White Thorn Cottages (Koko Cottages).

Hey guys, it has been a minute (well more than a minute) but I am back. For starters, my apologies for not being consistent, between life and trying to work, it gets overwhelming. So I turned a quarter-century old this month. What have I learned so far, quarter-life crisis is real but it gets better. A day at a time, a goal at a time and we will get to where we want or envision ourselves. 

So, I had my birthday weekend getaway at White Thorn Cottages at Lake Elementaita. I came across the cottages when we once drove into the wrong compound (we were heading to Tuliza Cottages). The cottages are self-catering. One can hold 6 people, another 4 people and the third one can hold 2 people. We were 10 friends so we took the one for 6 people and for 4 people. I am in love with the out of town vibe that the cottages give. Not only do you get a fully functioning kitchen, a bath in all the cottages and a T.V (which I don’t think anyone uses or at least I hope nobody uses) but the patio is also an amazing place where you can just chill with your friends. The place also has a common bonfire area with swinging seats. We probably spent half the night there listening to music and catching up.

The cottages are a distance from the lake, not so near but also not so far, making it an interesting walk there. The best thing about Lake Elementatita is that you can actually have a picnic there and no one will ask you. Plus if you are daring enough you can cross to the other side of the lake, it is not deep (I tried getting near the flamingos but the nearer I got further they moved lol). White thorn cottages are perfect for both friends and couple getaways, away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. If you are a dog lover you will love the place coz there are several dogs. For more details on the cost you can contact Carrie- 0722744336

Elephant Hill.

You know those plans you make and the moment you start actualizing them you start regretting? This was one of them. Don’t get me wrong, I was only regretting because I don’t think I was fit enough for the hike and what I had read about Elephant hill was not even half of what I experienced.

Let’s start with the fact that between the legit starting point and where the cars are parked it’s almost 5kms plus. Then the hike begins, ooh man. We got to the first resting point and our guide told us we had not even started hiking the hill. At this point, I was honestly going to quit. I am glad I did not though coz the beauty and atmosphere in this place are amazing. Going through the bamboo thickets was not so easy coz it was muddy but luckily it had not rained so it would have been worse. After what seemed like an eternity we got to the clearing and we were at the point of despair. This is the point where most people give up but it is also the point with the best view. From this point, one can see Mt.Kenya, Mt.Longonot, L. Naivasha, if you are lucky enough to find no mist and fog. You also get to see elephant hill (it’s actually shaped like an elephant).

I wanted to stop there but my buddy Rodney (check out his blog tukizuru.blogspot.com) kept psyching me up so we continued walking. The hike up the tail was hell. It took so much pep talk for me to actually keep moving. At some point I told Rodney to continue I am behind him. To make sure I did not quit he kept calling my name after every five minutes. Got to the top, we were literally in the clouds, and it was totally worth it.

I took so many moral lessons from this hike yaani, I am still super proud of myself. First, walk at your own pace in life. Don’t run because everyone else is running. We will all get to the top . Second don’t quit, no matter how much easier it seems to quit, or how bad the going gets, do not quit. Take a moment, catch your breath, hydrate, relax and continue. Third, do not stress about things that are so far,  concentrate on taking the next step and you will get to the top (at some point I kept wondering how I was going to get back down lol). Lastly, there will always be people to help you (btw I was so ready to slide all the way down if that was an option).

It was fun though, trying to get people who had given up to continue, the view at the top, the experience and the fact that I was aiming to do Elephant hill before turning 25 and I actually did so yeey.

Elephant Hill is in Njabini (take a left at the junction). It is roughly 90km and will take you about 7hrs so to summit you need to get there early. You need an armed guide to hike. Call Tsuma – 0712468494 to organize for one.

(Side, my bad I haven’t been updating my blog. I have no excuse but I will try and do better)

Three in One J

I was getting tired of being stuck at home and not out there exploring, so on 9th; I made sure I had a filled day. Started with zip lining at the Forest, Kereita, then lunch at the Muna Tree Café, at Brakenhurst in Tigoni, and my day ended with a chill out at Baobox, in Westlands.

