Nomad Blog and News

Since this trip began we have focused very much on the sights that we’ve seen, and the highlights that this extraordinary continent has to offer. In this edition of our blog we wanted to add a little more of the realities of a self-drive, and what that has meant for us personally, as we have traversed 5 countries and experienced their various challenges. Our spectacular traveling office and home, satirically named ‘Jalopy’, is a wonderful … Read More »

Just an hour and a half from Nairobi, Lake Naivasha is popular, not only with international tourists, but with the local population from the big city. So close to Nairobi, and yet so natural and with a pure “escapism” feel. The large lake is surrounded by various accommodations and small sanctuaries, each aware of, and enjoying the wildlife that surrounds it. Zebra, giraffe, various antelopes, colobus and vervet monkeys, and hippos, are all found in … Read More »

The legends and historical accounts of the search for the source of the Nile span hundreds of years. This life giving river, that runs many thousands of miles and through multiple countries holds myths and stories ranging through history, from Egyptian times, Biblical times and into more “modern day” periods. The search for its source was one that was both difficult and fiercely contended, until finally, it was found that the source was from the … Read More »

The Ssese Islands lie off the coast of the massive Lake Victoria and are accessible only by ferry, from either Entebbe (Kampala), or a small ferry port town called Bukakata, just outside of Masaka. These islands are famed for long white beaches and lakeside resorts, lighting bonfires at night. It was with some sense of adventure that we travelled along the bumpy gravel track to Bukakata, to make our way over to these islands for … Read More »

On the road between Kampala and the southern gorilla regions of Uganda lies a relatively unknown and young National Park. Lake Mburo is a small area, and not one that holds any fame. There are no lions, elephants or Rhino in the park, and the predators they do have, are few and far between. Whilst this may sound pretty ordinary, it actually does have a lot going for it. What they do have, they have … Read More »

Traveling to the north eastern corner of Rwanda, the cultivated and heavily populated land comes to an end at the border of their National Park. Akagera was once one of the most highly populated and revered game park in Africa, and one of the oldest on the continent. However years of war and poverty led to the large park being decreased in size massively, to make way for refugee settlement, and its animals almost decimated … Read More »

When reading guide books, or delving into the world of Google, Lake Kivu is described as the ‘Resort’ area of Rwanda. Beachside style towns, well equipped lodges and swimming areas, all denote a decidedly Mediterranean image. And so one travels to these beachside locations, expecting ice cream parlors and sun loungers strewn along a golden sand beach. Not quite the reality of the Lake Kivu area. It’s way nicer than that! Are there resorts with … Read More »

‘King Kong’, ‘Congo’, ‘Gorillas In The Mist’, and many more. There are countless movies, books and stories that denote the absolute mysticism and magic of the mountain gorilla. As one of the rarest species on the planet, and one that conjures such imagery, it’s no wonder that those who visit East Africa, make a gorilla trek the highlight of their tour. For us too, the mere thought of coming face to face with an animal … Read More »

Crossing over the border from Uganda into Rwanda one would be forgiven for thinking that they had entered into the twilight zone. Immediately upon crossing that invisible line several things happen at once.  The time changes. That one hour difference causing havoc in heads and thoughts instantly. The roads become perfect, immaculately maintained. It takes a little readjustment to navigate through new terrain whilst also focusing on driving on a different side. The … Read More »

After long periods in National Parks, moving each day to a new site, and keeping busy with game drives, boat cruises and hikes, it is with some relief that one arrives at the shores of Lake Bunyoni. A peaceful lake, dotted with 29 islands. Bilharzia, hippo and croc free, the lake provides the opportunity to sink into refreshingly cool waters, beer in hand, and panoramic views to absorb. The lake is a gateway for … Read More »