Friday, 13 June 2025

West is best - or is it? - Join us as we explore West Kenya

Crossing over into country 11 of our African golf safari, we enter Kenya - our final country with 20 golf courses left to play to complete our challenge.


Immediately on entering Kenya, we're looking at a bribe, wondering if this is the thing in Kenya or whether it’s a one off?  We were asked to unload all of our bags from the Land Rover, and as we started to do this, the fixer told us we could pay the customs official the equivalent to £6 and we could move on - of course we did this, not because we have something to hide, but because we wanted to get back on the road.


About 5 minutes down the road and we are stopped again.  This time the policeman wanted a beer - we don’t have beers, and as a female officer started to approach, the original police officer moved away - without a beer and we were allowed to carry on with our journey.



Of course we’re disappointed with our first impressions of Kenya.  Our job is to encourage others by sharing good things about our journey, but for the sake of transparence we’re not going to sugar coat it either!


At this stage, I’ve got to say, not everyone is like this in Kenya, but let our story unravel, and you can judge this statement for yourselves and maybe, on reflection, first impressions, were a bit harsh?  We’ll see.


Wondering what on earth we’d let ourselves in for in Kenya, our first campsite was near our first golf course, Kitale.  Pretty grotty facilities were offered and refused, so we decided to sort ourselves out, boiling our own water after seeing other peoples dirty dishes hog the drainers.  A perfect time to be resourceful.





KITALE GC

81. Kitale Golf Club - and the people could not have been nicer, more welcoming or friendly.  Playing this parkland course, we got to see the black and white colobus monkeys almost flying through the air as they bounce from tree to tree, rattling the branches above us as we played up and down the hills.  Wide ditches, or donga’s were fairly common but without water, they were playable from their base.  It immediately struck us how good the condition was, having played some barely identifiable as golf courses on our African journey, this was refreshing and we hoped was the start of a trend for golf in Kenya.

A really nice established tree lined course with a club more like a country club as we listened to children and adults playing in the pool next to the clubhouse.  There’s a real nice family feel about this place.


We discover a lot of places by asking around or seeking the very suspect reviews from IOverlander.  We followed one such review to a place for camping - the only problem was, it was for static campers and really it was a conference centre and not really equipped for roof top camping.  As the light faded, and with swift negotiating, and were allowed to stay in front of the conference centre, (which wasn’t being used) and use their toilet facilities - infinitely better than the ones offered for campers but we were only here for one night, so no problem really.  The $10 pppn was a bit steep though, especially as it wasn’t really a camp site with decent facilities, we only stayed one night.


One of our priority jobs when we enter a new country is to buy a local sim card, plus we also need insurance for the car, so we spend some time the next day driving around trying to get this sorted out.  Whilst a necessity for travellers like us, its also a great opportunity to get to know the local area and see whats there.



Eldoret Golf Club was next on our list, but as they were not interested, they wouldn’t even let us past the car park let alone sit down at the back of the clubhouse to enjoy the golf views.  No we were kept waiting for hours - in the car park, then they said no.  We did wonder how one golf club can be so friendly and welcoming and the next, rude and uninviting?  With our tail between our legs and slightly peeved at being kept waiting for so long, we move on.  Then out of the blue, we get a call from Eldoret asking us to come back, but by then it is too late, besides after the treatment and lack of hospitality they extended to us, we had little inclination to go back!


Tea plantations all around the vibrancy of the green lifts our spirits and we find a lovely spot to camp at Kapsinokwa Gardens.  A tranquil spot to just relax.  Sadly the road in and out was pretty dire as were their facilities, so we went off grid again and cocooned ourselves in our own little bubble whilst enjoying the beautiful lake views across the well kept park.  Sadly the park was strewn with litter from an event the previous day, little regard was given to this beautiful tranquil spot by the party goers, and the staff seemed reluctant to clear up afterwards too.  It must have been a great party!