This weather has not been favorable at all, the Kenyan version of winter they call it (according to my friend this is the perfect weather because he knows how temperatures in the negative feel). Anyway, when planning zip lining at Kereita, we had booked to do six lines, but when we got there, we were a bit disappointed. They were not offering the six lines package because of the fog and the human traffic the delay had caused, so guys either rescheduled or settled for two lines. I did not go all that way not to zip line, so we settled for two lines. It wasn’t my first time there, so I was not freaked out really, my friends were though (kinda lol). Zip lining two lines cost sh.1800, and for six lines it's sh.2800. They have other activities like paintballing sh.1500, archery sh.1000, and mountain bike riding sh.1000. The buffet goes for sh.1000, but I have never really liked it, so we settled for two beers before going for lunch at the Muna Tree Café. Heineken goes for sh.400, so I am guessing the Kenyan beers go for sh.300. I would recommend Kereita when it’s the warm season.

After Kereita we left for the Muna Tree Café in Tigoni. The restaurant is in Brakenhurst and boy were we in for a treat. First, the ambiance is so chill and relaxing had it not been so cold (Y'all know how Limuru can get) I would have probably suggested we sit outside. There are hammocks all over the place. The place is all green. The food was heavenly; I had the grilled tilapia which came with roasted potatoes and a lot of French beans. My friends had the half grilled chicken and the pepper steak which also came with roasted potatoes and French beans. We also had a chicken bbq pizza which was baked using firewood. The most expensive item on the menu goes for sh.1000 which in my opinion is so fair considering the place. The service is warm and friendly and the wait time for your food is less than 10 minutes. 

After Muna Tree Café we drove back to Nairobi. I was meeting a few friends at Baobox in Westlands. This is a cool chill out place where you can play games with your friends, cocktails and beer and food at an affordable price (which is relative). To play the games, you pay sh.1000 per table. The cocktail prices are averagely sh.600 to sh.900, and imported beer goes for sh.450. It starts filling up from as early as 1800hrs and people start leaving at around 2300hrs. I was on the winning team as always lol, we were playing 50seconds, the Kenyan version (which is way easier than other versions I have played coz it is relatable). There are all sorts of board games, jenga too, which is super fun when guys are tipsy coz you get nowhere. I would recommend Baobox to everyone. The service is friendly, we were seated on the balcony, and they were kind enough to get the heaters on for us and even give us warm Maasai shukas. They don’t take reservations on weekends so I would advise guys to get there early.

 

That day makes up for the month I did nothing lol.

Le Grenier a’ Pain.

It has been a minute. In my defense, I really did not do much this month apart from movies. Can we take a moment and talk about how emotionally draining marvel was? First it was Avengers: Infinity war then Deadpool 2. I am in that place where I really can’t handle any other Marvel movie for some time. Both films were terrific by the way, for anyone who is yet to watch. Though this time around someone decided to chop onions in the theater while Deadpool 2 was on. I also loved Disconnect, a Kenyan film, and found myself a new crush (RichardJ). If you did not get to watch this, you missed out.

(Now that we are fully caught up on what I was up to this month, let’s get straight into the restaurant review, shall we?)

First my apologies, I did not get to take photos of the place but you can take my word for it, Le Grenier a’ Pain has an amazing ambiance. The French restaurant is found on 9 Riverside Dr. serves purely French pastries, what they are known best for. I had the cake slice of the day, raspberry cake and it was heavenly. Their brownies are tasty too. You could taste the flavors. The restaurant is chilled, service was good and fast. I loved the fact that they are a paperless restaurant, they use tablets to take your order and can actually tell you your bill on ordering. Their coffee is fairly priced, same price as most coffee restaurants in town. Depending on what you have, I would say they are affordable. It is the kinda restaurant that you will have a conversation without so much noise or buzz around you. It also looks like a really chill place to get work done.  It’s definitely a place worth trying out.  

   ( scratch what I said about not being ready for another Marvel movie, I am ready for Antman and the Wasp)

Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café.

Oooh damn, first my apologies. I have meant to write for over a month. You’d think blogging would be easy L, well I am here to say no it ain’t. Had you asked me when I was starting out, I was sure posting twice a month would be a walk in the park, this is not an easy park to walk in lol L.

