The Wonders of Kirinyaga

Each school holiday, Moomin and his family visit a different region of Kenya to discover the sights and sounds Kenya has. This year they are in Kirinyaga County. Moomin and his family do not know much about Kirinyaga. All Moomin knows is that it was named after Mount Kenya’s highest peak. 

“That grass is a really beautiful shade of green,” Moomin says, pointing outside his window. 

“I do not think that is grass, neither is it weeds,” his mother says. 

“I think it is a paddy field with rice growing,” Moomin’s father says, slowing down the car to a stop.  

Almost immediately Moomin saw the sign that said Mwea Pishori Rice Farm. 

“Let us take a photo at the sign,” Moomin’s father suggests, unfastening his seat belt. 

There was a cool breeze and half the say was sunny while the other half had dark grey clouds. The view was however still beautiful. Unfortunately, mosquitos were drawn to Moomin like magnets to steel. Mosquitos love paddy fields with their stagnant water for breeding. Soon they were back in the car. The family finally arrive at the Castle Forest Lodge. What a beautiful sight. The lodge is on top of a hilly green piece of land; all the buildings are made of wood and give a treehouse living feel. They are shown to their rooms where they take a shower before going down to dinner.  

“Did you know that Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Queen Elizabeth visited this place when they were students?” Moomin asks his parents as they settle at their dinner table. 

“Really?” Both his parents respond in surprise. 

“That’s what it says on this flyer I got at the reception when you were checking us in,” Moomin says, showing his parents the flyer. 

As soon as they finish dinner, they go to sleep. The next day promises to be a fully packed activity day and they need their rest. As much as Moomin wanted to go for a night swim, rest was more important. 

The next morning, they wake up very early. Moomin’s mother had written all possible activities in small pieces of paper, folded them and put them in a bowl for Moomin to pick one for their day’s activity.  

“Zip Lining,” Moomin says, reading the piece of paper he unfolded. 

Nobody is sure they want to be high above the ground hanging on a rope, but they decide to take the risk and have fun.  

“Welcome to the River Sagana zipline,” says Nasieuku the guide with exuberance.  

The guide continues to explain that River Sagana is a sought-after destination for water sports lovers.  

“This is River Sagana and you will notice people in kayaks go by, they are coming from one of the seven rivers around us.” Nasieku informs them. 

 “Seven rivers!” exclaims Moomin. 

 “Yes, you cannot go five kilometres before coming across a river or stream,” Nasieku explains handing my mother the key to the changing room for us to put on the ziplining outfit. 

 “What’s that plaque?” Moomin asks pointing at a wall hanging behind Nasieku. 

 “Oh, that was a token of appreciation for hosting the Africa Qualifiers for Kayaking for the 2016 Olympics,” Nasieku says excitedly. 

 Before long, with all the gear on off the dock Moomin and his parents go, what an exhilarating ride. Once done, they decided to walk around and admire the scenery, and as Naieku had told them they came across a river, saw cows grazing and lots of people kayaking. 

“Are you here to see the bridge?” A boy asks Moomin, he seems to also be on a family trip. 

“What bridge?” Moomin asks. 

“The Bridge of God, it’s a rock formation that connects this side of the river to the other side,” the boy says.  

“Wow, my name is Moomin,” he introduces himself. 

“I am Mus, short for Musa,” The boy says. 

As they are talking about the bridge, their parents join them.  

“Hi guys we need to go, looks like it’s about to rain,” Musa’s mother says. 

“What about the Bridge of God?” Musa asks.

“I guess we will have to come another day,” she says. 

Just then a tiny drop of rain falls on Moomin’s forehead. It looks like a tiny drop seems to have fallen on everyone as they hurry to find shelter from the rain.