Visiting BIGGEST HINDU TEMPLE of Africa!

Summary

On their final day in Kenya, the vloggers wrap up an unforgettable seven-day Masai Mara safari — waking late, catching a delayed flight from a tiny airstrip, and squeezing in a last game drive. Up-close encounters with giraffes, crocodiles and hippos are paired with warm camp service and a dependable guide, Simon. Back in Nairobi they explore the vibrant Indian community and the ornate Shri Swami Narayan Mandir, learning its history and residential complex. The trip ends with relief at recovering their drone and a stopover en route to Kigali, reflecting on a rich, surprising African adventure.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Masai Mara experience was memorable, with a 7-day stay filled with safaris and animal sightings.
• 🌍 The minimum park fees in Masai Mara are $70 per person per night, and a visa for Kenya costs around $50.
• 🕒 On the last day, the group woke up late but managed to catch a flight due to the airport's proximity (2 minutes away).
• 🐾 The camp staff was exceptional, providing quick service like spraying insecticides in tents when necessary.
• 🦒 The group got to see giraffes up close even on the last day, while waiting for their delayed flight.
• 🐊 A fun fact: Crocodiles in Kenya can live up to 100 years, longer than humans.
• ✈️ The flight from Masai Mara was delayed, giving the group extra time for one last game drive.
• 🏥 The Shri Swami Narayan Mandir in Nairobi is not only a temple but also houses a hospital and residential areas for the Indian community.
• 🏛️ The temple in Nairobi is one of the largest in the city, built with intricate carved stones and inaugurated in 2016.
• 🇰🇪 The Kenyan Indian community dates back to the British Raj, with a significant number of people having lived there for generations, primarily from Gujarat.
• ⛩️ Kenya's religious landscape is diverse, with 70% of the population Christian, 10% Muslim, and the rest practicing other religions like Hinduism.
• 📷 The group had an adventure with their drone, expecting it to be lost or broken but received it back safe and sound.
• 💼 The airport in Nairobi had unusual security checks, requiring passengers to get out of the car for screening before entering.

Q & A

Where did the travelers spend most of their time during the trip in Kenya?

They spent about seven days in the Masai Mara region, enjoying a wildlife experience and staying in camps near the game reserve.

What is the minimum cost visitors should consider when planning a trip to Masai Mara?

Visitors should budget at least $70 per person per night for park fees, in addition to a $50 visa fee for Kenya.

Why were the travelers not worried about arriving only 45 minutes before their flight?

Because the airport was just a two-minute drive from their camp and was a small airstrip with minimal security and check-in procedures.

How did the camp staff respond when one of the travelers was stung by a wasp?

Within five minutes, the staff sprayed insecticide in the tent and cleaned it thoroughly, showcasing their attentive service.

What wildlife did the travelers see on their final day in Masai Mara?

They saw giraffes near the airstrip and large crocodiles resting by the Mara River, along with a hippopotamus nearby.

Why were the rangers throwing stones near the giraffes?

The rangers pretended to throw stones to scare the giraffes away from the airstrip so planes could land safely.

Who was Simon and how did he assist the travelers?

Simon was their guide throughout the seven days in Masai Mara. He was praised for his exceptional observation skills and humor, comparing his eyes to a chameleon’s—one for the road and one for spotting animals.

What did the travelers learn about the Indian community in Kenya?

They learned that about 5% of Kenya's population are of Indian origin, descendants of workers brought during the British Raj to build railways. Many still live in communities with temples, gurudwaras, and other cultural centers.

Which temple did the travelers visit in Nairobi, and what makes it notable?

They visited the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Nairobi, the largest temple in the city. The temple complex includes a hospital and residential housing for around 1,000 families on 40 acres of land.

What historical background did Suresh, the temple guide, share about the community?

He explained that their Kutchi community, originally from Bhuj in Gujarat, migrated to Kenya around the 1920s. The first temple was established in 1854 on Kirinyaga Road, and the new one opened in 2016 after three years of construction.

What did the travelers find surprising about the Nairobi airport security check?

They were surprised that passengers had to exit their vehicles before entering the airport for security screening, and they noticed a sign labeling the area a 'corruption-free zone.'

What was significant about the travelers retrieving their drone?

They were relieved to find that their confiscated drone had been safely stored and returned undamaged, even though they had low expectations of getting it back intact.

What was the final destination of the travelers after leaving Nairobi?

Their final destination was Kigali, Rwanda, marking the end of their African journey after a brief stopover in Uganda.

What series did the travelers recommend during their trip?

They recommended the Netflix series 'How to Become a Tyrant,' describing it as a captivating show they couldn’t stop watching.

What festival was being celebrated at the temple during their visit?

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganesh Chauth) was being celebrated, which explained the special decorations seen at the temple.