So what gem am I about to share with you guys today? I don’t think Kesh Kesh is new to most people, but for those who have not heard of it, it’s on Arwings Kodhek Road just opposite the Yaya stage. The building is called Timau plaza. Kesh Kesh is an Eritrean restaurant. There are many things I loved about Kesh Kesh. Their food is one, I have been there twice, and they impress me. My friends had the beef wrap, and chicken wrap I had the grilled fillet (of course mine was fishJ). The quantities are honestly satisfying and affordable (which is relative of course). The wraps go for sh.600 burgers are sh.700, the fillet was sh.1000, pizza range from sh.800- sh.1200 (I have a really good memory when it comes to food lol) I bet you can catch the drift about the cost.

The service is friendly and warm; they don’t hover around you or interrupt you. The manager made a point of saying hi to everyone in the restaurant. The ambiance is relaxing; a room with potted plants has a sense of life in it. You can spend a lot of time there without realizing. I found it to be a nice spot to get work done or just chill while reading a book (talking of books I am looking for recommendations, please comment with a book that left a mark in your life. I will appreciateJ). I would recommend everyone to try Kesh Kesh. You will not regret.

I will try to be more consistent. Thanks for reading J

 Ol Pajeta Conservancy

It’s 9:45 am, I am getting dressed for a meeting scheduled for 10:00 am so I am late. My phone starts receiving message notifications. First I thought it was my partner asking me where I am (one was from him though) only to realise I had three different messages from three friends and a tag on Facebook notifying me that Sudan was dead.  On Sunday my friends and I drove to Ol Pajeta Conservancy, just a kilometre before you get to Nanyuki to see the last male, white northern rhino Sudan and the last two females.

We did not get to see him because he was ill and was being given time and space away from visitors. We, however, did get to go for a game drive, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to chimps that have been rescued from all over the world from circuses or poachers. These chimps have hammocks built for them to relax and enjoy the view because they are high up. These chimps seem to have better ways to relax than I do, they get to watch the sunset from that hammock, I am envious.

I had never been on a game drive before, so this was super exciting for me. It is one thing seeing an elephant kilometres away from you, and it’s another thing seeing it right next to the car. You start coming up with different scenarios, but the only plan out of each is drive as fast as you can disregarding the rule that says you cannot drive faster than 40km/hr. Luckily none of the scenarios happened, I mean I am here writing haha. Driving near an obstinacy of buffalos. I know we share a name (Mbogo is buffalo in Kikuyu) but I never want to see a buffalo near me in my life. We came across one that kept giving us the eye, at some point, I thought it would charge (I cannot imagine being killed by one of my own).

There is no shortage of flora and fauna at Ol Pajeta, we came across an animal we could not agree on what it was, and I still cannot name it. There were black rhinos, plain zebras, antelopes, impalas and gazelles (I am yet to learn how to tell them apart) and gravy zebras (their stripes are brown, not black. A question though, is a zebra black with white stripes or white with black stripes?), and some birds that I cannot remember. We were not lucky enough to see the hippos because the river Ewaso Nyiro had too much water and we did not see lions.

Ol pajeta is a beautiful place for a chilled out game drive. The guards are super friendly, apart from the last guard who took us to see Baraka the blind rhino; she was super moody and arrogant. Everything else though was amazing. There is a Morani restaurant price are affordable, and the view is amazing, a sundowner at that spot is pure bliss. The entry fee is sh.1100 per person, and a car entry fee of sh.400 for a six seater or less and anything above a six-seater is sh1200. All rates can be accessed on their website, and they do respond to phone calls. 

  

 Camp Ndunda Falls, Embu.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”

Anne Lamott.

This was one trip I was looking forward to all month, probably because it’s been eons since I went camping. Camp Ndunda falls is 8kms from Embu town off Kibugu road and lies on the banks of River Rupinganzi. The drive there is around two and a half hours (of course that’s if you do not have pit stops).  It’s a chill place for people who love to be in nature. I don’t know about you, but there is something calming and soothing about being in the countryside just surrounded by nature. I loved the signs put up in different places around the camp. The hosts and the staff around the camp are amiable (no matter how good a place is, if the service is shitty then the place is shitty).

