Game drives

In Destinations

ISLAND LIFE: Top Destination Islands in Kenya.

March 26, 2018 1 Comment

Lonely quiet places sitting pretty in the middle of endless magical water, breezed by cool winds blowing up wild hair and rustling palm leaves, opening up to sparkling sand on pristine beaches calling out your body for some sun tan, Islands are some of the most fascinating and peaceful places to refresh your mind, holiday away or just re-establish your inner peace.

An island is a Perfect definition of getting lost somewhere in the middle of nowhere and it can never be more exotic than the peace and tranquility it brings to free your mind to wander away. It is freedom in pure bliss and magnificence.

Beautiful Island Destinations in Kenya

1. Lamu Archipelago

An old Swahili town that is far away from the mainland and bustles , resting quietly on the northern coast, sets you back to 14^th century history, with great ancient architecture and cultural diversity that is a mix of Swahili, Portuguese, Turkish and Arabic culture. It is a world of Ancient ruins and luxurious hotels outlining the sandy beaches and overlooking the sparkling turquoise ocean going beyond the horizon. The Lamu Fort and Lamu festival are a masterpiece of all Lamu has to offer to any guest wanting a story from Lamu.

Image Source: Destination 360

Ancient Coral houses, Little alley pathways for donkeys and no vehicles are what takes you back to the ancient and untouched beauty of this small historical town. Hop off a speed boat as you get to the island then hop onto a donkey cart to move around the quiet town as you take in the magical surrounding of white sandy beaches and endless ocean waves.

Also:

The luxurious dhow sails breathtakingly open you up to other surrounding and outrageously beautiful islands that are part of the archipelago.

Kiwayu Island which is part of Kiunga Marine National reserve presents you an opportunity aboard glass boats to see the rich marine life.

Manda Island which is the landing strip into Lamu offers great views to the ocean and magical sunset cruises

Pate Island is also a quiet beautiful island with pristine beaches.

2. Mfangano Island

The Largest fresh water lake in Africa shared by 3 countries hosts one of the most beautiful islands; Mfangano Island on the eastern section of Lake Victoria. This rocky island has magical rock art views and one of the best luxurious island resorts in the Lake. Lake Victoria offers magnificent sunset views and what surer way to take all this in than the sunset cruises around Mfangano which will take your breath away.

Image Source: Governors Camp

Also Nearby:

Rusinga Island famous for its political affiliations, one of the most fascinating fishing community and diverse rich Luo and Suba culture.It is a great place to experience the dreamy island life. Best time to visit Rusinga is during the Rusinga Island festival in December.

Migingo Island is the infamous fishing mine that is highly on demand between the Kenyan and Ugandan government and which immerses you to local fishing communities.

Ndere Island hosts a National Park that is home to diverse birdlife and prowling monitor lizards. It offers you a great nature park tour that is refreshing from the Kisumu heat and hustle.

3. Wasini Island

Sitting on the lonely southern coast in Shimoni, Wasini Island is magnetic due to its dolphin tours which are its main attraction at the Kisite Mpunguti national reserve. Aboard motor glass boats, cruising the coral island you get awed by the rich marine life with colorful fish hitting your boat’s glass bottom scaring your heart to skip a beat. Jumping out of the dhow sails to swim with the dolphins or just watch them splash into the air and fashionably swim in the crystal clear waters is a lifetime marine experience.

Image Source: Kifaru Tours

4. Mombasa Island

Mombasa city is the only Kenyan city on an island. Accessible by Nyali Bridge, Makupa causeway and Likoni ferry on the south. It is a city that is rich in cultural diversity, breathtaking ocean views, magical sea waves, enticing sea food and spicy aroma, old Swahili and Portuguese architecture with a touch of classic Arabic, a busy sea port and a quiet and laidback Swahili lifestyle. It is the ideal beach city with numerous luxurious hotels, holiday resorts and fun activities to indulge in.

Also check out my experience on: HOW TO EXPLORE MOMBASA TOWN and FORT JESUS

5. Chale Island

Pristine white sandy beaches lying out on the south coast of Kenya in Kwale county, clear turquoise water, a rich and lush green mangrove forest hanging over coral reefs is a magnet for migratory birds and sea life. Sitting quietly on this island is a luxurious hanging resort that is a perfect get away destination for honeymooners.

South coast is also predominant with mysteriously disappearing islands which pop up on low tide and lay as pretty sparkling sandy islands in the middle of ocean water and disappear on high tides. Join a cruise for sunset dinners or some exotic lunch on these random islands.

6. Crescent Island

Lake Naivasha is thriving out of all the outrageously beautiful cottages and luxurious accommodation and campsites by this Great Rift Valley Lake.

Crescent Island hosts a game sanctuary that is home to free ranging wildlife that is accessible by a nature trail foot trip. It is accessible by both road via the sanctuary farm or by boat from Lake Naivasha. It has a great view to the lake and bird watching, a great spot to watch hippos from a distance and interact with cheeky monkeys. Also check out How to Explore NAIVASHA

Thank you for stopping by 🙂 🙂

In Destinations

MARINE AquaLife in Kenya.

November 20, 2017 No Comments

An underworld thriving with colors popping life into the cold deep turquoise waters rich of aquatic flora and fauna have breathed more life into the coastal shores of Kenya than the fast food arm’s length restaurants and luxurious white beach hotels. Aqua life is one of natures proudest existence yet endangered by over-fishing and other uncontrollable human and environmental factors. Kenya’s marine parks have outlined the importance of conservation of marine life and established regions to protect and conserve these rare species. Sailing out beyond the coral reefs to experience this magnificence is breathtaking and refreshing

How best to get in touch with the Marine life:

• Scuba diving.
• Glass boats tours.
• Snorkeling and Under water diving.
• Underground Aquatic pool walks.
• Dhow sailing beyond the coral reefs.

See also: Water sports Fun Activities

TOP MARINE NATIONAL PARKS IN KENYA.

WATAMU Marine National Park.

Photo source: Diani sea resort

Casuarina fringed, Mida creek mangrove forest in Watamu has over the years been a tourist magnet for people with the urge to experience the other side of the beach and ocean other than the relaxation at hotels. It is rich in coral formation, varied fish species floating over calm waters coral beds, crabs and prawns shedding under mangrove roots, beautifully colored star fish and numerous reef caves that act as breeding sites for turtles.
Home to a variety of small mainland wildlife species like dik dik, antelopes and reptiles, it is also a major tourist destination for bird watchers with millions of bird species including resident birds and migrating birds that come to nest here in between June to September. More info:Watamu marine

KIUNGA Marine National Reserve (LAMU)

The Lamu archipelago is held by approximately 50 islands and coral reefs offshore the Northern coastline. Varying in age as exposed by old eroded corals and size, these sheer walled reefs covered by extensive mangrove forests and sea grass protrude from the sea bed and beautifully dot the northern coast.
Rich in biodiversity this park greatly boasts of protecting endangered sea turtles, valuable coral reefs, reef fish, lobsters and other various forms of marine life ranging from reptiles, fish to aqua plants.
Diving and snorkeling are a great way to explore the marine life here while skiing and surfing are a major water sport activity to get in touch with the quiet islands. More info:Kiunga marine

KISITE-MPUNGUTI (Shimoni).

Bubbling with life at the south of Wasini Island, in Shimoni near Kenyan Tanzania border this paradise is characterized by four islands surrounded by coral reefs, large coral gardens and a variety of fish. Varied landscape and vegetation ranging from the rich equatorial coastal forest to grass and thickets give this National park the serene beauty it deserves.
Stretching from Tiwi beach south it’s the best place to site Manta rays, to dive and snorkel. The snorkeling with dolphins is everything this marine park has to offer.

More info: Kisite mpunguti

Photo source: kifaru tours(blogwasinidolphins)

MOMBASA Marine National Park.

