OLOLOSUKUAN, SAVANNAH SUNSET RESORT.

When we talk about hiking and nature walks in Ngong the first place 80% of Nairobians will tell you is Ngong hills (I am about to shock you, I have never been there). Ololosukuan, or Savannah Sunset Resort, is a hidden gem found at the foot of Ngong hills. Located 30kms from Nairobi and a few km from Ngong town, along the Ngong-Suswa road. It can be accessed by use of public means number 111 then take a tuk-tuk from Ngong town. I used vans_fans_fun (transport company owned by my friend, promote your own).

We met up at Jevanjee at 10 am, as usual Kenyans have a habit of not keeping time, but we were lucky to get there by around 1300hrs. The entrance fee is Ksh.250 per person. We placed our food order first (they have affordable prices. A kg of fry meat is ksh.800 kg of choma is ksh.900 and accompaniments go for ksh. 100. They also allow drinks from outside which makes it cheaper). 

We then got a guide then embarked on an arduous trek. We got to enjoy rock climbing, riverine walk, hiking, and nature walk and had the company of birds. The terrain is rocky and steep in some places. Some of us had to exercise our monkey climbing skills in areas where the space to climb through was too narrow. Throughout the trail, some sites allow you to see the vast savannah grasslands and the steep sides of Ngong all at the same time. The trek takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on the speed of your group. We got back to the starting point and had our bittings (they need to improve on serving a large group of people who make different orders).

 We enjoyed the sunset (we had asked to be reserved for one of the sitting spots that can allow us to take the sunset and nature all in) and mingled with each other.

 It’s a lovely place to go for team building, as friends and family to enjoy life and camping.  It is one of those places that I can promise you will leave you with memorable moments.

THE DAM REDHILL, LIMURU.

I came across The Dam Redhill when a friend posted a photo of him zip-lining over water (that answers the question how I end up visiting some places). It’s a getaway resort located 15km from Nairobi CBD in Limuru, that offers a perfect location for that family or friends lunch outing. It can be accessed by driving along Limuru road past Ruaka and it’s on the right. If taking a matatu, get one at Khoja 114 and it should drop you at the gate.

 Being a Sunday, it was bit packed, so getting a place to sit was a bit of a task but luckily we had a really nice and polite waiter (Tustin) who helped us out. We got a really nice spot where we could actually watch guy’s zip- line, ride the boats, ride horses, some were fishing and watch kids play at a kids’ corner. 

The ambiance is truly relaxing as the place has a country side feel. It however gets cold in the evening, so be prepared with something warm. We decided to order first before going to the zip line (we had gotten tips that the service is a bit slow & that was true). 

The zip line is sh.500 per trip; it is one line that goes across the dam. I wasn’t so excited about the line (I have done it before) but it was nice. The food is pretty affordable, but we were disappointed that they had run out of mbuzi so we settled for chicken which was tasty. Despite the few hiccups, it is a lovely place to be in, affordable, relaxing and adventurous. 

Photo credits @collokun (on Instagram )

Taking Stock 1.

I was meant to start this blog last year, 2016. Those who know me personally know how much I kept postponing, if there was an award for the Queen of postponing it would probably be me. But then again all good things take time (that’s the excuse I give myself). Starting a blog was probably something on my bucket list but the main reason I ended up starting it was so that I could get to post both discovered and undiscovered havens in Kenya and write about my escapades as a wandering hobo (technically I am not a wandering hobo but a friend told me, if a stranger looks at my Instagram they would conclude I am always in a different place every weekend). So for this post, I don’t have a specific place. It’s just a list of the places I have been too that fall under my memorable experiences.

1.     Tree Trout Nanyuki.

Three hours drive from Nairobi, Tree Trout is one of the most unique places I have been too, mainly because it is a restaurant on a Mugumo (fig) tree and has two floors. Aside from fishing your own trout from the ponds, they allow you to interact with the troop of friendly Columbus monkeys. The food is amazing, the service is really friendly (I happened to have a really bad hangover headache when we got there, and the manager was nice enough to ask if he could fetch me some painkillers), the atmosphere and ambience is to die for. If you are looking for an out of town lunch experience, Tree Trout is definitely the place.

2.     The Forest, Kereita.

A favorite to many adrenaline junkies, The Forest, has a variety of activities that will leave you ticking stuff off your bucket list. My friends and I were there for zip lining, all six lines. The course is 2.4km long, each line being around 400m each. There is a small hike between the 2^nd and 3^rd line, I would recommend that you are fit when going (God knows I almost cried). The view from the top is just amazing; the accomplishment of finishing the line to the end leaves one feeling like a King or Queen in my case. You are allowed to be adventurous and go backwards on the 4^th line, the 5^th line is the fastest. The scary bit was when I did a 360 degree turn on the 6^th line and for a few seconds I was not sure if I was moving forward or backwards. That so far has to be my best adrenaline activity. Apart from zip lining, there is also archery, paint balling, fly fishing, bike riding, hiking, camping and tree planting. You are looking for something risky yet amazing? The Forest is the place to be. (I would recommend you call to book before showing up.)

