Turkana Land is where you can relax kabissa! ‘Kabissa’ means ‘completely’ in Swahili language. It boasts miles upon miles of palm fringed, unspoiled sandy beaches on the shores of Lake Turkana, the world‘s biggest permanent desert lake. Swimming in its slightly alkaline waters cures many skin ailments, making it a giant natural spa.
For those who are fascinated by the fundamental questions of who we are and where we come from, there is no better place to follow the traces of our ancestors. Some of the most significant archeological findings of pre- and early manhood have been made here, and Turkana Land righteously claims the title Cradle of Mankind. This is the place where all humans stem from – so: Welcome back home!
In many ways you can regard Turkana Land as largely unexplored which offers you an opportunity to make your own discoveries and experience true adventures like nowhere else. Enjoy the open spaces and breathe freely, something which is getting hard to find in other regions of Kenya and the world.
Highlighted below are some of the amazing attractions that Turkana has to offer which can easily be explored in three circuits.
A unique cultural wealth
There are view places remaining in Africa of today where you can witness a traditional culture of such beauty and integrity. The Turkana culture is vivified by a unique wealth of dresses, hairstyles, jewellery, sayings, tales, songs, craftsmanship and knowledge. A visit to Turkana Land offers you the chance to experience the fascinating pastoralist way of life.
Rewarding hiking and rock climbing
There are many mountains, such as Silali Volcano, Loima Hills, Mogila Range or the Lokichar Hills that invite you for rewarding rock climbing and hiking tours. As camels are abundant in Turkana Land, you might also decide to use them as a support for carrying your equipment. Just be prepared to act as your own trail blazer and you will have the trip of your life time. These are truly virgin grounds which are waiting to be conquered by YOU!
Water games
Lake Turkana, the infamous Jade Sea offers a huge potential for water sporting, whether you love swimming, boat riding or fishing trips. You could also do a sailing cruise with fishing dhows or try balancing on a traditional raft. Winds are favourable for both, wind surfing and kite surfing, though for the time being you will have to bring your own equipment along.
Come, play in the wild!
The vast lands of Turkana are a no-limits playground for cross bike riders, 4WD fanatics and GPS freaks, plus anybody else who loves to be out in the bunduz. Make the campfire your kitchen, starry skies your ceiling and the freedom to move in any direction at any time a normality.
Experience real wilderness
Turkana Land is a wide and a wild country, where to the south, especially within the South Turkana National Reserve, elephant, leopard, oryx antelope, gazelle, warthog as well as an exceptionally high number of Kori bustard roam. Along the border with South Sudan in the extreme northwest, the massive savannah grassland of the Lotikipi Plains forms another haven for wildlife which is currently undergoing gazetting as National Reserve and definitely is worth visiting.
An island out of this world
A wilderness with an out-of-this-world flair is Central Island National Park, the home of thousands of birds and crocodiles in the middle of Lake Turkana. Three crater lakes talk of the volcanic origin of Central Island, one offering a home to flamingos, another to tilapia fish and the third to crocodiles. Ferguson Gulf near Kalokol with an abundance in pelicans, flamingos and other waterfowl is a bird watcher’s paradise and so are many other spots of Turkana, making it a prime destination for ‘birdies’.
Shopping of traditional handicrafts
If you want to treat yourself and shop something beautiful to take home with you, you will find plenty of artful traditional jewelry, like the colorful necklaces of Turkana women or the carved wooden elders’ stools on sale almost everywhere. Equally typical is the skilful basketry woven by Turkana women from dried doom palm leaves. The basketry market in the centre of Lodwar probably offers the best choice.
It’s finally here! June 23-26, all roads lead to Naivasha for the 2022 World Rally Championships (WRC) Safari Rally. The event which is listed as one of the 13 rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship promises a tantalizing experience; competitors can expect challenging closed dirt roads, rocky and rutted tracks and unpredictable weather which could transform dry and dusty trails into glutinous mud baths.
Stages
Thursday lunchtime’s traditional Safari start in the heart of Nairobi is followed by a side-by-side super special in the afternoon at Kasarani, north-east of the city centre.
Friday’s opening leg visits the northern and southern shores of Lake Naivasha. The forested Loldia in the north is followed by Geothermal and Kedong to the south. At 31.25km, Kedong is the longest stage of the rally and a Safari test of old. After service, all three are repeated to bring the day’s total to 124.20km.
Roads further north around Lake Elmenteita host Saturday’s 134.90km of action. It opens with an extended Soysambu, followed by Elmenteita’s oft-used tracks in the Delamere Estate and Sleeping Warrior, set in the shadow of a hill that resembles a Maasai warrior lying down. The trio are driven for a second time after service.