White sandy beach shoreline lying between Mtwapa and Tudor creek, dominated by coconut palms, mangrove forests, coral reef creeks and hotels busting with tourists and local communities setting sail and nets is characteristic of the coastal beaches. Mangrove swamps and coral reefs providing a home to endangered fish species from overfishing have ensured the spectacular beauty of this marine life is not stripped off. Mombasa marine park is a haven for rich marine life both flora and fauna and coral heads that are trophies. Water sport activities are a must engage here ranging from surfing, skiing and diving. More info: Mombasa marine park

MALINDI Marine National Park.

Unique coral gardens housing Green turtles, a diverse rich marine life, white sandy beaches and an introduction into the famous Gede Ruins forming the complexity of Malindi national park gives this park a fulfilling marine adventure. Glass boats give you the total marine sea life experience into the deep blue waters when the colorful rare fish swim underneath your boat and if you are more adventurous then a dive into the ocean is more rewarding.
More info: Malindi Marine Park

In Destinations

RANCHES, a Top Tourist Attraction in Kenya.

November 13, 2017 No Comments

Nestled between soaring mountain ranges, opening to wide golden savannah grasslands dotted with thorny trees stretching out to lush forests, these ranches have been around for ages though maybe more as an underground livestock farming business for those old rich guys who have large chunks of land in Laikipia, Naivasha and Kajiado. But the last few years have made us all appreciate ranching in more ways than just a beef and dairy farming business. Being a major conservation tool and among the best getaway weekend places full of wild awe experiences and sporting outdoor activities we’ve seen ranches like Ol pejeta get international recognition and headlines for “Best holiday homes.”

Photo source: Loisaba Conservancy

Integration with conservation has made these ranches out-stand more as conservancies than ranches. Privately owned and managed, wildlife protection and natural habitat conservation is a great deal and with the varied landscapes and great picture square sceneries these ranches have become a tourist magnet for people trying to escape the city’s hustle and bustle to a more quiet, peacefully relaxing and serene weekend.

Also Read: Laikipia a rhino conservation affair and Save the Rhino story

A LOOK AT TOP DESTINATION RANCHES

1. SEGERA RANCH

Photo source: Jimmy Nelson(Segera ranch)

Abundant wildlife and exquisite accommodation In-between the beautifully melting glaciers of Mt Kenya and the great Rift valley ,Privately sitting in an exclusive 50,000 acres of pristine Africa golden savannah in the heart of Laikipia it is home to endangered wildlife species and is a land of honey.
The diverse and stunning untouched environment compliments the quietness making it one of the most dramatic sceneries yet peaceful places. The details of the villas and camps make this place a collector’s paradise due to its elegance in the bush.
Waking up to watch the sunrise and wild animals streaming in at the river for a bath from the Nay Palad Bird nest is everything you have to get off this ranch.

For more info: Segera Ranch

Photo source: Segera ranch

2. SOSIAN GAME RANCH, LAIKIPIA

A Panorama of Mt. Kenya and desert to the horizon edges this 24,000 acres 1940’s untouched wilderness which is a rolling terrain spanning across Laikipia plains offering unique wildlife safaris that involve walking through free ranging wildlife , camel safaris, swimming pools ,camping and top of the list culinary experience with fresh natural ingredients from the home garden.
While holding conservation at heart this wilderness offers the true wild experience with natural ecosystem coexistence where elephants provide firewood and rain provides water while the Boran cattle provide ranch meat. It is a mixture of simplicity and luxury to give its visitors the beauty they deserve.
For more info: Sosian Ranch

3. CHAKA RANCH

Unrivalled raw terrain nestled in between the majestic peaks of Mt Kenya and rugged Aberdare ranges is a home of all unique outdoor family wild entertainment activities from paintballing, Skating, all kinds of quad bike riding, arena, kids play stations to teambuilding activities. Sitting in Kiganjo, Nyeri about 2hrs from Nairobi it’s also a home to your family for the weekend with luxurious deluxe camps and hospitality for barbecue lovers.
For more info: Chaka Ranch

4. OLJOGI RANCH

Photo source: Oljogi ranch

Lying quietly about 4 hrs. From Nairobi on the Northern side of Nanyuki town, with array views of Mt. Kenya this 58,000 acres 60 year old masterpiece is a wildlife haven focusing on rhino conservation and is complete with the only bear in Kenya.
With its luxurious camp nestled within a protective rock crop Ol jogi gives you a unique bush life experience complete with a dreamy pool and spa for relaxation after your bush lunch.
For more info: Oljogi Ranch

5. BORANA CONSERVANCY

Galloping through open grasslands and thickets with exhilarating safaris to explore the raw rugged terrain this untainted landscape stretches south from the foothills of Mt Kenya and opens into the Northern Kenya deserts to the north.
Borana gives its visitors an immersion into the wild experience from Customized safaris, Local cultural interactions and experiences to delicious meals locally and naturally produced, entertainment and accommodation to awe them with a lifetime African experience.
From its effective anti-poaching initiatives, Holistic land management and rhino protection it is a masterpiece of an ideal ranch with a heart to conservation of natural landscapes and wildlife.
It integrates the community in its activities to develop partnerships that are ideal for coexistence.
For more info: Borana Conservancy

6. OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY

Also Read: Olpejeta Rhinos and Human Chimpanzees

A commitment to Holistic approach of integration of livestock to sustainable land and wildlife conservation is Olpejeta’s strength. A 30 minutes’ drive from Nanyuki town leads you to a unique stretch of Laikipia plains with customized memorable bush safaris on the vast 90,000 acres of land full of free ranging wild animals both endangered and nocturnal like cheetahs.
It has various luxurious campsites in different sites to suit all kinds of camping needs for every guest. It’s the only place with the last surviving Northern white rhino and its Sweet waters chimpanzee sanctuary is the best in East Africa. On a side note this has been my best ranch.
For more info: Ol Pejeta Conservancy

7. KULALU RANCH, GALANA CONSERVANCY TSAVO.

Stretching from the rugged Tsavo National Park and sitting on the banks with a breathtaking view of the Galana river and an inspiring natural environment all the way to Lali hills , Kulalu is home to wandering elephants and a variety of other wildlife species across the corridors some of which are endangered.
It offers a unique game viewing experience right from the exclusive luxury camp verandahs to the foot safaris and game safaris into Tsavo. It’s an idyllic setting for bird watchers with close proximity of the river to the campsite being a magnet for hundreds of birds.
For more info: Galana Conservancy

8. LOISABA CONSERVANCY

Photo source: Harri travels(Loisaba Conservancy)

In Northern Laikipia Kenya boasting 56,000 acres of pure wildlife diversity, a natural rugged landscape in between 2 permanent rivers, varied natural vegetation and protecting the elephant migration corridors in between Laikipia, Samburu and Isiolo with its natural habitat conservation policies and community partnerships.
The over 800 free roaming elephants and other wild animals gathering around the Ewaso river’s lush vegetation is a magnet for tourists with an urge for an arid wild experience . Complete with star beds rolled on rock platforms for a unique and dramatic African night experience, the experience at Loisaba is to die for.
For more info: Loisaba Conservancy

Photo source: Loisaba Conservancy, Ami Vitale

In Destinations

ART and HEART of CONSERVATION: SAVE the RHINO Story.

September 25, 2017 No Comments

World rhino day went round with celebrations from wildlife ambassadors, Conservationists and everyone who believes in nature for one reason or two. But let’s look at it from the other side ; Yes, we all posted a rhino photo or two on our social media posts but how often do we look at the real issues , at what’s the main reason behind extinction and endangerment. What’s the Root CAUSE?
Is it human settlements and destruction of natural habitats or is it the Insatiable demand for rhino horn in the Middle East encouraging poaching?

FACTS of a BLACK and WHITE rhino.

BLACK Rhinos are browsers, have triangular hook shaped upper lips and have wound scars on their rough skin mainly covered in mud.
WHITE Rhinos are grazers, have square upper lips and have more smooth skin with no wound scars.

