Lake Baringo and Island Camp

This past Saturday morning, we made the beautiful drive into the Great Rift Valley on our way to Lake Baringo. We first passed through Keiyo District, where many of the world-class Kenyan runners train. It was exciting to see some runners training as we drove through this part of western Kenya. On the well-paved road towards the lowlands, the terrain takes a precipitous drop into the Rift Valley, a stunning geological wonder to behold.



Photos just do not do it justice...

Our van group:




Once to Lake Baringo, the land again stopped and we were left facing a dock with a canoe (with a motor). We soon realized that this boat was a necessary component of getting to "Island Camp," where we would spend the night.





Island Camp turned out to be an idyllic spot, where we did little more than read, swim, and eat. Our time included scenic views from our thatched-covered tents, endless hours reading and swimming by a refreshing lake-side pool, and several beautiful tropical meals, including a candle-lit "nyamo choma" (barbecue over the coals) dinner. I definitely felt like an imposter on an extravagant honeymoon vacation. Fortunately for us, we enjoyed these accomodations for about $60.

Tent:



Because everyone else was paired up and Patrick (Meghan's fiance) had to pick up some weekend shifts back at MTRH in Eldoret, Meghan and I were tent-mates. We found it pretty ironic and amusing that we were sharing this very romantic weekend instead of she and Patrick.



View to a nearby island



Rain off the island:



Hanging out before dinner:




Nyama Choma time...



Toucan Sam (actually some type of hornbill)



Where I spent most of the weekend. They served us tea and coffee on Sunday morning as a wake-up call.