Sunday’s finale returns south of Lake Naivasha. Oserian lies in the Oserengoni Wildlife Conservancy Estate, which is home to lions, leopards, giraffes, antelope and buffalo. It is followed by Narasha and Hell’s Gate and after service the trio are driven again. The second pass of Hell’s Gate, which finishes amid stunning scenery at Fishers Tower, forms the Wolf Power Stage. The six tests add up to 99.62km.
The 19 stages total 363.44km.
Iconic Stage
Saturday’s Soysambu stage. It is classic Safari with a little bit of everything that made this event so legendary and has been extended by 9km to almost 30km. A couple of river crossings near the finish with steep entries and exits, mud trucks on standby to pull anyone clear who gets stuck, big straights, flowing corners, rocky climbs, rough compressions and hard lava roads. What’s not to like?
Amidst the adrenaline rush, don’t forget to take a moment to soak in the stunning picture-postcard scenery and keep a look out for the exotic wildlife.
We have such an exciting city, thriving as a frenetic concrete jungle with lots of art and culture, fantastic social initiatives and a fascinating nightlife scene. Urban explorers would be more than ecstatic about this energetic cosmopolitan we call Nairobi. Something is always going on! It’s a vibrant city with so many varied activities woven into its web.
Amidst all this buzz however, there are certain quaint places that tell a story of this city’s past. Places that might just slip by you if you aren’t keen enough. The tale of this modern, upbeat, Kenya’s capital, sits pretty in various unassuming sites, which promise to serve a pleasant surprise when explored.
To get a proper feel of Nairobi at its essence, you have to immerse yourself into its glorious preceding times and pay homage to a place that began as a rail depot on the Uganda – Kenya Railway.
Let’s dive into and appreciate five (5) heritage attractions that allow historical enthusiasts to explore our capital’s chronicles and also serve as remembrance of their great architectural, aesthetic and historical importance.
1. Nairobi Railway Museum
This museum is dedicated to the history of the country’s rail network. As mentioned earlier, Nairobi saw its inception as a rail depot. Nairobi Railway Museum, housed in the former East African Railway offices, showcases an intriguing collection of artifacts, models of railway engines and a variety of exhibits illustrating the construction of the railway.
Within the museum yard, you will also get to experience a number of steam and some early diesel locomotives which operated as part of what was then the Kenya-Uganda Railway. Look out for the “man-eaters of Tsavo” tale in one of these locomotives. The very carriage from which a British superintendent was dragged by these beasts is on display here.
Entry Requirements
Category
Rate
Non-resident adult
Kes 600 (6 USD)
Non-resident student
Kes 300 (3 USD)
Resident adult
Kes 500
Resident student
Kes 200
Non-resident / Resident child
Kes 100
Citizen adult
Kes 200
Citizen student/child
Kes 100
Reserch Fee
Kes 1000
Payment only by Mpesa or Visa Card
Timings: Open Daily: 8am – 5pm (Including weekends and public holidays)
Photography is strictly forbidden unless confirmed by the establishment.
2. Kenya National Archives
Just a few blocks from the Nairobi Railway Museum, the Kenya National Archives sits quite conspicuously in downtown Nairobi. Amidst the modern skyscrapers in the city, this colonial building is not to be missed. Inside the doors of what we commonly refer to as just Archives, formerly the Bank of India, lies a treasure trove of approx. 40,000 public historical records and archives that go as far back as the pre-colonial era.
The ground floor of the Kenya National Archives building also houses the Murumbi Gallery (named after Joseph Murumbi, Kenya’s second vice president) which contains traditional weapons, ceremonial artifacts, furniture, textiles, musical instruments, fine arts, contemporary paintings, among other goodies collected in the 19th century. The gallery is currently the largest Pan-African art gallery in Africa. The collected artifacts were acquired by the government of Kenya after a concessionary arrangement was agreed upon with Joseph Murumbi, who had initially turned down several huge offers to buy his collections by overseas bidders.
If you are a history buff and stamp collection is kind of your thing, you will especially love this place.
Entry Requirements
The exhibitions are open to the public at a small fee of Kes 50 for citizens and residents, and Kes 200 for non-residents. If you would like to use their library services, they also charge a membership fee of Kes 200.
Timings: Open Daily 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Advance booking is required for schools and other institutions
3. Nairobi National Museum
Looking to dive in more into the Kenyan heritage? The Nairobi National Museum is your go to. Built in 1929, this is the flagship museum for the National Museums of Kenya, housing celebrated collections of Kenya’s History, Nature, Culture and Contemporary Art present for both educational and leisure purposes. Perhaps what’s even more impressive here are the in the early man section, where actual fossils, discovered in the country, are displayed. This includes the fossil of a proconsul that dates back 18 million years, which encouraged archaeologists to consider Kenya as the birthplace of humankind.
