Ngong Hills, Nairobi

I have always wished that Nairobi would have nice clean parks with paved pathways where people can go for a run or have a picnic not unlike the beautiful parks in places such as the UK or U.S.A. However, one weekend, I was reminded of the natural beauty that lies in Nairobi. The city may not have recreational parks (still a work in progress), but it does have some beautiful wild terrain. On the outskirts of Nairobi are some beautiful hills and hiking through them is nothing short of an adventure.

Ngong Hills is a serene environment and a wonderful escape from city life.  The name ‘Ngong’ comes from the Masaai word meaning ‘knuckles’. This is because the 7 hills are shaped like the knuckles of a close fist (at least this is the information obtained from the guide hehee). From the hills, a view of Nairobi city can be seen in the horizon on one side. On the other side there is a breathtaking view of another set of hills and never-ending plains of Kajiado County.

One can hike across all the 7 Ngong Hills to get the full adventurous experience. It is also possible to hike only halfway across the hills.  However, the security situation is not very good therefore it is recommended to do the hike with some escorts from the Kenya Forestry Service. The escorts are not just for protection from any thugs lurking about, but they also offer protection from wild animals. The hills are also home to a variety of wildlife including Buffalo. For all the excitement and beauty, it costs only KShs 200 to get in and the cost of the guide can be reasonably negotiated. This will definitely not break the bank.

At the top of one of the hills is a Wind Farm. I know Wind Mills may be considered an eye sore but I really love the look of them and the powerful yet gentle sound of the wind from the spinning blades. The one thing I am not a fan of (no pun intended), is the shadows they cast as they spin. Apparently, some folks in England are also worried about them giving epileptic seizures to cows. But I digress….

I would recommend a hike in Ngong hills for Nairobians and anyone who is in town. It is also great as a team building and bonding exercise. At the top of the hills, one may also find some herders taking their Goats out to graze. When I was last there peacefully looking over the hills, a group of friendly goats came by for a meal and an inspection of their guest J…. Pics please J

Hmm..not sure about this road construction…hope they keep developments minimum

Powerful Windmills..

 

and then there was the beauty…

Endless Kajiado Plains..

Nairobi in the Horizon…

The leaning tree of Ngong Hills

Where the Buffalos are..

Mr. Billy Goat and friends

Retreat from City Life…

The way back..

Advertisement

Crescent Island – Naivasha, Kenya

A trip to Crescent Island in Naivasha, Kenya is idyllic for a refreshing break from the hustle of Nairobi city life. The Island is generally dry savannah grassland surrounded by the waters of Lake Naivasha. This combination presents a unique and serene atmosphere. Crescent Island is an animal sanctuary boasting an array of wildlife ranging from tame Giraffes, majestic Wildebeests and submerged Hippopotami. It is truly a sight to behold and it is a wonder that this beautiful haven is not more popular.

The view from the sanctuary is breathtaking with Mount Longonot, the Aberdare Mountain ranges and the Mau escarpment surrounding the island in the horizon. Despite its name, the piece of land is accessible by road just off the Moi South Lake Road and is located a few kilometers from Naivasha town. The Island was once a volcanic crater but one side was submerged in water hence the crescent shape and road access. The more romantic route to the sanctuary is by boat from one of the Camps or Hotels by the lake. The boat ride provides an exhilarating experience and is nothing short of an adventure. It is definitely an experience for everyone to enjoy.

Pics please 🙂

 

Gazelles by the lake

Acacia Trees

Crescent Island

Lake Naivasha

Mount Longonot

Unbowed!

UNBOWED: Wangari Maathai

I read this book a while back and I may not remember all my thoughts on it but i know it was amazing!! I didn’t really know Wangari Maathai’s story. All I knew was that she was an activist and environmentalist and that’s probably one of the main things about her. I think she is an example of a person who found out what she was good in and excelled greatly! Her life has been full of adventure and excitement. She’s obviously gone through more difficulty than the average person but she has also achieved more than the average person. She always stood for what she believed in and was comfortable in her skin.

These days most people don’t get to know what they are good at or what their passion is. They don’t stand up for what they truly believe in and would rather be a part of the crowd than stand alone. These days, image is everything. We’re so concerned about how we look, what the latest night club is, what the new hit song is, what the celebs are doings…The list endless and shallow. Her story is inspiring in that it makes you look into your life and see what resources you have to help make this world a better place or at least help others. And enjoy what you do as you do this!

One of the things I loved in this book was the amazing scenery she described as she grew up. She was born and raised in rural Kenya and the scenery description is breathtaking. I could just imagine the rivers and streams she played in when she was a kid, the green meadows she would walk through. I couldn’t forget the majestic  Mt.Kenya she would see every morning. Makes me appreciate Africa a lot more and the rich natural beauty we have at our disposal. The sad part is that human activity etc..is making that beauty fade away. So it’s best to soak up all the beauty before…..well I hope environmental awareness increases so we won’t have to suffer the undesirable consequences of our current actions. Next time I go to my rural home, I’ll take some pictures and post them up here. For posterity’s sake and for sharing with anyone possibly trapped in a concrete jungle.

The book also has some pictures of her in university in the 1960s. The thing that strikes me in the pictures is the elegance and style carried by the ladies in the 1960s. I know everyone is obsessed with fashion these days but theirs was more style than simply fashion. The ladies in their dinner dresses and gloves. The ladies in the lab with the well cut lab coats and heels. I’ve worked in a lab before and trust me the lab coats are nothing to write home about. Usually two sizes too large and making the wearer look very square indeed. Maybe it’s just the pictures but the labcoats she and her friends are wearing look tailored!

So her and her friends look very stylish and graceful. Definitely not hootchie and showing off tramp stamps or piercings everywhere possible. I might sound like i’m ranting and raving about how society has completely degenerated in recent years. I know a lot of people see that and there’s no point going on about it. I would just love to see women to take back that elegance, that style and mystery. Treat ourselves well and hold ourselves in high esteem. Not all this grind, grind, shake, shake. I’m certainly no miss. style and elegance myself but I’m gonna try and take care of myself better.

As ascertained from the fact that she wore a labcoat, Dr.Maathai is a scientist. I’m a scientist or at least I did a science subject. For the life of me I cannot imagine doing a PhD in a science subject!! PhD! (i’m not even sure if that’s how it’s spelled). This lady is an academic and extremely intelligent. I really salute her for that. Just going through university and getting a PhD in a science subject! High Five Dr.Maathai! I was to speak to a bunch of high school girls about the importance of doing science. I still haven’t actually found out what I’m gonna say! But Dr.Maathai’s life is a testament to the fact that girls can excel in sciences and do well and make a difference in our world.

Why her husband left is beyond me. Maybe someone else who’s read the book can better explain that. Oh yaa she met her hubby later in life didn’t she?don’t know how she got through all the ‘how come your not married yet??’ comments..but thats probably a story for another day :-p

So all in all the book is an inspiration to women and everyone out there who has a passion to change the world for the better.