Charity Begins…With Sun-Chasing In Kinangop

Travel
Kinangop

Have you ever been to a place that instantly captivates you…in an enthralling, hard to explain, but no pressure kind of way?

There is a charm about Kinangop that is hard to put in words. You will instantly be blown away by its natural undisturbed beauty.

 

Kinangop… Charity Begins At Home.

Kinangop, which is in Nyandarua County, is about 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Nairobi, off the Nairobi-Naivasha Highway A104, and on Thika Gatura Road/C67.

One might easily write it off, because it is a rural area, consisting mainly of villages and farms. Yet,  its most riveting qualities lie in the nature of its unblemished lands and features. These days you will hardly find such places, especially close to Nairobi.

Kinangop_Sasumua_Dam

 

My sister and I were utterly mesmerized, when we went down for a family function. Though it was not our first time to go, it might as well have been…We knew we had to go back!

So it was not a surprise when, on one funky Friday evening, five of us bundled into my friend’s car for a road trip!  The night crept upon us rather quickly, and Google Maps came in handy! Closer home, in Njabini town, my aunt  directed us to her house via electricity poles. Yes, you read correct- electricity poles! We got a laugh out of it, but it turned out to be a very precise method. 😀 The electricity project is still ongoing in the area, with some parts still plunged in darkness.

 

Sun-Chasing, an Extreme Sport In Kinangop…

Like the typical ‘Nairobians’, we were awake by 6 am the next day, except not to dodge traffic…but to catch the sunrise. The folks warned us about the ‘Kinangop sun’, which is not to be relied upon. This is due to the characteristic cold temperatures which can go as low as 12 Degrees Celsius. Heavy, woolen sweaters and hot, steaming tea in kettles are common, to keep out the chills. It also happens to be one of the few places in Kenya where hail stones rain down, making it look like snow.

Still, feeling hopeful we set off towards the ‘dam’, on Sasumua stream, hoping to get the best view. The sun barely came out to play though, disappearing swiftly after it came up.

Fortunately, we got amazing shots of the sun-kissed horizon. It was simply breath-taking…even in its subtlety.

Nyandarua_CountyKinangop

 

We spent some time along the dam enjoying the luxury of the cold, early morning air.

For some reason, I was completely taken with the fence structures. It reminded me of what living in the countryside is actually like, compared to the city. Rusty barbed wire joined with tree branches or sticks, to make a fence, displaying a level of trust that city life has robbed us off.

Kinangop_Nyandarua_County

Kinangop_Nyandarua_County

 

The children, playing freely on the road, looked like they had not a care in the world…purely savoring life and making memories.

 

Kinangop_Nyandarua_CountyKinangop

Kinangop_Kenya

 

The Perfect Place To Unwind…

Kinangop is excellent to go on a long drive and get a fresh perspective on life. It is the perfect place to visit if you are used to programs and to-do lists… the beautiful change of scenery will ease your mind and perhaps, help you learn how to let go.

Kinangop_Sasumua_Dam

 

The next time you are on your way to Naivasha, consider taking a detour to Kinangop, or as you head to the Aberdare National Park. A bonus is that the people are super friendly, and will make you feel right at home!

For us, the trip served as a reminder about the truly significant things in life. Not to mention, the time with friends and family was refreshing!

Kinangop

 

I hope that at many points this year, you will stop in your tracks to remember what truly matters to you and the ones you love.

That in those moments, you will live- really live.

 

***

Travel Tips:
  • Stop for snacks on the Nairobi Naivasha Highway, before diverting to Kinangop.
  • Dress warmly as it gets very cold, but the sun can pleasantly surprise you 🙂
  •  Go with the flow.
  • Look out for part 2 of this post titled ‘Treasures On The Road To The Aberdares’.

Photography by: Wanjiku Thuo and Wacu Wamahiu

 


Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed our first-ever Blog post!

And welcome to the Scrapbook Journey’s tribe and family! Hit that Subscribe button on the left, so you never miss a post! 😀

 

<< Stay. Inspired. Always>>

 

 

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74 Comments

  • Reply
    Myles
    August 2, 2022 at 11:05 am

    Honestly apart from the coldness, the serenity in this place is really amazing. Nice article Marion!

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  • Reply
    Harry Kanyi
    August 15, 2016 at 10:53 am

    Wow, Dam, was officially our home. Went to school at Kimathi primary school, and later Njabini primary. It was one wonderful experience. I once drowned at dam, during ‘Duff Mpararo…’ I just love this place. Thanks for the review.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      August 18, 2016 at 5:59 pm

      Hi Harry! Oh wow, that’s great to read! Hahaha ‘dufo mpararo’ kweli! 😀 But that must have been freezing cold! It’s always nice to read from a true resident 😀 Thank you!

  • Reply
    David
    August 15, 2016 at 8:30 am

    Very interesting to read..I grew up in Njabini and sometime i wonder how did I survive the cold in the morning..Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work..

