Elevation: 3,971m (12,438ft) Weather: Dry Difficulty: Moderate Min pax: X6 Date: 24 - 26 Jan. 2025 If you're yearning for an unforgettable hiking experience, look no further than Table Mountain. Nestled southwest of Lesatima and perched on the edge of the main escarpment, Table Mountain beckons with its awe-inspiring heights and untamed beauty. Two Thrilling Approaches Await Your journey to conquer Table Mountain offers not one, but two thrilling approaches to choose from. Option 1: The Escarpment Climb For those seeking a less-trodden path, the first approach begins with an ascent of the escarpment above Wanjohi, winding through various bands of lush vegetation. This route is rarely used, promising a sense of solitude and wonder as you make your way towards the summit. Option 2: The Ridge Traverse Alternatively, the…
Explore the diverse birdlife of Oloolua Forest Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025 - 08:00 Location: Oloolua Forest, Karen, Nairobi Nestled in the serene surroundings of Karen, Oloolua Forest offers a birdwatching experience that is both peaceful and enriching. This verdant haven is a sanctuary for those who cherish encounters with forest-dwelling avian treasures. Oloolua Forest is home to a rich tapestry of typical forest birds, making it an idyllic destination for bird enthusiasts. Here, you have the assurance of encountering some of the most sought-after species that reside within forested ecosystems. As you embark on your journey through the forest's tranquil trails, keep your senses attuned to the melodious calls and vibrant plumage that adorn the canopy. Oloolua Forest promises a captivating birding adventure, where the beauty of nature and…
Explore the diverse birdlife of Ngong Hills Forest Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025 - 08:00 Location: Ngong Hills Forest Ngong Hills Forest sprawls across a vast expanse, offering a diverse range of habitats thanks to its unique aspect. Fondly known as the 'Hills of the Swifts,' this picturesque location is a haven for birdwatchers, promising a spectacle like no other. What makes Ngong Hills truly exceptional is the opportunity to witness a variety of swifts at eye level without the need for binoculars. These agile birds grace the skies in such abundance that you'll find yourself immersed in their aerial ballet. It's an awe-inspiring display that captivates both seasoned birdwatchers and newcomers alike. But that's not all – Ngong Hills Forest also holds its own when it comes to raptors.…
Elevation: 1,641m (5,383ft) Weather: Dry Difficulty: Moderate Min pax: X6 Date: 07 - 09 Feb. 2025 Are you ready for an extraordinary hiking adventure? Look no further than Kasigau, a remarkable mountain that stands proudly amidst the expansive plains south of Voi. With its steep, imposing slopes and numerous impressive precipices, Kasigau promises a thrilling expedition that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty. Expert Guidance Awaits Embarking on this adventure is made easy with the assistance of experienced guides, available at the chief's office or possibly the forest post. Their expertise will ensure your safety and enhance your exploration of Kasigau. Your Journey Begins The journey to the summit of Kasigau starts with the best camping spot, located a few kilometers along the Mwatate-Rukanga road in clearings…
Image | Ernest Nyamasyo Scientific Name; Physical Characteristics The Green Wood Hoopoe, scientifically known as Phoeniculus purpureus, presents a striking appearance. This slender, blackish bird boasts a green-blue iridescence across its plumage, particularly noticeable in certain lights where it shimmers with hues of green, blue, and violet. Its most prominent features include a long, graduated tail, and a distinctively long, curved red bill which is a hallmark of the species. During flight, the white wing bars and white-tipped tail feathers serve as distinctive markers. Male and female wood hoopoes share similar appearances, although females tend to be slightly smaller with shorter bills. Immature hoopoes exhibit duller colors and shorter, curved black bills. Size and Lifespan Green Wood Hoopoes typically measure between 38 to 41 centimeters in length. Regarding lifespan, these…
Image | Ernest Nyamasyo In the heart of East Africa lies a treasure trove of ancient mysteries waiting to be discovered. Kenya, with its rugged landscapes and storied past, stands as a beacon for archaeologists and adventurers alike, offering a glimpse into the evolution of our species. Join us on an expedition through time as we unravel the tales of our ancestors, each fossil a chapter in Kenya's rich history. Proconsul heseloni: The OG Primate Age: 18 million years old Location: Rusinga Island, Lake Victoria, Kenya In 1948, Mary Leakey stumbled upon the almost complete skull of Proconsul heseloni on the tranquil shores of Rusinga Island. This OG primate, dating back 18 million years, gives us a peek into the early days of our evolutionary journey. Orrorin tugenensis ('Millennium Man'):…
Scientific Name; Physical Characteristics The regal Ground Hornbill, known scientifically as Bucorvus leadbeateri, commands attention with its impressive stature and distinct features. Standing at heights of up to 3.3 feet and measuring a remarkable length of 3.3 to 3.6 feet, the males typically outweigh their female counterparts, tipping the scales at around 8 to 13 pounds. Their plumage showcases a striking contrast of black feathers accentuated by vibrant patches of white and red wattles adorning their throat. A defining feature of these majestic birds is their long, downward-curved bill, which aids in their foraging habits. Distinct Differences and Lifespan In the savannas of Kenya, the Ground Hornbill stands apart from its hornbill brethren with its distinctive characteristics and behaviors. While other hornbill species may roam the same terrain, the Ground…
Image | Courtesy The first postal headquarters, constructed in 1906 on Delamere Avenue (currently Kenyatta Avenue), was originally based in Mombasa since its establishment in 1899. On our right, we passed Kipande House, built in 1913 as a train depot and later used for the issuance of IDs before being acquired by KCB in 1976. Opposite stands the Nairobi Gallery, originally constructed in 1913 as the District Commissioner’s Office, where records of births, marriages, and deaths were kept until 1976 when Vice President Joseph Murumbi and his wife Sheila sold their art collection to the Kenyan government. Image | Courtesy Turning onto Uhuru Highway, we marveled at the Nyayo Monument, created in 1988 to mark 10 years of former President Moi's rule and 25 years of independence, located at Central…
Image | Courtesy Passing through Moi Avenue, we marveled at the Kenya National Archives, whose construction began in 1928, commissioned by the Bank of India, and was completed in 1931. Also located on the then Government Road is the Tom Mboya Statue, erected in 2011, in memory of the politician who was assassinated on July 5, 1969. Further ahead, we encountered the August 7th Memorial Park, which commemorates the 1998 terrorist bombings of the American embassy. Turning towards City Hall Way, previously known as Sergeant Ellis Avenue after Sergeant George Ellis, the first European resident who arrived from Newington Butts, Surrey, England in 1896, we passed through the Nairobi City Court (Supreme Court), built in the 1930s. The statue of The Naked Boy of Justice adorns its premises, erected in…
Image | Courtesy Turning onto Kimathi Street, formerly known as Hardinge Street during the colonial period after the first Administrator of the Kenya Protectorate, Sir Arthur Hardinge, we made our way to the Thorn Tree Restaurant for a cup of coffee, pausing first to acknowledge the Dedan Kimathi Statue. It was erected on August 15, 2007, in honor of Dedan Kimathi, a rebel field marshal fighting against British colonial authorities during the Mau Mau rebellion of the 1950s. “A relentless campaign to capture Kimathi and his insurgents was launched by the British colonial government’s tribal police that ended up capturing him alone early on October 21, 1956. After a laborious and intricate trial, on November 19, 1956 at the Supreme Court of Kenya in Nyeri, Chief Justice Kenneth O’Connor found…