KAPSINOKWA GARDENS


Barking toad wake us up fairly early, so we languish in bed a bit longer and just enjoy the sounds of peace and don’t bother rushing away - besides we had that road to contend with, and that didn’t do much for us getting a move on!


NANDI BEARS GC

82. Nandi Bears

Having had a bit of a wasted day, we find ourselves at Nandi Bears Golf.  A little clubhouse is perched on the top of the hill, not fully open but the staff were really pleased to see us and we set off down the first, a downhill hole.  The course did wander up and down the hills some.  Almost square greens and a water feature in the shape of the bears head are some of the more quirky things.  A nice little nine hole course, and once again in decent condition.


Nandi Bear is so called after the local Nandi people with Nandi bear being a mythical creature.


We’re back on the road after golf, heading towards Kericho.  The scenery is spectacular, with the hills colliding into each other as the landscape takes on a ‘Clarice Cliff Summerhouse’ design appeal, giving it a soft attraction as we appreciate our time on the road in Kenya.


Arriving in Kericho, we seek our campsite for the night.  We had done some research but also we’d learnt by now that everyone who does a review has different standards, we reject two places, before we settle on Chai Square, who allow us to camp in their gardens, with tea plantations all around.   We are happy, especially when it starts to rain cats and dogs and the only food we have in needs cooking - their on-site restaurant came in handy as we settle in for ht night. 


After a heavy rainy and hailstorm night, which sounds like a drum being beaten in the tent - the next day we are ready and waiting to play Kericho Golf Course after a hearty home cooked breakfast of egg bead and bacon.


KERICHO GC

83. Kericho Golf club. Its fairly busy on the golf course and we find ourselves behind the lady captain, who kindly let us play through after a couple of holes, just as we cross over the rod to the par 3, 3rd, a nice looking hole, and in many ways the start of our full game at Kericho.  There seems quite a bit of walking from green to the next tee, but as the course is squeezed into a relatively small area, it doesn’t seem cramped.  Moreover, it feels embracing, especially when it gives you a warm welcome hug on the 8th par 5 between huge trees lining he fairway.  So far golf in Kenya has impressed us, we stayed at the on-site accommodation at Kericho, fairly basic, but comfortable and with the clubhouse being a short stroll away, it was handy for dinner and breakfast, especially as we could enjoy the golf course views.


Leaving Kericho, a cow was wandering down the path on the side of the road, and the pedestrians were walking on the road. Quite happy with each others chosen path, they didn’t waiver at the cow taking the safe and prime spot for pedestrians.  Multiple small houses hug the hillside and resemble a monopoly board;  more than a place to live, these places seemed squashed in but forming their own community.


Camping at Kambi Amani and we’re overlooking Lake Nakuru next.  The campsite wasn’t full, so we had the run of the ablutions - or so we thought. Unfortunately whilst the ‘cat was away the mice did play’ adopted mentality of the staff who used the guests facilities for themselves, hanging washing up and leaving personal possessions on display for their next visit to the showers.  I did feel as though I was intruding on their space. but once past all this, the facilities were actually quite good.




NAKURU GC

84. Nakuru Golf Club is just outside the town, so pretty easy to get to.  Playing here with one of the members, we are told stories about the golf course, its history, its membership and its design - invaluable and interesting.  The space between the fairways, the unused space, is given to the local people to ‘farm’, some of the produce is for the clubhouse and some is to sell or swap with other gardeners.  A win for the locals and for the golf club as ‘farmed’ land is less likely to have snakes on it!  A golf course built in 1923 it wasn’t shy to bare its teeth with its cleverly placed bunkering.  Hillocks to wander along, up or down as some holes taunt you with shots through those hillocks to a slightly hidden green.  This 18 hole course has some lovely holes with greens sat in conclaves of large trees, to the view of Lake Nakuru as you finish on a par 5, 18th.


Another night at Kambu Amani camping and we were joined by a young Dutch family who have just started their adventures as we near an end to ours.  It’s nice to be able to share places to stay and places to visit, knowing they too can have the time of their lives on the road in Africa.


We leave fairly early as our next stop is straight to another golf course, Gilgil.




