My First Zip Lining Experience & How It Nearly Went Wrong!

Travel
Zip_Lining_Nairobi

 

 

Everything you want is on the other side of fear ~ Jack Canfield

 

Hello my amazing friends! 😀 What’s the most terrifying thing you’ve done this year…? For me-it is hands down, Zip Lining! Any other scary thing I’ve ever done before this, now pales in comparison… 😀

 

A week ago, our search for adventure brought us to The Dam RedHill, for Zip Lining. Legs trembling, heart thumping wildly plus numerous self-talks & questions like… ‘Do I have to do this? I can do this! Is a blog post worth dying for? I’m not going to die, or am I? People Zip Line all the time and come out alive…right?’ 😀

I knew I was afraid to take the plunge, but when the moment actually came, it was down to the bone nerve-wrecking… Ah, but I’m getting ahead of myself… 🙂

 

How to Get To the Dam RedHill

The Dam RedHill is located in the outskirts of Nairobi a little past Ndenderu & Ruaka. You can board a Matatu No. 114, at Khoja Stage in the Nairobi CBD, to the Dam.

If you are driving, drive past Ruaka and Ndenderu on Limuru Road, where you will see the Dam RedHill, on your right, just before Sovereign Suites…

 

 

What to Expect At The Dam RedHill

It’s a short walking distance from the main road- just enough to get your adrenaline juices flowing…

Overlooking expansive, green Limuru Tea Farms, the Dam RedHill is quiet and beautiful. You’ll find that being surrounded by overgrown gardens, a variety of trees & the sound of nesting birds, quickly erases the hectic city life you left behind… 🙂

 

Zip_Line_Nairobi

The_Dam_Redhill

 

They have floating restaurants on the dam, and a couple of outdoor sitting areas where you can dine as you enjoy the wild, sweeping views!

The_Dam_Redhill

 

We were well-received by a friendly Njeri, at the reception area, who gave us a lowdown of the activities they offer: Boat Riding, Zip Lining, Picnic & Camping grounds, Horse Riding, Fishing, a Children’s park and more…

Most of their activities range between Kes. 300 and 1,000.

The_Dam_Redhill

 

Our Zip Lining Experience!

The Zip Line spans the length of the dam, hovering over the water.

Dam_Redhill

 

Admittedly, until that point I’d been like a Zombie, floating around with that one daunting mission in view… 🙁

As I may have mentioned before, I am the kind of ‘adventurer’ that goes in kicking and screaming with fear, until the deed is done… This was no different. 😀

Evans, our instructor was kind as he explained the process about three times. To my brain, his words sounded like mismatched letters bouncing all over the place!

As he strapped on the harness, I kept looking at the Dam, thinking ‘I can’t even swim’, over again…

Zip_Lining_Nairobi

 

‘I don’t want to do this… It’s really not necessary…’ I tried to convince everyone, including myself.

But, since they’ve encountered such, countless times, they did not let me give up… 🙂

‘What if I get stuck in the middle?’

‘That can’t happen,’ so they said.

By far, the most daunting part was jumping off the platform. Yes, people have done way more adventurous things in this world like diving off planes… but this was incredibly petrifying!

Zip_Line_Nairobi

 

After about 10 minutes or so, of threats, questions, affirmations, prayer & counting… I finally gained the courage to jump!

Voila! I slid through the rope, and over the dam in a matter of seconds, all the while screaming my lungs sore! 😀

Zip_Line_Nairobi

Zip_Line_Nairobi

Zip Lining

Apparently, it’s a 13-15 seconds journey…

 

When The Unexpected, Unexpectedly Happens!

As I approached the safety of the ground, feeling relieved to be done, the unexpected happened. Yikes! 😀

The person on the other end failed to grab me on time, so I began to slide back… until the momentum died down, right in the middle! And there I was- stuck with nothing but air and water around me! Haha, it felt like a bad, bad dream!

