DAY 12 and 13: I find Paradise at the Kakamega Rainforest

Vacation time!

Dave and Connnor's construction project was on hold over the weekend while they waited for materials and in the meantime, that meant it was the perfect time for them to skip town with me for a little R & R. We grabbed a Matatu which is basically a van that they PACK with people down to Kakamega. That ride was hot and bumpy with lots of stops and maybe the most uncomfortable journey I have ever had but well worth it after a taxi in Kakamega dropped us off at the Rondo Retreat.

This place was stunning! I felt like someone had just dropped me off in Ferngully (or Avatar) or some sort of other magical place. The "cottage" we stayed in was right in the heart of the rainforest and more like some sort of glorious colonial home. It had a long plantation parch from which you could see monkeys in the trees, and hear various birds and frogs. The food there was included in the stay and was incredible! We even got ice cream after lunch, a meal that Connor claims was maybe the best in his life.

After lunch we decided to go hiking in the rainforest paths just outside of the resort and (stop reading this if you are my mom) opted to go into the forest without guides as it was a bit spendy and they had a map at the resort. We hiked for over three hours always surrounded by butterflies and seeing lots of monkeys hopping from tree to tree along the way. We saw Colobus monkeys, Blue monkeys, De Brazees, and Red-Tailed monkeys, not to mention a multitude of birds and insects and the greenest trees you've ever seen. We even made it out of the park before dark and before the gates closed at 6:30 and we didn't get rained on too hard.

That night we met lots of other people all of whom seemed to be currently living in Kenya even though they were from places like Louisiana, Canada, and Europe. It's amazing, the projects that people come over to do here in Kenya. Some had farming projects while one couple helped prisoners that were released with no family and nowhere to go. It became clear to us as well that, tourists don't really go to Western Kenya. All of the people here are hear with a purpose or because they live here. Made me feel like somewhat of a tourist pioneer.

The next morning after checking out we climbed to the top of a hill up above the canopy and could see for miles. On the way down we went by some old mining caves that were rumored to have lots of bats living in them. Dave was the bravest, going deep into the narrow cave, and found out the rumors were true.

We hiked back to catch a taxi and matatu all feeling like we did not want to leave. We agreed that our parents would all really like this place too. Hmmm.