How these beautiful Kenyan hills can deceive you to take a hike!

1 day trips and tours are a popular getaway model for Kenyans and visitors in Kenya looking to make the best of their Saturdays and get the needed break from the demands of the week.

Hiking is such a big deal especially for people living in Nairobi and its environs.

A friend invited us on one such excursion to go and  conquer Mt. Longonot.

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Caution to waking up early and climb the mountain before it got too hot of course was ignored, and I am not sure anyone of us was working out at all in preparation for this conquest! Hahaha.

I was certain the climb would be a quick one, followed by more challenging activities like swimming, (for the love of water)...please don't laugh at how proudly ignorant I was...my ribs hahaha.

We got late, of course, the sun had taken its powerful position and we met other climbers descending.

I got to base of the mountain and waaaaa! I thought the mountain just looked monstrous. It was waiting waiting to be conquered, nope, to conquer me.

So yes Mt. Longot is a must visit if you haven't been there. It is green, full of trees and a challenging terrain all the way up, and a crater that you can go around to give your body that final push.

This is another great place for networking and forming friendships without strain! You will understand this part once you take the challenge.

So the climb began, I was quietly and proudly laughing at how healthy and fit I felt and just how amazing this experience would be! I then realized we had not yet started the climb, we were just cutting through a stretch to get to the real deal.

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When the real climb began, the music changed! Hahaha. Okay at least now I can laugh.

Everyone seemed to have swifter legs, everyone seemed lighter, then you could see a long trail of humans going up into heaven and that was supposed to be the climb! My heart felt like a time bomb, my chest was saying no!!, my mind was calculating the options available, quitting.

This was where the networking began and the many climbers felt like brothers and sisters, the mountain makes you realize you are better together!

People start falling behind, and of course pride kept us going. Here is where pride is very positive! You keep at it and you convince yourself you won't quit.

The momentum became slow, the walk felt endless, the objective stopped making sense...exactly why were we doing this?

Let me tell you how amazing the climb was, they put a resting place halfway the climb. This really helped to keep most of us going. The last stretch was a real challenge though.

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Now there are those people who, when you have finally given up, pass you so swiftly looking so light yet carrying those large big bags stuffed heavily! So special these people. If you know you know. These people carry those big bags even in Nairobi town, what exactly do you put in there and how exactly do you carry them?

Anyway, let's continue with the climb.
There was this particular one who made stare in shock! We sat a bit longer discussing him then we challenged ourselves to keep going.

That stop mid-climb can kill your resolve to go up. The moment you take that seat and join the rest of the climbers and join in the conversations, your desire to conquer the mountain shrivels. You could consider standing under the shade then continue with the climb.

So there was this white man I mentioned earlier who passed us. Now the guy was carrying those big bags and had strapped his child to the front on a baby carrier! That time even an empty bottle felt so cumbersome, I had to forego the bottle and water!

So with renewed zeal thanks to this dad, we, well some of us, continued climbing.

All I remember is that when I got to the top I had very strange walking postures and I am not sure my eyes were open. That felt like the best place to just sit down and cry! No need for a reason to. That was a humbling experience.

But oh my the views from up there filled me with a sense of joy and satisfaction to imagine how glorious God designed this world! Sooo beautiful.

Are you guessing if I went round the crater? Oh my, no I didn't. My whole body was numb, my eyes and mouth were the active parts at that moment. The escarpment looked beautiful and we started dreaming of the kind of animals that could have been hiding in there. The trees made a beautiful thicket, the rocks showcased their strength! I did not have the courage to peep inside the crater, I have a thing against heights.

By the way all my friends made it all the way up! We were so happy, genuinely happy!

Now let me inform you that going down Mt. Longonot is another story on it's own. There is a skill needed to descend and resist the urge to run and topple and give in to the gravity pull! Oh no, I thought the descent would be breezy!

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Confessions, when we were going up I kept wondering what was wrong with the people descending. They were all walking funny, with sticks and making very strange postures. I must have been a rib cracker when my time to descend came. I had to be helped down. My skills were terrible, very.

That was a good Saturday!
Then one friend said, we should do this again. I almost cried.

Enjoy a hike, trek, walk, any other one day activities!

Carry on for your next hike
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Kenyan coastline, Bamburi beach

The first question you are asked when you decide to travel to Kenyan coast is whether you prefer the North or South coast. 

Took me a while to realize this was a geographical reference point and not a name like Mombasa.

All I wanted to do was go to the ocean and enjoy the waters, waves, play in them and take a nice stroll at the beach.

This is a glimpse of Bamburi Beach Mombasa, lined up with a number of restaurants and hotels with public and private beach access. There are a number of beach front holiday homes along the coastline too. In case you need accommodation, there are lots of options.