Panicking, hundreds of scenarios crossed my mind!

HELP!!!

Why was it uncomfortably quiet…??

HELP?!’ With less conviction this time.

‘We are coming…breath in and out…’ Someone shouted.

For some reason that felt like the worst, good advice I’ve ever heard…

You know you’re in trouble, when you begin contemplating your life’s decisions & wondering who will adopt the dog you never had… 🙁 As the body starts cramping, like a wise sage you suddenly gain an appreciation for the solid ground you’ve always taken for granted. So you start making promises to yourself, to God and to the ground…

After what seemed like two lifetimes, I was ‘rescued’. For this operation, Evans used his weight on the Zip Line to make me slide towards him… Then both of us were pulled back with a rope. By this time, I was simply going with the flow…

I think Wanjiku was in as much shock, because we did not get any pictures of this saga. 😀

 

The fears we don’t face become our limits ~ Robin Sharma

 

I was certain to never try this thing again… but on second thought & persuasion,I knew I had to! 😀

After all, if I did not, that would be my lasting memory of Zip Lining. So I gave it another go, this time- flawless execution and fun! 🙂 😀

Wanjiku Thuo also had a perfect Zip lining experience! We were both awed by this little girl with no fear in her eyes! This further proved that it’s a safe sport! 😀

Zip_Lining_Nairobi

Zip_Lining_Nairobi

Zip Lining

 

 

Tips:
  • Wear comfortable pants to prevent being hurt by the harness
  • Put on closed shoes with a good grip, so that they do not fall off in the process of Zip Lining
  • It is advisable to empty your pockets, especially if you have items that can fall off
  • If you intend to have food, order lunch from their restaurant before  Zip Lining. Their Servings are pretty generous, you can order two meals to serve 4.
  • Look out for more places to Zip Line in Kenya like> Machakos People’s Park & The Forest (Kereita).

UPDATE: Be sure to confirm that the Zip Line is safe for use, before getting on, particularly the landing strip. It is my hope that they’ve done a better job of streamlining their processes and safety procedures.

 

Looking back, I am glad my experience had a mishap. It helped me see that sometimes our worst fears are just that -fears.  And even when we do experience the scary, it is not the end of the world! Now, I can barely wait to try a longer Zip Line- Screams and all! 😀

Zip_Lining_Nairobi


 

Thank you for reading my lovelies! I hope you have enjoyed the post!

What’s your scariest story in the pursuits of adventure? Have you tried Zip lining? I would love to hear about your experiences! Share your thoughts, questions, comments & any feedback below! 😀

 

<Stay. Inspired. Always!>

 

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22 Comments

  • Reply
    shontelle wanjiku
    October 21, 2020 at 7:29 pm

    hi sussane im the wanjiku and remember when u asked me if i was scared then i sayed no my my names not thuo but its fine my names shontelle wanjiku

  • Reply
    Pammy
    March 10, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    Going for one in a few days..I hope to conquer my fears

  • Reply
    Victor Odero
    May 16, 2019 at 6:04 pm

    Wow!
    Zip lining… Particularly your experience, has totally robbed me of my patience.
    I can’t wait to get there and get my own experience.
    This one I have to do.
    Thanks so much for your blog piece, the sharing of your experience and even more importantly the tips and checks for safely.
    This is tops!

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      May 22, 2019 at 11:00 am

      Hahaha this cracked me up! I am glad you enjoyed it Victor, even my being stuck! LOL:D And yes, remember to make sure it’s safe before you go! Cheers!