We found our tents set up and our food ready, they had to warm it up coz we got there a bit late. The camping fee is sh.1100 per person sharing a tent and sh.1500 if you choose to sleep alone. They can prepare the meals for you; we had the African buffet for dinner. We then got our bonfire set up and spent all night, until early morning doing what is best done in the forest; talking, drinking, laughing, stargazing and playing games. It was during this trip that I realised how far I can limbo and that I am good at the game Heads up (charades-like game).

We had our breakfast at around 10 am coffee, arrow roots, sweet potatoes, eggs and watermelons. After breakfast we then took a tour through the extreme activities challenge; I finally realized that falling is actually among my greatest fears (weird, I know). On one of the challenges I froze halfway, and I was screaming, laughing and crying at the same time. Out of five challenges, I only completed two successfully (I need a rematch of this soon). We had our nature walk through the forest, on the canopy walk that had only one side support system and the spaces between the wood planks were a bit scary, so you have to look down. Afraid of heights? Yeah, you will love this.

           

We had a chilling moment at the waterfall area; there is something calming and soothing about water (I love water). After the waterfalls, we moved to the part of the river where guys swim. I can officially say I have crossed off swimming in every water source now, well unless we are allowed to swim in dams, then that will be the only place I haven’t swum at. After swimming we had zip-lining, went back to the campsite, freshened up and left for Nairobi. Every once in a while, take a trip and rediscover yourself. Camp Ndunda falls is a fantastic place. Other costs will include entrance fee of sh.350, zip-lining is sh.500, and bike riding is sh.200. There is electricity in the place (if you need to charge your gadgets).

For bookings or enquiries call Customer service +254 795 110475.

PhotoCredits @eugene_ abuderby & @kikola_productions.

NAIROBI RESTAURANT WEEK

It is finally upon us, the much anticipated annual event that runs through the week. NRW started on 27th Jan, and it ends on 4th February. Being an ardent food lover, I was going to try it out. Luckily, the choice of restaurant was picked by my book club members (yes I am in one & yes I can read your thoughts. You are probably thinking “I am not surprised” right? lol). We chose to go to Mercado Mexican Kitchen and Bar on Kenrail towers (just next to 9 west) in Westlands.

I had never been to the restaurant, let alone the building smh (I keep saying I will try the Sushi bar, so if you are out there and want to try the Sushi bar with me, hit me up *wink*). I loved the ambiance, especially in the balcony area. It gives you a view of Westlands, well not all of it but part of it. The seats are comfy, and the place is big enough to accommodate for a large group of people.

The service was also impeccable, a bit slow though but keeping in mind, it was lunch hour, so that was bound to happen. The waiters and waitresses were friendly; nothing beats a smile on your face when talking to someone. & they were patient enough to explain what was on the menu. So for lunch, they are serving a two-course meal where you have the option of having the starter and the main meal or the main meal and dessert for just ksh.1000. For dinner, they are serving a three-course meal for ksh.3000.

I chose to have the main meal and dessert (yes I love sweet things haha). I had the Salmon especial which is Salmon with lentils stew cooked with smoked bacon, tomatoes, and smoked artichokes. I honestly didn’t know what I was picking, I just picked it because it was fish, and the only other option was chicken or vegetarian (& those who know me know fish is always my first option and there is no way I will willingly eat veggies as a main meal). I must say, compared to the chicken enchiladas served with chipotle sauce and gratin with cheddar cheese & sour sauce (again, this is Greek lol) salmon is the recommended option. Most of my friends who ordered for the chicken did not like it. Couscous salad for a starter received equal amounts of love and hate, so that would depend on your taste buds.

I fell in love with their mojitos. I ordered the classic mojito which was good but I will I had ordered for the Jamaican mojito; it had a generous amount of alcohol in it. The drinks are very affordable with a price range of between Ksh.590-ksh.900, depending on what you order.

This is a restaurant to check out even after NRW is over considering their normal menu is affordable. What restaurant are you guys trying out for NRW?

Photo Credits: Collokun

Java Book Lounge.

Him: What are you up to, I am bored.

Me: Just bummed on the couch, bored af too for a Sunday.

Him: Want to hang out?

Me: Sure, what do you have in mind?

Him: Meet me in Westy we will decide where to go. Don’t dress up.

Me: I had no intentions of dressing up, it’s a lazy Sunday. See you in an hour.

Him: Cool (I like how he says cool).

