Three Ladies and a Tent – Ngare Ndare Forest

For my 24th birthday, I decided to take a camping trip to lush indigenous Ngare Ndare forest in Laikipia County with two of my girlfriends, Celia and Camilla; the FANTASTIC Cs!

Ngare Ndare from Nairobi is about a four hour journey. Our trip was lengthened by two hours by a detour through my lush hometown; Meru. As we raced past endless green carpets of tea plantations, the cool fresh air brushing against my face was a welcome escape from the city life. “Welcome home,” it said, “Don’s stay away too long next time.” A quick stop at my grandfather’s cafe’ in Meru town was inevitable. The overflowing plates of pilau, chapati, ndengu as he sang to us Meru folk songs and told of us the story of how he wooed my cucu at a local dance made it worth all the while.

As all amazing trips go, we got lost on our way to the camping site and therefore only arrived a few minutes past 6pm. The sun was setting fast and we needed enough light to set up our bedroom for the night. it is at this point that I must mention that we had absolutely no clue how to set up a tent.

As you can see, we delegated duties quite fairly. I take my supervisory role very seriously.

About an hour later we figured out how to put up something that looked remotely close to our tent. We were content and quite pride of ourselves if I might add.

Our night was spectacular. We tried to take pictures of the night sky but unfortunately could not get a good shot. We all agreed that it was the most beautiful starry sky we had ever seen. We sat for hours by the bonfire gazing at the sky that was an entire blanket of thousands of stars! I can’t fully describe how incredible it was!!! Magical!!!

Sleepy eyes enjoying a wide array of fruits, our last drops of drinking water, matoke crisps and juice. Ready for a day of adventure at the foothill of Mt Kenya! Or not. You be the judge. Breakfast conversation mainly entailed Celia alleging to have heard and seen all manner of animals in the night. She was especially emphatic about laughing hyenas but Camilla and I were pretty sure that was the sound of us laughing. The debate was inconclusive.

We were misinformed that the camping site has a shower facility. But oh well, we got to brush our teeth. Much needed after all the matoke crisps we ate.

All fear of heights was put to the test on the swinging bridge. Don’t look down!

The aerial bridge is 450m long and 40ft high. If you’re lucky you get to see elephants walking past below! How amazing is that!

 

The spectacular waterfalls!

No bathing suit? No problem! We couldn’t resist a swim!

This was definitely one for the books! I’d highly recommend this trip. All you need is a weekend or two days and you’ll have an amazing break surrounded by incredible nature.