  • Reply
    SUZANNE
    September 18, 2018 at 10:50 pm

    What a story! So inspiring for someone who has never tried to kill the curiosity in them. Actually my first Zip lining was at the Red damhill, for sure I enjoyed and one could even think it wasn’t my first time. A great place to be with family, not forgetting couples who would want a day out to themselves I will highly recommend.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      September 20, 2018 at 8:13 pm

      Whoa you sound like a brave heart Suzanne! Yay thank you for reading! And I am glad you could relate, and enjoyed this post! Super appreciated! 😀

  • Reply
    Gkmutai
    February 25, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    I’ve been in Ruaka for the last 3yrs and didn’t know a zip line existed within my hood. All this time we’ve been trooping to Kereita forest, thanks lots for this piece angel. Dam Redhill we cruising there soon.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      February 28, 2018 at 12:30 pm

      Hi Mutai! Always my pleasure to share! Wow 3 years! I hope you take up the challenge to travel local, and explore the hidden gems in your backyard from now on? Thank You for reading!

  • Reply
    Eddah Wanjiku
    January 10, 2018 at 10:34 am

    I broke my ankle at the end when landing and it swelled immediately. The pain!!!!!!! Alafu The ladies at the end that were supposed to help started arguing amongst themselves if I would be right to sue them! And arguing some more if they should get me the chair that was at most a metre behind them as I could hardly stand! Don’t forget how one of them showed me the injuries she sustained when ziplining. What kind of encouragement is that???? Their supervisor came and had them bring me an ice pack. Would I zipline again? Yes, but not at RedHill Dam.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      January 11, 2018 at 11:06 am

      Oh my….Gosh, aki pole. That is indeed far too sad! Goodness, I would hope that they have streamlined their process by now, so it’s disappointing to hear what happened. Very very sad. 🙁 I am truly sorry about the incident, and hope that your ankle heals soon.
      I feel you! I want to zip-line again, but hoping to try another place the next time.
      Thank you for taking the time to share your account. My heart is heavy. 🙁

  • Reply
    Dekit
    October 2, 2017 at 10:08 pm

    Today I stopped by this place on my #TwoWheelsAdventure and I really loved their Zipline. It’s pocket friendly. The last time I was there it wasn’t done yet. You should have tried fishing btw,hehe

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      October 11, 2017 at 12:21 pm

      Hahaha fishing…the story that goes with fishing at the Dam is quite interesting. 😀 Lol Perhaps next time I will take my own fish *hides
      Yay, thanks for sharing your experience, and I am glad you had a fun time!

  • Reply
    nelius
    September 4, 2017 at 6:19 pm

    wow i didn’t know there is such a beautiful place in all those years i have lived in ruaka. the zip lining though i fear heights but it looks to be fun. once am in Kenya i will take kids there.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      September 6, 2017 at 3:21 pm

      Hi Nelius! Great to read from you! Thank you reading, and Yes welcome back home, Kenya misses you! And Yes, it is fun, once you get past the fear! Cheers! 😀

  • Reply
    Nesh
    September 4, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    Wohoooooo

    As promised this is my first activity when I land home. Thanks for beating me into it

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      September 6, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      Yaay looking forward to it! You’ll have lots to catch up on when you come! Can’t wait! 😀

  • Reply
    Shii
    September 4, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    Thank you for the post. Did not know such a place existed right at our backyard! We will check it out. Hope its a place kids can enjoy minus the boat rides and the zip line

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      September 4, 2017 at 12:16 pm

      Hi Shii, thank you for reading! 😀 Awesome glad you plan on visiting! Yes, it’s a place kids can enjoy-they have a playground, where kids can have fun…Plus plenty of space. 🙂

  • Reply
    Stella Nguu
    September 2, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    Interesting. Would love to try this too, and the screams will beat yours.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      September 4, 2017 at 12:02 pm

      Hi Stella, thanks for reading! And Yes, you should totally try this out! 😀 Hahaha, yes I can imagine the screams…and in the end you’ll realize it was actually fun- thinking One more time! 😀

  • Reply
    Stanley
    September 2, 2017 at 12:28 am

    Nice. game for courageous people

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      September 4, 2017 at 12:05 pm

      Hehe, apparently there is some courage within each one of us! Try it out Stanley! 😀

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