In addition to the museum, visitors are treated to a variety of shopping and dining facilities, as well as botanical gardens that offer a serene environment. The artworks and materials used in the fabrication of outdoor sculptures, the landscaping and the botanic gardens, link to the four pillars of Kenya’s national heritage i.e. nature, culture, history and contemporary art.
While here, you can also visit the Nairobi snake park founded in 1961 within the botanical garden. Hosted here are 20 different snake species, an aquarium and crocodiles, among other reptiles and amphibians.
Entry Requirements
Admission Hours Timings: Monday to Sunday: 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. All year round including public holidays and weekends.
The entry fee for Kenyan Citizens is Ksh150 per child and Ksh300 per adult, this is a combined National Museum and Snake Park entry fee.
Night Tours Exclusive for organized groups for a minimum of 10 people, a request can now be made through advance bookings for night tours through publicrelations@museums.or.ke.
Timings: The Museum will be open between 6:00pm – 10:00pm except when there is a privately held function.
NIGHT TOUR RATES
Category
Citizen – Kenya (Kes)
Residents – East Africa (Kes)
Non‐ Residents (Kes)
TOUR PACKAGE
Adults
500
1000
2000
Below 16 years
250
500
1000
GUIDED TOUR
Minimum 10pax
Adults
1000
2000
2000
Below 16 years
500
1000
1000
Combination Tickets
Discounted joint tickets are available to purchase at Nairobi National Museum that include admission to the Snake Park.
Citizen Adults Kes. 300 (save Kes. 100)
Child below 16 years Kes. 150 (save Kes. 50)
Resident Adults Kes. 600 (save Kes. 400)
Child below 16 years Kes. 300 (save Kes. 300)
Non-Resident Adults Kes. 1,500 (save Kes. 900)
Child below 16 years Kes. 1,000 (save Kes. 200)
4. Nairobi Gallery
Built in 1913, what is presently Nairobi Gallery was the Old PC’s office building fondly referred to as ‘Hatches, Matches and Dispatches’ because of the births, marriages and deaths that were recorded here. Today, the building is a National Monument and serves as a museum holding temporary art exhibitions
Divided into 6 main rooms, each containing a different collection, the Nairobi Gallery houses the Murumbi African Heritage Collection and temporary art exhibitions. It is also the location of Point Zero, from which all distances were measured in Kenya.
Inside the Joseph and Sheila Murumbi Room, items collected and used by the Murumbis are on display. Joseph Murumbi and his wife collected African artefacts and the works of African artists. In 1976, they sold the collection to the Kenyan Government. It became available to the public in 2013.
Entry Requirements
Category
Citizen – Kenya (Kes)
Residents – East Africa (Kes)
Non‐ Residents (Kes)
Adults
150
600
1,000
Below 16 years
100
400
500
Timings: Open Daily at 8:30am – 5:30pm.
5. Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
Kenya’s largest Memorial Park, Uhuru (Swahili word for freedom) Gardens was declared a National Monument in 1966. Of importance to note is that it is Kenya’s birthplace. This is where the first Kenyan flag was raised marking the very first year of independence on the 12th December 1963.
Within the garden are two monuments commemorating Kenya’s independence, and a Mugumo (fig) tree. The first and most important of the two is a 24-metre high monument supporting a pair of clasped hands and a dove of peace and a statue of soldiers raising the Kenyan flag on one side depicting Kenya’s struggle and declaration of independence. The second monument is a fountain erected in 1983 marking the 20th anniversary of Kenya’s independence.
The Mugumo tree is symbolic as it was planted on the spot where the Union Jack (British flag) was brought down and Kenya’s national flag was first hoisted.
In addition to the historical significance, Uhuru Gardens continues to attract various events as a recreational park. It is popular as a rest area for families and friends, a must visit for schools and in recent times has gained popularity as an events venue for corporate launches, concerts, weddings, film location just to name a few.
Entry Requirements
Entry to the Garden is free but car parking fee is Kes 200
Taking a trip to the United States is something some Kenyans aspire to as a dream destination – Over 75 million tourists visit the United States each year. While some wish to visit places they see in the movies like Las Vegas and Washington DC, I aimed to tour the main fascinating sites in the country. This included attractions like Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Santa Fe in New Mexico,Fort Collins in Colorado, and Winston-Salem in North Carolina, among others.
I wanted to cover as much ground as possible. So before I flew out, I sat down and crafted my most desired destinations and things I would like to do once I landed. Doing so came in handy since I ended up having a fascinating time in America.
Here is a list of places I toured while I was in the United States.
1. Sequoia National Park In California
The first day was a bit slow since I had to unpack and acclimatize. I spent most of my time in my hotel room, relaxing. I later took a stroll and had a nice dinner at an exquisite restaurant nearby.
