Author: Yellow Duckie
•13:41
What I really like most about Kenya is the easy access for a perfect weekend gateaway. Away from the hustle bustle of city life into the peaceful relaxing weekend spot. I found mine at Lake Naivasha. With just barely 2 hours car ride, you'll find yourself embraced by the beauty of God's creation.



Our choice was Sopa Lodge at Lake Naivasha and it was truly unbeatable. Once you entered the gates, you left all your worries behind. The lodge is well hidden by the lakeside and each room is a little two storey cottage which contains four rooms (two on the ground floor and two above). The rooms on the ground floor open up to the green field leading to the lake. Giraffes and other animals can be easily spotted here. Hippos do get close to the hotel compound in the dark as well.



With the full board service , complimentary use of the swimming pool, gym and steam room, one could not ask for more.
Author: Yellow Duckie
•11:33
Struggling to fight against my sleepiness, I was struck in awe when the plane glided gracefully among the hills and landed on one of them. First thought that came to my mind was : Awesome...Rwanda is beautiful.
Armed with the knowledge that Rwanda is known as the country of thousand hills still did not prepare me for the magnificent sight which I must admit is very different from the African cities which I have been too. It was nothing but hills in Rwanda..endless hills.
The city of Kigali is extremely clean and the condition of the road is superb! Coming from a country where bumpy rides is often encountered, this is real comfort! In this short visit of mine, I only have 2 items in my "To-Do" list in Rwanda : Visit the Gorillas and the church where the genocide happened where upon completion I would say that I have officially visited Rwanda.
Mountain Gorillas
Everyone who knows a little more about the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, will be informed about getting a place to see the Susa group. They are indeed the biggest group of gorilla and we were thrilled that we were able to be part of the team to see them.
As you might have already known, one day, only 56 permits are issued to see these beautiful creatures and the price of the permit is EXORBITANT (even though I think that the experience was awesome but still it is too expensive), 500 USD per person excluding transport to the park.

Excited as I was being able to get a place to see the Susa group but the hike up to where they were was pure torture to my limbs and lungs. The altitude itself makes it difficult for the hike and plus the fact that we hardly exercise makes it even more difficult.


However difficult the hike was, i must admit that the trail was quite nice as we passes through the villages on the slope, passing through their farms but the last 20 minutes hike in the forest was not too pleasant as we were practically diving among the scrubs.



The feeling of the gorillas being only a mere 3m away from you (not caged) was simply stunning. The heavy mist around us made it felt as though we were in a dream...
Church
Situated only 25 KM away from the city of Kigali, this place can be visited within a couple of hours. Not that I am anticipating to experience the eerie feeling of visiting the genocide site but I Pre-empted myself before arrival at the site. However, it was not the case for me, the site was peaceful. So peaceful that it was hard to imagine that a genocide happened on the very ground we were standing on.


Lake Kivu
I must admit that there is nothing much about this lake except for the serenity of th e surrounding and the long boring journey of getting there.

Images of Rwanda (in my head), apart from the Gorillas and history about the genocide were:
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Sorghum Wheat: My first time seeing it...a lot of it in Rwanda :)

Yellow oil like chili oil : Do not underestimate this mild looking substance, it is really spicy.

Odd Looking mosque
Loads of banana tress
.and the tasty grilled chicken with long legs and wings, which I believe until today that it was not chicken that we had for dinner that night...
Author: Yellow Duckie
•22:23
I have to admit that the perfect combination for a long weekend in Kenya is a great road trip plus great company. This time, one of my dear friend has selected Lake Baringo to be our destination for pure pleasure and relaxation. Apart from the heat, this place is fits exactly what we were looking for.


The entire trip took us 4 hours to get to Kampi ya Samaki, the shore of Lake Baringo, from Nairobi. We were then transfered by a moderate speed boat to a "fanstasy island" where you will find absolute solitude from the outside world. However, if you do not want to be disturbed, you might want to toss your phone into the lake while you are being trasnfered from the shore as phone coverage on this island is good.


Jetty

The tents at Island camp (www.islandcamp.co.ke/location_en.htm) where we stayed were surprisingly in good condition and the bathrooms are clean. With the low season in tow, we almost had the whole camp site to ourselves.


By the pool
If you think swimming in the lake, you better forget about it as this place is a haven for the the hungry crocodiles that would be delighted to have you in between their powerful jaw. Besides the murky water is not that inviting anyway. Stick to the pool 3m pool in the campsite is my advise to you.


View point
One of the most enjoyable activities I find is the walk through the village nearby. Instead of having to pay 10 USD to visit a commercial Masai village, we get to stroll into a live village where everyone were running about doing their own business and throw curiousity looks as we passed by without any harrassment. I was told that they were known as the Sea Masai as fishing is part of their survival skills instead of hearding cows.


Smoked Fish


Guitar

At night, the path in the campsite is well lighted and the lighting effects is breathtaking. Do be cautious as there are alot of creepy crawlies along the way, as close as you can be to nature I would say.

Tent

Like many islands which carries a legend to magnified the mysterious character of the island, there is an uncharted island right opposite this island, known as the Devil's Island. According to the locals, if you happen to be in that particular island alone at night, you will hear your name being called. It was also said that screaming can be heard and fire sightings in the island, however, no one has even witness it.
Friendly visitor
I strongly recommend this place if you are looking for a great relaxing weekend.