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      August 15, 2016 at 10:33 am

      Wow! I admire people who grew up in Njabini, because whoa! the cold weather is not a joke! Kudos to all of you! It’s always nice to read from someone who comes from there. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment 😀 🙂

  • Reply
    MS. mithamo
    May 12, 2016 at 4:52 pm

    Wow.. Such an amazing read. I felt like I was part of the experience. Love it..

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      May 12, 2016 at 5:36 pm

      And THANK YOU for letting me borrow your phone 🙂 Hehe 😀 Thanks for reading, and indeed you were part of the experience 🙂

  • Reply
    Fred
    May 6, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    So this is what we miss when we don’t step out.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      May 7, 2016 at 8:49 am

      Thanks Fred for reading 🙂 Yes indeed we should step out and get to see what is within our reach, that could potentially be amazing 😀

  • Reply
    Patricia Mithamo
    April 28, 2016 at 5:27 pm

    aaaw! thats my Shags cannot believe it Waah! @Marion, Wanjiku & Wacu good job gals go for it
    loving it

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 28, 2016 at 8:56 pm

      Thank you sis! Appreciate the comments! So very true, it is so beautiful! God’s gift 🙂

  • Reply
    anna
    April 27, 2016 at 12:18 am

    Such a lovely article. Gives me another idea of seeing the world.
    http://www.postcardsfromtheworld.com/

  • Reply
    Agy
    April 26, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    This is the life we robbed you off? Glad it was returned to you… A good writer you are.

  • Reply
    Edwin
    April 24, 2016 at 11:49 am

    Lovely place.
    Already in love with it.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Can’t wait to visit.

  • Reply
    Stanley
    April 22, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    indeed you’re a good explore keep it up my sis

  • Reply
    Stanley
    April 22, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    thanks marion for exploration the place we least think of visiting since we are used to places well know

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 23, 2016 at 8:48 am

      Yes Stanley! Thanks for reading! I am amazed at how beautiful and natural the place is!I hope we can all celebrate the other parts of Kenya that are just as beautiful but not widely known 🙂

  • Reply
    Moses Bidali
    April 22, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    I was South Kinangop last Month, The place with lost of vegetable gardens right? But was warned the rain can strike any moment kinda left in a hurry..:) you have brought back memories…

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 23, 2016 at 8:51 am

      Oh yes, that is it! They are also well known for growing potatoes, they do well in that region/weather. Sorry you left in a hurry, hope you will go again and take your time to see it in all its glory 🙂

  • Reply
    Carol
    April 22, 2016 at 11:31 am

    The pictures are breath taking!! Super job

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:42 am

      Thank you for reading! And all credit to the lovely ladies Wacu Wamahiu and Wanjiku Thuo for the pictures 😀 🙂

  • Reply
    Nesh Kanja Mithamo
    April 22, 2016 at 9:14 am

    Wow. That is one great read and information there. That is a must visit place for tranquility to rest and shed off the city life stress

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:44 am

      Thank you for reading! Yes, indeed it’s the kind of place to visit again and again 🙂 🙂

  • Reply
    blsd
    April 22, 2016 at 8:43 am

    You couldn’t have said it better about my home place. i make sure to go there monthly… but looking at it from a fresh eyes point… u made it look a whole lot of awesome. thank you

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:46 am

      Yaay! I am happy to have done it justice, even in a small way. It is a beautiful place and I have fallen in love with it. You are blessed to call it home 🙂 Thanks for reading 🙂

  • Reply
    Neema
    April 22, 2016 at 8:01 am

    This is a super beautiful read Marion! Go gal!

  • Reply
    Esther Nzula
    April 21, 2016 at 11:49 pm

    I am LITERALLY in love with your blog. You go and don’t stop for nothing. We definitely have to do a collaboration ey?

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:48 am

      Yesss!!! I agree 100%, we so need to do something together 🙂 Thanks for the feedback 🙂

  • Reply
    Esther Nzula
    April 21, 2016 at 11:46 pm

    I am LITERALLY in love with your blog. I’m so proud of you Marion. You go and don’t stop for nothing.
    We have to do a collaboration ey?

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:48 am

      Yesss!!! I agree 100%, we so need to do something together 🙂 Thanks for the feedback 🙂

  • Reply
    M'thunzi
    April 21, 2016 at 10:41 pm

    WooooooooW!!! I feel terrible rhat I relocated form Kenya without visiting this lovely , BEAUTIFUL place and yet I went all the way to Naivasha and Nakuru. This is exactly what I was searching for……..the kind of serene !!! Thank you for the BEAUTIFUL pics Wanjiku Thuo and Wacu Wamahiu……indeed Pictures can make one live a place never reached and thats what you have made me feel. Lovely writting as well, I could almost see myself in the place as I read.
    Great job guys…..keep excelling!!!!!

