After spending three and a half days in Bungoma it was time to hit the road again. We had lots of country to see and a long way to travel over the next two days.
Our first destination was Rondo Retreat. The name “Rondo” comes from “Kavirondo”, the area of Western Kenya around Lake Victoria. Rondo also means “All Round”, an all round retreat of wholeness for body, soul and spirit in the Kakamega Rain Forest. The retreat has a very interesting history with even some Canadian impact. I am taking the liberty to plagiarize a few interesting facts straight from their website.
Bob Turton, from South Africa, came to Kenya to seek his fortune in the Kakamega Gold Rush. When that did not “pan out” he turned to timber, running a sawmill, but practicing the sustainable forest policy of the colonial era. One day the sawmill received an order for an Elgon Olive (teak). Bob was informed by his workers of an especially fine specimen in the forest nearby. His wife, on seeing the tree, declared that it should not be cut down, rather that she must have her house built facing it. Bob did just that and made a home and garden for themselves, deep in the forest. The Main House and Guest Cottage were completed in 1948. Bob’s first wife, Anita, a keen gardener, laid out a magnificent garden, beneath an overarching cathedral of trees, with the help of an army of gardeners.
Bob donated Rondo to the NCCK for use as a Youth Centre. Rondo was too isolated for the NCCK to manage and put to good use so it gradually reverted to bush, the house deteriorated until it was in rack and ruin and the beauty of the garden was gone.
In 1966 the Founder of Trinity Fellowship, Canon Cuthbert Dawkins, being at that time also on the Board of the NCCK, offered to take Rondo over as a Youth Camp for the Trinity Fellowship. Youth work being T.F.’s main thrust, it was decided to start a small Farmer’s Training Centre to equip school leavers with basic agricultural skills.
A couple from Canada, Jim and Bernice Gale, were invited to head up this project. We should have known better but the monkeys ravaged whatever was grown, so the poor Gales were frustrated in accomplishing this task. Also due to its remoteness and the lack of funding they had to abandon the project after a couple of years. They put their all into the work and had the best of intentions, living in exceedingly primitive conditions – real pioneer missionaries – but the jungle won!
Having relinquished Rondo in 1975 in favour of the Orphanage, Trinity Fellowship found itself once again in possession of Rondo in 1986, but now with the express purpose of running a Retreat Centre.
Were it not for Rondo’s presence in the Forest and its efforts of conservation and reforestation with thousands of trees little or none of the virgin forest in the surrounds would be left. Over the years numerous individuals have poured their hearts and lives into Rondo creating this haven in such idyllic surroundings, enabling Rondo to fulfill its role of providing a place of peace and rest for many to enjoy.
After a two hour drive we arrived at Rondo. Stepping out of the car you immediately feel a sense of peace and relaxation. Tea and cake would be served on the veranda at 3. In the meantime we would enjoy the scenery, go for a short hike, have a few games of Scrabble and just relax as we watched the monkeys play in the trees. An afternoon with no phones or internet, just great conversation, laughter and serenity. As we sat there during an afternoon rain shower it brought back great memories of my childhood being on the veranda at the beach playing cards or Rummoli with our grandparents and relatives.
It was early to bed after an amazing dinner. Tomorrow would be a LONG drive to the Maasai Mara game reserve. It turned out we really had no idea how long it was going to be. The first three hours went quite smoothly, passing through the cities of Kisumu and Kisii. A half hour past Kasii the road became a dirt road with more potholes, bumps and challenges than our poor car could handle, plus we really weren't a 100% sure where we were going from this point. Continuing on the car started to make a some weird sounds. Then is slipped out of gear and Rodgers was unable to keep it going. We were going to need help.
Fortunately I had the phone number of the resort we were going to and was able to call and ask them to come and get us. Rodgers was able to connect with his mechanic in Kisii who would come check the car out. Two hours later both a Range Rover from our camp and the mechanic showed up. All would be fine. Rodgers got his car fixed and was back in Bungoma early that evening and we could sit back and enjoy the rest of the trip to the Mara. Bumpy and dusty as it was.
I always live by the motto that things happen for a reason and I truly think breaking down where we did was meant to be. There is no way Rodgers car would have made it much further without really breaking down. The road was that bad. I would have been stressed the entire way wondering if we were going the right way. While we had directions, they were not totally clear and it was a long way between checkpoints. Yes things happen for a reason.
About seven hours after we had left Rondo we finally arrived at Sentinal Mara Camp. We were greeted by the staff dressed in their native attire and provided hot, wet facecloths and cold juice. We were so happy to be here and first impressions totally exceeded our expectations.
YES we were staying in tents, eating in tents, relaxing in tents on the side of the Mara River. They were tents like I have never experienced before. 5 Star all the way!! The service was outstanding with attention to every last detail. The food prepared by the chef in camp exceeded dinners I have had in 5 star restaurant and the ambience was incredible. Dinner under the stars listening to the hippos playing in the river.
Maasai guards to escort us to our tents at night and bring us hot water in the mornings. All the comforts of home served up in tents. Not just any tents. Tents with private washrooms and luxurious beds. Hot water bottles tucked in our beds at night. Life is good and I definitely felt spoiled.
After a two hour drive we arrived at Rondo. Stepping out of the car you immediately feel a sense of peace and relaxation. Tea and cake would be served on the veranda at 3. In the meantime we would enjoy the scenery, go for a short hike, have a few games of Scrabble and just relax as we watched the monkeys play in the trees. An afternoon with no phones or internet, just great conversation, laughter and serenity. As we sat there during an afternoon rain shower it brought back great memories of my childhood being on the veranda at the beach playing cards or Rummoli with our grandparents and relatives.
It was early to bed after an amazing dinner. Tomorrow would be a LONG drive to the Maasai Mara game reserve. It turned out we really had no idea how long it was going to be. The first three hours went quite smoothly, passing through the cities of Kisumu and Kisii. A half hour past Kasii the road became a dirt road with more potholes, bumps and challenges than our poor car could handle, plus we really weren't a 100% sure where we were going from this point. Continuing on the car started to make a some weird sounds. Then is slipped out of gear and Rodgers was unable to keep it going. We were going to need help.
Fortunately I had the phone number of the resort we were going to and was able to call and ask them to come and get us. Rodgers was able to connect with his mechanic in Kisii who would come check the car out. Two hours later both a Range Rover from our camp and the mechanic showed up. All would be fine. Rodgers got his car fixed and was back in Bungoma early that evening and we could sit back and enjoy the rest of the trip to the Mara. Bumpy and dusty as it was.
I always live by the motto that things happen for a reason and I truly think breaking down where we did was meant to be. There is no way Rodgers car would have made it much further without really breaking down. The road was that bad. I would have been stressed the entire way wondering if we were going the right way. While we had directions, they were not totally clear and it was a long way between checkpoints. Yes things happen for a reason.
About seven hours after we had left Rondo we finally arrived at Sentinal Mara Camp. We were greeted by the staff dressed in their native attire and provided hot, wet facecloths and cold juice. We were so happy to be here and first impressions totally exceeded our expectations.
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