With the sound of panting friends.
Get your minds out of the gutter.
Yesterday was my friend Sam‘s birthday. Earlier in the week, he’d suggested a trip to Ngong Hills. As the week progressed, we asked his housemate Sid (small world!) and my friend T to come along. Four’s a crowd and when all of you come armed with snacks, a party to boot.
We took a bus from the Met Department bus stop to Ngong Town, and then walked to the Ranger’s post at the foot of the hills, a hike by itself. Entry fees paid and apples consumed, we tackled the hills. And what a trip it was!
The views are amazing and references to Lion King flowed as we identified all the potential locations for a Pride Rock. Kenya’s largest telco also featured as we reminisced about a certain ad with great views they once aired.
This country is so beautiful and from that altitude, everything looks small and within reach. Nairobi’s sprawl, Ngong Town, Kiserian. Wherever we stopped after we had passed the Ranger’s post, we marvelled at the sights.
We stopped at the picnic site close to the Kengen site and had our snacks; a motley collection of food that would earn us few points for healthy eating. But, oh, what delights! And this: water goes with everything.
Views and conversations were enjoyed. Yours Truly having taken a break from her gumboots, we got back to the hills. Our goal: the ‘spaceship’ that marks the highest point. We panted like we were approaching death and we were happy to bump into a photographic pair who gave us a chance to catch our breath.
Sid took fantastic photos and I am honoured to post them here. When we got to the top, we saw rain falling on the plains before us. It was quite the sight and the sort of thing that is begging for someone to go shoot a film up there.
We took the long route back to Ngong Town, even though it always feels like the short one to me (I think I just like variety) and passed what I think of as The World’s Most Amazing Loo, facing over the plains with views to die for.
The last time I was on the hills was in July with my cousin to celebrate their 10th birthday. That I was back there on account of someone else’s birthday may just be a sign from the universe. Fun was had by all; and I cannot recommend Ngong Hills enough.
As always, the cold hard facts:
Getting there: Take a Ngong Town bus or matatu from Railways or Ngong Road and walk for 30 or so minutes to the Ranger’s Post (steep, steep, steep).
Cost: KSh 200 for Kenyan adults, KSh 600 for non-residents.
Note: This post is part of #CuminWrites366, my year-long attempt to write a post a day. Find the rest over at readability.com/cuminwrites/
Questions, comments, suggestions or travel spots close to the city you want explored? Send them to cuminwrites@gmail.com
~The Kenyan Nomad~ 