The white rhinos are calmer unlike the black rhinos that are known to randomly charge and unleash their anger on your sudden introduction into their territory. A rhino once charged on us out in the wild, hit our car and made a big hole on the driver’s door, that’s the scariest i’ve come to any wild animal.

Looking back at my previous post on Rhino conservation in Laikipia, to be honest I didn’t even have it in mind that it was a few days before the World Rhino day, otherwise that post would sound differently now and maybe be more detailed.

Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Have you heard of SUDAN? The last standing Northern male white rhino on earth?

Having been transferred from Czech to Kenya because of favorable conditions to survive here and to induce its breeding, its lifespan has increased and that’s a major success story for Olpejeta conservancy. Together with the other only surviving two northern white rhinos they are protected round the clock with sensors and guards and although the breeding trials with the southern whites have been unsuccessful, this conservation program has been a success story so far.

Olpejeta also has one of the largest Southern white rhino populations.We also have numerous privately owned conservancies that have stretched a hand to conservation.

Great RHINO VIEWS in KENYA.

Poaching has been a nightmare for black rhino conservation in Kenya but over the last few years we’ve seen the rhino population grow. More focus has been put to save this vulnerable animal from poaching. Some of the places with high rhino populations and perfect for a rhino game safari in Kenya include:

1. Solio Game Reserve.

Lying in central Kenya, Solio was the first rhino sanctuary in Kenya, protecting rhinos and providing a safe home to the threatened species. Black rhinos wander out in the open plains and offer amazing sightings on your game drive.

2. Lewa Conservancy.

Competing with Olpejeta on the southern side, Lewa sits on the northern side of Laikipia and has a large population of black and white rhinos whose conservation was pioneered by the legendary Craig Family. A usual game drive here is characterized by a close encounter with a black rhino. It also Borders Borana Wildlife Conservancy that also focuses on black rhino conservation.

3. Nakuru national park.

Kenya’s only premium park acquired this status as a result of rhino conservation and the random sightings of calm grazing rhinos by the lakeside. Lake Nakuru is a protection zone for white and black rhinos among other wildlife species that are easily identified on the dusty rugged landscape when you shift eyes away from the millions of pink floating flamingos on the lake.

4. Tsavo East National park.

Rhino protection is a major deal for Tsavo and Ngulia Rhino sanctuary in Tsavo has provided a home for this threatened species. Famous for its lions, Tsavo is one of the largest wildlife protection zones in Africa and you are sure of a rhino charge if not a roaring blood thirsty lion.

5. Aberdares National Park.

Rhinos hate being surprised and the dense vegetation of Aberdares does not make this easy. Driving around Aberdares, its not the usual savannah sightings of wildlife experience but a rather keen predetermined search of the elusive rhinos a midst trees and tall tuft grass. Aberdares also offers great Big 5 sightings in-between the dense grasslands.

6. Nairobi national park.

Spilling out from a major International airport it’s also famous for Kifaru Ark which is an identity it holds for protecting the endangered species. Enraged black rhinos wandering out on the golden savannahs in front of the amazing skyscrapers backdrop is a sunset view anyone would yearn for in a safari.

7. Maasai Mara National Park.

There is a reason Maasai Mara is an ultimate destination for any African game safari. While it’s outstanding for the wildebeest migration wonder, other wildlife species are also in abundant existence here and rhinos are part of the big 5 sightings.

Other places Include:

Meru National Park, Olpejeta Conservancy, Ngwesi Ranch, Ruma National Park, Amboseli and Samburu National park.

I am a conservationist at heart, an advocate for the environment and while the struggle to make a big change is overwhelming, it’s always about the small things, like how you would re-use and recycle stuff, how to not dispose that waste on the street or how to just plant one tree even when you haven’t cut any. How to protect what we already have and how to conserve it for future use.

KENYA’S PLASTIC BAN.

Then we have the Plastic ban issue that’s going on around Kenya currently. I’ve avoided the discussion because we are still trying to adjust to it but maybe if I’d take two seconds to air my opinion,I hope you wouldn’t scold me for it.
It saddens me to hear people around complain about the plastic ban, not because they can’t live without plastics, or it’s reducing their lifespan in some way, but just because humans hate change, they hate going out of their way to slightly alter some routine. But if I look at it, the only issue is maybe the few extra shillings you have to pay to pack your shopping items once you hit the shop and remember you didn’t carry your bag. On the positive side a few years from now if we implement this bill to the letter then we’ll look back and wish we did this way earlier. Am glad finally someone stood for conservation and pollution. My worry is for this implementation to work we need to go all the way or just maybe 90% all in.
It’s not really about the shopping bags being banned or the “Mama Duka” wrappers but we need to go down to the food packaging at the factory, to all the household items wrapped up in plastic. To be a bit honest most of the plastic waste is from household goods packaging because that becomes useless immediately we take the last bite. There is no two way about the plastic ban, implementing it at the consumer level while still having it at the production level is a waste of time. We need a conscience mind, the right sense of implementation and total adherence to the rules and if still 6 months down the line we see items still packaged in plastics then we need to go back to the drawing board for this to work.

Rhino conservation has been around for ages, but how come there is still a market for Ivory?
I would blame it all on poaching but I’d also look at the existing natural conditions to survive. The diminishing natural habitat that ensures the endangered species thrives. While the human population graph is shooting upwards daily and urbanization is at its core we need to protect the natural habitats, Respect the conservation process and with a conscience mind have that conversation as often as possible.
Kenya is one of the countries that pride in tourism for economic development, but what’s tourism without the wildlife safaris. It’s not about the luxurious hotels and fancy restaurants by the beach but it’s about the experience acquired during the day outside that dimly lit room and once the plates are lifted from the dining table. We pride in Conservation, our parks and conservancies have gone a great mile to protect the rare species we have and to ensure we benefit from these resources in the future.

Be a part of conservation, be a part of change, be a part of the only solution to human problems. 🙂 🙂

In Destinations

LAIKIPIA : A Rhino Conservation Affair.

September 11, 2017 No Comments

Massive golden terrains stretching from the Snow caped Mt. Kenya and hitting the rugged foothills of the Aberdare Ranges, Equatorial tropical weather, free ranging wild animals trying to survive in between rapidly rising human developments and interference to Livestock wildlife integration. Laikipia is “the land of milk and honey” as the local communities call it. Nanyuki is the Centre piece of these wildlife corridors and as a town it thrives in eco-tourism, hosting numerous hotels and get away destinations yet still a stone throw away, acres of land boom in wheat production and beef ranching.

PLAINS thriving in WILDLIFE Conservation.

I have fond memories of Laikipia, ones I hold down so closely to my heart. Having been the place I discovered myself in more wild ways, discovered my Love for conservation, wildlife and adventure but most importantly got to be the only place I really came to appreciate my profession for the first time and it became the beginning of the Love for what I was meant to do. I could tell endless stories of how I stumbled to the ground more than three times on a bush walk chasing gravy zebras while trying to act all cool in boots, or how a black rhino unleashed its anger on our van giving it a big hole on the driver’s door, or the amazement of finding a day old Lion cubs hidden in a thicket after hours of driving in muddy trenches in search of the collared Lioness. Not to forget the hectic elephant transfers between Lewa, Olpejeta and Meru, my Laikipia memories are just endless.

I stayed down in Laikipia for almost 3 months and in that time not having to worry about makeup and what clothes to wear was not enough, but rather just being out there in the bushes running over muddy trenches, driving into thickets while chasing collared lions and monitoring rhinos was more than rewarding.

Laikipia is one of the most magnificent plains in Kenya. Full of endless rolling golden brown wheat farms, a handful of massive ranches on some rugged terrains priding in Wildlife livestock integration and conservation and a rich cultural heritage to show off.

