A big shout out to my new Peace Corps pal, Andrea, who hooked me up with this mini vaca a couple of weeks ago. Her boss who runs MwAfrica, an HIV/AIDS group funded by the Elizabeth Glaser Foundation, was having a meeting at the Lake Bogoria Resort. I had bonded with Madame Rosealine and was asked to be their guest. I have been trying to get there myself. It is only 20km from my site by one way matatu. And that's the problem. You can get there easily but you can't get out. Which wouldn't be so bad if you could stay forever, but otherwise you have to hire a driver to get back to wherever or the matatu stage.
We hired a matatu both ways for the trip down the mountain to the super hot town of Marigat which rests between the two mountain ranges to arrive at the Lake Bogoria Spa Resort.
I got really excited when I saw "spa" and am thinking massage. No such luck. It only meant that one of the pools was a hot pool fed by natural hot springs. The resort is owned by the former Kenyan President Moi and he will soon own the nearby Lake Boringo Resort. Who said politics won't make you rich.
As far as resorts go, it wouldn't qualify. Unless, you consider the 'amenities' of large grounds with grazing, native animals, two pools and two restaurants.
Greeting our arrival were the native storks that have built their nests in the massive acacia tree that towers over the entrance.
They are relatively quiet as they go about their construction and you really are only aware of them as you hear the swoosh of their wings and feel the wind draft as they pass. They are extremely agile for such a massive bird. At first I thought they were cranes. But up close, you are awed by their size, standing over 4' tall.
They preferred the cold water pool to fill their long gullet with refreshment for the babies.
Yep. This is Kenya and the cold water pool. It really wasn't cold but just right for swimming in the heat. As you can see, most Kenyans like the hot water so I had this one all to myself. Actually, there were few Kenyans there, mostly Asian and German tourists. It was funny to see the look on their faces when tasting ugali. They didn't like it either.
The resort has been updated over the years to have hot water and air conditioning but still resembles a Holiday Inn. We were told the entire resort will be leveled in the new year to make a truly modern jewel.There was no shower but a massive 6' bathtub that I thoroughly enjoyed. Must have been a keepsake from the colonial era. I filled that tank and laid back in warm water not even touching end to end. Aaaaah!
Two restaurants is really a misnomer. One was cafe style and served only breakfast. Where undoubtedly you would be accosted by the colobus monkeys stealing the food right off your plate! They were a nuisance and the waiters kept sticks at hand to shoo them.
This thief is enjoying his fruit. Of course the tourists are to blame because they liberally toss food to them.
Strolling the grounds are a pair of ostrich that don't seem to mind people or even the monkeys.
Overall the food was quite good. It was nice to have a variety but especially cucumbers. Oh how I have missed them. Even fresh tilapia was a tasty treat.
About 5km down the road from the resort is the actual Lake Bogoria, but we never saw it as we had no wheels. I understand it is quite a site with geysers and hot springs. Next time.
The two days went waaaaaay too fast but long enough to get a mini tan and unwind. On the way home we had to make a highway stop to let some travelers pass.
These camels were coming from Somalia, as most do, and they really don't like vehicles. They will run for the hills if you don't stop and turn off your engine.
After my horrific prior week with my tooth and stitches, I needed this. Thanks Andrea.
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