T H E M M A S I FA M I LY, 2013
TOWN TRIPS
NAIROBI
Kakamega is the place where you can check your
email, withdraw money from the bank, and stock
up on essential supplies such as bottled water,
toilet paper, luxury and hygiene items as well as
some more familiar snacks. We suggest buying
water in 20 litre containers - these will last you a
few days.
There are a number of accommodation options
available in Nairobi, from budget backpackers to
five star hotels. However, there is one place we can
recommend for it’s value for money, friendliness
and safety and that’s the Wildebeest Eco Camp.
Kakamega is the closest large town to Shikunga
and it about an hour away by matatu (public
bus). It is the provincial headquarters of Western
Province and has a population of almost 75,000.
When in town, Onesmus will show you a safe
place to eat - usually some variation of chicken,
chips or samosa. Stay away from unsealed bottles,
salad items, street food and the public toilets if at
all possible.
Depending on the length of your stay, you may
also travel to Kisumu for a town trip. Kisumu is
the larger town you flew into when you arrived
and if you get a chance, duck down to one of the
fish restaurants by the lake. A grilled whole tilapia
straight from the lake and eaten with your fingers
is an experience not to be missed!
For your safety we recommend you minimise
your after-dark travel. Depending on your flight
times you may need to book a night in a Nairobi
hotel before flying to Shikunga or prior to your
scheduled flight home.
Owned and run by two Australians who respect
the local environment and people you can book
a luxury safari tent at Wildebeest for around $60
per night. Located 20 minutes from the CBD with
its own onsite and affordable cafe you’ll find the
property full of interesting people and many
volunteers like yourself. The staff can organise
airport transfers for you, as well as short and long
safaris around Kenya. Find out more at
http://wildebeestecocamp.com
11