Summits and Savannahs

Under the vast canopy of an ever-changing sky,where the whispers of the wind carried tales of old and new, and the aroma of roasted coffee beans mingled with the dreams of those who brewed them,Thuany stood at a crossroads.

The Gilded Lily Restaurant had been her proving ground,a place where she poured her soul into every cup and faced the ultimate test of her barista skills. Now,with the assessment behind her and a three-week leave stretching out like an uncharted map,she found herself a drift in a sea of uncertainty. She yearned for a vacation that was modest yet rich in experience,a journey that would allow her to soak in the essence of her beloved Kenya.

Her quest began at the foot of Mount Kenya, the country's highest mountain, nestled in the intersection of Meru,Embu, Kirinyaga,Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi counties. As she ascended the mountain's rugged slopes, she encountered a group of nine local hikers who introduced themselves with a warm and inviting demeanour. Each hiker had a name that echoed the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Their names were as follows; Wanjiru, Makena,Njoroge,Nyawira,Mugambi,Kawira,Kendi,Mugure,Gitonga and Kangendo. Together with Karanja the local guide whose wisdom was as deep as the valleys of mount Kenya,they formed a fellowship bound by the shared pursuit of reaching the summit.

Karanja was a man whose life was as intertwined with the mountains as the trails that snaked across its slopes. His eyes held a sparkle of someone who had witnessed countless sunrises from above the clouds,and his hands bore the calluses of someone who knew every rock and clevice like an old friend.

When Thuany first met Karanja,she was struck by his serene demeanour and the ease with which he navigated the challenging terrain. Her greeted her with a warm smile,the kind that put weary travellers at ease. As they began their ascent,Karanja shared stories of the mountain's history and the legends that had been passed down through generation.

He spoke of Batian the highest peak, named after a Maasai laibon(spiritual leader),and Nelion after his son. He told tales of point Lenana,where,according to the local people,the spirit's of the ancestors resided. Karanja's words brought the mountain to life,and Thuany listened,captivated by the rich tapestry of myth and nature.

As they climbed,Karanja told the hikers about the delicate ecosystems they passed through. He pointed out the unique flora and fauna,explaining their roles in the mountain's ecology. He showed them how to spot the track of elusive animals and how to read the weather patterns that could change in an instant.

Each evening as they settled into their camp,Karanja would brew tea over an open fire, the steam rising into the cool mountain air. They would share meals of ugali and sukuma wiki,the simple share transformed into a feast by the friendship of the group and the stories that flowed as freely as the rivers they crossed.

Karanja also emphasised the importance of respecting the mountain. He instilled the group the principles of "leave no trace",ensuring they left the paths as pristine as they had found them. Under his guidance,the hikers learnt not just about hiking but about stewardship-about the responsibilities that came with setting foot in such a sacred place.

By the time they reached Point Lenana,Thuany and the other hikers had formed a bond that felt as ancient as the mountain itself. They had become a family of sorts,united by sharing the experience of pushing their limits and supporting one another through the journey.

Karanja's parting words to the young hikers was a remainder that the mountain was a teacher,one that imparted lessons of humility,perseverance and respect. As Thuany descended back to the world below,she carried with her not just the memories of the views and the climb but the wisdom of Karanja,the local guide whose spirit was as indomitable as Mount Kenya itself.

As the sun began its descent behind the silhouette of Mount Kenya,casting a golden glow over the landscape, Thuany bid farewell to Karanja and the other hikers. Their shared experiences created an unspoken bond,one that was acknowledged by nods and smiles that needed no translations. With her backpack slung over her shoulders,she turned towards her next adventure:the Maasai Mara.

The journey to the Maasai Mara was a rainbow of changing views-from the verdant highlands to the sprawling savannahs that seemed to stretch into eternity. As the van rumbled along the dusty roads,Thuany's eyes were glued to the window,taking in the vastness of the kenyan landscape. The Maasai Mara unfolded before her, a wild expanse home to some of the most spectacular wildlife on the planet.

Upon arrival,Thuany was greeted by the sight of rolling grasslands punctuated by the acacia trees,under the vast african sky. She joined a group of four tourists,each from a different corner of Europe. There was Aiden from Ireland,who shared fascinating tales of his homeland's lush greenery and ancient castles,Elise from France,who spoke of the vibrant streets of Paris. The last three were a couple with a child from Spain who preferred to remain silent. Together they boarded a safari van,their eyes wide with anticipation.

As they ventured into the heart of Maasai Mara,the vehicle became a vessel of discovery. They encountered prides of lions lounging in the shades, herds of elephants trumpeting in the distance,and cheetahs surveying the plains with keen eyes. Thuany learned from her new friends about the culture of Europe,the rich history and the diverse traditions that shaped their lives. Meals were a simple affair but rich in flavour and traditions. Thuany ate ugali which was accompanied by a grilled goat meat and sukuma wiki(kales), a hearty vegetable stew.

As night fell, Thuany found rest in a budget-friendly accommodation, the Whitegold Safari Camp. It was a place where comfort met the rustic charm of the wilderness. Lying in her bed the sounds of African night a lullaby. Her thoughts drifted to the sandy beaches of Mombasa. She imagined the warm waters of Indian Ocean lapping at shores lines with palm trees,the soft white sands of Diani Beach welcoming sunbathers and kitesurfers alike.

In her dreams,Thuany walked along the beach,the grains of sand cool beneath her feet. She could almost taste the salt in the air and feel the general breeze that carried whispers of adventures. The rhythmic sound of the breeze became a soothing lullaby, coaxing her eyelids to grow heavy. She surrendered to the fatigue that wrapped around her like a warm blanket, and within moments, her breaths deepened.