LEWA CONSERVANCY (Breeding Black Rhinos)

Greatly known for the infamous Lewa Marathon, Lewa conservancy has managed to be a great success story of human wildlife co-existence. The Marathon was established in 2000 to outsource funds for conservation and this has yearly established a forum to discuss the underlying issues of conservation, its importance and its economic benefits. Conservation and ecotourism has seen Lewa pride in Luxurious camps, magnificent scenery, best wildlife safari activities over the years and even maintain its statute as a holiday get away for Prince William.

OLPEJETTA CONSERVANCY (Home of Chimpanzees)

It’s a rhino affair in Olpejeta and any visit here must entail the last standing Northern white rhino which is a major deal worldwide. Having gone to great heights to ensure conservation and preservation of some of the most endangered and almost extinct species, Olpejeta has dedicated its efforts in Rhino conservation, Gravy zebra, and the hartebeest and has built a home for chimpanzees. With a thriving population of the Big Five , Chimpanzee Sanctuary and great wildlife stories this place is a must visit for tourists planning on hitting Laikipia. It also has some of the best Camp sites, ranch meat and even human wildlife interactions. Remember to visit and feed Baraka; a blind Black rhino and to adopt a chimpanzee when you visit. Read More on Olpejeta Rhinos and Human Chimpanzees

LAIKIPIA NATURE CONSERVANCY (Ol Ari Ngiro)

This is the largest conservancy in Laikipia sitting at approximately 100,000 acres. From luxurious eco-lodges sitting on hills overlooking the quiet massive Laikipia plains to diverse free roaming wildlife species, breathtaking sunset views over bushes, game drives, bush walks, bush breakfast and some wandering into the neighboring Maasai manyattas, the thrill of adventure here is quite endless.

OL JOGI Wildlife Conservancy

Located on the Northern side of Nanyuki town about 67,000 acres of tuft golden grass sits a home to black rhinos and a variety of other wildlife species. Specializing in cattle ranching, it has embraced conservation of the free ranging endangered wildlife species.

Some of the other ranches in Laikipia include: Segero, Borana, Karama and Losiaba.

While co-existence is Key for conservation, joined by wildlife corridors these private conservancies and community ranches have embraced eco-tourism and wildlife livestock integration to reduce human wildlife conflicts, transform these desolate arid lands into worldwide tourism destinations and pride in conservation as the foundation of their success story.

Whether its the camouflaging cat family or the enraged rhinos, Laikipia is the Real Maasai Mara 🙂 🙂 Prince William and Usain Bolt acknowledged it.

In Destinations

Kenya’s Top Safari Series.

August 21, 2017 No Comments

High jumping red head Maasai Moran, magnificent roaming lions of the City Park, human Kissing giraffes, adrenaline swifting cheetahs, Silhouettes of Giant African Elephants on an Icy mountain backdrop or the zebras bringing some colour splash to the golden brown savannahs, the fascinating varied picture square landscapes, elegantly varied cultures and spectacular wildlife species take your breath away on a once in a lifetime Kenyan game safari. Richly endowed with all these magnificent features this would definitely tell you why the word Safari originated from Kenya and maybe why “Hakuna matata” or “Jambo” is every African tourist’s first learning word and should be yours too. Kenya is a Must Visit and a bush safari is not up for any debate either.

1. Wildebeest migration wonder of Maasai Mara N.P.

Contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti, this Northern extension is one of the World’s most magnificent Parks, popularized by the millions of wildebeest accompanied by zebras and antelopes thundering over the dry Serengeti plains through the bloodthirsty crocodiles guarding the Mara river to the lush plains of the Maasai Mara every year.
Join a bush safari and chase Rhinos and elephants or even better still Float over the Mara on a breathtaking hot air balloon safari at dawn and catch the best sunrise views over elephants and look out to experience a one off wildlife spectacle of a hungry cheetah pouncing on a fatty gazelle and dragging it up a tree.
Visit a nearby maasai village and dance with the morans while they share their unique cultural practices.

2.Wild Elephants of Amboseli N.P

Also bordering Tanzania, protected by the World’s highest and ice melting Mt. Kilimanjaro that makes for a perfect backdrop, Amboseli is famous for countless families of free ranging Wild African elephants. The varied habitat from Grasslands and wetlands to woodlands make for a perfect home to a variety of wildlife species all the way from the Big 5, other amazing animals and hundreds of bird species which is a must see.

3. Fierce Lions of Tsavo N.P

With the Railway line splitting the Park into West and East this is the largest National Park in East Africa famous for Lions without their identity mane (You remember the story of the man eating lions of Tsavo during the railway construction), and the world’s longest Lava flow experience at the Yatta plateau and you can hike up the lava hill, take a walk down the scary Shetani caves or go freshen up at the Lugard falls on River Galana. Don’t forget to pass by the spring valley aquarium for an underwater fish viewing experience.

4. Giraffes of Nairobi N.P.

Back dropped by city skyscrapers and glimmering lights at dusk, this World’s only National park in the City offers a fascinating bush safari experience and a sanctuary for endangered rhinos. While its world famous for the Ivory burning site in 1989 it still holds Nairobi’s conservation at heart. Lions roam freely, Black rhinos dip their skin in the mud, and giraffes compete with the city’s high building to offer a magnificent backdrop while the buffaloes lazily graze over the dense grasslands.

5. Rhino Conservancies of Laikipia Plains.

Laikipia plains pride in the highest number of conservancies and ranches that pride in conservation and wildlife integration. Olpejeta conservancy is a world wide’s only eye to see the only last standing Northern white rhino (a species that has recently become extinct) while Lewa Conservancy is a UNESCO world heritage site that prides in a success story of community conservation . Safari walks here lead to finding elephants, black rhinos and Lions among other small animals while the waterholes and wildlife blinds bring you closer to these wild animals’ interactions and survival instinct.

6. Pink Flamingoes of Lake Nakuru N.P

Kenya’s premium park that gives the world’s most magnificent flamingo views is home to one of the most Popular great Rift Valley Lakes. Lake Nakuru is home to millions of pink flamingoes trailing over the lake pecking on algae and worms. It is also popular for the abundant black rhinos standing their ground and Lazing lions scouting for some prey under the shade or on short tree branches over a great picture square landscape.

7. Arid Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs N.R

Dry bush lands and grasslands characterize the arid Northern Kenya and provide a habitat for the Big 5 and a variety of bird species while hippos and crocodiles guard the Ewaso Nyiro River. The Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo springs National reserve joined by wildlife corridors and bordering each other provide a massive habitat for these wild animals. Any safari experience here is an “Out of Africa” experience worth every penny.

8. Moorland of Aberdares National Park

Indigenous forests, Mountainous topography, rough terrain, foggy atmosphere ,thundering waterfall and rich dense vegetation on the open moorland provide a home to an endangered family of black rhinos, elusive bongo antelopes, forest African elephants, endangered black and white colubus monkey and other magnificent wild animals . While this steep forested ravine park is a protection zone for the Aberdares mountains moorland, Trout fishing, bird watching, nocturnal animal viewing from the tree top lodges and forest walks to the waterfall are a great safari experience.

9. Mountain Snow Capes of Meru National Park

A stretch of dense bushes, rich acacia woodlands and tall open grasslands with a backdrop of Mt. Kenya , meandering river lines outlined by doum palms creates an amazing park that is home to the African leopard, Southern white rhinos, African bush elephant, Maasai lion, buffalo herds and lion prides. As the rapids of Tana River thunder into Adamson’s falls, the snowcapped Mt. Kenya starts to melt down by the first ray of sunlight giving you the best peak views from your camp. There’s no better feeling of “Born free” than the wild experiences and beautiful scenery here.

10. Volcanic Steams of Hells Gate National Park

A Foot Safari walk in between herds of grazing Zebras, impalas, antelopes, Bicycle riding across beautiful golden towering cliffs and belching plumes of geothermal steam, Rock climbing at Fischer’s tower and gorge hiking is what makes Hells gate one of the best Parks in Kenya. With a very rare carnivore spotting this volcanic park dating back to millions of years ago is a campers and hikers paradise with beautiful landscape views, bird watching and adrenaline activities. To top it up, Olkaria Geothermal power station has developed a hot water spa pool that is the coolest thing about this park. Hell’s gate is a successful story of power generation and conservation.

