For years, whenever I used the words “Africa” and “Holiday” in the same sentence, there was almost always a collective hush around me. After returning from a life-changing trip to Botswana and South Africa in 2013, streams of friends, now intrigued, found it impossible to fathom the poverty, disease-stricken continent for a vacation.
I have made it my passion project since, to capture the splendour of Africa through my lens.
Maasai Woman, Portrait
In May of 2018, I was once again Africa bound – this time to the land more popularly known as the dramatic backdrop for the timeless Disney Classic The Lion King. Yes, I was 4552 miles away from Kenya.
Meru Market
My first few days saw me meandering through the unassuming town of Meru, home to the 5th highest mountain in Africa.
I passed the time by attempting to navigate the organized chaos that was the open-air town markets. Hordes of locals haggled over one another, each desperately grasping onto the hope of scoring a deal at their frequent haunt.
Roasted corn seller at Meru Market
I could hardly believe the freshness of the produce around me. Avocados the size of papayas were the norm. Bleeding red apples enticed me at every corner, so much so, I could hardly keep my hand out of my pocket; pulling out change for a bite of fruit.
© Mpigapicha – Flickr
Point of Equator Board
Travelling west, through the town of Nanyuki, I caught wind of a historic landmark that continued to boggle tourists and locals alike.
© cazstar – Flickr
Here it is! You are standing at the very centre of the Equator. How many people can claim they have have been to the exact centre of the Earth?
Now four days in, the best was yet to come.
Great Rift Valley Lookout
Day 5. Cautiously peering over a precarious ledge, an awe-inspiring sight greeted me. The Great Rift Valley Lookout in all its glory did not disappoint. The astonishing fracture of the Earth bisects Kenya from North to South and stretches from Lebanon to Madagascar. Grabbing a pair of binoculars, I trained my eyes on the wildlife parading around in the distance.
Great Rift Valley Lookout Point © Wajahat Mahmood – Flickr
Amboseli National Park
It was time for my first safari game drive, at the renowned Amboseli National Park, which dispelled the imminent feelings of the disappointment of being on the tail-end of my trip.
© wildlifesafariexploreans
The first and only golden rule of a game drive: Never, do you step out of the jeep, unless you’d like to serve an extra meal course for the animals. If you have got that rule down, you cross your fingers and hope to catch a glimpse of the elusive Big Five; Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinoceroses and Buffalos.
Amboseli Elephant Sighting © Allan Prys-Williams – Flickr
Barely 10 minutes into the drive, a magnificent herd of elephants were spotted trudging toward us. I watched with bated breath as they approached and passed the jeep, very delighted with the ranger’s revelation that that had been their closest encounter in over two months. Unfortunately, lions had decided not to frolic around in the grassland that day, with multiple giraffe sightings marking the remainder of the drive.
Amboseli Giraffes © Alison Young – Flickr
Retreating to Amboseli Sopa Lodge for the night, it seemed I was in for yet another wondrous surprise. At the cusp of sunset, I watched as the clouds parted in the distance, revealing a dusty pink hue grazing the tip of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa.
Kilimanjaro during sunset
The Amboseli Lodge is also known as one of the best spots in the world to stargaze, which I had hoped to do that night. At the wee hours of dawn, I ventured to the back of the lodge to do so, with no regrets. The etherealness of the night sky was indescribable. Nature’s beauty is unforgiving, and my humble point-and-shoot would do it no justice. The Milky Way unabashedly laid itself before my eyes, leaving no corner of the twinkling heavens untouched.
© Zuru Kenya
Never in my life had I thought I would witness a shooting star, let alone three! But blink, and they’re gone.
Maasai Mara Village
On my last day, I made my way to a nearby Maasai Mara Village. The semi-nomadic tribe were overwhelmingly welcoming, greeting us with their traditional jumping dance and vibrant shuka cloths meticulously draped over their bodies.
Maasai Women in Shuka Cloths
Walking through the village, I encountered a collection of intricate handicrafts designed by the people. Unable to resist, I purchased a traditional beaded bracelet to serve as a precious reminder of my trip.
© Oloimugi Maasai Village
Alas, I had finally reached the end of my journey. Albeit short, was one that was filled with firsts, shocking experiences and truly a beautiful exposé of humanity and nature alike.
Nakupenda Kenya, till next time.
All pictures, unless otherwise credited, were personally taken by me.
