Do you ever feel the need to be in tune with nature?
I'm assuming you live in a town or city like myself and therefore well versed with the insanity we often call normal life.
Do you ever experience a craving for clean air, tranquility and peace of mind?
For me, the experience of nature is most powerful when I am in an undisturbed and unpolluted environment. I feel more relaxed, more energetic and generally the whole experience of being alive seems to be much better.
We're here!
Close to a fortnight ago, I decided to visit Hyrax Hill, a place which turned out to be perfect for what I had planned for the day, that is, to be one with nature, to learn something new and of course to exercise while I'm at it.
For the love of walking, I walked about 3 and a half kilometers from Nakuru town to my destination, a prehistoric site and museum located along Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
I find it obligatory to tell you a little something about this cool place I visited, because living an adventure is important, but it's just as important to share it too.
Hyrax Hill is a renowned archeological research area and reference point for investigations of prehistory of East Africa. It is most famous for being home to artifacts belonging to different time periods, with the earliest finds dating back to the Neolithic period. A small museum which was opened back in 1965, displays assorted relics of man from the Hyrax Hill site and other sites in the Central Rift Valley.
While at the museum, I got to learn a lot about the history of the Sirikwa people, a dominant population of the western highlands of Kenya before the Maasai era. I also enjoyed scenery of lifestyles and achievements of distant ancestors thanks to well preserved and laid out exhibits.
Above is a depiction of the Sirikwa people settlement.
Above are assorted, Kenyan/African musical instruments
Hyrax Hill is named after the animals you see above, a small mammal of the rabbit family. The rock hyrax once lived in hundreds at Hyrax Hill, however the animals are now among the endangered species of the world.
Up to date, Hyrax Hilll attracts and is a habitat to a variety of bird species and other wildlife species like hyenas, snakes and tortoise.
~o~
After visiting the museum, accompanied by my tour guide, I got to explore an interesting nature trail which was great for a little hiking. I also got to do something I've never done before, guys I held a 19 year old tortoise in my hand! Whoop! Whoop!... Though looking back and considering that the tortoise is still a teenager, I strongly believe it gave me an eye-roll as I picked it up to take a picture with it.
The oldest tortoise at Hyrax Hill, it's 136 years old. I got to find out from my tour guide that tortoise can live up to 300 years of age, if you didn't know, now you know :-)
Going up hill, I got to see and learn about different species of both indigenous and exotic trees, beautiful grass, rocks, shrubs and herbs. My favorite part on the nature trail was when we reached on top of the hill, from where I stood, I could clearly see the magnificent view of Lake Nakuru expansive parts of Nakuru town and the Great Rift Valley. The breeze too on top of the hill was nothing short of amazing.
View of Lake Nakuru :-) :-)
Have you been at Hyrax Hill before? If yes, please share your experience on the "comment" section below.
If you're ever in Nakuru and up for a weekend of history or you simply want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to have full contact with nature, I highly recommend Hyrax Hill, you will without a doubt have the time of your life.
Thank you so much for reading! Hope you enjoyed the pictures! I can't wait to share my next travel destination with you.
Love & Light
Xx