The next day I started my adventure, and the first place I decided to visit is the Sequoia National Park in California. The park is not only among the best places to visit in the US but also one of the most rated parks in the country. Sequoia boasts of a remarkable landscape that consists of giant sequoia trees. Mount Whitney gives the park a spectacular backdrop and adds glamour to the site. I passed by the General Sherman Tree, which is thousands of years old before I left.
2. MacKerricher State Park In California
MacKerricher State Park is famous for many things, including rare plant species as well as whales. But then, among the top reasons for including the park on my list was to see the famous glass beach.
The first time I heard of glass beach I swore I was going to visit the site when the time was right. The idea of a beach covered with sea glass was stunning. The site is marvelous and one of the places to visit if you want to have a lovely day. I stuck around until sunset and left for my hotel.
3. The Living Desert Zoo In Palm Desert
The next day I spent time at the Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert. The attraction site offers a vast array of activities, including animal shows and hiking trails. I also took my time to visit the wildlife hospital, where I got some insight into how to treat animals. I also found the mountain lions and cheetahs a bit scary and amazing to watch.
I finished off at the botanical garden where I saw plants I have come across in Africa. The whole experience was fulfilling.
4. Route 66
While in California, I also got to see part of route 66, which I learned stretches from Illinois. Throughout its stretch, the highway goes through eight states and a total of three time zones, making it one of the most popular routes in the United States of America.
If you’re a machine enthusiast or an avid motorcyclist who loves to ride, that’s the route you should explore.
Before calling it a day, I passed by a millennium restaurant and had a delectable vegan meal, which I washed down with a glass of refreshing juice.
5. The Wave In Arizona
On my fifth day, I took a trip to Arizona to visit The Wave. The sandstone rock formation remains to be a spectacular site that attracts huge crowds every day. The Wave also provides a perfect hiking spot for anyone who loves taking long walks while enjoying a breathtaking landscape.
You should, however, be quick since only twenty permits are given out in a day. The slopes of Coyote Buttes provide a great view making the region one of the best attractions in the States.
I also visited the Grand Canyon to see if it is as legendary as advertised. The place is dreamlike. I could only manage to set foot on the South Rim where I biked. I then took a helicopter tour to get a better view.
6. The Kennedy Space Center In Florida
The Americans were the first people to land on the moon, and so I had to see how they made that happen. That is why I went over to Orlando to have a look at the National Aeronautics center. The place is fantastic and sophisticated at the same time. At the visitor complex, you will see all sorts of space equipment.
7. Rhodes Island
My seventh day in the country was more about music and vibe, and that is why it found me in the city of music festival, Newport in Rhodes Island. At the place, people worship music, and I found it fantastic given that I often listen to jams whenever I want to clear my head.
8. Washington Park In Portland
I wanted my eighth day to be peaceful. That is why I saved Washington Park for last, and it worked perfectly fine. The gardens in the area are beguiling, and the impressive landscape is enough to make your day better.
I also stopped by the Farma medical clinic, which is one of the top cannabis dispensaries in Oregon. They also have some of the best strains.
With so much happening in this field in the US, I thought it was a must-visit to explore what cannabis offers to the medical world. The place is fantastic with amazing finishes. Bright lights enhance the beauty of this place multiple times.
9. Yellow Stone In Wyoming
It was not until I visited the yellow stone that I realized it was the first national park in America. The attraction has a fantastic landscape with breathtaking sites. I found places like the steaming geysers, hot springs and the long trails to be incredible. You can also book a tour guide and have yourself driven through the Lamar and Hayden valleys. I found the place fun and exciting, given that I am a nature lover.
10. The Statue Of Liberty
Leaving the United States without visiting the Statue of Liberty is one mistake that I was not going to make. I thus decided to make my last days exclusive by flying to New York which is easily one of the most happening places for planning a vacation.
The copper statue is phenomenal. Staircases are available to get you to the balcony where you can observe the stature better. The tickets were however limited, and it is only by luck that I got one.
Final Words
Throughout my visit, I learned that the US is a fascinating country with many attraction centers which are not only fun but exciting to visit. I also noticed that if you don’t have a plan, you may find it hard choosing which place to visit and which one to spare for your next visit. My adventure was not only successful but also splendid.
33 years ago, a movement began. Catalyzed by the desire to see a trash free coastline, the international coastal cleanup was born in Texas geared by two individuals; Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara.
What may have seemed then like just a small project has since sparked into a great movement spanning across the globe with volunteers from over 100 countries joining in, coming a long way from the first cleanup with just a handful of volunteers. What makes the international coastal cleanup outstanding is that volunteers do not just pick up trash but also go a step further to record each item collected on a standardized data card in order to identify ways to eliminate ocean trash in the future.
