Unseen Guides Near Mt. Kenya

About a year ago, I connected with a Kenyan artist who happens to live in Nanyuki, about three hours north of Nairobi, near Mt. Kenya, the second highest peak on the continent. We set up a meet, and I booked an airbnb in the region. It met all my basic criteria and seemed interesting. My friend Paul kindly drove me. The last leg included a stretch of very rough dirt road—about 7 km of what we used got call “washboard” road. When we finally reached the google pin drop, we found the final turnoff drive to the home was also very rough, and only skilled handling of his Prius enabled us to climb the steep, rocky, fragmented path. It was a minor test of our perserverance before a lovely surprise. ​

We crossed under the lintel of a large gateway and suddenly we were on a luxurious and bountiful plateau. A large seemingly colonial-era mansion was on the left, front door open. All manner of richly colored blooming plants and vines were cascading from the structure. Tended gardens (that seemed to have been allowed to ramble) loosely framed every visible structure. I heard a horse snort, and noticed a barn and stable across the way; another building appeared to be housing for the staff. At last I recognized the RiverStone cabin of my booking.

Their story was inspiring, and we quickly found several common interests. I remain keenly interested in, and a big fan of regenerative organic farming. She told me of other artists residencies available nearby. I felt she might enjoy connecting with Camille Wekesa, the artist/conservationist I’d come to meet. As we walked the grounds near the house, Jules told us about her many animals, which included a horse, and ever since a wandering donkey’s visit, they now also had a mule. Paul noticed some chickens and his eyes lit up. He came from a rural setting and it’s one of his goals to one day find land for a small farm. I can appreciate his desire to allow his family a less-congested, more peaceful environs than the intensity, noise, and pollution of Nairobi. 

In addition to the off-site farm, Jules happened to mention she’d attempted keeping bees as well, but without success. I smiled, as only the day before I was reminded that Paul and his wife had taken on beekeeping. They’d even created their own “value-added” product lines beyond honey and wax, including soap, shampoo, lotions, tinctures, and propolis to the endeavor. In fact his wife Elizabeth is an expert, and now serves as a lecturer for the National Beekeeping Institute. Paul was politely quiet until I insisted he tell our host about all of this. 

Jules was both excited and receptive. Before Paul left for the long trip back to Nairobi, they’d begun discussing the possibility of having her come to Nanyuki to offer a consultation. After he was on his way, JUles offered several options for local food, arranged a driver for me. I had a satisfying dinner at a nearby hotel, savoring a warm meal, and my good fortune in being led to StoneRiver Cabin. 

Note my stalwart sentinel guarding the entry to my lodging.