ROAD TRIP

road trip

S

ojourn in the outh Rift

Thorn Mulli drives the agile Renault Kadjar to Ziwa Lodge, in Njoro.

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An Aussie suffering from cancer gets a big break when the treatment he is on rids him of the gnawing ailment. As is with most instances of surmounting incredible odds, a new perspective is attained. The literal second chance that fate offers amplifies a philanthropic bud that he and his wife always harboured. A decision is reached to offer a second chance to other humans in need. And so armed with only a suitcase and goodwill, the couple accompanied by their children leave the comfort of their US home for Africa.

That is the genesis of East African Mission Orphanage (EAMO) established in 1997 by Ralph and May Spinks who presently provide a loving home for hundreds of orphaned children including babies and teenage mothers. History as shared by the man himself, nifty Ralph Spinks,at the entrance of one of an enterprise the family set up to support the orphanage. That enterprise tucked amongst tree and birdlife is aptly named Ziwa Bush Lodge. Ziwa is Swahili for pond that is the central feature of this boutique experience that would be my home for a night as I fished out some of the least known spaces in the South Rift.

My tour began from the capital on a slow-moving traffic Monday afternoon. It would also double-up as a test-drive for the Renault Kadjar model selling locally. This was the moment of reckoning for a creation I had casually weighed in my last installment as a pretty carriage lacking the brute that our roads require; nay demand. No better place to challenge this assumption than to plough a substantial amount of Kenyan tarmac.

Let’s, however, get the name out of the way first. While it does not sound very French, ‘Kadjar’ is derived from two French words. Renault says the word ‘Kad’ is inspired by the quad to represent a go-anywhere four-wheeled vehicle while ‘Jar’ is derived from the French word agile as well as ‘Jaillir’, which means to ‘emerge suddenly’.

Now there are two engines to choose from: 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol with 128bhp and a 1.6-litre diesel with either 109 or 128bhp. Renault claims the petrol manages 5.6 Litres/100km, while the diesels officially make 3.9 Litres and 4.3 Litres/100km respectively. If you go for the fruitier diesel, you can even have four-wheel drive. I was interested to try out the 2016 produced crossover 1.2 TCe (Turbo Control efficiency) petrol engine selling for Sh4.8 million that promised to offer the power output of a 1.4L engine, the torque of a 1.6L engine and the fuel consumption of a 1.2L engine.

My impression is that the push to start, petrol variant of the Renault Kadjar riding on front traction is rather light, and you do feel it. It pushes a commendable 10.4 seconds zero to 100km/h. On the go, it feels even lighter attributed to the engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox - not the fastest, but useable nonetheless. And the extra gear definitely helps when cruising on the highway, allowing the engine to work at lower revs. I, nonetheless, did feel the engine’s torque struggle when overtaking and suspect that it might worsen with a boot full of luggage.

Where it really won me over, however, was the aesthetics, fuel economy and security features. With nine colours to choose from (I drove the pearl white version) I reckon the flame red version or cosmos blue is more arresting on the model. While the name can throw you off, the Renault Kadjar passes as distinctly French in character. What with its concept car-like nose, swooping side panels and sculptured rear lights. It’s without a doubt a beautiful car finished off with striking 17-inch alloy wheel rims. The stylish exterior and spacious interior makes this a sensible and practical crossover that will leave you with few complaints.

The relatively spacious cabin will fit three adults with ease while the 472-litre boot also means that all your shopping and moving needs are not a headache.The retractable tow-bar that can hold three bikes is especially practical during a family outing. You will also find the 200mm ground clearance worth the trouble. Leathermagazine

issue 2 nov 2018 15.

road trip

covered steering wheel, dual-zone air-con, automatic headlights/ wipers, and cruise control are great additions as is the customisable, easy to operate,R-Link 2 multimedia system(in English thankfully) projected on a seven-inch screen. My only concern was that the plastic material used in most of the dashboard needs particular maintenance. The speaker quality too came of average. Luxury, however, is nothing without security and from the look of it no compromises were made. I noted front, side, and curtain airbags, along with other fancy electronic assists such as traffic sign recognition, automatic parking, and lane departure warning. No doubt that this bunny delivers quite the unexpected punch.

My journey to Njoro, where Ziwa Bush Lodge is situated, followed what has become tradition over the years. This comprises an obligatory stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint to take in the panorama. The next mustdo is the convenience of the Delamere Kobil Service Station stopover point off Naivasha along the Naivasha-Nakuru highway. This time, however, it was not only to attend to pressing cold nature or stock-up on refreshments but also to… practice my swing. You read that right. If you have never played the game of golf before, it’s about time you got some training with experienced instructors who will guide you through the fundamentals. Nine-hole Barons Park Golf Centre behind the popular convenient store does just that. It targets young and upcoming golfers who cannot afford to pay the high fees in other members club. Prices at their driving range begin at Sh200. In addition, the space hosts a competitive pro-shop and an up-to-the-minute clubhouse for meetings.While at it, Ialso got to meet the establishment’s cheery 25-year-old proprietor whose story is rather inspiring.

With my swing enhanced and the sun setting fast, I made for Ziwa Bush Lodge set in the vicinity of agricultural town of Njoro located 18 km south west of Nakuru.

One visitor noted that Ziwa Bush Lodge, which is on the same property as East African Mission Orphanage, is a gem tucked in the middle of nowhere; you’d have to be looking for Ziwa to find it.

Engulfed in darkness,I could still make out the standout features of the cosy property.Surrounded by a perimetre electric fence is lush gardens dotted with traditional Makuti thatched-roof buildings with

canvas ceilings, which is wise because Njoro is 1850m above sea level.The structures are all decorated with local handcrafted cedar furniture and the well-spaced rooms come with private balconies.

Famished, I made a beeline for the central restaurant overhanging the pond for dinner. A creamy delicious blend of fresh tomatoes and garlic soup whet my appetite for spicy masala chicken served with rice. To top it off was a well-balanced semi freddo. The restaurant that serves a selection of continental dishes and Italian cuisine has their menu posted on their website so you can pre-order. Vegetarian food is also available. Choice of accommodation is nine luxurious executive rooms or three en suite lux tents. I was in villa four and after a comfortable sleep on comfortable mattress tucked in sturdy a four-poster bed, I woke to confirm that the composition of the lodge was as authentic as it impressed under the moonlight. Not lost to my attention was the spacious bathroom area of the room with hot shower and essential conveniences. Green rules here, and the rich birdlife seems to be a testament to that fact. Thanks to the abundant trees, you could not breath cleaner air elsewhere. The trails thus are perfect for exercise runs or walks. The central feature too is teeming with life and if fishing is your fancy then you are in luck. On a hot afternoon, join the fish in cooling off the property’s swimming pool with a view. I was informed that a spa and sauna will soon be in the offering.

Oddly, despite proximity to the orphanage, the place is serene; perfect for those seeking to revitalize. If you’re a TV junkie, prepare to be weaned. You can contend with the reliable Wi-Fi cover in all areas and rooms. Speaking of the orphanage, you can help by signing up for the Sponsor a Teacher Program for only Sh14,000 per month per teacher.

Ziwa also serves as the perfect launch base for excursions to Lake Nakuru National Park and the Menengai Crater. If you want to muse on lost love and where it goes, visit Egerton Castle on the outskirts of Njoro.

Make sure to catch my next installment where I will detail my fight with the baboons of Lake Nakuru Park and what my night-running escapades in Nakuru yielded.

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