This year, Kenyan locals along the Indian Ocean coastline came out in numbers to show their resolve of beating plastic pollution in our beaches. Led by the Kenyan team coordinators – Ocean Conservancy has coordinators in all countries involved in the ocean conservancy – the Kenyan cleanup was segmented into various beach cleanup sites with the main event culminating in a ceremony at Mama Ngina Drive. Zuru Kenya helped coordinate and took part in the Kikambala Beach cleanup.
Pictures below highlight the successful event that took place across the entire coastline. We are grateful for all those who came out to help clean our coast and create more awareness to the effect of pollution on our oceans.
Kids from Braeburn School cleanup Jumba ruins Mtwapa
International coastal cleanup ceremony at Mama Ngina Drive
Registration of volunteers in Kikambala
A volunteer counting trash collected
Mtepeni ward MCA – Kilifi South also took part in the cleanup, taking trash to the garbage truck
Turn up in Kikambala was impressive
Volunteers being awarded their participation certificates
Briefing before the cleanup
Students showcase their certificates in Kilifi
Nyali beach team
Trash collected in Shimoni awaiting pick up by garbage truck
National Museums of Kenya and The Murumbi Trust presents an exhibition of artworks by nine acclaimed women of East Africa, titled “Pioneer Women of the Arts.” The exhibition which launches on Sunday, September 9 at 2:00pm, at the Nairobi Gallery in Nairobi, Kenya led by AMB. Amina C Mohamed, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Education, will highlight works from legendary East African artists; Margaret Trowell, Joy Adamson, Magdalene Odundo, Rosemary Karuga, Geraldine Robarts, Robin Anderson, Yony Wai-Te, Nani Croze, and Theresa Musoke. The exhibition will be open through to December 8, 2018.
Attendees of the opening ceremony should expect a thrilling performance by PAPILLON, a young Kenyan musician and protégé of the world-famous Kenyan musician Ayub Ogada. PAPILLON creates his own instruments inspired by African instruments thousands of years old and writes his own music in an effort to preserve authentic Kenyan music not influenced by Western rap and hip hop. PAPILLON follows in the footsteps of Kenya’s African Heritage Festival, founded by Alan Donovan, which travels the world with its cast of models, musicians, acrobats, stilt walkers, hair dressers, chefs and others.
Each artist showcased in “Pioneer Women of the Arts” was selected based on the various paths that have paved their existence in the art realm, and their earned acclaim through their unique struggle. These female artists have generated a significant impact on the art and culture of East Africa.
African Arts and Crafts by Margaret Trowell
Trowell, with her six books and art school at the prestigious Makerere University in Uganda, which was the best in the region – and perhaps all of Africa, is undoubtedly an influential pioneer artist and teacher to whom all artists in East Africa owe a debt. Her main goal in creating art, Trowell said, was to “make it plain that art is of the people and natural to the people.”
Gabra Woman by Joy Adamson
Adamson, conceivably best known for her children’s books and later TV series “Born Free,” has also had a tremendous impact on the preservation of African culture. Throughout her travels, Adamson realized that she must paint the people of Kenya in their many tribal dresses before they were abandoned for Western wear and imports. She spent six and a half years living in all parts of Kenya during this pursuit after the Kenyan Government commissioned her to make a comprehensive record of all the traditional dress and ornaments of the people of Kenya.
Pot by Magdalene Odundo
Odundo holds the highest position in international arts of any East African, as Chancellor of the University of Creative Arts in the UK. She has received an OBE by the Queen of England for her service to the arts, and has achieved international acclaim for her ceramic and glass works, which have been collected in museums globally. Odundo is known for being one of the world’s greatest contemporary potters.
Work by Rosemary Karuga
Karuga was the first woman to attend the prestigious Makerere University School of Fine Arts. She has exhibited her works with the leading artists of the continent and has been a mentor to world-renowned ceramicist Magdalene Odundo. Karuga pioneered a unique form of collage using local materials, and was eventually given a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the art world.
The Birds by Geraldine Robarts
Robarts has lifelong experience as a painter and University Lecturer in Fine Arts, including Makerere University and Kenyatta University. She is always pushing the boundaries of what paint, color, and new materials can achieve, and loves exploring the world to bring her inimitable style to her creations. Robarts is also a prominent worker with grassroots women’s groups in Kenya and has worked to bring art, health, and economic opportunities to communities who had previously struggled to survive.
Silk Batik by Robin Anderson
Anderson has made a lasting impact on the art world of East Africa, perhaps most famously as the co-founder of the leading East African contemporary art gallery, Gallery Watatu, which served as a platform for serious contemporary art in East Africa with recurrent exhibitions by leading artists. Inspired by the people and wildlife of Kenya, Anderson was a forerunner for what became a burgeoning industry of batiks in South Africa with her elegant batiks on silk.