The beauty about this beach is the powerful way with which waters recede and then fill up the shores to a full capacity. Depending on the place you get your accommodation, the Beach access can be so full of water needing you to swim in to enjoy the ocean life while other times you would have to walk a bit to allow the small waves crush against your  feet.

A favourite drink is the green coconut juice, drank straight from the shell. After one of the sellers told me of the many benefits, I decided to always replenish with about 2 on every stroll.

Enjoy Kenyan coast

Cozy getaways, Hotel Troy a gem

This was meant to be a surprise and well it was! First, my Idea of Magadi road was not what is there at present and I still think Magadi and Magadi road as the same place, blame the people who gave these names.

 Hotel Troy is that hidden gem in the green suburb. Quiet and charming in such a graceful way, you can't miss it. 
The charm is mostly from the lovely staff I met who make you feel so cared for and give personalized attention to the requests made.

This was one of those family reflection getaways and wow the hotel is just the perfect place for that. And for those who know how fast Nairobi can get, then slowing down at the heart of Karen is a great treat for your health and heart.

Now that I am admiring the photos and reminiscing, I realize the artwork in that room was quite stunning! I must say that the carpeted grass did leave a calm feeling in the atmosphere.

Haller Park Bamburi

If you have been to Kenya and have not seen any game, we need to revisit!

One thing is true, the game in Kenya is very diverse unique and quite a jungle experience!

This is the popular Haller Park, Bamburi, Mombasa!
Yes, Mombasa has game too!

And don't ever miss the feeding times while at it. Mostly in the late afternoons.

For those of you asking what more is there, please visit and enjoy the walk, nature, animals and a great time too with family and friends.

Once upon a time, Naromoru river lodge

I must admit that I love nature and you can never have enough of it especially in Kenya. It feels adventurous and calming at the same time, it is relaxing and gives you the fresh air you need to breath.

I still reminisce my time at Naromoru river lodge. The place is vast and large and it felt like a getaway in a getaway! So refreshing.

This picture reminds me of their fishing rule, you were allowed to fish and put back the fish inside the water and let the lovely creature or is it sumptuous meal, have another go at life.

The walk way was lush! On one side there was green grass and trees and a stream you could cross to the fores! Yes, they have a forest in the lodge. Oh wow, you just have to visit to believe me.

There were other guests but it felt so calm and peaceful even with a bunch of kids joining us over the weekend. They played all they could but the atmosphere just remained calm and relaxed. Maybe nature has a way of making you enjoy every bit even the noise.

and since it was in the woods, the rooms blended in very well with the environment, they were wooden cabins with a fireplace to keep you warm in the cold Nanyuki weather.

And if you want to catch some perfect views of Mt. Kenya, then

Fort Jesus, Historical Kenyan site

It is such a beautiful view to go watch at Fort Jesus. There is rich history preserved and very beautiful ocean with its blue waters at the Kenyan coastline. 

The location is super convenient and all one needs to do is get a tuktuk and enjoy some ride to the place. Of course you can use a cab, but a tuktuk feels more coastal.

Some amazing peppered and non-peppered crisps are on sale at the entrance, don't miss the bite!

Kenya has an amazing coastline that one can't get enough of with the beautiful tides splashing water on the corals and sand.

Some of the coastal areas have creeks like the one in the pictures and others have beautiful sandy beaches. The coral on the creeks keeps changing shape as waters beat on it and curves it out further.

You will meet courageous men and women diving inside these deep ocean waters and having a lot of fun! Something that I always wish I could do but the feeling goes away :)

These are some archaeological arts in Fort Jesus that people should have fun looking at and learning the history behind these fine artifacts.  

Coral is a very precious stone in the coast and Kenya, and has some major benefits that the manufacturing industry enjoys.

It is also a unique identifier of the Coastal area.

These pieces are a gem and they look way beautiful in reality!! The shells convey the wide variety of ocean life that is there in Kenyan waters and rich history.

Some items display the trade that used to take place in ancient days and the attire that traders draped in. There were a lot of traders from the East who left their mark in several aspects of the Kenyan coast, from the culture, to trade, to architecture.

They traveled through the ocean to the coastal line to trade and settle down in the Kenya coast. Fort Jesus preserves a deep part of this history.

This is part of the wall of Fort Jesus that was a security feature in the ancient days to fight of the enemies.

Machakos, People's Park

An hour drive from Nairobi is an interesting park called People's Park for the people to unwind at.
This is a great place to relax especially for picnic lovers and those who care for a stroll.

I have visited the park with a group of friends and family members and it is quite interesting how comfortable one gets especially on a weather friendly day.
Kenya has one of the best weathers in the world, in case you have questions about how it is could be on a visit.