Kenya is the heart of Africa.

Any safari is a lifetime journey captured in memories. 🙂 🙂

In Destinations

Top AFRICA’S Ultimate DESTINATIONS.

May 22, 2017 No Comments

Scary One-off experiences out in the wild with a black rhino speed hitting your car, a failed attempt by a Lion to grab a gazelle’s neck but a successful capture by your lens , Complete with Expansive Golden savannas, hints of camouflaging carnivores, Lush tropical forests with swinging monkeys and gorillas, thundering waterfalls, Muddy game drives, adrenaline jumps, Rich Maasai culture or historical ancient life,What Inspires you? 🙂

Camera? Passport? Adrenaline? 🙂 Well the 2^nd Largest and most ancient continent is quite a masterpiece of adventure, creativity, breathtaking views on amazing natural landscapes, rolling rivers and mountains, perfect weather and the most amazing safari experiences.

EXPLORE AFRICA

THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION.

I had to start with my home country 🙂 because am definitely trying to be so patriotic and proud of my roots. Maasai Mara has to be one of the greatest National parks in Africa. With hungry roaming Lions trying to get lunch from the largest wildebeest population worldwide to nasty crocodiles grasping the necks of unlucky wildebeest already trying to fight for their lives by looking for greener pastures on the other border side and making one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world “The Great wildebeest migration”, so stunning. No photo can capture the perfect moment of millions of thunderous hooves, dust clouds and majestic plunging into the cold water and struggle to swim across into The Serengeti Park alive. Dreamy campsites, sunset dinners, Morning drives, and waking up to the Big five is just a slice of all you have to experience.

Location Kenya: Visit: The Mara

VICTORIA FALLS

Rainbows are the favorite thing to watch when the sun and rain are usually fighting over whose more powerful. Change that into a “Moon bow “on the waterfall spray during a full moon, Showers from over 400metres rising spray, swishing water thundering down the gorges into the infinity Devil’s pool and you can’t have anything more better from a waterfall than the feeling River Zambezi creates at this particular destination. It is best described by the Local name “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, meaning “smoke that thunders” but famous for the name Dr. Livingstone gave it after Queen Victoria.

Location: Zambia-Zimbabwe Border

GORILLA TREKKING

While Rwanda boasts for one of the cleanest cities in the world that is KIGALI, because of its “ No Polythene” policies, which is a story for another day, it also offers one of the greatest jungle stories of all time. Armed with a zip lock, Backpack, waterproof boots and a drier weather around December to February or June to September you are sure of one of the best hikes of your lifetime. The Volcanoes National Park is one of the largest homes to families of beautiful silver-back Mountain gorillas. Humans share 98% of DNA with Gorillas and seeing the Gorillas smile back at you or even imitate you and portray their intelligence is melting.

Location: Rwanda

CAPETOWN TABLE MOUNTAINS

“Save the Best for the Last” and while that applies to South Africa being the last country on the southern side of the African continent so does it to the Table Mountains at the southern tip of the continent at the “Cape of Good Hope”offering the best experience of any African city. Efficiently Set with a table and wine there’s nothing more South Africa loves than the “friends” (tourists) who show up on their table to share what they have to offer.

A hike up the Table Mountains offers the best views to the Modern City and glittery water below. Furnished with cable cars you definitely have no excuse of not going up there if hiking is not in your system. Spice that up with Sun downers with friends and you are one of the millions of Friends of South Africa.

Location: SOUTH AFRICA.

MARAKECH AFRICAN MARKET

Call it the Red city in the desert, “Marrakech” with historic mosques, standing out minarets, palaces, beautiful gardens and very interesting markets, is one of its kind. A densely packed medina showcases its maze-like alleys that provide space for traditional piece markets while Food vendors and traditional street theatres full of performing musicians and storytellers at Djemma el Fna and snake charmers have you awed. Evening camel treks and desert tours showcase the nomadic traditional pre-Saharan life. Rich in traditional African culture. Marrakech gets you in touch with the Northern African culture sealed by henna painting at the town square.

Location: Morocco.

THE GREAT GIZA PYRAMIDS.

Standing out as one of the richest ancient countries with the most magnificent man-made structures in history portraying one of the most powerful ancient civilizations in the world. These monumental structures earlier constructed as tombs for Egyptian Pharaohs, ”Kings” located just outside Cairo still stand out decades later and are now a major tourist attraction and sneak peek into the Egyptian culture. Also standing as a six storey building is a Lions body with a human head presumed to be that of a king and is also one monumental structure you shouldn’t miss. Well if you think these well preserved archeological sites, Temples like ‘Karnak’ and museums are not too exciting, jump into a cruise down the Nile.

Location: Egypt

ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO ISLAND.

When you hear ‘ZANZIBAR’ , What comes to your mind? African shaped women in bikinis, Right? Sucking some coloured drinks from colorful curved straws, Right? Laid out on the white sand basking, Right? You (The man) trying to recollect your next move, Right?

I definitely would not forget to talk about a beach, with all its glory, pure white sand shimmering like diamonds and the calm deep blue waters competing with the clear blue skies to look more beautiful and that would definitely be Zanzibar Island. Off the Tanzanian Indian Ocean coast sits a lonely but not so quiet Island. The contrast factor is the Island being a major spice producer depends more on agriculture than tourism. Yet still with beautiful coral reefs, diverse marine life, perfectly soft white sand it is a major quiet holiday destination and a diver’s magic haven. Not overlooking the presence of traditional African quiet coastal lifestyle this would be your perfect place to reflect.

Location: Zanzibar

FISH RIVER CANYON & SOSSUSVLEI SAND DUNES.

A Fuscous brown barren sea of sand with little creatures sneaking and skittering across the golden sand into holes to avoid being roasted by the scorching sun is just a taste of the amazing Namib Desert. Home to a variety of flora and fauna well adapted to the harsh desert conditions is the Naukluft Park that also portrays huge clay pans with crescents of beautiful huge sand dunes developed over millions of years.

That not being enough Namibia boasts of the 2^ndlargest river Canyon in the world curving through the desert and the flowing Fish River providing life to a variety of wildlife while offering you a perfect trekking trail.

Location: Namibia

CLIMBING MT. KENYA

Three to five days hiking and camping on your way up to Lenana, Nelion or Batian peak with every campsite more freezing than then the last one is no mean fete for the unfit if you want to tick off the second Highest mountain in Africa off your bucket list.

Juggling your way through dense forests and bamboo sticks, being woken up at 3 a.m. by singing birds, Camping at Lake Ellis, marveling at the landscape below and finally hitting the highest point you have such a rewarding experience from an ancient dormant strato-volcano shaped by glaciation.

Location: Kenya

ELEPHANTS OF AMBOSELI.

With very close Free ranging families of elephants strolling through the open golden savannas trumping out dust to scare predators or blowing up water in the swamps to cool itself while threatening hippos , the vast foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro have one of the best National parks for a safari or camp.

With breathtaking views of watching the sunrise over Mt Kilimanjaro while the ice melts magically into the springs from the foothills or hiking up to watch the sunset over the plains with a Lion trying to get its last meal from a gazelle that can’t keep up with the rest of its herd the experiences are so worth every penny.

Location: Tanzania, Kenya

Book your next African destination .

You deserve all this 🙂 🙂

In Destinations

The WILDSIDE of HELL’s GATE – National Park.

January 30, 2017 No Comments

A Dusty rough road leads us to Elsa gate, on the Wildside of Naivasha . It’s been on my Kenyan bucket list forever and finally the opportunity was here. With an imagination of Magical rocks, Gorges, a “Welcome to Hell” and awesome photos, I was so excited for this one.