Painting by Yony Wai-Te
Wai-Te is most famous for co-founding the first major contemporary art gallery in East Africa, Gallery Watatu, which has become the leading contemporary art gallery in the region. Her wildebeest and wildlife paintings populate hotels and public buildings throughout East Africa and have gained her an international following and reputation synonymous with the safari style of the region. Through her Wildebeests Workshops, Wai-Te has worked and trained many East African women’s groups and artists.
Stained Glass Mosaic by Nani Croze
Croze, as an artist, educator, and environmentalist, has brought another dimension to the art of East Africa. Founder of the Kitengela Glass Research and Training Trust, a center for recycling used glass into art, Croze has conducted numerous glass training workshops for young women from Kibera slums creating glass beads, pottery, and mosaics. Her monumental stained-glass and recycled glass works appear in numerous public spaces, including the courtyard and entry of the National Museums of Kenya.
Painting by Theresa Musoke
Musoke was one of the first women to obtain a degree from Makerere University at a time when very few African women were attending University. Her distinctive works romanticizing wildlife in a moody mixture of abstract batik and oil paintings have won Musoke great acclaim. She also taught art at Makerere and other leading art institutions in East Africa.
About National Museums of Kenya National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is a state corporation established by an Act of Parliament, the Museums and Heritage Act 2006. NMK is a multi-disciplinary institution whose role is to collect, preserve, study, document and present Kenya’s past and present cultural and natural heritage. This is for the purposes of enhancing knowledge, appreciation, respect and sustainable utilization of these resources for the benefit of Kenya and the world, for now and posterity. NMK’s mutual concern for the welfare of mankind and the conservation of the biological diversity of the East African region and that of the entire planet demands success in such efforts. In addition, NMK manages many Regional Museums, Sites and Monuments of national and international importance alongside priceless collections of Kenya’s living cultural and natural heritage. As an institution that must respond to the growing needs of the society, NMK is striving to contribute in a unique way to the task of national development.
About The Murumbi Trust The Murumbi Trust was established by Alan Donovan in 2003 to protect and preserve the art collection of Kenya’s second Vice President and famous art collector, Joseph Murumbi. As the continent’s greatest private collector of art, books, postage stamps, artifacts, textiles, jewelry, and everything African, Murumbi played a key role in the preservation of African heritage in Kenya. In 1972, he opened the continent’s first Pan African Gallery, with his wife Sheila and Alan Donovan, now the present Chairman of the Murumbi Trust. The gallery became and has remained a showcase of African culture and the largest organized supplier of arts and crafts from Africa to the rest of the world for over three decades.
About Alan Donovan Alan Donovan, co-founder of African Heritage Pan African Gallery in Nairobi and founder of African Heritage House, has been showing works by Pioneer artists of Africa for the past 5 years. Currently, Donovan hosts a Nigerian Festival that has been featured in several venues of Nairobi over the past year. The festival celebrates the 50th Anniversary of artwork from Oshogbo Nigeria and coincides with Donovan’s 50 years living in Africa, having arrived in Nigeria in 1967. He bought his first work of African contemporary art at Oshogbo in 1967 and has since worked closely with Nike Davies-Okundaye who is reviving the age-old textile arts of Nigeria. She opened Donovan’s present exhibition which features her handmade ADIRE indigo dyed textiles. Nike Davies-Okundaye now owns NIKE gallery in Lagos, the largest in Nigeria, and was recently featured by Richard Quest on CNN.
Whilst we all, overtime get bit by the travel bug, interests differ in relation to the sort of adventures we seek out. “Soaking in sun by the beach,” sort of vacation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! If it doesn’t involve some heart pumping and loss of breath, then there’s no point to it.
An adrenaline rush-free adventure for some people is the worst! This segment of adventure seekers is seemingly the reason behind the rise of outdoorsy, adrenaline pumping adventure providers in the country; The Forest Adventure Center being one of them.
Located in the heart of the Aberdare Ranges, in the Kereita Forest, Kiambu County, The Forest offers thrill seekers a playground of sorts.
The center’s accessibility – it’s only an hour away from Nairobi City – quickly caters to your urge to burst headlong into the great outdoors. For adrenaline junkies, being here is akin to a kid in a candy store. Whether you get your kicks mountain biking, ripping through the beautiful Kereita Forest or riding through the nature trails on a mighty horse, all we can say is that the Forest more than makes up for an otherwise “boring” laze at the beach.
We bet you by the time you are done scrolling down the list of activities offered at The Forest, you will have had it at the top of your bucket list faster than we can say…Let’s head to Kereita!