85. We were told Gilgil is a bit different, and it is.  Proudly claiming the only browns instead of greens left in Kenya (we can’t vouch for that, but it was the only browns we played in Kenya) This 9 hole course is one not to let your guard down either.  The browns are like lightening, the first hitting over a busy road, and the nicely thoughtful paths transition you from one hole to the next with nicely planted greenery all round.  Its  a fair walk too as you march up and down fairways, across disused railway tracks and pop back out to another area to play a few more holes, before going to the next section of the golf course.  Back in the club

GILGIL GC

house and you’re hit by the ‘back in the good old days’ decor.  Chintz is the order of the day, the more the merrier, and the more patterns and colours the merrier too.  A collision of colour leading up to an old fashion bar where we couldn’t buy a drink because we didn’t have an account so we couldn’t sign a chit - luckily for us, one of the kind members bought us a drink.  A busy clubhouse with members sat chatting, relaxed as if in someones lounge having eaten a plate laden with a Sunday roast


Gilgil didn’t strike us as a pretty or nice town, the roads are pretty terrible too, but the golf club is definitely worth a visit.


We are not far away when we find our next campsite, Acacia campsite in Sanctuary Park.  Not feeling too well we huddle up in bed early after a bite to eat.  Then it happened, the belly started to tick, then small jump, then huge leaps as it violently objected to something we’d both eaten.  Santuary Park is a game reserve with wild animals wandering freely.  I’m not sure if there are any predatory wild animals, but we did hear hyena and were told of hippo so we were very mindful and respectful as we reluctantly but needing to toddle off to the toilet in the middle of the night, torch in hand being very wary.


That night it rained, a tropical rain only appreciated when you’ve been on the equator, or caught in a tropical storm elsewhere. By the bucket load the water fell from the sky.   By this time we were back in bed huddled up and fell asleep in the cooling air the rain bought.


SANCTUARY PARK

Waking up to birdsong, the rain had passed and our new neighbours were still lying down enjoying the early morning air.  These were two young giraffe lying on the grass not far from our camp.  When they lie down, it’s difficult to really appreciate their size, but you can without a doubt appreciate their colouring, especially against the vibrant green a rain shower brings.  Two fairly young giraffe, chewing and watching us as much as we were watching them.  We did give them some space, but we also did marvel at them fairly close.


By the time we’d had breakfast, the tent was dry enough to be packed away and we move onto the Great Rift Valley Known for it flora and fauna, we were very excited to be meeting up with our friend form Tanzania, Tom and his family.




GREAT RIFT VALLEY GC
86.  Great Rift valley Lodge.  Playing with a member, Roger, we set off with the
ground damp underfoot.  Hole 3 bought us a delightful scene of lilies bobbing along the top of a super clean pond, couple this with the bright yellow acacia trees which bear their sharp teeth if you wander too close, ready to rip the clothing on your back like lions claws, the scene is bright and colourful.  Again a happy remnant of the heavy rain showers.  At 7200 feet you can feel the temperature difference, but by the end of the round, it was sunny once again and the clothes I’d foolishly put on, got gradually peeled off to leave me with just trousers and a golf shirt, battering the mosquitoes who seem to love my skin type!  Holes that narrow, dog legs, good sized greens from long narrow ones to wide big ones, but you can never beat having zebra or impala or any other wild animal sharing the fairways with you as they do at GRV.  Hole 17 was a highlight as a par 5 it isn’t obvious what’s going on when you hit your drive.  You can see a change in terrain ahead of you, but that change is actually a drop off to a different level fairway and the green below.  Such a lovely hole. 18 brings you back to the clubhouse with its vast viewing veranda also being the restaurant and bar area.


GRV WILDLIFE ON THE COURSE

GRV is a really nice place to stay and catch up a little, the chef couldn’t do enough for us and was seen to show off his talent at every opportunity - of course we didn’t object to this and went back to our rooms with full bellies ready for good nights sleep in comfort.