14 Kms off the Nairobi-Naivasha highway turnover, South of Lake Naivasha sits a volcanic park. Hell’s Gate National Park is named after a narrow break in the Cliffs during a volcanic activity. Hells gate has been in the news for a while, you remember those Youths who went missing, and I actually thought the name ‘Hells Gate’ came from that.

Being my first time here I’d spent the previous evening just walking around Naivasha town. Just before I went to sleep, as is custom i checked my camera. But why did it have to be today of all days Lord? Huh!! My camera had crushed and couldn’t respond to anything, I tried charging it, no response, tried turning it on, still no response. I became so angry and couldn’t even sleep that night; I was so stressed up, not just about how my camera had died but how I was going to miss out on epic photos.

I Woke up so early went around Naivasha to look for digital camera shops to repair it and none of that hustle bore fruit.

“You have to go to Nairobi for this one!” Was the response I got.

Woah..! I know that.. (I almost answered back), but I don’t have that time now. There’s no way I was solving this, so I proceeded to the Park anyway. I had already missed out on my Plan for sunrise shots at the park, and wasn’t even sure about my mood for this visit anymore. But Pause…My photos still turned out awesome (Cue..James Bond..)

We arrived at the Park around 9 a.m. and for a moment I forgot my troubles. My phone just had to be a handy “photographer” on this. We paid our entrance fees, (I thought paying for the car was expensive though), got a tour guide (also on the higher side) and started our game drive. There are bicycles for hire so you can also Cycle to the park if you want.

Our first stop was at Fischer’s tower (a volcanic plug) where there is rock climbing. The experience is quite thrilling if you are an adrenaline junkie, Ha! But don’t think about “what if the rocks disintegrate and come down falling on you.” Hahahaha! by the way am the worst person when it comes to motivation, i crush your hope before encouraging you.

They’ve done rock climbing here for years anyway, so you don’t need to worry because it’s pretty safe. I tried it out to let out my camera anger and hmmmm it was worth it.

We walked around for a while to see some wildlife and take photos of the scenery, and then drove off to the Gorge.

We could see the Central tower (another volcanic plug but not safe for rock climbing) from the entrance.

We then took a walk down through a landscape of high cliffs and beautiful gorges. It is quite a long walk that involves some slight rock climbing and you might need a bottle of water, (I regretted I didn’t have one).

This is a perfect place for artists and creatives, the textures, colours and different rock formations are just perfect.

The walk leads you to the “DEVIL’S BEDROOM” (where the devil lives) “TRUE STORY”

Ha-ha! You need to see him. The bedroom is the climax of the walk; rather it’s where the gorge starts. Our walk took like an hour considering all the photo session stops. We then head back from the gorge but divert to see the hot springs, and as usual, being a Thomas I have to do the testing and the water is really really hot.

Did I tell you the part where I slid and almost fell.

Okay! Please don’t laugh.

While on our way back, we had to go down a rock, which wasn’t high by the way. By now I am a professional rock climber I believe, (after I went up rocks without a rope in Baringo and several rock climbing with ropes here) so I grab the rope and start tracing my steps down.

I miss one step, slide and then swinging like a monkey on the rope I swing off to the other end of the rock without rock steps. My heart stopped I swear and I thought “this was it”, “Hell for sure”. The only thing I remember was I didn’t let go off the rope (Our tour guide congratulated me for this) otherwise I’d be speaking with broken ribs or legs right now. So I slide downwards off the rope while trying so hard to find step cracks on the rock. And get down safe but scared to death.

Just so you know am not trying rock-climbing soon “Unless it’s Mount Kenya”.

Huh! But I always forget these self-promises. Thats why i don’t make new year resolutions anymore.

After that scary experience I guess you can now tell, that walk was officially over.

While on our way out we come across these two blacksmiths (father and son), I can’t remember what they were making, but we interacted with them for a while and I took secret photos of them (One thing I’d love to really conquer is my fear to ask strangers if I can take a photo of them), that would actually be a plus for my career. Anyway every Persons livelihood is different and when you travel you get to see how life doesn’t really come on a silver platter.

So we head out on the western side via Olkaria gate, through the Olkaria Power station. I really wished we’d be taken for a Geography trip to Olkaria while in high school, but it never happened. And up to now I didn’t even know Olkaria was in Hells gate until we arrived here. For once, I hadn’t Goggled about Hells gate before my visit. Olkaria is made of 3 Geothermal Power stations that generate power from the area’s hot springs and geysers.

I admire the huge pipes setting and the belching white plumes of geothermal steam from the ground. I ask quite a number of questions, Ha-ha but the only one I remember is why the pipes are constructed with corners and not straight like the oil pipeline.(When you go, ask that too) Ha-ha!

We stop over at Olkaria, and there’s a geothermal hot spring sulphur spa which is perfect for pool lovers. It’s made of hot milky white water which has therapeutic benefits and rich in sulphur which is good for the skin. The cost is just 400 Ksh for citizens. We enjoy the swim for a while then head out back to Naivasha for Late Lunch.

They have camping sites at the park by the way and if you wish to spend your night out in the wild its quite a perfect place. Till next time………………………………….

Have you been to Hells Gate or Olkaria? What was your experience like?

Love and Love.

From me and my small monkey friend.

In Destinations

GORGE and ROCKS at CHEBLOCH

January 23, 2017 No Comments

Sitting in the house bored on a weekend is one of my worst nightmares. You probably wouldn’t understand the “Single living people” problems but cooking is not one of them, the movies start to be boring, social media is not interesting anymore and then you become miserable. Ha-ha!! But a housemate is the last thing I want.

Anyway,I thought some rock playing for a break from the parks and waters today wouldn’t hurt. I am a weirdo when it comes to finding fun in small stuff and am always good at it as long as it doesn’t involve being stuck in the house. This was one weekend where we just drove off from Eldoret without any plan or final destination. You know those road trips that lead you to places you didn’t even think of, well this was one of them and it led us to the border of Baringo county.

Have you watched “Legion of fire:Killer ants” well probably not for the faint heart, but we came across this anthill and i thought of all the movies i’ve watched where humans are fed on by ants. Ooh! i never told you i Love horror movies, the way my heart skips and gets my adrenaline rushing is just what i need in all movies. Hahaha! we tried even throwing stones inside the anthill to trigger their movement, without even thinking what if we rattle a snake, neither of them showed up anyway.

We drive through Iten (look out for my Kerio Valley weekend experience) over to Chebloch gorge Baringo County. The gorge is exactly at the border between Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo and just on your way to Kabarnet form Eldoret. It was formed as a result of the Rift Valley volcanic activity and its now a small tourist attraction , telling by the number of tourist and schools we find here.

Most people are on a drive and just stop over to look at the beautiful Gorge, rocks, the river flowing in between the cliffs and divers and have some lunch at the restaurant on the cliff. You could make quite a number of stop overs on this road by the way cause the views are just amazing.

On one side of the Eldoret-Kabarnet road are the divers and on the other side is where the high cliff gorge starts. We walk down to the river and head over to the gorge.

There is a small kid around 10 years here practicing to be a diver I guess, (Where did we even grow up?”) He shows us his expertise by making different moves while diving (I don’t even have words for that). We are amazed at what he can do, and he does it for free but we buy him lunch because he really deserved it.

We then decide to Rock climb. Not even sure if people do that here or have they done it before, but I have crazy people for friends. They just start climbing with no ropes by the way. We are not even sure it’s safe or rocks can fall but we just climb anyway. Well the most memorable experiences are the most risky and random things you do in life.

The rocks are around 15metres high or more and we made it with no one getting hurt and the experience was worth it. If you plan on going to Chebloch make sure you rock climb but don’t fall or look down. We are actually the only people who do that, the other people just stare at us.

At the top of the rocks is where trouble is, the rocks are burning. You know Baringo is hot, now imagine a black stone heated in the super sun the whole afternoon? We left our shoes down at the river and there’s no way back because then you might slide and fall and we’ve already taken enough risk. We only have the option of walking on the burning rocks round the top of the gorge upto the tarmac and unto the other side.

There’s a resort at the top of the gorge accessible from the tarmac and its fenced leaving a very narrow path for us to walk on.

Here you are stuck on burning hot rocks, you can’t run nor walk fast because one small slide and you are down to the gorge. We hold unto the barbed wire fence walk for a while but I can’t anymore, my legs are now hurting. I go over the fence into the resort

At least there’s some soil though it’s also hot but at least it’s better than burning stones and I can skip and run. I apologise to the security sit and buy a drink to make up for trespass; I gulp it and run over to the gate and to the tarmac. I now have blisters and can’t walk well, it’s like 200metres over to where we left shoes and the road is also burning. I just have to send someone, so I sit on a small acacia shade and wait. I got foot blisters after this by the way but I would do it again and again.

We then head over to the other side to see the divers where there is a group of boys aged 15-25 who earn their living by diving into the gorge. I’ve always envied divers, they make diving look so cool and these are the times i wish i was a type of fish, but yeah you can be good in everything “Clal” and swimming is not one of them.

They ask people to pay some money then they jump from a high cliff into the water like 3-5 times. They then disappear in the water for a while which is scary cause you think they’ve drowned then reappear at the other end of the river.

There is no tour guide here so it’s upon you to make and find your own fun. We didn’t get much of the history about the gorge though. The locals also do fishing in that river (never mind the water colour) but mainly its mud fish.

I’ve been to Baringo before on my visit to Lake Baringo, which apart from the lake visit, boat ride and fish eating there is really not much to say, well at least not now. The lake is in a remote area but it was quite some fun and experience. I lost my photos later on though but I have a few I’ll share on a different post.

Thanks for stopping by. Leave a comment and share. And if you are hungry feel free to have some fresh fish on my credit.

Okay Till next time,

Love and Love.

In Destinations

SOURCE of RIVER NILE

January 2, 2017 No Comments

Rippling over rocks, splashing and squeezing through gorges, curving gently around forests and lush green islands, gushing into waterfalls and calming into pools, the view of the River Nile is so breathtaking and more magical at sunset.

While Famous is one thing and Popular is another, I can’t really define what River Nile is apart from it’s the World’s Longest river at 6,650Kms and Runs from Uganda through 9 other countries, Via 4 main African cities and into the Mediterranean sea. It is a major source of electricity production and a source of living to a very large population in all the countries it goes through. It is also a major tourist attraction in all the cities it goes through.

The Other main Reason for this trip apart from my Bungee jumping (next post) was to cruise at the famous Source of River Nile and capture amazing sun shots (if you’ve been reading by now you know am so into sunsets and rises) .

So, on one of the mornings, up early and set out for the day we headed out for breakfast. I don’t take tea; rather I generally hate hot drinks, so I ordered for Juice and a chapo (i always forget to take food pics, i should do this more in 2017). Ugandan Chapos are life, one chapo and you are down, actually this became my meal throughout my stay cause am not the person to experiment with foods and I’d found my perfect happy place.

We then headed out to Bujagali falls and ancestral site where we were given some history of River Nile and the Busoga Kingdom and culture. The falls here are now submerged due to a hydroelectric dam constructed, and are now the Bujagali Lake which is interspersed by Lush green tree covered islands.

After walking around the respected historical site we took a boat ride to see the cave where over 80 years old ‘Nabamba Budhaghali’ their spiritual leader, traditional healer and witchdoctor lives.

You can only access the cave via boat, one simple slide from the cave and you end up in water, and the water is quite deep here, don’t be fooled by these photos we took. We didn’t find him in the cave though, so we took a walk around then headed back to the shore.

We then drove off to the Source of River Nile which is a few Kms from Jinja town like 10Km or less I guess and unlike our previous Itanda falls search this was easy. We drive downhill and for a moment you think you might end up in water, as the road literally ends up in water.

The locals here are selling fresh fish, but we ask them to take us fishing with them. Unluckily it’s not fishing time but they agree to show us their fishing grounds and set ups. We then get on a boat to the source. (I lost count of boat rides I took in Uganda). Boat rides, Sunset cruises and Jet skiing there’s just too much playing with water in the Nile.

The source of the Nile is from an underground spring at the Neck of Lake Victoria, and with a Large signpost marked just before the lake there is no way you can miss it. You can actually clearly see the bubbles from the spring and difference in water movement from the spring and that from the lake. The spring contributes 30% of the water while the other 70% is from the lake and other sources.

There is a small hut constructed at the source where you can get out of the boat and have a view of the source and even walk around and take photos. We sailed the boat across the source and for a moment I thought, “what if we sink!” but hey you can’t and it’s quite an amazing experience.

We then sailed off to the fishing zones, and I’d never seen this fishing setup before. We came across several bird species and quite a huge number of kingfishers taking advantage of the laid fishing traps.

We also got to see a variety of bird species, and ooh! i learnt that these birds excretion can burn down a tree over time, because of their fish consumption and concentrated uric acid and like cats if a large population of birds excrete over and over at the same place.

We also got to see the Ugandan Lake Victoria Port and Power generation plant but we were not allowed to go near , (Did i ever tell you we were once caught taking photos near an airstrip and the Ugandan police are not friendly). There are so many places you shouldn’t take photos; like the Nile bridge which upto now i think is so unfair.

Our next stop was at a recreational park at the shore of Lake Victoria. It is a small privately owned park just after the Source, perfect for a walk and view of the sun setting.

A walk around led us to see some wild animals in cages, Reptiles majorly (I feel like posting snakes but i’ll spare you the horror). Who else like me Loves those NatGeo animal horror programmes that get your adrenaline high. Ha-ha!

We also got to learn more about the ugandan lifestyle and traditions, including their tools and structures.

By now the sun was setting and we were so lucky to witness the sun set over the source of the Nile and Lake Victoria. We then went to the restaurant had some fish and Proceeded back to Jinja.

Don’t forget to read my other Uganda escapades HERE and on my next and last post about Uganda.

Have you been to Jinja? What activities did you do and what was your experience? Leave a comment.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017.

Love and Love.

In General

SUN-SETTING 2016.

December 31, 2016 No Comments

I finally stayed away from coast this year, probably the only promise I remember making and I’ve kept, then I crossed borders for the first time and I can’t be happier. Taking long drives to make memories, getting blisters in the name of adventure, walking long distances to find the perfect views, waking up so early just for sunrise shots, Bracing the cold water just to take the perfect photos, organizing trips with friends who then back out and I go solo anyway, risking life just to climb rocks, getting super sick due to fatigue, to meeting a lot of new faces who’ve ended up being friends. I’ve been to interesting places this year, made great memories but most important of all I’ve learnt that the best of places are the best kept secrets and it’s you as an individual to create your own adventure and fun.

Some of the ten beautiful places I’ve been to this year are:

JINJA Uganda.

2. River Nile Source.

3. Hells Gate National Park.

4. Lake Elementaita.

5. Crescent Island Naivasha.

6. Lord Egerton Castle.

7. Chebloch Gorge Baringo.

8. Kerio Valley.

9. Kariandusi prehistoric site.

10. Lake Oloiden.

2016 AT A GLANCE.

People do this, I don’t know how many lie or whether it’s true, but am doing this not because everyone else is but because for me this year needs a review. I don’t believe in Christmas anyway so by now you know am not a cliché. 2016 has given me so many opportunities, taken me places I didn’t know I’d go and opened many doors for me.

