Christmas Safari to Eastern Uganda


Christmas Safari to Eastern Uganda
22 December – 2 January, 2013
Eastern Uganda is a spectacular part of Uganda. We shall go round the Ugandan side of Mt Elgon, a 4,321m extinct volcano straddling the Kenyan border. Waterfalls tumble down the Elgon slopes , and we shall walk along the Sipi Falls.
We pass some very dramatic volcanic outcrops near Tororo and Mbale and even climb them (easy climbs) and see the jagged peak of Mt Kadam. Tororo and Mbale are pleasant towns with well preserved examples of colonial-era Asian and European architecture.
We shall visit the Kokoro and Nyero rock art paintings. We explore Lake Bisina- a 190km long freshwater lake near the eastern arm of the Kioga drainage system. We then proceed to Lake Opeta which is the centre of a complex of swamps that is in the process of gaining recognition as a Ramsar site. Both lakes are well known for their bird populations , especially the latter for its large shoebill stork populations and the acquatic sitatunga.
Our final destination will be the Kidepo Valley National Park, possibly Uganda’s most alluring savanna reserve. Apart from savanna grasslands it also has patches of montane forest, riparian woodlands and borassus palms lining the seasonal river valleys. Kidepo protects a number of the most exciting faunas of any Ugandan national park.
Eastern Uganda is home to several special tribes, notably the Karamojong.
This is basically a camping trip. Those who wish to stay in bandas or hotels will probably be able to do so. This needs more planning and details on such places will be available later.
If you wish to self-drive you can do so under special arrangements.
Estimated cost: 65,000ksh pp. This costing is based on 20 persons.
Included: Truck transport, 3 meals a day, tent and mattress.
Not included: Park entry fees, Ugandan visa, camping fee, any rock art entry fee

Please express interest early so that I can work on the final details. Communicate directly with me on
Email: narinder.heyer@gmail.com
Mob: 0721 718590 0733 704267
Narinder Heyer
Weekend Outings Coordinator

Man Eaters of Tsavo


Man Eaters of Tsavo
7-9 December
When the railway was being built in the last decade if the nineteenth century man-eating lions held up the work for several days. The incident is immortalised in the film “The Ghost and Darkness”. We visit the Tsavo area where the incidents took place and stay at the appropiately named “Man Eaters Camp”. It is a charming tented camp on the banks of the Tsavo river, with a swimming pool hewn out of solid rock.
Programme
Friday- Depart from Nairobi early and arrive at camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon walk to Tsavo Bridge in the company of an armed ranger. We also visit Tsavo station with its antique machinery still in use! Lions used to make themselves comfortable on the platform of Tsavo station! In the evening there will be a 40-minute talk on the railway, Patterson and the man-eating lions. After dinner you can view the film “The Ghost and Darkness”.
Saturday- we have a relaxing full day in Tsavo East or West.
Sunday- Depart after a leisurely breakfast. We can have lunch at the Sikh temple in Makindu.
Cost- 15,250pp sharing
Included- 2 days FB.
Not included- Transport and park entry for Saturday.

The Ewart Grogan Tour – Tsavo West


The Ewart Grogan Tour
9 – 12 November
This safari is to the remote south western tip of Tsavo West. We enter the park from Mtito Andei, spend some time at the historic Rhodesia bridge and have a picnic lunch at Mzima Springs.
This area had plantations belonging to Ewart Grogan, one of the major British settlers and landowners in colonial Kenya. There will be a tour of Ziwani estate, which had belonged to Grogan and a 40 -minute talk on Grogan and his achievements.
We have negotiated an excellent price for the 3 nights at Ziwani tented camp. It is a beautiful camp built around a lake, with crocodiles and hippo in the water. From the grounds you get lovely views of Mawenzi peak of Kilimanjaro.
We shall drive past Grogan’s castle, visit Lake Jipe and the mysterious Lake Chala and have a morning walk around the lake at Ziwani camp.
Cost: 18,800 ksh pp sharing.
Single room supplement is 4,670 per day!
Included: FB at Ziwani and a small guide fee.
Not included: transport, park entry.
Recommended reading: Edward Paice “Lost Lion of Empire”
Note: If you want to come for 2 nights you will leave Nairobi at 6am and be at Ziwani at 10am. Cost for 2 nights is 12,980ksh pp sharing

Dreams in a Time of War – A Childhood Memoir

Dreams in a Time of War – A Childhood Memoir
by Ngugi wa Thiong’o

In Dreams in a Time of War, Ngugi skillfully etches a bygone era, bearing witness to the social and political vicissitudes of life under colonialism and war.
It gives it’s readers an unforgettable sense of another time, a country and a continent in the middle of change – a small child learns to hold onto his dreams, even in a time of war. Luminously evokes Kenya on the cusp of independence… this memoir is suffused with affecting evocations of time and place, as well as a touching reminder that dreams can be true.
A son of a man whose four wives bore him more than a score of children, young Ngugi displayed what was then considered a bizarre thirst for learning, yet it was unimaginable that he would grow up to become a world-renowned novelist, playwright and critic.
Available now @ KMS Shop for Ksh 1,150

Other books by Ngugi Wa Thiong’o includes; Wizard of the Crow, Petals of Blood, Devil on the Cross, Decolonizing the Mind among others.
(Place your order at KMS shop – 0713 354 926 or info@kenyamuseumsociety.org)
(Deliveries can be organized within Nairobi & Karen areas)
Mpesa Business No: 400800 followed by Account No: 6571570019

The Sleeping Warrior Tented Camp

The Sleeping Warrior Tented Camp

13-14 October

We travel to Lake Elmentaita with its many flamingoes. En route we visit the the area where the Cole brothers, brothers-in-law to Lord Delamere had their ranches. After lunch there will be a guided walk and in the evening a 40 minute talk on Lord Delamere. On Sunday after breakfast we shall visit the very pristine Soysambu Conservancy.

