Image | Courtesy Our next destination was the Nairobi National Museum, a sentinel of Kenya's past, guarding its secrets with silent reverence. As we made our way in, Vlad and Olga were curious about the museum's storied history, from its humble origins in 1910 when a modest institution was born from the vision of the East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society, to what it is today. Image | Ernest Nyamasyo “The Nairobi National Museum was officially opened on September 22, 1930, and named Coryndon Museum in honor of Sir Robert Coryndon, a former Governor of Kenya,” I explained. With each step, we journeyed through time, from prehistory and the country’s rich tapestry of different tribes with their unique customs, to the dawn of independence—a testament to Kenya's enduring spirit…
Image | Courtesy From the "Bogani" house, we drove along Lang'ata Road. Olga's curiosity led her to inquire about the iconic 100-foot Uhuru Monument at Uhuru Gardens, a towering tribute to Kenya's journey to independence. "On December 12, 1963, the Kenyan flag unfurled its colors for the first time at Uhuru Gardens, marking a pivotal moment in our nation's history," I narrated, immersing them in the significance of this monumental event. “Kenya transitioned from being the East Africa Protectorate to a British Colony in 1920. Initially claimed as the Sultan of Zanzibar’s territory during the Berlin Conference of the 1880s, it was conceded in 1887 to the British East Africa Association (later Company) and in 1888, it was granted a royal charter by the British Government. In 1895, the British…
Image | Courtesy The Karen Blixen Museum was once the centerpiece of a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills, owned by Danish author Karen Blixen and her Swedish husband, Baron Bror Blixen-Finecke. Located 10 km from the city center, the museum represents a different period in Kenya's history and gained international acclaim with the release of the movie 'Out of Africa,' an Oscar-winning film based on Karen's autobiography of the same title. Built in 1912 by Swedish engineer Ake Sjogren, Karen and her husband bought the house in 1917. It became the farmhouse for their 6,000-acre property, of which 600 acres were used for coffee farming. Their marriage failed after eight years, and in 1921, the Baron left the running of the farm to Karen. Image | Courtesy…
Image | courtesy As we departed for our next destination—the Karen Blixen Museum—I recounted the city's humble beginnings, forged in the crucible of the 'Lunatic Express' railway line. Nairobi's story is one of dramatic transformation, evolving from a mere watering hole on Maasai land in the late 1800s into a vital railway hub. Buffalo and lions once roamed the periphery of these swampy lands, which were largely uninhabited except for the occasional meetings of the Kikuyu and Maasai peoples, who brought their cattle to graze. Wet, infertile, and at a high altitude, this place was called Nairobi, meaning a small stream that bisected a swamp, known by the Maasai as Enkare Nyrobe—‘the land of cool waters’. This area was never intended to be a settlement, but with the arrival of…
Smile:) Rothschild 's Giraffe | Image courtesy As we embarked on our city tour of Nairobi, the vibrant pulse of Kenya's capital city permeated the air, eager to reveal its rich tapestry of history and culture to our inquisitive minds. Joined by Vlad and Olga, intrepid travelers from Russia, our journey promised a fusion of discovery and adventure, fueled by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Our first stop was the AFEW Giraffe Centre, a sanctuary where nature and conservation converge in a harmonious embrace. As we marveled at the graceful Rothschild giraffes, Vlad, with his insatiable appetite for history, inquired about the origins of this noble institution. "Established in 1979 by Americans Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife Betty, the Giraffe Centre was created to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe,"…
In the vast African savannas, a sleek and magnificent creature roams the open landscapes, embodying the very essence of speed and grace - the Cheetah. With fur as golden as the African sunsets, the Cheetah is not just an apex predator; it is a living testament to the intricate dance between biology and survival. In the Shadows of Speed: Anatomy and Adaptations The Cheetah's physique is a marvel of evolutionary ingenuity. Long-legged and lean, its slender body is a blueprint for acceleration. As a master of speed, the Cheetah boasts powerful muscles, particularly in its hind legs, propelling it forward like an arrow released from a bow. Its spine is unusually flexible, allowing the creature to stretch its body in mid-air during the chase, a maneuver that gives it the…
Elevation: 1,641m (5,383ft) Weather: Dry Difficulty: Moderate Min pax: X6 Date: 09 - 11 Feb. 2024 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…
Explore the diverse birdlife of Ngong Hills Forest Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024 - 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: 3,971m (12,438ft) Weather: Dry Difficulty: Moderate Min pax: X6 Date: 26 - 28 Jan. 2024 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 Karura Forest Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023 - 08:00 Location: Karura Forest, Nairobi, Kenya Join us for an enchanting morning of bird watching in the heart of Nairobi at Karura Forest. Karura is renowned as a prime birding destination within the city, and our expedition promises an exciting search for the forest's avian specialists. Karura Forest is a well-known productive birding spot within the city. The forest is home to a variety of bird species, including forest specialists such as the Brown-chested Alethe, African Emerald Cuckoo, and Crowned Eagle. On this bird watching tour, you will learn about the different bird species that live in Karura Forest and how to identify them. You will also take an easy walk through the forest, where you will…
