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.
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.
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.
The children, playing freely on the road, looked like they had not a care in the world…purely savoring life and making memories.
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.
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!
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!
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74 Comments
Myles
August 2, 2022 at 11:05 amHonestly apart from the coldness, the serenity in this place is really amazing. Nice article Marion!
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April 21, 2017 at 12:35 pm[…] and all, I hit the ‘Publish’ button on the very first blog post: ‘Charity Begins With Sun-chasing in Kinangop‘ And now here we are! We made it, yes we made it through the 1 year mark! Hooray! […]
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October 13, 2016 at 5:00 pm[…] the truth is that you do not always need to go faraway, to travel. Remember the post on Kinangop? Some of my readers were surprised to learn that there are such amazing destinations, […]
Harry Kanyi
August 15, 2016 at 10:53 amWow, 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.
Scrapbook Journeys
August 18, 2016 at 5:59 pmHi 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!
David
August 15, 2016 at 8:30 amVery 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..
Scrapbook Journeys
August 15, 2016 at 10:33 amWow! 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 😀 🙂
MS. mithamo
May 12, 2016 at 4:52 pmWow.. Such an amazing read. I felt like I was part of the experience. Love it..
Scrapbook Journeys
May 12, 2016 at 5:36 pmAnd THANK YOU for letting me borrow your phone 🙂 Hehe 😀 Thanks for reading, and indeed you were part of the experience 🙂
Fred
May 6, 2016 at 4:18 pmSo this is what we miss when we don’t step out.
Scrapbook Journeys
May 7, 2016 at 8:49 amThanks Fred for reading 🙂 Yes indeed we should step out and get to see what is within our reach, that could potentially be amazing 😀
Patricia Mithamo
April 28, 2016 at 5:27 pmaaaw! thats my Shags cannot believe it Waah! @Marion, Wanjiku & Wacu good job gals go for it
loving it
Scrapbook Journeys
April 28, 2016 at 8:56 pmThank you sis! Appreciate the comments! So very true, it is so beautiful! God’s gift 🙂
anna
April 27, 2016 at 12:18 amSuch a lovely article. Gives me another idea of seeing the world.
http://www.postcardsfromtheworld.com/
Scrapbook Journeys
April 27, 2016 at 7:11 amThanks for reading Anna 🙂 You are welcome to Kenya 😉
Agy
April 26, 2016 at 9:52 pmThis is the life we robbed you off? Glad it was returned to you… A good writer you are.
Scrapbook Journeys
April 27, 2016 at 7:12 amHahahaha…your words 😛 Lol, thanks for reading dear 🙂
Edwin
April 24, 2016 at 11:49 amLovely place.
Already in love with it.
Thanks for sharing.
Can’t wait to visit.
Scrapbook Journeys
April 25, 2016 at 9:30 pmAsante sana 🙂 Go for it! And do share your experience 🙂
Stanley
April 22, 2016 at 2:59 pmindeed you’re a good explore keep it up my sis
Scrapbook Journeys
April 23, 2016 at 8:46 amThanks so much Stanley for reading!
Stanley
April 22, 2016 at 2:52 pmthanks marion for exploration the place we least think of visiting since we are used to places well know
Scrapbook Journeys
April 23, 2016 at 8:48 amYes 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 🙂
Moses Bidali
April 22, 2016 at 2:51 pmI 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…
Scrapbook Journeys
April 23, 2016 at 8:51 amOh 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 🙂
Carol
April 22, 2016 at 11:31 amThe pictures are breath taking!! Super job
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:42 amThank you for reading! And all credit to the lovely ladies Wacu Wamahiu and Wanjiku Thuo for the pictures 😀 🙂
Nesh Kanja Mithamo
April 22, 2016 at 9:14 amWow. 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
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:44 amThank you for reading! Yes, indeed it’s the kind of place to visit again and again 🙂 🙂
blsd
April 22, 2016 at 8:43 amYou 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
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:46 amYaay! 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 🙂
Neema
April 22, 2016 at 8:01 amThis is a super beautiful read Marion! Go gal!
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:47 amThanks Neema for reading! I appreciate the feedback 🙂 xo
Esther Nzula
April 21, 2016 at 11:49 pmI am LITERALLY in love with your blog. You go and don’t stop for nothing. We definitely have to do a collaboration ey?
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:48 amYesss!!! I agree 100%, we so need to do something together 🙂 Thanks for the feedback 🙂
Esther Nzula
April 21, 2016 at 11:46 pmI 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?
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:48 amYesss!!! I agree 100%, we so need to do something together 🙂 Thanks for the feedback 🙂
M'thunzi
April 21, 2016 at 10:41 pmWooooooooW!!! 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!!!!!
