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Every road-trip with strangers starts off with awkward glances here and there, searching for friendly eyes and before we all knew it the truck was noisy and the journey had just kicked off with the wheels rubbing the tarmac speedily right past Mlolongo. Our trip leader quickly stood up to let us know our next stop would be Emali and then Mtito Andei. Emali is a small town with a lot of promise, or perhaps we simply arrived too early for the locals; few shops were open, some were opening, others yet to open. We rushed to the only supermarket in hope of catching the quickie breakfast many couldn’t get in Nairobi. The beauty of sitting by the aisle of the truck is that the eyes wander to people and nature.
I was the lucky bean peering both to nature and people, reading reactions as many would either like the lands we were in or were shocked about how people would survive in these particular areas. Some were speaking about how they’ve heard of man-eating lions within these particular areas, others about the possibility of game meat as a delicacy- that’s the beauty of humanity the difference within us all, brings us together just somehow. The sun wasn’t extremely out for the day but its rays were promising to peer anytime soon. The drive from Emali to Mtito was proving to be long so every activity to beat time was welcome, (hint: except when one is losing, the game called ‘UNO’ is awesome). After a quick stop at Mtito Andei to buy drinks and every soft-life item we could gather we were back on the road ready now to get away from the world and face the wild.
The drive to Tsavo West is indeed a sight to behold. At first you see a secretary bird trying to catwalk it’s way to its dinner then the gazelles appear, suddenly the male ostrich with its beautiful feathers make an entrance and before you know it, you are in the epic animation film Madagascar, the Kenyan version. Is it I, or have animals also learned the art of posing for photos? A peek of the elephant here and there, the majestic giraffe, the sight is always sublime no matter the many times you come close to the animals. The sunset within the Tsavo was quickly sinking to the clouds giving way to the evening but lucky for us we arrive at Lake Jipe with slight light paving way.
Lake Jipe is massive, with the floating hippos marking their territory. We set up camp while the night was young, a bonfire was set and the stories kicked in, good food, games, unforgettable interactions were made as we all peered into the fire. Lake Jipe is actually pretty warm but for the loud snores of the hippos and the random movements here and there- the animals were making it known that we were the guests. This was understood extremely well by all of us as we not only kept a notable silence but also were ready to experience the park in ways that were preferred by the animals.
The second day started with the drive from Tsavo West to Chala, a distance with rewarding views. After a 3-hour drive to Chala we meet a semi-arid land that has both a steep and a trail that you will have to trek down to. The trail isn’t difficult or particularly friendly, its heights are quite a giver to the lovers of heights. The trail leads straight to the hidden gem that is beautifully sandwiched within hills.
The water strikes a turquoise blue when far away and a slight green when close, the shores of the lake are decorated with rocks and give some space to lounge and view the lake. By the shore are fishermen boats ready to take you on a boat ride. Chala’s ambience is peaceful thanks to the many trees surrounding it and as if that’s not enough benedictions, it is picturesque in ways undeniable. There are spaces where one can set up for a picnic or have a good chill whilst taking in the scenery of this sublime lake.
Chala is located between the border of Tanganyika and Taveta. The weather is extremely friendly and the lack of activity around the area extremely peaceful. While climbing up the trail as I soaked it all in, it occurred to me that the beaute of the world is effortless. On one side we have humans and on the other side we have nature, all connected to one and at an angle of graciousness each marvelling the other. Lake Chala is infectious to the eye with its grace, and by now because Amboseli was beckoning and promising a wild adventure like never before.