Date Posted: 5/26/2013 3:03:11 AM
Posted By: Chadeshady Membership Level: Gold Total Points: 1697
If anybody grew wise enough to grasp the real immutable laws of nature, it would only rear back and strike them dead before it got anybody to understand it. And that's the thing about nature: make one lousy rule to describe it and it will contradict you even if it has to transmogrify and metamorphosize and bust its ass to do it. There's so much of it.When was the last time you took some time for yourself or your family, just to enjoy and have a nice time? Just so we are clear, I'm talking about a nature outing where you take the whole day sampling the best that nature provides. The air in town is always filled with pollutants which we should escape from time after time; and Thika has dozens of places to unwind. The tragic part being, many of us never take the initiative of discovering these places. Matter of fact most of the visitors are foreign tourists and some local families. Two months ago, I shared an experience I had at the Arboretum. This week, I'm sharing one I had at the Fourteen Falls last weekend. My own way of appreciating what this beautiful country has to offer naturewise is by sharing the experiences from the trips I make to such glorious sites. The Fourteen Falls are the most famous and magnificent falls in Thika; aptly named so because it has 14 distinct waterfalls filled with thousands of litres of water that make up the Athi River. The falls overlook the famous Kilimambogo Hill (the Hill of the Buffaloes) that is visible from all the areas along the Thika Super Highway. The falls are near the border between Thika and Machakos Districts. The fast flowing water pounds more than 25 meters into the large pool at the base of the fall causing a loud thundering sound that is heard distances away and makes the experience unforgettable.Upon arrival there is usually a group of competent and experienced local guides who lead guests to near the base of the falls. You then get into a boat and cross the river to the other side. You can also have a leisure boat ride downstream, upstream and back to the river bank, a ride that cuts across rocks and wild waters. The guides around as well as locals will also entertain you as they dive from the top of the falls, making a plunge into the water to the bottom pools. You can't help but hold your breath as they plunge through thin air into the swelling pool. Fourteen Falls is surrounded by a beautiful scenery of plants and vegetation which makes the place a darling to hundreds of tourists each year. Coupled with bird watching, boat expeditions and photography then the place becomes a candidate for fun and adventure. The scenery is wonderful for group expeditions, team building and the occasional romantic getaway; I just hinted a place where you could take you loved one for their birthday or your anniversary or even Valentine's Day. You can have lunch at any of the various hotels around, or in Thika town. Some of the well known hotels near the falls include the Fourteen Falls Lounge and the Blue Post Hotel where accommodation is also available at affordable rates. They also come with other facilities such as cable TV, picnic grounds, camping facilities, video and photo shooting and so much more. There are local traders who offer affordable services like photography, curios and fruits like the fresh and sweet pineapples. To make the experience worthwhile you can hire local guides who will take you to the most appealing spots. They charge affordable fees for this ranging from Kshs 150 to Kshs 300. If you are thinking of the best place to spend your leisure time this coming weekend, I'd suggest you budget for the Fourteen Falls. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
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