Spent my Sunday afternoon walking in Karura forest. This time we used the Limuru road entrance. The entrance fee to Karura is sh.100 for adults and sh.50 for kids. Car parking is sh. 100. I love Karura because there is an array of activities one can do with their friends and families. There are picnics with charges being sh.100 for kids and sh.150 for adults, bike riding where you can use your own or hire theirs at sh.500 for two hours. I was super impressed with myself for taking 15000 steps and more. It’s been a while since I did anything that involves fitness. After Karura we were to go to the village market, but somewhere along the drive, this conversation happened.

Him: I have a place I want to show you, and I know you will love.

Me: Where?

Him: Wait and see. ( Friends who take you to new places, introduce you to new books and good music are the reason life is beautiful.)

  

We drove to Rosslyn mall just before getting to Two Rivers Mall. Guess where we landed, in a book lounge on the 2nd floor in Java. One of my ultimate goals in life is to own a book lounge with a huge collection of books and an ambiance for one to enjoy a bottle of wine or whiskey as you read (don’t judge me). To access the lounge, you have to place your order first at the counter, and Java is reasonably priced.

The lounge has a few books and journals. I loved the sitting arrangement as it even caters to a book club meeting. There is music playing in the background. After you get served, the waiter will rarely come up the lounge unless on request, and this does give you a chance to concentrate without the interruptions of people walking up and about. I am one who is always looking for a new spot to enjoy my own company and a book, and of all places I have found, the Java book lounge wins.

 (This post was more for people who love reading books and having their mug of coffee, “coffee and books make the perfect blend,” in their own company).

Taking Stock  (Part 2)

Hey guys (waves frantically). It’s been a while, my bad, let’s blame procrastination. Unlike others, quitting procrastinating was clearly not part of my resolutions for 2018. I hope your year has started with a bang (both literally and figuratively *winks*). Mine started on a high note; I went holding snakes for approximately 50 seconds. This has to be the most horrifying thing I have ever done. PS; this post will be different from the rest. It will have a summary of the places I visited but did not make it to the blog.

The Rock House, Karen.

One of my favorite discoveries. It was one of those random plots on a Tuesday afternoon because we were home and bored. Met my friend at Karen and drove to Ndovu Lane. It’s somewhere near Kenya School of Law (google maps helped). I fell in love with The Rock House because of the décor, from the gate to the house and the icing on the cake was the pool. Being a Tuesday, we were only two in the whole premise. It’s serene, relaxing and chilled out. The owner and the waitress are friendly. The food is very affordable (a plate ranges from sh.500-700, and the mixed platter goes for sh.1500) I had the pool to myself; it’s not heated so go when it’s sunny. Swimming is sh.500. You can carry your alcohol, but you would have to pay sh.500 extra per person for that. They, however, do have a bar so don’t fret.

Dari Restaurant, Karen.

( Haha, I know too much Karen, but in my defense, Karen has amazing places)

Dari is perfect for dinner or when one is seeking solitude. You will forget the concept of time while there. Located next to St. Christopher’s just before getting to Karen center. The food is amazing, and the best part is that they have a variety of wine choices. The waiters are fast, and they don’t linger too much around your table. An exciting fact is that if you seat near the garden area at some point in the evening, you might be lucky to see some antelopes or gazelles (I am not sure which of the two). It is also a reasonably affordable place; it might not dent your pockets.

The Stedmark Gardens, Karen.

This was the first place I visited this year, thanks to my friend Macharia. We were to do this visit last year, but none of us was ready to face our phobia of snakes (ophiophobia). I cannot emphasize how much this was the creepiest thing I have ever done yet the bravest thing (this beats a visit to the dentist). Stedmark is just 10 minutes past Galleria mall on your way to Karen. It’s an animal park and an amusement park in one. They have birds, tortoises, peacocks and peahens, lamas, ostriches, porcupines, monitor lizard, chameleons, and waterbucks. To access the animal park will just cost you sh.300. There was a huge heated pool; swimming is sh.1000. Kids get to play on the dragon ride, bouncing castle, swings and slides. It also has the floating restaurants which look cool. The music was more for the older generation, but I loved the live band. It was a bit expensive to my liking, but the food was terrific. This is definitely a place to visit as a family for a chilled out Sunday.