Date Posted: 12/1/2012 2:46:39 AM
Posted By: Dougy Songs Membership Level: Silver Total Points: 325
During these December holiday when you get a chance, take a trip to Kitengela Township. It will most likely turn into an impromptu journey of dares. Maybe you might have tried rides on camels, horses, goats, cows and motorbikes. But have you ever considered an Ostrich ride?The Maasai Ostrich Farm in Kitengela is a lovely serene place adorned by bamboo plantings, smooth lawns and flowers. It is also unique get-away that has the ostrich theme dominating every part of the hotel. You will be amazed to realize that the cream coloured lamp shades are made from the shell of the ostrich egg. You will also learn that apart from eggshells, there are also other ostrich products that one can purchase at reasonable prices.This Farm is an ideal get-away for the family, more so those with their kids who are in constant demand of entertainment. Graced with children's play pens, slides and swings, the addition of ostrich rides brings a thrill that will not soon be forgotten by both the kids and kids-at-heart. The hotel is a perfect destination to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying nyama choma or better still, grilled ostrich meat and eggs.Are you aware that it will take you two hours to boil an ostrich egg to perfection? Did you know that you will need a medium sufuria to beat one egg and an extra large pan to fry one ostrich egg? One ostrich egg is equivalent of twelve chicken eggs!Contrary to what most people think, ostrich meat is actually red and not white. It is also very tasty, high in protein, calcium and iron, yet low in fat and cholesterol.There is much you can learn about ostrich. When you tour the farm you will learn that an ostrich can achieve speeds of up to 60km/h, easily out running any gold medalist and some cars on our roads! You will still learn a few things too about this long necked beauty that are not so flattering. Apparently, the ostrich is the perfect example of bad parenting. A hen will fight another hen if they both have offspring. The winner takes over the offspring of the other one and rears them up. So don't be surprised if you find a hen rearing over hundred chicks all on her own. What quality parenting would that be? Which may be why it becomes the father's sole duty to ensure that the young ones get to know their way about as soon as they can walk. It is rumoured too that ostrich eyes are bigger than their brains.To differentiate them, the male is black with white wings, while the female is grey or brownish. Like all babies, the ostrich young ones are quite adorable.You will not need to worry about them kicking you as you ride. The experience guides help you mount and give you riding tips. Example, always ride the ostrich from the back, as they cannot kick you from that end.Other attractions at the farm include camping expeditions for both children and adults. Carry some extra cash to take away ostrich souvenirs like dust feathers, eggshells, leather wallets and mats, just to mention a few.
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