Zip line
Feel the rush of a world class adventure as you fly a total of 2.2 kilometers over spectacular views of forest canopies, guided by professional instructors maintaining the highest European Union safety standard regulations, with a carrying capacity of a maximum weight of 115kg and minimum height of 1.4m.
Fun fact: The oldest zippers yet at the Forest have been an 84 year old male and an 81 year old for female!
Paintball
Pick your team, get kitted out and start dodging… shoot or be spluttered in sticky paint in the most exhilarating activity at The Forest.
Archery
Ever pictured yourself as part of Robin Hood or the hunger games’ cast? Well, daydream no more… bow and arrow in hand, The Forest gives you an ample opportunity to test your “hero” skills.
Got good aim? Let’s see if you can really hit the bull’s eye! The Forest’s experienced instructors will train you to become a master archer in no time on their dedicated range.
Fair warning!! Archery can be addictive.
Mountain Biking
Enjoy kilometers of enchanting trails in nature on mountain bikes as you inhale crispy mountain air and soak in sweeping views. The Forest’s qualified instructors are on standby to fit you into the right mountain bikes and helmets.
E-bikes
Looking for that extra zing? Try the newest first ever Electric bikes to be offered in East Africa. Ride through those banked corners with that extra jolt of power.
Forest Rovers
Discover your adventurous side by zooming through The Forest on off road capable Forest Rovers, guided by professional instructors while maintaining the highest level of safety and fun. A few minutes to practice riding and you are ready to go.
Nature Walks
Inspiring and informative, a guide leads you through the forest and reveals its secrets.
Tree planting
Give back to the future by planting indigenous trees.
Fly Fishing
Love for fish comes alive at the Gatamaiyo River. Bring your own fishing gear and cast your rod to make a catch. Best done in the morning when the fish are hungry.
Foot golf
Play a game that combines the distinction, elegance and precision of Golf with the passion, energy and fun of football in a marvelous sport full of life. Try your best shot and putt a football with the fewest kicks possible.
CHALLENGE: Can you get a hole in one?
Horse Riding
The Forest on a horse back WOW! This activity is available to experienced riders as well as first timers.
Camping
Enjoy star-lit nights at The Forest in a serene and secure environment sitting round a campfire. Each camp site has its own guards, fire-wood, pit latrines and bush showers. Make your camping experience memorable!
Team Building
Talent wins games but team work and intelligence wins championships. With custom made activities, The Forest facilitates coming together as a family, group of friends as well as enhances cohesiveness and team work in the office.
The Forest has made the extraordinary nature in its reaches accessible to thrill seekers through endless numbers of trails and adventure pumping adventures. What’s even more exciting about The Forest is that all activities on offer are pretty affordable and well worth every dime. This center offers child-friendly adventures too!
Alongside the affordable wide range of activities that will cater to your spirit of adventure, the Forest also affords you finger licking delicacies flattering to your taste buds. That said, the Forest Adventure Center is an absolute must-visit with guaranteed heart-thumping and total adrenaline rush!
In our previous post, we touched on sports betting and how it is currently transforming thousands of lives with just a little cash investment coupled with some betting technical know-how. We also put it across as a possible viable option to easily make money for your future travels. One of the tips that we cited as being beneficial to making you the most out of your wager was taking advantage of bonuses and promotions that give you extra value for your money. Betin Kenya offers you one such advantage and you can easily unlock your bonuses using the Betin Kenya Promotion Code. What we did not highlight however is the impact it has on the banters (individuals partaking in betting) and the Kenyan Market in general.
The multi-million industry that is sports betting has seen a booming growth in Kenya thanks to millions of sports lovers – football fanatics – who are betting heavily. This has as a result seen the rise of a good number of betting companies open shop in the country with proponents arguing that the industry is quite beneficial to our economy.
A quick look into the market indicates that a majority of the people engaging in sports betting fall within the youth bracket. Taking a stroll along the Kenyan streets on a football weekend, will bring you across a plethora of youths gathered around their local sports bars enjoying matches while putting up wagers on their favorite teams. Aside from majorly betting over smart phones, some companies have set up several betting parlors where one gets to watch their match and place their bets as they await their results.
Image: Bizna Kenya
Aside from making money from wager winnings, proponents of sports betting seem to be on to something, since as evidenced by the betting parlors, the industry is indeed beneficial to the economy by helping create hundreds of job opportunities to individuals who man said parlors.
Kenyan youth seem to be of the notion that sports betting is doing more good and not necessarily harm; transforming the lives of many with just a few Kenyan shilling per bet. It seems to be quite lucrative too. Imagine getting thousands of returns, well even millions, from as little as kshs50 investment.
The benefits of sports betting are not realized by the banters alone as evidenced by the numerous companies that have set up shop in the country. But what exactly is drawing thousands of youths into sports betting like moth to a flame?
