TO THE TUNES OF BLUE WATERS

HAPPY NEW YEAR & HAPPY VALENTINES!!

Ladies, how many avoid swimming after a new hairdo? Especially the first two weeks of the new hair? I can hear most of you shout meeeee! Phenny, on the other hand, is having a big head knowing she’s team shave (sugar coat it to team natural). This month not even an adventure was going to make me soak my water in a pool. Not that my hair is expensive but the thought of blow-dry and driers on my scalp kills me nowadays! I have refused to go swimming for the entire month until this past weekend. As usual, I can jump out of bed and attend an unplanned trip as long as no family or work duties will be affected. So last Saturday I found myself with a group that was crossing 5 counties from Nairobi for a good swim. I was a complete mess and ended up dressing in the car on our way. I took a shower though (wink wink).

• 

It was a 6-hour journey but it seemed shorter not because I slept but mainly as a result of my sit mate and the views.  He is one of my best travel bloggers. His stories inspire and challenge me to do more with my life. Also, he’s a leading guide doing an amazing job when it comes to Nairobi city tour. On the views Mount Kenya and wheat plantations were amazing, and for the first time, I felt the need to TRY summit Mt. Kenya. First stop was at Mwea for junk refill, second at the equator cross line and finally our destination. Meru County!

• 

• 

Ngare Ndare Activities & facts

Located on the Northern slopes of Mt Kenya and covers 5540 hectares of land. This forest hosts a few wild animals like the jumbos, antelopes and the monkey families among other animals. The forest is well vested with blue pools getting their water from Mt Kenya forest reason the forest is green in an arid area. In the forest, you can hike as well as enjoy a long canopy walk. While inside the forest you need an armed guide from their front desk. It’s a cool place to spend an afternoon with friends and family.

• 

• 

• 

Blue Pools

What no one tells you is the fact that you have to hike/walk to get to the pools. They estimate it to a 3km walk but I think the distance depends on the pool you ought to access. Be ready to break a sweat but the pay is worth it. Nothing comes easy!  The pools are Amazing with waterfall views. The water is quite chilly, gives you a brain freeze, but make sure to submerge yourself fully and you will warm up. There are several pools and what I learned is that the water tends to be blue on some days during some hours in different pools. Nature taking its course. Swimming is allowed even for the newbies.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Canopy walk

This is more fun for people with height fears. The stretch from one end to the other end allows you to have an aerial view of the forest. The vegetation under it is quite green and the small trees give you hope for a better Ngare Ndare in the near future. If you are lucky you will see animals walk under the canopy especially the jumbos. For bird watchers, this is a great walk on the canopy. The canopy is well serviced thus no risk of any kind of accident. It is fun and for once you get to feel like Tazan or Mowgli (jungle book movie)

• 

If this trip is not in your bucket list, you are missing out. With tour companies, the price ranges from 3600-3800 inclusive of round trip and all park activities and some drinking water. If you wish to do a private trip the drive is easy as the most part, you are on tarmac. Camping is also allowed.

• 

• 

Charges

Citizens/Residents- 2000

Non-residents-USD 40

Camping charges

Citizens/Residents-2000 pp night

Special thanks to

Africa vacation safaris

Empisha photography

Emmanuelboaz photography

Francis photography