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Recently, I found myself in the rift region of the country. The road from Nakuru to Nyahururu was surprisingly smooth having been recently refurbished making the trip much faster and easier than usual. It is a scenic route with wide expanses of tea plantations and undulating slopes.
Just after Berea College, right before Kabazi, I noticed a signage of Bomas of Nakuru, and curiosity made me take a turn there. I wondered if it was in any way linked to the famous Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi.
The gate made of a grass-thatched canopy has the name so boldly written that you definitely can't miss it. Inside, I am welcomed by the sight of a well-trimmed lawn with rows of flowers along the paths. Just near the reception is an open field for parking.
Separated from the parking area is a playground with swings and slides where both children and adults can while away their time.
I then notice traditional huts a bit farther down the path. I pay my gate charges ( Sh200 for adults and Sh100 for children) and I am assigned a tour guide to take me round. We start off with the enclosed section where animals are kept.
I spot a guinea fowl and then two ostriches housed in a shed on open ground. One of the ostriches decides to honour my presence or so I think, by coming close to the net wire fence and pecking continuously. The guide explains that it is just sharpening its beak in preparation for an attack.
The birds share a fence with two Columbus monkeys. One of the monkeys is enjoying a meal of greens and a mole and I am quite shocked to learn that they eat moles and rats.
I also get to see tortoises and sunning crocodiles in a canopy covered pond. The area is enclosed and locked to avoid injuries and attacks by the amphibians.
Just beside the crocodile sanctuary is a fish dam with different species of fish ranging from tilapia to goldfish. Jutting from the tranquil banks is small jetty where visitors can watch the fish or even indulge in some fishing. There were quite a few families out fishing that day.
If you would rather sit and watch the action as the children mosey around, the establishment has beautiful cottages that are fashioned for just that.
I venture much further and beside the pristine pools with floating water lilies, lays what I think is the gem of Bomas of Nakuru. There is a green lush forest. It adds to the general beauty and tranquility of the area. I make a mental note to take a walk through it before leaving.
The guide then leads me towards the traditional huts in homesteads typical of the communities in Kenya. Most of the homesteads have several huts for each of the wives in a typical polygamous union. The homes are just as well maintained as the ones at the Nairobi Bomas.
I am informed by the guide, while pointing towards a large field with goal posts and volley pitches several metres away, that companies bring their teams here for team building exercises.
The Bomas of Nakuru, opened its doors just two years ago and it is running with an efficiency that rivals long established hangouts. So on your way to Nakuru and need somewhere to learn a bit of culture and entertain the kids? This is your joint.
While in Rift Valley, visit.....
1. Menengai Crater. It is the largest surviving volcanic crater in the world.
2. Lord Egerton Castle. The historical castle is quite a lesson in history. Make sure to ask for a tour. Also get to enjoy picnics in the beautiful gardens.
3. Krafty ArtZ. This is where to get art for your home or souvenirs for your friends. It is a workshop filled with arty types. The prices are reasonable too.
4.Subukia Shrine. The shrine is a revered religious ground owned by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) but is open to members of all religious faiths.
