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Eye to Eye with Daisy: A Giraffe Encounter in Post-Covid Kenya
After months of global travel restrictions, Kenya opened its borders in late 2020, and like many eager travelers, I found myself embracing the concept of “revenge travel.” Revenge travel refers to the surge in tourism fueled by people eager to make up for missed trips and experiences after prolonged travel restrictions, especially post-pandemic.
My destination? The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi—home to the majestic Rothschild’s giraffes, including the friendly and food-motivated Daisy.
Armed with a mask secured over one ear (because you never know when a giraffe might require proper pandemic etiquette), I reached out to offer Daisy her favorite treat. For a moment, we locked eyes—or so I like to believe—but truthfully, her attention was laser-focused on the snack in my hand. As her long tongue curled around the treat, I couldn’t help but marvel at her graceful yet towering presence.
But Daisy had a playful streak. While she’s usually gentle, if you dawdle too long with her snack, you might get a light nibble—just a reminder to hand it over quickly. And if you’re particularly slow, brace yourself for a friendly head butt—her way of saying, “No hard feelings, but snacks wait for no one.”
Touching down in Kenya and acquiring an authentic made in Kenya pair of safari boots emblazoned with the word “Safari” felt like a symbolic escape from the protracted global lockdown. This close encounter with Daisy wasn’t just about feeding a giraffe; it was a soothing reconnection with nature, reminding me how much beauty and adventure the world still holds. If giraffes can nudge you into the present with a flick of their head, then perhaps there’s no better way to recover from a year of isolation than standing eye to eye with African giants.