Nanyuki, Mt. Kenya, Laikipia, And Back to Civilization(ish):

After a few nights back in Nairobi and a re-immersion into tent living, we headed up to visit Liz and Richard's home in Nanyuki. About a 3 hour drive North of Nairobi, Nanyuki is a small town located right on the equator, in the shadow of Mt. Kenya.

All that could swore there was a mountain just out the window, but low cloud prevented me from seeing it for the first 3 days of my visit. Eventually, the weather cleared, and I was able to set eye on what is indeed a very special mountain. My recent travels have revealed more than my fair share of mountains, from the Laurentians to the Great Smokies to those in West Texas, and the Rockies. Mt. Kenya is unique in that its peak rests easily on a giant mound of rock. Watching how it interacts with passing weather systems and how it changes in the light as the sun crosses the sky is better than any television show out there (except for The Wire, Deadwood, or Mad Men).



Liz and Richard's recently built home has bedrooms (4, one for me with stone walls, windows of glass and doors of wood), flush toilets plumbed into floors, and showers, GLORIOUS SHOWERS!!!! In other words, the harsh days of tent living have been put behind me (even if only temporarily). To be honest, the tent is lovely, and I sleep happily whilst in it. The house borders National forest and it is about 20 minutes from Nanyuki town, and 15 minutes from the airstrip - a spot for decent coffee and a hub of activity for both those on safari and locals alike.

Traveling from their home to Nanyuki town proper means crossing the equator, marked by a simple sign. It is a rather underwhelming event and can be done 3 or 4 times a day with little or no effort and none of the pomp or circumstance one might associate with such a seemingly important geographic line.



After an easy-living week of relaxation and family time with Liz and Willow, I was handed off to Sue who took me further North into Laikipia for lunch with her friends. We drove onto an area of massive ranches and land now being used for private homesteads and conservation. After lunch, we walked, and spotted zebra, antelope, various and vibrantly coloured birds, and elephants. But years of experience and prudent bush walking forced us to turn away from the narrow valley that the elephants crossed and go to higher ground to continue our trek. More zebra and antelope were spotted as we made our way back.



Our next stop was to visit yet more friends for dinner (en route, we spotted baboons and more antelope) and to spend the night on their wheat farm before heading back to tent life on the outskirts of Nairobi.