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:51 amWow! 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 🙂
naomi stella
April 21, 2016 at 8:17 pmlove it!! thé pics r so nice!!plus u write n u write well…keep it up!!#followingyou #notstalkerthings
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:54 amThank you for reading and for the feedback! By all means please stay around as we discover Kenya and its offerings!
Ben
April 21, 2016 at 8:16 pmI totally love this place. Visited once, shocked by the whether, but the atmosphere around warms up everything. Awesome pictures.
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:57 amHahaha I feel you Ben! The temperature in Kinangop is nearly unmatched in Kenya…yet the beauty of the place is surreal! Thanks for reading!
Nasrin
April 21, 2016 at 8:14 pmthis is so amazing..!! i love it..
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:58 amThank you Naz for reading and for taking the time to comment! 🙂 xo
Nzisa Starlet
April 21, 2016 at 8:07 pmLovely just lovely….the picture you paint has me putting Kinangop in my bucket list.
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:59 amGreat to hear Nzisa, would love to hear your experience when you do 🙂 😉 Thanks for reading!
Tshiro Irene
April 21, 2016 at 7:56 pmWhat a piece. I loved it especially the photos Suzzie is becoming better & best. Keep giving us more Gal. Wishing you all the best.
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 12:00 pmYou are so right! Sue is gifted in this art of taking pictures! Thanks for reading!
Tshiro Irene
April 21, 2016 at 7:52 pmWhat 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.
Georgina Wachira
April 21, 2016 at 7:51 pmI,ve been to kinangop many times, but your pictures and description is beautiful. go on girl.
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 4:04 pmThanks Georgina!Wow keep visiting dear 🙂
Beryl
April 21, 2016 at 7:24 pmWow M. I love it. As a to do list girl this is so going on my list.
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:40 amHahaha I love the ‘adding this to my list’ part 😀 Hopefully we can get you to do more random things 😉 Thanks for reading B!
Lornah
April 21, 2016 at 7:17 pmI loooooove everything is perfect, the website, the content and the pictures am sooooo excited for you, let’s get going
http://www.cherriesvineyard.com
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:39 amWow! Thank you! You totally inspire me, I can’t wait to work with you in the future and see where it goes!!#Excited
Angelous Kamande
April 21, 2016 at 5:38 pmLovely piece…looking out for part 2!
Scrapbook Journeys
April 21, 2016 at 5:58 pmThank you for reading Angelous 🙂 😀
pat
April 21, 2016 at 9:08 pmMithamo! You are in the perfect place. Hongera!
Scrapbook Journeys
April 22, 2016 at 11:53 amThank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! Highly appreciated 🙂 Bless you!
gitonga wandai
April 21, 2016 at 5:22 pmawesome!!! you bring it all out.. bring more of kenya to us..n the sunrise
Scrapbook Journeys
April 21, 2016 at 5:59 pmThank you Wandai! Totally appreciated 🙂
Claude Bigayimpunzi
April 21, 2016 at 4:12 pmThank 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..
Scrapbook Journeys
April 21, 2016 at 4:29 pmThank you Claude 🙂 I am glad you liked it, and the feedback is greatly appreciated! Karibu Kenya 🙂
Enock
April 21, 2016 at 3:21 pmThanks for writing about where i grew up…brings nostaligic sweet memories….thanks alot
Scrapbook Journeys
April 21, 2016 at 3:59 pmAwesome Enock! I am glad I could do the place justice, even in the smallest way 🙂 Kinangop is a magical place 🙂
Wanduri
April 21, 2016 at 2:30 pmAll this time and I never invited you to a road trip of the area…. Good photos by the way
Scrapbook Journeys
April 21, 2016 at 3:04 pmHahaha.Thank you Sam 🙂 I guess we had to discover one way or another 🙂
Royalness Dicie
April 21, 2016 at 2:11 pmKinangop it is….Absolutely love the tips….
Scrapbook Journeys
April 21, 2016 at 3:04 pmThank you Dicie 🙂 I am glad you do! 😉 Can’t wait to hear your experiences 🙂
MS. mithamo
April 21, 2016 at 12:43 pmAwesome read .love it and I’m so proud of this achievement. Kisses
Scrapbook Journeys
April 21, 2016 at 3:06 pmThank you love! Your support means the world 🙂 Let’s do this 😉
Glorious
April 22, 2016 at 2:23 pmVery 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…:)!
Scrapbook Journeys
April 23, 2016 at 8:50 amThanks Glorious for reading! Yay, I am glad you feel inspired to visit! I can’t wait to hear of your experiences 🙂