3.     Ngare Ndare Forest, Meru.

This is a favorite of mine coz we got lost for more than 2 hours and that was when I learnt that google maps are not always to be trusted. Technically, we weren’t lost we just used the wrong forest entrance that got us driving through Lewa conservancy and the fact that we asked locals for directions to the canopy walk yet they call it a platform. (If driving,near Timau town there is only one sign use that and drive straight till you see another sign painted on a rock). Ngare Ndare has the longest canopy walk in Africa and has clear blue pools that guys visiting are allowed to swim in. Warning, the water is ice cold freezing. I took one dip and I was out, couldn’t handle the cold so I ended up looking for a spot where the sun rays were sipping through the trees so that I could bask. The guided hike from the canopy walk to the pools is quite a distance so be fit. If you are lucky, you will see buffalos, monkeys and probably hyenas. The canopy walk was my best experience there, if you have a phobia for height, yeah you going to freak out coz it’s high up and long. It’s an amazing experience, one you won’t forget. They also have camping.                              

Tuliza Cottage- A Holiday Home With a Difference

 You don't have to be rich to travel well - Eugene Fodor

Tuliza Cottage is a rustic yet modern home just a kilometer off the Nakuru Highway and just 300m from L. Elementaita. It’s a self-catering getaway house suitable for family, friends, chama groups.

Tuliza Cottage can sleep 10 pax in 3 self-contained rooms and a loft.

It is self-catering and Charges are Kshs.15,000 a night for weekdays and Kshs 20,000 a night on weekends and public holidays. Any extra guests after 10 is charged sh.1000. For a couple or solo vacation and wish to use only one bedroom and the other amenities, the charges are Kshs. 5,000. Priority is however given to a bigger group occupying the whole house but weekdays is a good time to enjoy the peace and quiet for a solo or couple’s visit.

They provided bed linen, towels, soap, barbecue jiko, firewood, gas cooker, fridge, utensils.

The cottage is ideal for writers and book lovers because there are lots of reading materials in the in-house library.

What To Do Around 

Hang around the compound in a hammock or in one of the chill zones, Lazy Breakfasts on the lake, swim, dip in the lake (you can request to swim at night. We went swimming at 2200hrs), get rejuvenated at the Hot Springs, hike, bird watch, sun-downers on the lake shore, ride your bicycle, jog, practice your photography, etc. Arrangements can be made with neighboring lodges for those who wish to swim in a pool.

What to Bring

 Food ( we sent money for a full goat which cost us sh.5000 and had a chef prepare it for us at an extra charge of sh.2000 for both days), drinking water, own beverages (a basic bar is available 200m on Lake front), your own music, toiletries ( we provide bath soap, tissue) and a fun attitude!

Terms & Conditions 

You need to pay 50% to book at least 7 days in advance and 50% on check in.They only confirm your booking on payment. 

Contact Raphael 0735067596 or thetulizacottages@gmail.com for booking.

MT. LONGONOT HIKE.

Mt. Longonot is a dormant volcano located south east of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. The name is derived from a Maasai word “Oloonong’ot” meaning ‘mountains of many spurs ‘.

 It is located 60km from Nairobi and can be accessed through the Nairobi Naivasha route or the Mai Mahiu route. We used the Mai Mahiu route and the scenery does not disappoint. Along the way you come across the smallest Catholic Church that was built by Italian prisoners just before you get to Mai Mahiu town. We left Nairobi at 8:30am and got to Mt. Longonot at around 11:30am , normally it’s a 1 hour drive but we had a few stop over’s.

The entry fee is Ksh.300 and they only accept Mpesa or card payments. The trek up is 3.1kms from the gate from the park entrance to the peak. 

The hike is moderately gruesome and has some steep climbing at some points. One can purchase sticks at the gate for ksh.50 to help with the climb. There is one resting point and the other is at the crater. On your way up you will be lucky to see zebras, gazelles and antelopes. It’s not a guarantee to see the buffalos though but you can see the poop as you go round the crater. The crater is 7.2km in circumference and has to be the hardest part about hiking Mt. Longonot. It has some really steep slopes and one has to be in pretty good shape to have an easy time.

 

The view is breathtaking on the way up and amazing at the top. It is definitely an activity to undertake with friends, colleagues and family and definitely something to tick off your bucket list.

 

Transport: Vans_for_fun

THE ARBOR PLACE, LAVINGTON.
904,James Gichuru Road.

Arbor Place is an eco-friendly garden café and a market place for furniture, plants (I learnt that we have air plants. They don't need water or soil to grow they just need air. Mind blown) and interior décor pieces in a garden setting.

The plant hanging from the saucer looking holder is the air plant.

 One can get their way to the tranquil location by boarding a matatu at either the Lavington bus terminus at Odeon or the Kawangware bus terminus at Kencom. You then alight at Amboseli and walk towards the junction, take a left and walk 200 meters and you will find The Arbor.

