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Visualize a bonfire under the stars, Pack a bag, hit the road, pitch a tent, and camp out under the moon for a short weekend or a week long expedition just to explore the earth’s best varied magnificence. Hike or take a road trip and just get lost in the moment capturing the moments, taking in the mind-blowing views and writing your own planet story.

Hellooooo people ?? ??

The African continent is a great piece of art waiting to be explored and whose story is best experienced by you. Having been a solo backpacker myself and even better taken all the risks I possibly could, I can guarantee you a lot of fun and indulgence in random ideas and more discovery of yourself in backpacking while trailing through those enchanting places.

Just like waking up, backpacking is also one of those decisions you got to make without looking back. Take a leap of faith, set off and the rewards are memories that will last you a lifetime and leave you wanting more and more.

BACK PACKING TRICKS

  1. Pack so light that someone will mistake you for just someone running errands in town. (I’ll have to do packing hacks on a more detailed post later.)

  2. If you are from a different country or even a local back packer, carry necessary documents (this helps you to identify yourself and get easy access.)

  3. Water bottle, small light source, binoculars, camera, Hat, Shuka and a few re-energizing snacks go a long way.

  4. Check the weather, know before-hand what to expect and plan your trip. Leave a few flexible slots and do a bit of research earlier.(Google is your friend)

  5. Join a Group and get a local tour guide (This always works for me especially if am solo traveling.), You get cheaper rates for transport and even accommodation and you definitely have a fun crowd that makes the trip more fun and you are likely to indulge in more activities safely.

WHAT TO DO AS A BACKPACKER IN KENYA.

Road trips

Where do you want to pitch tent? This is one of the best things to do as a back packer and even better if a first timer. Kenya is a massive masterpiece of picture square landscapes that need exploration and recognition. Take a drive from Nairobi and head over to Samburu, there’s so much of the diverse rugged landscapes to see, the culture transition and lifestyle and if you feel more adventurous make all the stops you can along the way to engage in other activities like community interactions, follow forest trails chasing waterfalls and rivers and even just quench yourself with those random stopover fruits. I guarantee a variety of too many of those.

Hiking

Be a light packer, have the right pair of hiking boots and with a tropical weather to die for, Hiking is the real definition of backpacking. Kenya has a number of great hiking spots ranging from a few hours in Ngong hills, to a day’s camping in Mt. Longonot, three days in Kilimanjaro to a week’s camping in Mt. Kenya. The Views are rewarding and determination to conquer is key. I’d recommend the more fun and easy sightseeing ones like Hells gate National Park and Aberdare Ranges if you are not up to the climbing task.

Wild Safaris

An African Safari is the ultimate Safari and Kenya is the centerpiece. Imagine sleeping in a small tent or a luxurious campsite with wild animals taking night patrols around your camp, the cry of a hungry hyena somewhere in a faraway bush, late night bonfires and conversation over mouthwatering barbecue and waking up to the coolest wild sunrise and birds dancing under it (that’s the most amazing silhouette ever). Taking that dawn bush chase ,driving through muddy trenches and catching a glimpse of the Fastest cheetah  drag an antelope to a bush or the fiercest lion pound on some sleepy Zebra in the Mara plains. It’s all in A Kenyan Safari.

Lakes

The Rift valley stretches its magnificence from Fresh water lakes to salty water lakes which all have different stories to tell. Being a center piece, Naivasha is one of the greatest places for any back packer and has the highest rating in terms of back packing campsites, offshore tents and adventurous activities from Lake Naivasha’s Hippo hunting on Boat rides to Lake Nakuru’s floating pink flamingos. Lake Magadi is another trail with a great rugged story, rich cultural interaction and hot springs that will take your breath away.

Beaches

The Campsites in Diani are so dreamy that they leave your imagination wild and lost in the blue waters. Having the best weather and a great shoreline, the Kenyan Coast has great backpacking activities you can indulge in. Sands at Chale is a must see if you want to have the ultimate ocean experience, Diving in Watamu for some marine life, Dolphin Seafaris at Wasini Island or just the cultural Swahili experience in Lamu. This has to be your ultimate back packing experience to relax and there are numerous backpacking hostels and hotels all ranging from small budgets to more luxurious holiday resorts.   

