The peace and quiet of Elementaita

People tend to dismiss Lake Elementaita as a tourist destination, but this beautiful vacation spot in the eastern limb of the Great Rift Valley has a tranquil and peaceful environment and offers a magical experience, writes ALLAN OLINGO

Among the wide range of travel destinations Kenya offers, Lake Elementaita is one of my favourite. From the safari lodges to top-notch hotels, bush camps and bush lodges, there is always something new to discover in this serene hideaway.

Horse riding is among the fun activities at Pelican resort(Photo:Tabitha Otwori/Standard

As we strolled behind the horses, Mwangi gave us a brief history of the area. I was particularly fascinated by the story of the Kikopey hot springs situated on the southern end of the lake. Of particular interest was the Maasai’s belief that bathing in this spring could cure HIV and Aids. Mwangi informed me that the springs are the breeding ground for the Tilapia Grahamii that abounds in the lake.

The nature walk was lovely though part of the trail had small pools of water. Mwangi cut a branch from one of the trees and explained to us that Maasai used it to brush their teeth. I decided to give it a try. At first it was bitter, but as I continued to chew it, I felt its freshness.

At the lakeshore, we marvelled at the flamingos doing a jig as the other birds excitedly took a morning swim. A seemingly lonely yellow-billed stork industriously combed the mud as it searched for food.

After taking in the spectacular view and after a few explanations here and there from Mwangi, we headed back to the lodge for breakfast. As we relaxed in the beautiful terraces, everyone went quite. One would think we were meditating. Each of us got lost in our thoughts as we savoured the sweeping lake view, the breeze and the countryside feel. It was a lovely soul searching moment.

I could not help the feeling of a hangover as we prepared to depart after lunch. On our drive back to Nairobi, between the lodge and the main highway, we saw a dramatic whirlwind. At first I thought it was coming straight for our car, but it diverted and disappeared in the bushes. It was bigger and more impressive compared to what I often saw when I was young.

It reminded me of the myths we were told as young boys to explain the phenomenon that is a whirlwind. My folks would say the devil hid in it and we would scamper to hide.

It was a well-spent weekend at the Pelicans Resort and I promised myself that in my next Elementaita expedition, I would look for the old Maasai men who I was told have great tales of how Elementaita land was subdivided among the ranchers and the Maasai and how the agreements were signed on white cowhides.