By Maryanne Dunfey
My friend asked me if I wanted to "Play Bikes" across Kenya and I said, "Absolutely!" At that moment I had never imagined what that might look like. I showed up in Kenya and was surprised at how friendly everyone was. I even arrived without my luggage for the first 5 days! Tara and her support staff were magnificent at tracking down my bag and making sure it reached me out in the bush. At that point I found it easy to travel light.
We spent the days following Tara. She would take out her maps and educate us on the habitat, community and wildlife each day before we left the campsite. Yes, campsite. I haven't slept in a tent in 30 years and now I am in the bush with wild animals around sleeping in a tent. That was a surprise, but don't worry we had armed guards to fend off any wildlife or any other obstacles that would upset our night's rest. I slept fantastic on a thick pad with a sweet liner and sleeping bag each night.
Our days were filled with riding, watching wildlife and enjoying the small communities as we rode through their towns. The food was incredibly delicious and healthy! I had 3rds at every meal and still managed to lose 10 pounds! The cook and camp staff had the camps set up prior to our arrival every afternoon.
We had visits to different conservancies and they would share their livelihoods and how they made a sustainable living. Many of these areas set up handmade crafts for us to browse over. The children loved the bicycles and would run with us until their legs were tuckered out. Many of the locals would yell, "Jambo" which means "hello". Others would just watch us ride by. The ride was mostly in the bush and we did not see anyone other than the people who lived in each community. Even the fully armed night watchmen seemed to just show up dressed in their camo on foot.
Climbing Mt. Kenya was not bad. We had to go "pole pole", which means "very slowly" due to the altitude. Camps were comfortable, but it was below freezing up top, so be prepared!
This is not only a once in a lifetime experience, but it is also a one of a kind trip. Why sit in a truck when you could be free in the bush exploring and experiencing the wild one on one.
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