It is open from 9am to 10pm. I got there just in time for lunch. The place easily fills up and you will see why. The ambiance is amazing, relaxing and chilled out. The staff is friendly though the service was a bit slow on that day.

 They specialize in Thai food and healthy eating. Their prices will definitely not dent your pockets as they are affordable. Want to meet your friends for brunch or lunch?

Chicken Sandwich with fries

Beef fillet with chillie served with rice & salad.

 Do you want to have some relaxing alone time? Are you home bored on a weekend and need to be in a place where your kids can play as you relax? Then Arbor Place is definitely the place to visit.  

Random Namanga Drive

Randomness, the best thing I have going for me right now. You know that feeling when time left for class to end is like 10 minutes and you keep checking your phone, well there is two types of students. Those who think time is moving too slow and just wish they would get to whatever it is they call fun and then there is that type that type who think time is moving too fast and have nothing else they would rather do, so they will just start arranging for what their next class has to offer and whatever assignments the lecturer gives.

Well I am none of the above. I have nothing to rush to and I already know all the things this lecture has to offer, class is my piece of mind from that bully called Life and his friend the Internet. Class is where I can look at a guy talk and keep my phone on silent. Anyway, as I was busy thinking blank my phone rings or rather vibrates. My good pal is calling, he is under that setting in my phone where his calls never adhere to the silent status of the phone. Anyway, this Nigga suggests out of the blues, let’s go to Namanga! I ask when, and he says now.. and I go like “am in class but it ends in like 15 minutes” he says cool, take a motorbike once you done I will meet at some Shell station along Mombasa Road. I Agree, because I am that idiot. The one who is now dating randomness and hate my ex (planning)

My friend knows this, and that is why he is finding me for this “escapade”. I am not interested in knowing even why we are going to Namanga, provided I am back to sleep in Nairobi. Mind you the time my class ends is 7pm. By 7:20pm, I am the destination we were to meet, wind stricken thanks to the motor bike I got on and all that 100km/h.

We met immediately and tried to step on it through Mombasa road traffic jam that extends apparently to Kitengela. Its also at this time I realized, my other friend in the car was going to pick his wife from Namanga and apparently “we had left Nairobi at 5pm”. I am not one for lies, but what the heck provided I am not asked, its their own relationship. 9pm and we were slightly past Kajiado. 

This is that place where one says man for himself and God for us all. The land is dark, except for those disappearing breaklight of the car infront of us. Squirrels are now dashing across the road. We all find the cowardice with in, you know, like what if something goes wrong now coz am sure that it will take more than a buckled seatbelt to guarantee safety. We joke about it and soon we talking about ex girlfriends and those girls we couldn’t get, u know, to shrug of the cowardice within.

Bisil and Ngatataek and we know we are close. None of us has ever been this far and we only checking this on google maps, or atleast what was left of google maps, since there was no network.

Namanga arrival time

Back to Nairobi arrival time      

10:20pm and we arrived Namanga. The only sad thing is I thought Namanga would be a new county for me to add in my ‘47 counties in one year’ thing that I have going and I got a shocker when I arrived home to search and find its under Kajiado county. We arrived Nairobi at 1:18am or atleast that is the time I arrived home.

KITENGELA HOT GLASS.

KITENGELA HOT GLASS.

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you rich.”

Situated in Rongai a few kilometers from the city is Kitengela Hot Glass.(Assuming not everyone drives, you can take a bike or a tuktuk from the main road in Rongai to this place.)

Kitengela hot glass is a trust that lives up to its name. it deals mainly in glass items made from recycled glass. The trust sells unique glassware, lamp shades and vases that are handmade by professionals. You you may even want to just pop in for a little shopping for your house’s interior decor.

The main reason why I will always keep going back to this beautiful place is the bridge. Being on the bridge gives one perspective, you can brand anyone who crosses the river on this bridge a risk taker as it’s made from wire mesh and glass decorations on the side. It is suspended over a river and a gorge. For anyone who fears height, I promise you a thrill and fear and probably screams.

This bridge experience is pocket friendly as one only parts with Ksh.150 which also allows you access to the curio shop from where one can watch the amazing scenery of the vast grassland, it’s breathtaking especially in the evenings when the sun is low. You can get to enjoy ice-cream as you have a chatty laugh with your friends and swing. Be wary of the monkeys though.

Besides the bridge they have a pool which also stole my heart *blush. I would have a hundred reasons (okay that’s a lie, probably 5) why I loved the pool but my favorite has to be the view. It has a heavenly view and an infinity feel. It has a feel of swimming in the wild and it is never crowded and has an ambiguous shape. For the pool you only part with ksh.500. 

The beauty of this place is that, you can choose to carry your own lunch and have a picnic with your friends or your lover. However, if you feel like having a heavy meal there are a few hotels nearby. There is Rolf’s place and Maasai lodge a few meters of each other.

. Are you free this weekend? Yes? Why not pay the place a visit?

Maasai Lodge