For a long time we have always wanted to go for such a journey...We came across Muringa farm via the site www.eco-volontaire.com. We immediately took contact with Astrid and Erick who gave us additional information before our arrival on Kenyan territory.
Korir welcomed us at the airport and took us to Subukia where we received a warm welcome at Muringa Farm and what did we discover?
A magnificent place in the middle of nature, a truly unique area away from the disturbances of the city where you feel quiet and serene. The programme established by Astrid allowed us to experience unforgettable moments like the contact with local people and their different cultures, the discovery of flora and fauna as well as the warm relations with the staff.
Kenyans are very touching because of their kindness, their smiles and their welcoming motto of “HAKUNA MATATA”.
The knowledge of Korir, Benjamin, and Samuel allowed us to discover several medicinal values and daily uses of some plants.
In fact every flower, plant or tree serves purpose in treating malaria and other body ailments, in the manufacturing of tools and materials used for construction (hammer handles, nails......)
On the same note we also left traces of our passage by making writings of the names of the main trees found in Muringa Farm.
With Samwael we equally pruned the Bougainvilleas so that they could flower the surrounding of the bandas. Muringa has a good number of domestic animals i.e. Mwitu the cat, 5 dogs, 2 donkeys, 4 horses, Lolita the goat, geese, ducks, guinea fowls, turkeys, pigs, cows and a big bull.
With the help of Vincent, Benjamin, Samwael, Peter and Erick we assisted them in taking care of the animal(removal of parasites, spraying, washing, feeding ....)
Vincent and Benjamin equally accompanied us for the long horse rides to the exterior of the property as well as for work in the round pen.
Situated at the heart of nature, Muringa Farm, home of Mama Daktari also provides the opportunity of discovering numerous wild animals.Korir, our super guide, showed us a diverse variety of birds with conspicuous colours and their songs which were not always that melodious (search on youtube the sound of the hadada ibis!)
He initiated us into the observation of two species of monkeys living in the property (colobus and blue monkeys), and we took part in their behaviour study.
Among the activities proposed we had equally the opportunity to help Astrid and Erick with the orphans at Lillian’s Children’s home and at the refugee camp of Subukia (bringing them food, buying shoes for the children).
We had the opportunity to meet a lot of merchants of Subukia with whom it was very easy to socialize.
We took advantage of this to get the African style by braiding our hair!
We also gave our contribution by donating clothes, stationery materials etc.The diversity and the flexibility of the proposed programme made our first experience of eco-volunteering enriching and pleasurable because of the contact with the nature as well as Kenyans.
It is good to know that every morning Charles and Godfrey made sumptuous pancakes daily and served them with a smile and a sense of humour.Rest assured all other meals were excellent too.
While leaving the restaurant which is situated at the shore of the lake you could see the magnificent smile of Sally who takes good care of the bandas. During the day you will have the opportunity of seeing the discrete smile of Peter and Erick (Michael Jackson like like Rosa said) who guard the animals.
If you love walking then try to follow Samuel up to the different viewpoints of Subukia!
On your return tired from trekking, when you find yourself in a deep sleep to the point you start snoring and making noise more than the rocky hyraxes, rest assured that the Askaris John and Hassan are going to keep an eye on your sleep.In the course of the different sport activities you are going to enjoy the humour and philosophy of Benjamin as well as the soft laughter of Vincent.
What a luck to share diverse enriching moments and socialize with Korir, the best tour guide in Kenya.
He will surprise you in how he can differentiate with the naked eye the posterior of a rhino from a rock at a distance of one kilometre or even by showing you a lioness’ ear that is 500m away whereas your eyes can only see trees. Thank you Korir you are so strong!
If you have a chance of visiting the Masai Mara then you will meet Kennedy, Charles, Joel and Tira the staff of the Mara Kima Camp.
We hope you will be able visit the Masai village where they will reserve for you a traditional and authentic welcoming.
All this wouldn’t be as fulfilling and pleasant without Astrid, Erick and the staff.
If your relationship with this small world is as warm as it was for us, be ready to cry on the day of departure…!
Sincerely from the bottom of our heart a big THANK YOU, hoping that our humour and our friendliness will rest in your memories and that “funny Lolita” becomes a symbol of our passage at Muringa Farm.
angele_michel@yahoo.fr
alves_rosa@hotmail.com