A sad goodbye to Tom and his family but before we leave Tom shares another nugget with us and tells us where to go camping next, Loldia Eburru.


What a spacial place to camp up on the hills overlooking the valley below.  We meet another lady who is camping with her dog.  Turns out she is British but now lives in Kenya and firm friendship is quickly formed.  Unbeknown to us, we later come to rely on the friendship, more than we expected to!


One of the most spectacular scene as we wake up overlooking Lake Nakuru once again, are the thermals on the other side of the valley.  The warm air mixing with the cooler morning air and we are treated to the sight of ‘roman candles’ reaching up far into the clear blue sky.  It's the perfect place to camp and just relax, so we did and ended up staying a couple more nights, it was so good.  And when you find a campsite with decent ablutions and the owners care about their site, it's like checking into a 5 star hotel - for campers. Watching Zebra scan the top of the hill before it drops away to the woodland below is spectacular, especially with that backdrop.










A place to wind down a catch your breath before you enter the all together hectic world of the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi.




Next stop- Nairobi


Check out our You Tube channel to see the above come to life in front of your eyes as we share our special journey in Africa.


We'd love to hear your thoughts on this and many of our other adventures in Africa

Wednesday, 4 June 2025

You Tube review - The Bush Company Roof Top Tent and Awning

 


Our honest and fun review is here on You Tube.

Take a look if you're thinking of buying a roof top tent or awning and want quality, comfort and reliability - we should know we tested this equipment whilst travelling around Africa for a year!

If you like our You Tube channels, please click the thumbs up, or maybe you could subscribe - we've lots more to come


Thanks 

Sarah & Steve


Friday, 23 May 2025

Like the bush? Go on top!

With a catchy title like that, who would be believe we are talking about a tent!


In fact we chickened out and didn’t use that as our leading title on You Tube, instead we went for ‘Watch this before you buy a roof top tent or awning’  


Boring in comparison, but I guess it says what it is!


The Bush Company Roof Top Tent was our home from home as we came to rely on it time after time, self driving around Africa for a year across 11 African countries.


When our 30 year old Land Rover Defender finally arrived into Durban, we hot foot it over to Pretoria for the ensemble to be fitted - now you’ve got to bear in mind, we had never put everything together before, and in truth, weren’t exactly sure how it would all work out, but by some miracle, it did work out!


We did however, do our research before leaving and found the Bush Company also have an outlet in the UK and we saw not our tent but another smaller on on display at one of the overlanding trade shows, in the UK.


Unbeknown to us at the time, the UK guy told us that they had an outlet in South Africa too, and after contacting their Head office in Australia, things started to slowly fall into place.



We had the Bush Company 270 XT awning and TX27max roof tent fitted in South Africa before we set off to explore this relative unknown continent.  Andi the Landy was kitted out and took on a whole new rugged appearance- the look of a landrover who meant business, a landrover ready for the rigours of the road and the bush and a landrover ready to be our home and our sanctuary for the next year. 


We looked the part, but did the tent and awning perform?



We self drove through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, back into SA, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and finished in Kenya - over a year later and around 35,000 miles clocked up.  Like a snail, our home was on our back and we dragged it around with us, ready to pop up as we needed.


It’s fair to say we did give the tent and awning a good airing and whilst we also worked with some venues, getting back into the tent was like coming home.


Aided by the comfort and ease of use, the Bush Company tent and awning are perfect for the travellers who like a little luxury.  We slept really well in the tent, usually with just the fly-wire open, but once or twice we needed the storm flaps up and on the very rare occasion,  the inner flaps up for warmth. 


Meeting other road warriors from France, Germany, UK, Israel, South Africa, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, we talked about the Bush Company tent and what they had chosen as their equivalent, and I can safely say, we had the absolute best set-up for comfort and for ease of use - even being able to pack the tent away with the bed fully made, and the 6 huge pockets full of ‘stuff’ in a simple, pull it down and lock it up way, was superior to a lot of their options.



We loved the three way light; white, red and orange, it stuck to the inside of the tent when not in use and charged by USB when needed - which wasn’t often.