And when the sun sets, you will always catch very beautiful sunset.

Mangrove forest Wasini Island Kenya

Kenya is full of beautiful surprises, and rich history.

This is Wasini Mangrove forest that adds to the attractive must see places in Kenya.

 A beautiful walkway meandering mysteriously in the mangroves, on dry land and wetland depending on the ocean water

Wasini mangroves have some very ancient corals that have been forming for many year.

This is part of the many historical features the Island brings!
There are vegetables from the forest, supporting women groups.

And please enjoy their coastal food as you learn the rich culture engulfing the area

Olkaria Spa Kenya, a world wonder

Straight from mother earth is this amazing feature at the heart of Naivasha!

The Olkaria Spa boasts of huge pools that are a perfect dip all year round and for all ages. 

The perfect place for a relaxed day allowing the hot water to give you a deserved massage as you relax with family and friends.

The Spa is inside Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) national reserve where the popular Hell's gate is located. The scenery is breathtaking, the Spa, the hot steams in the air, the rock and hills all converging to make the spa a great spot.

I suggest that you pre-order your meals before hand or just check their a la cart menu for some local food that you will love!

Paradise Lost

If you have been to Kenya, hope you have experienced paradise lost....

As the name suggests, this is your perfect space for a boat ride, a picnic, a horse and camel ride, grilling....Let me stop here and say that Kenya is soooo Big on grilling. Nyam Chom is the popular word.

This beautiful paradise is cozy and neat with a nice waterfall and caves, all in one place.The expanse allows room for children to play and run freely while adults join in and reminisce their childhood days.

If you love eating out, you can bring in your favourite restaurant meal and if you love your home made meals you can pack and enjoy the fresh air at Paradise Lost.

There is a beautiful canopy formation next to the dam made by trees that have matured elegantly allowing for perfect shade and a walking track around the dam. Please don't try strange things like jumping in the water, for those who live for thrills.

And hey, what a perfect place to unwind and even organize an elegant engagement party? Thank me later.

When we say it's green in Kenya we mean Lush..

Get Lost in Paradise

Nairobi Karura forest

I did not think Nairobi was this huge with tonnes of experiences you wouldn't expect in the city, It is actually a huge city packed with lots of adventure!



Karura forest is one such adventure, and is accessible through different roads, Kiambu road and Limuru road. Let me stop and proudly say that I have planted a few trees at Karura, thanks to one of my former employers who was in love with nature.



Yes, Karura forest is a forest with a river passing through that makes it absolutely wonderful. If you have never listened to the sound of a river flow, just drop all your bags and head straight to Karura forest.

A number of groups go to Karura for team buildings and individuals and families also have their share of fun as they picnic, cycle, workout and all other creative and fun activities.

And what a great way to just stop the busy hustle of the city and the usual rat race to unwind at a forest with such a huge expanse and a trail that can keep you captivated by the environment all day long.



Enjoy Karura forest! Kenya is a beautiful gem, unravel it.

Exploring the Lush Nairobi side

Well well well....

We all agree that Nairobi Kenya is a magical town with very interesting activities. In the midst of it all, there is a very beautifully landscaped, green and lush place called Safariwalk!!

Kenyans will not brag about it much but it is such a pleasant surprise in the capital city of Kenya! First, the park welcomes you with swaying strong green trees and the monkies complete the look with very green grass and animals to see.

It is one place you can just walk your heart out, well legs are needed.

So you start your experience by going through the beautiful concrete paths surrounded by trees and hey guess what! wild life!! Talk of a romantic experience, a relaxed experience, even a loner will be delighted to discover this place.

Next time you are in Nairobi ruuuunnnnn and make sure you don't miss out on Safariwalk. And did I mention there are cheetahs playing that give such a thriller feel? Not to mention a leopard and lions...

Okay, I will not preempt...Tembea (Visit) Nairobi Kenya

Nature trail in Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya's capital city, is full of surprises....and very good ones.

One beautiful surprise that Kenyans will not tell you immediately is the presence of naturally landscaped forests conducive for walks, hikes, cycling, picnics, events, without the feel of being crowded.

Next time you visit Kenya, please make sure you go to Arboretum and if you love science then all trees have been marked with their scientific names. The trees form such a beautiful canopy that feels unreal, allowing you to enjoy a cool walk, an awesome time playing and great company.

And yes, adults really have fun as they let loose and run wild in various activities initiated by their groups.

To perfect your time, go with your snack or packed lunch and enjoy ice cream at the park. Remember there is a park entrance fee payable via m-pesa or visa or master card and keep that ticket in case you need to exit and return to Arboretum.

Enjoy Beautiful Kenya!