Dominika @TheBlondeFlamingo as she’s known on Instagram, now considers style and travel her full time profession.
Her romance with travel began at high school. One week after passing her final exams, she was on a plane to Greece where she stayed for four months. After that experience she only wanted more. Now she’s living in London and regularly travelling, adding stamps to her passport and making those travel dreams come true.
She became an expert at booking plane tickets during lunch breaks, hand feeding rays, swimming with baby sharks at sunrise but most importantly – inflating her flamingo float in the most extreme conditions and letting it see the world with her.
Preferred name, insta handle, and where you call home?
Hi! I’m Dominika from @TheBlondeFlamingo on Instagram. I was born in Poland and left with pink suitcase at the age of 19 to chase my dreams in London – my home for five years now. This city will forever has a special place in my heart as this is where it all started!
What was your most magical moment in Kenya?
I must admit- the entire trip was magical and even now, after 2 weeks since I am back I keep thinking about this incredible place. One of the most magical moments was the sunrise safari. Normally I would not be happy to be awake at 5am but this was just something else. It was so beautiful to watch the nature waking up- it honestly felt like a Disney movie set with Lion King and Pumba running around in the sunrise light.
Go on, tell us your approximate luggage count for Kenya?
Well, I am very bad at packing. Everytime I am planning to pack light it’s just not working- too many outfits. I ended up with one large 17kg bag and a small 10kg cabin bag- so bad I know. I had to leave a lot of luggage behind as on domestic flights only 15kg luggage is allowed. Will definitely pack smarter in the future!
Did you take any extra camera kit, and did you find photographing the wildlife challenging? Any photography tips?
To be honest- I take most of my photos on iPhone 8 plus and I edit in Photoshop followed by Lightroom. On this trip I found it more comfortable than ever as an iPhone is so light and easy to carry around and its easier to get a quick snap when the Zebras or Lions are just passing! However I am now working on getting a proper camera and improving my photography skills. PS. Morning + sunset light do the magic!
Your one essential for the early morning drive wake-up call?
A BIG cup of coffee- we were so lucky to be served a tray with fresh Kenyan coffee and a cookie straight to our tent at 5.30am. No better way to wake up. ( Well, not mentioning waking up to the hippos roaring!)
Give us a rundown of your favourite look from Kenya.
My favourite was the safari outfit- a military green, linen shirt from Zara, high-waisted white shorts from Stradivarius and comfy creepers from @reneegirls. And my ultimate favourite straw hat and wooden handbag from Zara- love at first sight!
What were your five key beauty essentials for Kenya?
The most important while travelling to Africa- sun protection. I packed Hawaiian Tropic Protective Dry Oil SPF 15. I also always take a good moisturiser – I’ve loved the one I actually tasted for the first time in Kenya- the Hydro Moisturiser from Esse Probiotic Skincare- I swear it works miracles.
Another beauty product I can’t imagine travelling without is Aussie 3 Minute Miracle conditioner with Australian Macadamia nuts which saves my hair from strong sun, makes it soft, smells lovely and comes in a travel size so it takes less space in the luggage. I also travel with mini size Benefit “They’re Real” mascara and favourite nude lipstick from Bare Minerals.
Please tell us your can’t-live-without clothes/shoes/accessories that you took to Kenya.
I can’t imagine travelling without my straw hat. It does not always match the destination, but it has become my little signature- I travel with it everywhere! And I got it from Asos. I also have my favourite creepers from @reneegirls they are so pretty and go well with every outfit. I also packed a crochet bikini which I found in Forever 21. I also always pack a little white dress- the perfect one from Zara.
What do you wish you’d packed for Kenya that you didn’t take?
I was advised to pack a jacket for colder evenings but I did not! It was pretty chilly in the early mornings and evenings so I wish I’d had it (But I did find a solution- I was wrapping myself in the hotel blanket instead.)
Any Questions or Tips to add?