HOW TO BUDGET

  1. Transportation: 50%? Of any trip budget is how to get there. Book your travel tickets early and depending on your destination this will help you get discounts. To move around get a tour company and join a safari group, it is safer and way cheaper. If you feel more at home you can even use a matatu or taxi for more convenience.

  2. Accommodation: I find this to be the easiest for me, because when traveling for adventure I don’t fancy exotic. There are lots of safe accommodations places that range prices depending on the services you want. Have you heard of Airbnb?

  3. Meals: Eat out, have local meals during the day, cook your own meals if camping as a group or get that bed and breakfast with a dinner inclusive (It saves on cost.)

  4. Gate Fees: Most places have entrance fees and varying rates on different activities within, so find information early to help you budget well.

  5. Health: Some countries require certain vaccinations like yellow fever, so get the cards early. Take Anti-malarial (seek medical advice from a pharmacist on this) and Also carry some painkillers/medication with you if you normally get any random and regular mild pains.

  6. Extra shopping money: Everyone loves souvenirs from a trip. It’s the only way to keep the memories alive.

All said and done 2020 is a great travel year. Pack that bag and hit off the road.

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Just to Stray a bit ??

Am here thinking about my Birthday Month and trying to figure out where I want to camp for my birthday.  Feeling guilty for bailing out on two semi important plans with friends this past weekend, but more on the one I committed to. Do you know what my reason was, “I was Sleepy”. Before you crucify me, let me just explain ,: First  me and sleep are inseparable that at times I wake up just 30 minutes to work  because I keep looking at the watch and pushing for 5 minutes more. Who else can relate?

It’s weirder that I don’t use an alarm and my brain is just time conscious but I keep clinging to the cold lonely duvet.

Halloo FEBRUARY ?? ??   

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

Free falling off a flying helicopter into the sea, Swooshing over forest canopies on a zip-line, Cord hanging in air or Jumping off tall stands into shaky board-walks is as much thrilling as it is frightening. Heights trigger some kind of adrenaline that races down your body stopping you from taking that step while sending all the blood to your head to convince you it’s going to be thrilling if you leap. Am one of those people whose height phobia is not even up for discussion and If you’ve read my posts you remember me talking about my excitement for bungee jumping at the River Nile till I hit the stand and there was No way I was going to throw my life off that almost 40 meter stand to the calm deep Nile waters below. Check it out HERE

Although Am more of a wild chase bush person and maybe a little of a camouflaging adrenaline person who would rather stick to being a water junkie who can’t swim and mainly live for sun downers and sunrise silhouettes. Am intrigued by adrenaline junkies who jump off planes and take faith in the ropes holding them to safety yet still scream their lungs out for the thrill.
Having done most of the bush safari challenges and looking for a new thrilling experience ,There are quite a number of activities in Kenya that would trigger your high adrenaline and I thought I should share with you some of these extreme sports activities.

SKYDIVE in DIANI.

This has to top it all because we all somehow love beaches and apart from diving for an ocean swim off a boat, diving off a plane into the air and massive ocean below while rushing down trusting only on your parachute to give you a safe landing is the best other way to enjoy your vacation in coast. Sky Diving in Diani is one of the top rated tourist activities in south coast and the breathtaking views of the sparkling beach and small islands while you scream your way down are a lifetime memorable experience. More info: Sky Dive Diani

Photo source: Skydive Diani

 

BUNGEE Jump at the Galana River.

A free fall off a 60m tall stand into the river Sagana with only a cord keeping you from being submerged into the brown waters at Rapids camp is a lifetime thrilling experience for any adrenaline junkie. But it isn’t over until the frightening numerous bounces after your fall that make your stomach churn a large bit start. Ensure you head over to Sagana. More Info http: At Rafting in Kenya.

Photo source: Rafting in Kenya.

ZIP LINING in Kereita Forest.

Fly past birds, dense green forest canopy, open valleys and have the intriguing forest views from above and a bird’s eye view of Aberdare ranges. With six international safety standards Zip lines approximately 2.2 Kms lasting approximately 2 hours over a lush 80metres tall nature trail persistently calling, the zip lines will take your breath away but at least fill you with the fresh mountain air to last a lifetime memory. More info: at Flying Fox

Photo source: Miles Africa.