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:51 am

      Wow! I hope you get to come back again and visit this amazing place! Yes all credit to these amazing ladies Wacu Wamahiu and Wanjiku Thuo for capturing the essence of Kinangop through pictures!! Thanks alot, and I hope you will stay on here with us, on this journey 🙂

  • Reply
    naomi stella
    April 21, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    love it!! thé pics r so nice!!plus u write n u write well…keep it up!!#followingyou #notstalkerthings

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:54 am

      Thank you for reading and for the feedback! By all means please stay around as we discover Kenya and its offerings!

  • Reply
    Ben
    April 21, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    I totally love this place. Visited once, shocked by the whether, but the atmosphere around warms up everything. Awesome pictures.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:57 am

      Hahaha I feel you Ben! The temperature in Kinangop is nearly unmatched in Kenya…yet the beauty of the place is surreal! Thanks for reading!

  • Reply
    Nasrin
    April 21, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    this is so amazing..!! i love it..

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:58 am

      Thank you Naz for reading and for taking the time to comment! 🙂 xo

  • Reply
    Nzisa Starlet
    April 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm

    Lovely just lovely….the picture you paint has me putting Kinangop in my bucket list.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:59 am

      Great to hear Nzisa, would love to hear your experience when you do 🙂 😉 Thanks for reading!

  • Reply
    Tshiro Irene
    April 21, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    What a piece. I loved it especially the photos Suzzie is becoming better & best. Keep giving us more Gal. Wishing you all the best.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 12:00 pm

      You are so right! Sue is gifted in this art of taking pictures! Thanks for reading!

  • Reply
    Tshiro Irene
    April 21, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    What an article. And the pictures waoh! Suzzie is becoming better & best. I love your idea of this travel tips. Thanks gal and all the best.

  • Reply
    Georgina Wachira
    April 21, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    I,ve been to kinangop many times, but your pictures and description is beautiful. go on girl.

  • Reply
    Beryl
    April 21, 2016 at 7:24 pm

    Wow M. I love it. As a to do list girl this is so going on my list.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:40 am

      Hahaha I love the ‘adding this to my list’ part 😀 Hopefully we can get you to do more random things 😉 Thanks for reading B!

  • Reply
    Lornah
    April 21, 2016 at 7:17 pm

    I loooooove everything is perfect, the website, the content and the pictures am sooooo excited for you, let’s get going
    http://www.cherriesvineyard.com

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 22, 2016 at 11:39 am

      Wow! Thank you! You totally inspire me, I can’t wait to work with you in the future and see where it goes!!#Excited

  • Reply
    Angelous Kamande
    April 21, 2016 at 5:38 pm

    Lovely piece…looking out for part 2!

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 21, 2016 at 5:58 pm

      Thank you for reading Angelous 🙂 😀

      • Reply
        pat
        April 21, 2016 at 9:08 pm

        Mithamo! You are in the perfect place. Hongera!

        • Reply
          Scrapbook Journeys
          April 22, 2016 at 11:53 am

          Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! Highly appreciated 🙂 Bless you!

  • Reply
    gitonga wandai
    April 21, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    awesome!!! you bring it all out.. bring more of kenya to us..n the sunrise

  • Reply
    Claude Bigayimpunzi
    April 21, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    Thank you so much for this fresh article. I now know that I will have to add ‘KINANGOP’ on my wishing list of places I would like to visit. I found the article fun, easy to read, and I specially liked the unconventional and joyful approach with the emojis..Yet quite instructive..

    Congrats and keep up the good work..

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 21, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      Thank you Claude 🙂 I am glad you liked it, and the feedback is greatly appreciated! Karibu Kenya 🙂

  • Reply
    Enock
    April 21, 2016 at 3:21 pm

    Thanks for writing about where i grew up…brings nostaligic sweet memories….thanks alot

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 21, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      Awesome Enock! I am glad I could do the place justice, even in the smallest way 🙂 Kinangop is a magical place 🙂

  • Reply
    Wanduri
    April 21, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    All this time and I never invited you to a road trip of the area…. Good photos by the way

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 21, 2016 at 3:04 pm

      Hahaha.Thank you Sam 🙂 I guess we had to discover one way or another 🙂

  • Reply
    Royalness Dicie
    April 21, 2016 at 2:11 pm

    Kinangop it is….Absolutely love the tips….

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 21, 2016 at 3:04 pm

      Thank you Dicie 🙂 I am glad you do! 😉 Can’t wait to hear your experiences 🙂

  • Reply
    MS. mithamo
    April 21, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    Awesome read .love it and I’m so proud of this achievement. Kisses

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      April 21, 2016 at 3:06 pm

      Thank you love! Your support means the world 🙂 Let’s do this 😉

      • Reply
        Glorious
        April 22, 2016 at 2:23 pm

        Very lovely read Marion…:)…You’ve inspired me to take a trip to the Aberdares National Park and take enchanted routes…:)! The photos are sooo lovely…:)! I like…:)!

        • Reply
          Scrapbook Journeys
          April 23, 2016 at 8:50 am

          Thanks Glorious for reading! Yay, I am glad you feel inspired to visit! I can’t wait to hear of your experiences 🙂

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