by: Nyambosa G. Maroa
It’s a serene setting and the view from this point is stunning. Steep slopes and high valleys are replete with thick natural forests dating thousand of years ago. Right now the sky is covered by dense grey clouds that are pregnant with moisture. It appears like they can’t hold it any longer. It’ll start to rain in a matter of hours.
It’s nearly 12 noon and we are approaching the camping site just below the mountain top. The air is pleasantly cool and stunningly revitalizing. This is a perfect camping experience. The gurgle of the stream running from the famous Elgon Springs is inviting. Nobody would guess that a spring of fresh water lies this high. It’s one of nature’s wonders in the making.
“The springs are a source of fresh natural water that requires little treatment. It has been flowing nonstop for centuries.” explains Kiptum, the forest ranger playing the guide’s role. “The Finish Government sponsored the water project that now supplies most villages and shopping centers at the mountain slopes.” He concludes.
The country side is picturesque, with a green carpet of coffee plantations, English potatoes and maize. The air is tantalizingly fresh. From the main road, it’s hard to imagine that there is fertile farmland so far up Mt Elgon.
The heavens open up as we dash to the grass thatched camp hut. The clouds are so dense it’s beginning to get dark outside. The condition in the terrestrial grounds below looks no better. We must wait for the rain to stop before venturing further. Most of us are now becoming accustomed to the conditions up here and we are no longer daunted by it. Instead, warmed by the camping fire, we are suddenly animated when the heavy downpour abates.
Amazingly one hour later after the rain, the darkish condition still persists and there are signs that it might fall again. We decide to flee. We do not want to be caught in another downpour for none of us is prepared for a night out up here.
As we begin our descend, we have the bird’s eye view of the sprawling slopes below. It is a sight to behold. A black and white hornbill flaps nosily overhead. A group of guinea fowls glide downhill and land on the farms below while the tiny leaf-loves and green doves fly about. There is life everywhere. Silk threads touch our bare faces as we walk the steep slopes to the bottom.
“The Mt. Elgon area is very rich in bio-diversity,” says Kiptum. “This is one of the few indigenous forested areas remaining in the country. The forests are protected and it is a crime to cut trees for commercial purposes.”
By the time we reach the bottom, it’s 6pm. We must drive back to Bungoma town before dark. As we bid Kiptum goodbye, we give the mountain another quick look as the sun, a golden disk, slowly disappeared due west. The village life is slowing down as the cows, sheep and goats are being returned home for the night.
Back to the hotel, we reflect on the events of the day. It’s been such a rewarding day full of memories to take away.
Guided tours can be arranged from Happy Moments Hotel:
e-mail: happymomentscafe@yahoo.com
Tel: 254 734 641910
About The Author
Nyambosa G. Maroa writes exclusively for Safari Wagon located at www.safariwagon.blogspot.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment