Day 89: Kigali to Nairobi with a Baby: Kindness & Chaos

Julie

2025-04-11

Day 89: Kigali to Nairobi with a Baby: Kindness & Chaos

Kigali to Nairobi with a baby: lounges, delays, and a hotel scare on our unforgettable world journey.

Main Journey

After a tough night in Harare, Zimbabwe, we boarded an early morning flight bound for Kigali, Rwanda. It wasn’t our first time passing through this airport, but somehow this short layover turned into one of the most heartwarming and eye-opening moments of our trip.

As soon as we got our boarding passes, we headed straight to the airport lounge—our healing space. Even though we were exhausted, the lounge brought us back to life. There’s just something magical about being able to sit down with a cup of coffee (or a sip of local beer) and watch your baby play for a while in peace.

The Kigali airport lounge surprised us with a small kids’ corner. A soft mat, a few toys, and a quiet space—it may sound simple, but it meant the world to us. Traveling with Sweetie, even small comforts like this feel like luxury.

After boarding our RwandAir flight to Nairobi, we were surprised again: they let us board before business class passengers. And not just a polite “you can go ahead” kind of way—everyone insisted we move to the front. It felt like the whole crew, and even the passengers, understood what it means to travel with a toddler.

And then came the plush duck. A flight attendant, smiling from ear to ear, gifted Sweetie a stuffed duck. She squealed with happiness and hugged it tight. For a baby flying through time zones and climates, those small joys are everything.

But the travel gods weren’t quite done with us. Just after taxiing out to the runway, the plane turned back to the terminal. A passenger had fallen ill and needed to be removed, along with their luggage. That added a 90-minute delay to what was supposed to be a 90-minute flight.

Still, Sweetie didn’t fuss. She watched the airport through the window and hugged her new duck. Sometimes babies are tougher travelers than we are.

Once we finally landed in Nairobi, Kenya, our relief was short-lived. The airport wasn’t quite what we imagined—more like a temporary setup with container-like buildings. And then came the real plot twist: the hotel we’d booked was located right next to Kenya’s largest slum.

We didn’t know until our taxi driver looked back and said, “Who recommended this place? That area isn’t safe.” My stomach dropped. The surroundings through the window started to change. And not in a good way.

Events

Lounge time in Kigali Airport, including baby-friendly area
Sweetie got her first-ever plush toy gift on a plane
Boarding before business class—RwandAir’s amazing family support
90-minute flight delay due to medical emergency
Nairobi airport surprise: a far cry from the glossy expectations
Unexpected hotel danger near major slum, warned by local taxi driver

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Airport lounges make a huge difference.
Especially in long-haul or transfer-heavy travel days, having access to a lounge (even just for one hour) is a game-changer. Kigali lounge even had a small play area—something we’ve almost never seen in Africa.

Always carry a small toy or comfort item.
Though Sweetie was gifted a plush duck by a kind flight attendant, don’t count on freebies. A small familiar toy can provide huge comfort during flight delays or chaotic transitions.

Take full advantage of early boarding.
In Rwanda, people went out of their way to let us board early—even ahead of business class. If you’re traveling with a baby, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. It’s not just helpful, it’s often expected.

Delay-proof your baby bag.
That “90-minute flight” turned into nearly three hours. Always carry more diapers, wipes, snacks, and baby food than you think you’ll need.

Local Travel Tips

Rwanda – Kigali Airport
The lounge is small but functional, and the staff are incredibly warm. If you fly RwandAir, expect above-average kindness and help—especially if you’re with a child.

Kenya – Nairobi Airport
Despite being a major hub in Africa, the current airport setup in Nairobi might surprise you. It feels more like a temporary construction site than a major international airport. Lower your expectations and prep accordingly.

Always check hotel neighborhoods in advance.
Booking online is convenient, but it doesn’t show you what’s around the hotel. The place we booked was near Kibera, Kenya’s largest slum. The taxi driver’s warning probably saved us from a very risky situation.

Travel Reflections

There are days when the world just surprises you—in the best ways and the most terrifying ones.

Rwanda, though we only passed through, gave us some of the warmest moments of our trip so far. RwandAir’s kindness, the airport lounge, the little duck toy—all of it made us feel cared for and safe. I want to go back one day. I really do.

Nairobi, on the other hand, came in with a heavy reminder: travel isn’t always safe or easy. It’s a beautiful country, but also one where you need to be more alert, especially with a baby.

Sweetie reminded us what joy looks like, even in airports and taxi rides filled with worry. Her laughter with that duck toy, her little yawns, her clumsy steps in the lounge—they make everything worth it.

Next time? We’re definitely zooming in on the hotel map before clicking “Book Now.”