WHAT IS IN STORE FOR ME? Part 1

A friend recently asked me, Hey i have been thinking of coming to Kenya and i was just wondering what you could organize for me and my friends. Then i told my friend...Kenya is a place where you can discover many things but because my friend left the options open we discussed various options and some went like this
Places in Nairobi
Once you reach the airport assuming your flight comes in early, we could visit the Nairobi national park. this is usually a must see especially because it is located in Nairobi which is a city. it has the animal orphanage and the nairobi walk included, then from there we could head to the Giraffe center and then on to the Karen Blixen museum.
 David Sheldrick Wildlife trust and mingle with the baby elephants .It is not far outside Nairobi City Center the elephant orphanage is inside the Nairobi National Park.  To see the orphan elephants you must go between 11-12 (daily). You can also sponsor the orphans if you would like. Take Shillings to buy souvineers including T-Shirts, Bags, Soap stone carvings and other memorabilia in support of the elephants.
Karura Forest would be the best relaxation spot in the afternoon. it is an urban upland forest on the outskirts of Nairobi. This remarkable geographical location and natural resource is one of the largest gazetted forests in the world fully within a city limits. It covers an area of about 1,000 ha (2,500 ac).we will get to see a 50-foot waterfall explore the archaeological sites imagine how the government disposed money by viewing an old chimney incinerator – used by the Central Bank for the burning of decommissioned currency up until the mid-1990′s, visit lilly lake and get to see what rehabilitation of an abandoned stone quarry pond can do, explore history by visiting the caves which are considered to be sacred by many and steeped in Kenyan history (they were formerly used by the Mau-Mau freedom fighters as hideouts during the struggle for Independence),take intresting and amazing photos of various birds in the marshlands which would be fantastic since i love birds myself. they just kinda stop me in my tracks,maybe some biking or generally snooze in the soft grass

THE NEXT DAY
How can one not want to know about the history of the diverse cultures found in Kenya? this morning after a satisfying refreshing breakfast we will head out to the National Museum. This is a total plus as it traces the history of Kenya very far back. Now that my friend is acquinted with the History an amazing cup of coffee at one of Kenya's Key coffee houses is usually top of the list. Kenyan coffee is trully amazing.  Since my friend is taking some time here we decide today we will head out towards central province but first how about a lesson in Kikuyu culture from Riuki Cultural center and  passing by Kiambethi for  lunch?
Since Nyeri is 21/2 hours away we decide we will not stop on the way except i cannot resist the stop at kiangwachi. it always makes me smile when those market women bring their food and stuff and haggle at the windows of vehicles. it will give my friend a first hand experience on how rural women earn their daily bread. but i must warn her that they are a tough lot and will probably aim to get the most out of an unsuspecting tourist. Thank goodness am there to stop all madness but this can be helped a little by teaching my friend the basics of the local language. By now we are getting closer to our destination and as we go through Karatina we may decide to stop at Uchumi Supermarket for refreshments. Soon we are in Nyeri and we head to the Outspan Hotel. Did you know that this hotel was built up from an old farm by Erich Sherbrooke Walker in the 1920s? so we relax now with a quick dip in the swimming pool before the exploration begins.....while sipping a glass or red wine and watching the amazing view of Mt Kenya in this very very cool surroundings.

THE NEXT DAY
Its been two days now and we are totally spoilt for choice. Many people have this mentality that we cant get off the beaten path in this upcountry town so i decide to surprise my friend. This morning i start by taking her to pay respect to Lord Baden Powell. But first we visit his museum at Paxtu Lodge withing the Outspan Hotel.
(did you know In 1939, Baden-Powell and Olave moved to a cottage he had commissioned in Nyeri, Kenya, near Mount Kenya, where he had previously been to recuperate. The small one-room house, which he named Paxtu, was located on the grounds of the Outspan Hotel, owned by Eric Sherbrooke Walker, Baden-Powell's first private secretary and one of the first Scout inspectors.)
We then decide after seeing this we need to go over to the grave site and pay our respects to the great Lord himself. its not far from our current accomodation so we decide to walk as we are taking in the sites. As we pass by the Nyeri Golf club i may tempt my friend for a round of golf later in the afternoon even though she doesnt know that i have never hit a ball in my entire life but who know i will try one. How hard can it be to hit one ball?  30 minutes later we are the Lord Baden Powell historical gardens. there will be a friendly face at the reception i know and we will probably end up buying some souveneirs. Guess what the wife Lady Olave is lying there next to her husband. She must have been a strong woman to have followed her husband to the very end. I make a mental note to acquire some of those famous drawing of Lord Baden Powel. it would make an excellent gift.
From here we will take a quick detour and have ourselves a mid morning snack - so we head to the Raybells restaurant. Its in the middle of town and it will give us time to plan our strategy. I have offered her two choices...we may decide to take a historical tour on the life and times of her favourite African Woman leader of her choice. Wangari Maathai it is. So off to ihithe to discover what its hiding from us and what we can learn about this African Hero. A visit here would not be complete without going forward to Muranga (former fort hall) to the sacred shrine at Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga. This is the proverbial garden of Eden for the gikuyu. Through the amazing coffee and tea farms , clear waters of rivers and streams and the cool clean air of this mountainous region. Down the valley and up to our second shrine at Karima Hill. I tell my friend that the history of the people here heard from our old men and women is truly precious. Our day is almost complete now and because it is a friday we decide we would love to go out so we find ourselves at the White Rhino hotel which also has its own little history. and here we will dance the night away.

THE NEXT DAY....
Our story will definitely continue. There was the whole idea of climbing the Majestic mountains and ranges that Ngai gave us. So we opt to start with nyandarua or Aberdares. it requires us to go early in the morning as it takes the whole day up and down that range to the top. We put on our gear and head to Aberdares. I know my friend will be surprised because i have opted not to do the game drive instead today is dedicated to what is famously called a walking safari. it will be exciting i tell you. There is nothing that beats coming into contact with nature. Getting down and real with it. Past the three heavenly waterfalls. I know we will meet with a few animals here but i am well prepared with the rangers. You cannot walk around without them you know. it will be fun and since we will be spending the night at the Ark or treetops we will get to see the animals come down for a drink at the water hole. Great place for fantastic photos. maybe i could catch one with an elephant or buffalo in the background.......

THE NEXT DAY
Climbing up anything especially in the wild seems to excite the very core of our humanity. So i decide to offer her the next two days climbing up Mount Kenya. She is not strong enough to go to the very top but hey its the Mountain. its worth every ounce of energy going up it........
after this exhausting three days we will come back to Nyeri and head to the Aberdare Country club for some pampering sessions in their Spa as we contemplate whether to conquer the wild inviting lands of Laikipia or head towards the beautiful hills of Elementaita and the hotlands that are western

What would you like? We customize our trips to fit you. We have a listening ear and we will make sure you have a great experience....
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