A rose is a rose

Many people know the country as an attractive destination for wildlife. Others have kept on saying wildlife is a tired product. I absolutely differ with that. My argument is bold. Every protected area in Kenya is unique in its own way. As I was growing many are the times I heard about only two national parks Tsavo National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve. What shocks me twenty years down the line we still hold to this; hence the adage ‘wildlife is a tired product’.  I have visited quite a number of the park and the reserves and one of the parks that caught my attention of its beauty and scenic nature is Meru national Park. I lack a world to describe it but if I am to support my case “complete wilderness” as its famously known is the perfect words for it. Mainly thorny bush land in the North, wooded grasslands in the West and open grassland elsewhere. The park offer dense riverine forests of Doum and Raffia palm. The park also is crossed by numerous permanent streams and is bonded by three large rivers.

I know at one point or another you have ever heard of Joy and George Adamson. But if I may ask you some details, you would mute- this time the devil is never in details.  In a hint, this park is the former home of Joy and George Adamson and Elsa the lioness. It is here that you can also view the second highest mountain in Africa Mt. Kenya. Among other attractions is one of the biggest rivers in Kenya-Tana River, the riverine habitat and Adamson’s fall.

Wildlife lures our eyes to excitement and happiness. Meru national park is a home to diverse wild animals including the rare grevy Zebra, elephant, cheetah, leopard, buffalo and reticulated giraffe among others. The park has a rhino sanctuary. It is also a home to over 427 recorded species of birds. You can do game viewing, camping and viewing the scenic natural landscape.

The park has availability of accommodation facilities. Among them are the scenic Elsa kopje lodge, Leopard Rock lodge, Rhino river camp and Ikweta safari camp. There are also camp site and self catering bandas.

Elsa Kopje Lodge

Ikweta camp

One thing I would never forget is the clear and fascinating sundown. It’s such a fresh glamorous view. It is one of the most life memoirs about the visit to the park.  Seeing the wild animal graze under the dark clouds and radiated by the sun rays as they set is a sweet confession.

The park is accessible via road 348 km from Nairobi and the park has several airstrips.

This is a gold that needs to be treasured.

#taliikenya

A HOLIDAY WORTH MENTION

Giraffe Ark Game Lodge

When I think of a holiday what comes in my mind is a silent and serene environment full of fantasies where my interests are well catered. Having leisure in a quiet and scenic environment is worth it. Giraffe Ark Game Lodge along Nyeri-Nyahururu road is an ideal place of such. The lodge pampers you with that desired mood of a holiday. The lodge has gorgeous rooms with great view of majestic Mt. Kenya.

As much as we would like to skip talking about the meals, it is almost impossible because its part and parcel of a memorable experience. The lodge offers various dining options ranging from European to Kenyan classics. There is also a Chinese restaurant.

One will ask what can we do while in the lodge? The lodge has wide range of sports and recreational activities from biking, karaoke, sauna, horse riding, fishing, water sports, hot spring bath, outdoor chess, swimming pool including a kid’s pool and children playground.

Experience is the best testimony. Take a look at this…

Gold in Kenya's Cofee house

Many countries grow coffee and tea but Kenya’s coffee and tea is distinct.  Just a hint of it is that its one of the finest hot drink with interesting flavours sometimes alternating with spice. Kenya coffee is vibrant yet clean and crisp and typically well balanced not to mention the brewed Kenyan tea which is irresistible to most Africans especially in the morning. The pleasant aroma leaves you with a crave for more.

The best places you can enjoy a hot cup of aromatic coffee or tea is Java house. You can visit the over 20 java house spread across Nairobi city and also branches in Nyali at the Coast, branch in Nakuru at the heart of the panoramic Great Rift Valley, the beautiful scenic Naivasha and the branch at the glamorous lakeside of Kisumu city.

Besides, the Java has different menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You don have to leave your kids aside as you visit the java as there is also the kids menu which caters for children kind of food. They also have healthy food such as salads.

My experience of java is one of a kind especially the yummy pancakes and omlettes. I love the strong brewed Kenyan tea which to me is “an awakener” especially in the morning.

Next time you visit Kenya, take time to walk in to any of the Java house and enjoy our tasty coffee or tea. A visit to the Java is not just awesome but also satisfying.

Karibu Kenya

YOU LOVE IT, CROWN IT IN A TRANQUIL ENVIRONMENT

Kenya is widely known for the magnificent wildlife, stunning natural landscape and the gleaming beaches along the coast. Just if you wondering whether Kenya is on the list among the countries with gorgeous and elegant golf courses, I am here to confirm with a big ‘YES’. Golfing in Kenya is not a new sporting activity. It dates back in 1906. We have more than 40 golf courses.