OTHER ZIP LINING PLACES.
Limuru Zip Lining: The Damn Red hill Limuru
Machakos Zip Lining: 300 meters Machakos People’s park,
Sagana Zip Lining: Over Tana River at Sagana.

High Ropes tight walking at Diguna, Rongai.

The thrill and adventure when Fastened belts around your waist is all you got between high suspended ropes and trying to skip from one rusty rope to another or swing and jump onto loosely suspended wooden planks until you miss and swing in air like a bat is satisfying for any adrenaline rush. Perfect for a Saturday escapade adventure that doesn’t involve driving away from the City.

Photo source: Daily Kenya Blog

 

HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARIS over Maasai Mara.

The 6:00 am Balloon lift off at Governor’s camp Maasai Mara is your ultimate destination for any safari. It is not much adrenaline pumping but it is the ultimate air experience .Being swayed by the wind chasing the sunrise and floating over herds of elephants and wildebeest trying to outdo each other on the morning catch. The bird’s eye view of the Maasai Mara plains, diverse wildlife beneath and the breathtakingly refreshing rare wildlife activities are worth every penny you pay for this ride. More info at: Governors Camp.

What are other height Adrenaline activities available in Kenya? Which one would you most prefer?
But if you are not a height person look out for my water games activities On my next post  for some adrenaline thrill 🙂 🙂

Do you Love a quiet, Sunny and Private beach?

 Or to just Lie on  sand gaze up in the palmy blue skies? Who said only good swimmers should love the beach? I Love walking on,playing with the sand and just being white.They say its good for the skin and atleast its what i believe, and if you are like me Well you wouldn’t be wrong to go down to south coast Diani, Kwale County about 30 km from Mombasa Town.

Stepping into the ferry I Immediately got “this is gonna be a good weekend” feeling, am not sure it’s the childhood memories of the last time I was in a ferry or it was finally the view of the ocean, though I missed catching the sunrise over the ocean as I had anticipated, But I was so ready for a good time.

Driving down to Ukunda gazing at the coastal homestead culture with Palm trees whistling away their breeze to my face,and it finally feels good to be away from the hustles of the City.  By the time we reached Galu trust me all I wanted was “Madafu”. Well adventure is all about the risks, will and good company and hey I had it all.

Diani has high class restaurants and hotels with an amazing beachfront that is quite private and uncrowded. With Lantana Galu Beach Hotel  being one of the best at the southern Diani beach I Loved its beachfront and there’s a shining wall on the gate that resembles a good sunrise, okay well according to me.

I spent my first night at Waridi homes and their poolside was amazing. Every major window directly facing the pool, a sunrise pool view is the first thing you wake upto and you will never want less. They make the best pilau I’ve had in my travel diary so far, am not sure whether it was because I was hungry and missed lunch but that pilau by the pool side was magical. Am a bad swimmer but sitting by/in the pool both daytime and at night, Not to mention the music and wine in the pool at night is everything, Well before I deviate lemme focus on the beach.

Waking upto the beach daily, the walks on the sand, the calm blue ocean waters, and just the view of the ocean is relaxing and satisfying. The good news is I missed my sleep by waking upto the sunrise daily on my stay and blame the late nights in the pool,

And hey enjoy my amazing photos of the ocean sunrise and a sneak peak of what the sunset looks like in the clouds and watching the clouds in the evening was my best part of the day as it gave me this Heavenly feel that God is watching over our happiness. Unluckily you can’t have a view of a clear sunset as it sets on the opposite side of the beach hotels.

So many activities go on along the beach; Boat rides being an essential and that may include deep marine fishing, Scuba Diving, Kite surfing, Waterskiing, Sky diving, horse riding and many other beach games. You can never go to diani and not find something interesting because the choice is yours to involve you in any of the activities or like me enjoy basking on the sand and just watch all the activities.

Not to forget I slept deeply on the beach sand for two hours quietly, just say that was the best time of my life aside from the fact that I woke up away from the beach castle in my dreams. Make a date with diani then come back tell me about it, in the meantime enjoy some of my photos.

                                                                         Love n Love