Image: Betin Kenya
We generally conceive that unemployment is the major driver leading youth to sports betting. The promise of easy money when employment is hard to come by probably makes the “venture” seem like a viable source of income and occupation. Many unemployed youth have turned to sports betting as a form of making a living. However, it has not been all glory for everyone as many have had to come to terms with huge losses of money. Losing money that one cannot afford to lose is perhaps why some people view sports betting companies as “vultures” preying on the poor.
It should be understood though that the world of sports betting is that one of give and take; you win some, you lose some. If you place a bet on your favorite team and it loses then the platform you are betting with benefits as well as if your team wins then you benefit. This is very clear to the banter placing a bet. Individuals involved in sports betting therefore get into it knowing full well that they are not being taken advantage of. How much one is willing to spend is purely up to them and so, it is advisable that one know how to limit themselves.
Image: Betin Kenya
The proliferation of smart phones and ease of money transfer via mobile money has been a major driver in the growth of sports betting and penetration of international betting companies into the Kenyan Market. The easy accessibility to cash flow allows individuals to place as many bets as their credit allows and therein withdraw money as soon as their winnings are in their account. This understandably, aside from the high affinity towards sports – especially football, explains why a huge percentage of the youth in Kenya have tried their hand at betting.
Your 2018 travel bucket-list is all set. You are virtually halfway to your dream destination but there’s one constraint that threatens to bring your travel goals to a screeching halt; you have limited funds.
We are pretty sure that if Gordon Ogada shared similar concerns as you earlier in the year, he doesn’t have that problem anymore. If you are a little late to the bandwagon, welcome to the world of sports betting. Paul Gordon Ogada, is the newest multi-millionaire in Kenya thanks to sports betting; scoring himself a mega jackpot prize worth sh230 million (Sh230,742,881 to be exact!). What if like the latest millionaire in town and his other counterparts like Samuel Abisai who made home with winnings of sh221 million of the same jackpot, you came into some chunk of change by the stroke of lady luck and some betting skills of course?!
Is there a possibility that sports betting winnings could fund your future travels?! Yes definitely. As evidenced from the previous multi-million winners, the world is your oyster once you score yourself some big winnings. Your problems will suddenly shift from having limited funds to being spoilt for choice for travel destinations; how about that?!
Betting has taken Kenya by storm over the years – evidenced by the number of betting companies that have cropped up in the country since the inception of sports betting in 2014. It seems like an easy way to make money and the youth are definitely sold on it! Before you embark on it though, you should note that sports betting in itself is risk-affiliated and should be done sensibly. Now that we got that out the way, how about we give you some tips on how you can make the most of your bet so you can begin to jet set sooner rather than later aye?!
1. Shop around – Take advantage of bonuses and promos
The betting sector has become very competitive and one can easily get confused as to who they should bet with. Feel free to shop around, figure out the company with the best price in the market for you. You will find out that most sports betting sites offer bonuses to reward their customers for loyalty which is a major benefit that you should take advantage of. Be sure to also check out promos and special offers that give you extra value for your money. A good example of the solid benefits you can get from betting with the best priced sports betting companies in the market can be uncovered using the following code: Mybet partner code.
Keep it Simple: the fewer selections, the better
It is for sure tempting once you start off, to make complicated wagers to try to win big. However, it is advisable to stick to simple bets so you stand a better chance of winning as a beginner. Complicated wagers can be made later on once you gain some more experience.
3. Know your sport inside out
Well it makes absolutely no sense placing huge wagers on sports you know absolutely nothing about. Use your knowledge to your advantage; how well do your teams play in the offensive and defensive, are they really good or do they just get lucky, how well do you really know the sport to enable you to likely make accurate predictions and increase your stakes?!
Don’t bet with your heart
It’s hard not to because fans want to see their team win; but the truth of the matter is the favorite doesn’t always win! Betting with your head and not your heart puts you at a risk off of losing so much to the bookies.
5. Compare the odds
Before placing your wager, make sure to compare the available odds. It helps that you’d already shopped around (tip 1) and secured yourself several accounts in different betting sites. If you’ve got a few different accounts, you just need to see which site has the best odds for any wager you’re about to place and go with them. Over time, this can make a noticeable difference to how much money you win.
6. Be sure to keep records
Your chances of winning sky rocket when you are better placed to make an analysis of your betting behavior based on previous saved records. Your track record gives you an insight on what trend is winning you money and what isn’t so you can focus on getting more profits.
Thanks to sports betting, making money now need not be an uphill struggle; you don’t need to know nothing about sport or betting, anyone can do it and it’s free and easy to have a go. Your travel dreams are edging more and more closer. However, please keep in mind that you should only bet with money that you are comfortable losing. Otherwise, happy sports betting & happy travels!
Zuru Kenya 