About Me — Maria “Mkay” Kamau

Travel is a desire for many. It was mine too. I was born and raised in Kenya — a place the world dreams about — and I was exposed to travel early: coastal buses, overnight trains, and road trips that turned horizons into classrooms.

My first time abroad came through a high-school exchange in Germany. I loved it. That one trip widened the map for the rest of my life.

Since then I’ve visited 90+ countries across 5 continents and explored all 47 counties of Kenya. Some journeys were solo, many were shared — each one taught me something about courage, curiosity, and the quiet joy of being on my own timeline.

Moments I Still Carry

A path of scenes that shaped how I travel.

Why I write

This site is my scrapbook and study notes — stories, tips, and tiny details I wish someone had handed me before each trip. The posts are meant to entertaineducate, and nudge you into action so your “maybe one day” becomes dates on a calendar.

What travel taught me

Kilimanjaro massif with snow-capped peak under blue sky

Summiting Kilimanjaro

Highest mountain in Africa — where courage felt quiet and steady.

Venice canals at sunset

Exploring Venice Canals

Drifting through ancient waterways under the whisper of old bridges.

Northern Lights in Iceland sky

Watching the Northern Lights

Colors dancing in the Icelandic sky — nature’s own silent poetry.

Machu Picchu mountains and ruins

Hiking Machu Picchu Trails

Steps carved in time — leading to clouds and quiet discoveries.

A note from where I am now

I’m 50 today — a woman who’s wandered across 90+ countries. If I knew, years ago, what I know now, I would have saved hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars, traveled more days for the same money, and done it with far less stress. That hindsight is why I document what I’ve learned and why I created TravelwithMkay.

Friends still ask, “Mkay, where are you going next?”
My answer is almost always different — and it almost always starts with “I’m going to…”

Now it’s your turn. Where are you going next?
If you want company while you figure it out, tell me — we can plan it out over a short call and get you from “someday” to “I’m going.”