The six deep gusseted pockets pretty much held all our clothes, neatly rolled up and lined up like soldiers.  A round pocket for the water bottle and a USB charger inside the tent all helped for comfort and easy of use.


We even loved the fact that the bed was flat with no creases where it had been folded away, (the base remains static and only the roof folds up and down) it is so comfortable, we slept so well in Africa.


But the crowning glory was the easy open close mechanism.  Aided by gas struts, the tent was unclipped and made a slow but steady upward lift, a bit like an old gent getting up out of his chair after being sat there for hours!  

This was the first part of the opening, and in truth, you could sleep in this cheese wedge shape, or you could unlock the other side and have, what can only be described as a cavernous space inside as the cheese shape changed into a box with the opposite side slowly crawling up to match.



6 windows, well windows or doors, meant we had a 360 view all around, which was extra special when we were camping and woke to the sound of birdsong or the sea crashing against the shoreline, and being able to open those bleary eyes to the wonders of Africa as the sun rose once again on this beautiful and diverse continent.


We even had lions visit us- which we didn’t know about until the next morning when the unmistakable footprints gave the game away, and reminded us, we were in their space, and they were wild.  So grateful we could exercise a hasty tent pack away, before we set off for an early morning game drive.  A little tug, 4 clips engaged, a wrap around and tuck away of the awning and we were ready to go.


Ever grateful for the hasty pack-up as we scoured the hedges for movement!


Arriving at Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe looking at the decidedly dodgy grey skies, we heed the words of wisdom from the lady behind the desk declaring it hasn’t rained for months, so it wont rain.  A few moments later and we’re sat underneath the awning watching a torrential downpour.  Rain coming off the awning in gushes, more akin to a waterfall, but we remind dry and as luck would have it we hadn’t got the tent out yet.   Under cooler, grey skies, we marvelled at the sudden change of view from brown arid sandy game park, to a yellowing turning to green veld, right in front of our eyes.



The awning was our friend once more as we hunkered down in the desert, as evening quickly descended upon us and we watched the oryx and ostrich wander by in the fading light, going to who knows where in that baron wasteland.  The awning serving as a welcome sun shield right up until the sun dropped behind the horizon.


Both tent and awning are made of rip-stop fabric and aluminium, so not that heavy compared to some,  but we also have a solar panel on the roof, a must to keep the drinks cold and the food fresh in Africa’s heat.  The tent took the weight of the solar panel and lifted it with ease as the tent came to life night after night.


Climbing up into bed, our ready made bed as there was enough space up top to make the bed and pack the tent away in readiness for the next night, was made easy by the lightweight telescopic ladders, which stored away in a rip stop bag when not in use.  As easy click, click as they dropped down and lock in section by section, until you get to your desired length - which changed at each campsite, depending on the ground.  The unique attachment of the ladders to the tent, meant they were stable, but easy to pull up at night, if you wanted to- we didn’t..



We didn’t have any unwelcome visitors, no snakes, spiders (except maybe the odd little one),  only clever mosquitoes that clung to our clothes as we got in bed, lions, leopards or any naughty people wishing to share our tent, and as such we were comfortable and happy in our space, our home, our comfort.


We have been asked where to get this tent from, the manufacturer is The Bush Company and they have outlets in Australia, United Kingdom and the United States.

We opted for the easy open close 270 XT awning and TX27max roof tent, but there are many more models to choose from.


If you are serious about a roof top tent, bearing in mind you get what you pay for, then you should consider The Bush Company - a company we know worked for us on our extreme journey around Africa, and we certainly did put it to the test!! 


Still not sure?  Check out our you Tube channel to help you decide - you wont regret investing int he Bush Company products - we didn’t


We’ve more adventures planned, so watch this space… and comment below or contact us if you need more information.



Follow our journey on Instagram @TravelLifestyleGolf
or on You Tube @TravelLifestyleGolf

Want a product review done or want to collaborate with us email : sarah@golfgurugroup.com