in?
② Is traveling to Africa expensive?
③ Solo/Family Trip or Group Tour? The Walking Business School
④ Is Kenya safe?

Dong's biggest takeaway from Kenya is the need to establish a business base there for future vacations!
Compared to Hainan Island and Dali in China, Kenya is just an extra 6-7 hours of flight time. But the experience is entirely different, especially for kids—who wouldn’t love living in a natural zoo?

01 Why Kenya?

Africa has many countries, and Tanzania has better wildlife resources than Kenya. But Kenya, formerly a British colony, has more mature infrastructure due to its ties with the West, making it better for first-time visitors. For deep exploration, consider Tanzania later.

02 Is Traveling to Africa Expensive?

For the average middle class, it’s very expensive—comparable to or even pricier than Europe. Round-trip economy flights cost over 10,000 RMB, business class 35,000 RMB, and hotels range from $300-500/night, doubling during the July-September migration season. Hot-air balloon rides cost $400-500/person, and short flights between parks are $300-400/person. Top hotels require bookings 3+ months in advance, as wealthy Westerners reserve them a year ahead. Supply is limited, and competition is scarce.

A small mishap: We couldn’t book a good hotel in Amboseli Park due to late planning ($70/night, worse than a budget chain). Luckily, Kilimall founder Brother Tao pulled strings to get us rooms inside the park (10x the price) with views of Mount Kilimanjaro—a must-visit spot. Overbooking is common in peak season, so local connections are crucial. As Tao says, "In Africa, everything is possible."

In short, a luxury African trip isn’t cheap—it might cost more than Europe. For Dolphin Research members, it’s no big deal. Budget options exist (check Xiaohongshu for off-season deals under 10,000 RMB).

03 Solo/Family or Group Tour? The Walking Business School

In Kenya’s 7-night itinerary, most Chinese tourists are families. Group tours are inefficient for niche destinations like Africa. In Amboseli, I saw three Chinese girls traveling solo. First-timers should join a tour; later, bring family.

Our group was unique—CEOs from Dolphin Research’s retail sector, aided by Kilimall’s Tao and my connections, allowing deep exchanges with locals. This provided a holistic view of Kenya/Africa beyond what a casual friend could offer. The group’s expertise made discussions high-quality—a true "walking business school." 7-8 people is ideal; beyond 10, focus dilutes.

04 Is Kenya Safe?

For business travelers, avoid risky African nations: South Africa, Somalia, DR Congo, South Sudan. Stick to Kenya, Egypt. On my second Kenya trip, we encountered protests against the president, altering our plans. Protests here are routine (like in the West), unlike China’s controlled environment.

Our hotel was 50% Westerners, 30% Chinese, plus Indians/Pakistanis. Only one Japanese couple.

Most Dolphin Research members have visited Japan/Europe/US—next stop: Africa! Where you’re from doesn’t matter; it’s life!

The rest is our travel diary. (Too many photos—grouped for easy viewing.)

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(Dolphin Research Africa Travel Log)

Safari

Day 1: Great Rift Valley + Lake Naivasha

(Great Rift Valley)

Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, is famed for wildlife and scenery.

(Lake Naivasha)

A storm prevented us from visiting Naivasha’s island—the only place to interact with animals (except predators).

Lake Naivasha Resort

Days 2-3: Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara hot-air balloon ride is magical—wildlife below at dawn, lions, cheetahs, giraffes roaming freely.

(Maasai Mara National Park)

The park, part of the Great Rift Valley, is world-famous for wildlife and the Great Migration.

(Maasai Mara National Park)

The Maasai people, nomadic herders, maintain rich traditions despite modern influences.

(Maasai Village)

MARA MAISHA CAMP

Days 4-5: Amboseli

Amboseli, near the savanna, is famed for wildlife, landscapes, and elephant herds.

(Maasai Mara Airport to Amboseli)

Snow on Kilimanjaro near the equator? Seeing is believing—its peak glows uniquely against the sun.

KEIMA SAFARICAMP

Photos can’t capture Africa’s beauty—you must stand on this ancient land and feel its pulse.