 

Carry a picnic lunch for Sunday.

We shall stay at the charming Sleeping Warrior Camp not too far from the shores of Lake Elmentaita.

Cost:  7,850 pp sharing.

Included:  FB at Sleeping Warrior, cost of guided walk.

Not included:  Conservancy entry fee to Soysambu (1,000 ksh), and transport.

0724 255 299 or 2339158

A performance/show by PAST, South Africa.

 

First time in East Africa, the Kenya Museum Society and the Prehistory Club, National Museums of Kenya (NMK), presents 

Walking Tall, by PAST, South Africa.

PAST (The Paleontological Scientific Trust) performances cut across language & cultural barriers to explore the complexity of human evolution and Mankind’s African origins.  Using performing arts to teach science is the perfect way to spark curiosity and demonstrate that science is fun!  An understanding and appreciation of our long journey of shared common ancestry can form the basis to shatter traditionally conceived boundaries based on racial, cultural and other recent superficial differences.

www.past.org.za

Wednesday, 3 October, 2012

Louis Leakey Auditorium, Nairobi National Museum,

Refreshment 6.15,  Doors open 7.00 pm.

Donation:  Ksh 400 Members

Ksh 500 Non-members

Ksh 100 Special Citizen & Student rate

Reservations:   0724 255 299, 2339158 or

info@kenyamuseumsociety.org

M-Pesa no:  400800, Account no:  6571570019

Half Day Family Tour to Paradise Lost

Half Day Family Tour to Paradise Lost
Sunday 30 September, 10am
Sitting on a 54-Acre piece of private land, Paradise Lost is one of very few places close to Nairobi that offers a myriad of attractions and activities for the whole family. It is a beautiful oasis in the middle of a coffee farm close to Kiambu Town, about 10km from Nairobi. When you get there, you can’t help but wonder at the contrast between this hidden gem and the surrounding landscape.
It is the home of the 2.5 years Old Stone Age caves, trees thought to be hundreds of years old while the river reeds have a long story to tell.

 

We will have a guided tour of the place and an enlightening talk about coffee brewing from the manager.
Cost:
KMS member adult – Ksh 1,250 & child – Ksh 650
Non member – Ksh 1,500 & child – Ksh 750
Included:
Entrance & guide fees
Coffee farm & factory tour (with a complimentary cup of coffee)
Nature trail walk & bird watching
Guided tour to the caves, screened by a spectacular waterfall (lighting is installed in the caves, however carry a torch for extra lighting)
Picnic ground
Optional activities (excluded in the cost)
Horse, camel and boat riding; face painting
What to carry
Picnic lunch and drinking water
Note: there will be grade 1 coffee on sale at an affordable cost of Ksh 600 for the 500g packet and Ksh 300 for the 250g packet
Payment by: 24 September.
You can book via email and send payments to: Mpesa Pay bill No. 400800, Account No. 657 157 0019

The Happy Valley Tour

The Happy Valley Tour

September 22-23

This will be a very exciting trip of the Happy Valley circuit. We shall camp for one night at El Paradiso. It is a lovely camp with an excellent shower and toilet unit and a nice restaurant. The owner is a gourmet cook.

The trip will begin at Kiambu church where Lord Errol is buried. On arrival at camp we shall set up our tents, followed by an early picnic lunch. Then we shall visit 5 houses, including Clouds. In the evening there will be a 40 minute talk and discussion on the Happy Valley residents and the enigma of who killed Lord Errol. On Sunday there will be a hike up to the Aberdare fence. Return to camp for lunch.

You can take your own tent or El Paradiso can provide camping equipment.

Carry picnic lunch for Saturday.

Price: 5,350pp  (with own tent)

The following equipment can be hired:

Single tent     – 900ksh

Double tent   – 1,200ksh

Mattress        –  300ksh

Sleeping bag –  600ksh

Included:  1 day FB, camping fee, the Happy Valley guided tour and the guided hike fee.

Not included: Picnic lunch on Saturday and transport

Recommended reading:  James Fox  “The Happy Valley”

Paul Spicer “The Temptress”

E Trzebinski “The Life and Death of Lord Errol”

Juanita Carberry “Child of Happy Valley”

Some  books are on sale in the Museum shop and some can even be borrowed from the KMS library.

Masinga Dam Resort

Masinga Dam Resort

September  8-9

There are 5 large dams on the upper reaches of the Tana river, just a few kilometres  beyond Thika. It is a lovely area with huge water reservoirs, a good road network maintained by the Power and Lighting company, and excellent birding and walking opportunities.

We shall stay at Masinga Dam Resort, overlooking Masinga Dam. The site is spectacular but the lodge has seen better days. There is a swimming pool and our rooms are around the pool.

Price: 4,200pp sharing B&B only.

Dinner can be ordered from the ala carte menu.

Carry a picnic lunch

Not included: transport

Departure on Saturday at 8.30am