I Settled in Eldoret this year by the way and that’s one thing am so glad of doing. My friends here make life so much more interesting and lively that I’ve only been back to Nairobi once this year. I even forgot how my wardrobe and shoes look like. In 2016 I have learnt to appreciate life more, value anything small I have, love humans more, be dedicated and work hard, give more(charity makes me so happy) , let things that hurt go easily but above all I’ve learnt to hold onto my happiness, love myself more, be selfish on giving out my heart easily and laugh more. The people who’ve made this possible in every little way are appreciated, they say you never really forget that person who saved you from drowning and well that’s just it. Hey.! my humans, am so glad you all are my ‘squad’. Actually I believe friends are at times the only family you have because I’ve seen this work when I didn’t have anyone else.

Its routine I should have done Christmas posts but well am not everyone else, and why should I anyway when all I did for Christmas was isolate myself, sleep and watch? Anyway back to the point. I do believe in a new year. I know this is having double standards since it’s just a change in calendar but look, my Birthday is a few days(if you take away the year of January) and it sounds fresh to me and gives me more reason to psyche up for 2017. I’ll be turning 25 in two months and the pressure for what I need to achieve by then is building up.

This year I didn’t have any resolutions made, perhaps I was just repeating all the 2015 ones. But it’s been a good year and full of Blessings to me. Am not sure if am making any for 2017, but am sure I’ll pray God opens more doors for my dreams.

Someone asked how many are crossing single to 2017? And I thought, “But I’ve crossed single to every New Year all my life.” Who even thinks of, or asks that? But maybe my only resolution should be to have a baby; almost all my peers do… Huh. Okay maybe 2018 resolutions, 26 won’t be so late after all.

While am eating cake and Milk for supper and writing this article. I am super glad I finally started my own blog. It’s been over, one year debating whether to or not, written articles and edited photos that finally have ended up lost, Civilization is just messed up at times. My friend Mike (who also did my blog and is an IT Guru) has been with me on this all through the almost two year’s idea, (Hi M…J). He also does apps (some of the famous ones in Kenya) and designs websites, so you can halla. (mimickeyim@gmail.com)

I also fell so sick this year and for a moment I even gave up on myself and thought I was really crossing to the other side (something my friends keep telling me, I should never come to that state again). Guys who have headaches all their life, God bless your souls, I don’t know how you do it but it shall be well.

I also followed so many amateur photographers, awesome bloggers especially travel bloggers this year and I realized the world has so much to offer (I’ll share their handles on a blog post later). For once I stopped following Djs Hahaha! Life. But then I’ve had little time to listen to music and I’ve kept playing 2 playlists on my desktop the whole year. I even don’t have a clue about musician’s gossip anymore like I used to.

I am an avid reader of blogs and any creative content on social media and I hope to read more in 2017. I don’t read books by the way; reading for exams in school crushed my interest for books. I have a shelf of books that I have read the first 5 pages at most and stopped when I realized am reading a page over and over. I am a super fan of creatives, good art pieces, and amazing designs I hope to discover more in 2017.

Okay. I’ve run out of ideas on what to write and since I don’t want to lie. Let me say THANK YOU and THANK YOU to all my readers. You guys make me wake up at 2 a.m. to write my travel experiences. Read more and follow me more in 2017. Good things up the sleeves in 2017.

Blog posts will be up on Mondays and Fridays, Oh. And guest writers are welcome on the blog. If you have an awesome travel experience hit me up on mail (clalffina@gmail.com). If you read this to the end or if you schemed through to the end well Thanks for stopping by and always come back and on your way out you can always leave a note for me on the comment box. As I cross over I look forward to more,greater and better adventures on my diary next year.

I WISH YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GODS BLESSINGS IN 2017.

Can people stop being dogs on Snap chat in 2017 ? OKay, Bye.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Love and Love,

In Book and Join a Trip

UGANDA- Itanda Falls.

December 27, 2016 No Comments

We could hear whistles and a distant humming sound from miles away as we drove along the winding path marveling at the green canopy of trees. This had been a foggy, drizzling and cold morning and we were not sure if our hunting spree would be worth it.

We had asked for directions more than 8 times now till we resolved to only ask school kids we came across; “The Ugandan school uniforms look so bad by the way.” Our trust for strangers had been broken way earlier (read my next post), but then two of the people we asked for direction told us we couldn’t find the waterfall as it is far and in a remote area and we were totally crushed. Eh!

Discouraged but determined we kept driving on, I had read about the falls on Google anyway and I was sure they existed. There’s no way Google can lie, “Right? “ Haha! I always do Google map search before I embark on any trip.

We finally saw a signpost to the falls and this was it, we finally made it “Mama”.

The humming sound changed to more of rumbling as we got closer. A Breath of fresh air and chirping birds were our welcome sign. We arrive at a small gate “made of barbed wire and posts” and this Ugandan masculine guy greats us in Kiganda.

Well its either there’s no way a Kenyan can find this place or Africans are not tourists, but I excuse his ignorance, we also do this in Kenya, “assume every black person knows Swahili.” Anyway can’t he read our number plate, “thinking to self.” I answer back in English, ask a few questions, pay our entrance fees and then he lets us in.

We walk down the edge of the rocks to the river, luckily the sun comes out. The rays hit over the smooth liquid silver pouring and flowing down the rocks.

The gem-blue water was swishing over the rocks throwing up bubbles of spray. The rustling leaves wave gently to the magical river and birds fly over the river to the trees ‘singing’ and ‘dancing’ for the art of God. “Pure Bliss”

I’ve never seen a perfectly beautiful scenery like this before. For a moment I lost words. There are quite a number of waterfalls in the river as it flows down. The waterfall is actually made up of the river flowing down a continuous series of rocks.

This is the Longest River in the world at 6,650Kms and Runs from Uganda through 9 other countries. And Uganda being the Source of it, the energy portrayed by the Nile water here is amazing.

“OK” Let’s get back to the fun bit of it.

I take off my shoes, Sit on a rock and dip my legs in the freezing water and just gaze at the ambience while taking in the fresh air (*Perfect relief*) after a tiresome morning drive.

There are quite a number of birds to view and listen to and they’ve formed a home on a tree in the river.

So I sit there watching and try throwing stones at them, but am not a sharp shooter, all my stones end up in the water making the coolest “shubluu” splash sound and this turns out to be a stone skipping game which is usually a lot of fun.

Our tour guide then offers to take us on a boat ride to see the other waterfalls. I help him push the boat into the water and we start paddling upstream.

“I Didn’t know paddling a boat is that hard, leave alone doing it upstream against the flow of water, I actually sweat, but “What a man can do a woman can do 10 times better, and I got muscles.” Haha! After one hour enjoying the boat ride he takes us to see the waterfall divers.

Eh! Some People have death wishes my friend, (Wait until you hear my Bungee jumping story on my next post). Jumping from a cliff into the waterfall and being washed down by the waterfall to like 100 meters downstream, the divers show off their skills. This is actually quite interesting for adrenaline junkies.

Diving in a pool scares me enough but diving into a waterfall is just something else. I didn’t even take a good photo of this as I was shaking and couldn’t even fully look at someone sign a death wish that way.

After diving three times, they then take us to a settled river section which acts as a pool where people can swim. At this point I get so jealous when everyone else jumps in the water, “By now u all know I can’t swim”. They even forget they didn’t have swimming costumes. All I can do is take photos of them and answer their phone calls. Too much for fun, “I know right?” “*Sulks*”

After two hours of swimming and playing water games we have to leave. Hey, i hadn’t taken breakfast by the way, “Am remembering this now” I buy some bananas from a local to hold my stomach at least because it’s a long rough drive back to Jinja. On our way out we come across the famous Ugandan ‘Ankole’ cows and we just have to stop and take a picture, I’ve only seen them at the Nairobi showground before anyway.

We had spent a total of 5 hours at Itanda and by the time i left, I knew some Kiganda “which I’ve already forgotten” Ha!. I have tried to write about my trip to Uganda severally but every time I try I fail on how to express myself, so am sorry this article has come late. But hey!, Look out for two more posts on my Ugandan trip. Well they say a place is the most beautiful until you see another.