Keeping Wanderlust Local

Whoop! Whoop! Today’s post marks the beginning of a new series on this site: Tembea Kenya. A bit cliché huh? Well, unlike how it’s thoroughly misused on Instagram, I intend to stay true to the meaning of this hashtag by actually going around Kenya and discovering the lovely gems it has to offer. 🙂

What’s the first thing you think of when someone mentions travelling? Let me guess: Passports? Flight tickets? Far off locations? Boat-loads of money? You’re not alone. Since when did wanderlust mean having to leave the country just to get a piece of this elusive magic. You can actually experience wanderlust in your own home country. We are so quick to fantasize about fantastic places such as the romantic Parisian cafés in France or the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean when in reality, we’ve got some pretty amazing places right here.

To illustrate how badly this thinking affects us, I’m going to confess something of my own. I’ve never been to the Mara. Yes, it’s shameful. I mean, it’s one of the wonders of the world! Don’t worry though, it’s firmly on the top of my list of Kenyan treasures to visit, you can check it out below. It’s short (for now) but it’s an open one. I’d appreciate if you could leave any suggestions you have in the comments. (I’ve kept out coastal gems on purpose, at least i can proudly say i’m generally well acquainted with the Kenyan Coast)

1. The Maasai Mara
2. Giraffe Manor & Giraffe Centre
3. Sagana. White-water rafting has been on my bucket list for the longest time.
4. Ngare Ndare Forest
5. Rolf’s Place
6. Maasai Ostrich Farm
7. Ngong Hills
8. Mount Longonot. This time, a walk around the perimeter of the crater instead of the usual climb up and back down.

I kicked things off with a pretty epic pace; Hell’s Gate and Olkaria Geothermal Spa. If you grew up in Kenya, chances are you went to these two spots on a school trip or even a family road trip…well, maybe not Olkaria because that came up recently.

I’d really recommend taking a hike through the gorges of Hell’s Gate. The scenery is really something. You’ll probably recall it from the Lion king, yeah, let the tears flow. I’m still bitter about Mufasa’s death. Don’t let that deter you from making it all the way to the ‘Devil’s Bedroom’.

The large blue pools at Olkaria receive geothermal water straight from the surrounding geothermal plant making a swim quite therapeutic. You won’t want to leave the water. However, there is a strong smell of sulphur, which you get used to within the first 20 minutes spent there.

While we were having lunch, two giraffes popped up in the distance to munch on some tree-tops. Don’t you just love how elegant they are? Shame I couldn’t get a photo. Some awe-struck folks got too close and obviously, resulted in them running away.

All in all, it was a wonderful excursion, not to mention a great start to my #tembeakenya challenge! I challenge you too! Don’t forget to like, comment and share. And of course, suggest some spots I can add to my list.

— Ivy xx