Every region has an additional rewarding experience ranging from the lush green central highlands to the panoramic slopes of the Great Rift Valley and on to the sparkling Indian Ocean coast. This makes golfing in Kenya one of its kind. This is most important when you are with your family as they watch you play seated and relaxing in the swimming pool, café and restaurant or playing in the tennis court. The experience is not isolated as it is coupled with other exciting experiences of the safaris, beaches and natural landscape. When traveling for golfing holidays in Kenya, also carry binoculars and walking boots.

Best times for golfing in Kenya is during the rainy season, in the month of March or early April and in late May or early June, October or early November to early December. The cost of Golfing is pocket friendly. Come and enjoy golfing in exclusive natural environment.

Talii Kenya 

 (Great Rift Valley Golf club)

  (Karen Golf Club)

 (Leisure golf club in Diani, Mombasa)

 (Mt Kenya fairmont safari Golf club)

(Muthaiga golf club)

Bomas of Kenya- One stop village for diverse African cultures

Ever excited about the African tradition and cultures, there is an answer to filling those blank spaces in your life…

Bomas of Kenya is an ideal place displaying the diverse cultures in the beautiful nation of Kenya. Bomas is a Swahili word for a ‘village’. It is about 10 km from Nairobi. It is a home to several traditional homesteads and various live performances of traditional dances and songs. The African tradition allowed polygamous and as such the wives had separate huts around the compound. You can also have a guided tour to the traditional homesteads. The design and appearance of the homesteads are unique to each ethnic group.

  

 (Some of the traditional homestead hut)

  

(Traditional dancers on stage)

Most of the Kenyan cultures are displayed through musical instruments, traditional dances and festivals, traditional clothing, traditional food, art and crafts and traditional homesteads.

It is always important to have at least one aspect of the host cultures and that’s why Bomas of Kenya gives you an opportunity to explore the different cultures. Next time you travel to Kenya, visit the Bomas of Kenya and there you are with enormous understanding and sweet memories of the Kenyan cultures. The experience will range from the untold stories of the local cultures to the visible outstanding of the traditional clothing, bead work and dances.

Karibu Bomas

Kenya 365: Fantastic weekend at Nalepo Mara Lodge (Maasai Mar...

Kenya 365: Fantastic weekend at Nalepo Mara Lodge (Maasai Mar...: My memory is still very fresh and the feeling of that humorous experience. I travelled to Nalepo Mara together with my colleagues. The tri...

Fantastic weekend at Nalepo Mara Lodge (Maasai Mara)

My memory is still very fresh and the feeling of that humorous experience. I travelled to Nalepo Mara together with my colleagues. The trip to Mara was awesome. My thirst for pleasure and filling the blanks started with a question. What does Nalepo mean? Nalepo is a Maasai name to mean something that does not end, one of the welcoming Moran replied. The lodge is at the heart of Maasai Mara National Reserve. It has a serene and attractive environment coupled with the hospitable staffs who make the whole stay at the lodge a memorable experience.

(The environment of the Lodge)

The rooms offer added comfort and convenience for a sound sleep. I loved my warm bed with the heavy rubber water bottle under my blankets. The swimming pool was so catchy though I never got to swim because at the moment it was very cold.

The African delicacies and International cuisines were so appetizing. I loved the tasty lamb meat, pancakes and the chicken soup. Not to mention my favourite lemon tea that I took several times. The night to me was nothing else but super perfect. I spent my night dancing the Maasai cultural dances. I loved the ‘leleiyo’ lyrics. What I like most is that the Maasai Morans were very happy about my perfect dancing of their songs. They wished I could remain.

                                     

 (A pose with my collegaues and the morans after the night dance)

I sipped my drinks as I enjoyed warming myself near a well lit fire within the central fireplace at the bar. There so much fun but the night was so short. I craved to continue with my drink but the clock was ticking 2am and I had to shut my eyes briefly before we would embark on a nature walk and a visit to the Manyatta.

The morning was welcomed with a dance at the Manyatta. I did not hesitate to dance to the tune of the Maasai songs again. I jumped not at their heights but close to such. The briefing about the cultures of the Maasai and their practices was awesome. I got to try lighting fire using the friction method but lol! my hands were so loose to strike fire. My sitting inside the Manyatta was a pleasure. I felt more of a Maasai at the time. I enjoyed the nature walk with different views of the park ranging form the Ngama hills o the low level of the park near the border of Serengeti Tanzania.

(dancing to the tune-ooh my neck has to do this)

(Compare the height (above) and the morans..a trial I suppose) 

(Wanted to capture those moments you're like di I fit here)

(Mmh..and who said matchstick are meant to light fire..dare me and I will cook for you with a well lit fire..how?? look unto these)

(I had to make my way to the manyatta house..there I go) 

(I am a keen listener when it comes to the narration of the cultures- inside the manyatta) 

(Selfie with the young maasai girls...'big' sister) 

The most sad moment was the time I read ‘Olesere’ on the lodge gate meaning a goodbye to the comfort and leisure at the gorgeous and delightful lodge.

But do I say…I had a pleasant tour worth revisit and memorable always

                                                           (Parting shot in action)