Aberdares: the hotel-tree crowned queen
[tab:The trip]
Getting up early in the morning turned into the sovereign of one of the first powers of the world is an experience available to very few mortals, but doing more than 7.000 miles of Buckingham Palace, in the middle of the Aberdare Mountains Kenya, is indeed a privilege. This is a trip to northwestern Kenya, the native Kikuyu hills, the country's largest ethnic group, christened "Nyandarua" (skin drying in the sun).
Our steps are directed, for once, a hotel, the legendary "Treetops", and a landscape, the Kenyan highland, unforgettable for anyone who has been fortunate to go into these valleys, rainforests and spectacular waterfalls. The traveler must leave Nairobi, the city where skyscrapers watch the world's largest shanty towns (the popular "slums"), along the A-2 heading to Nyeri. The 165 kilometers from the populous capital of Kenya's Aberdare National Park, that 1883 named after the then president of the Royal Geographic Society, lord Aberdare, should not mislead the uninitiated. To reach the main city of the Kikuyu can take more than three hours at the wheel. But the landscape, especially just after the rainy season, is a party to relieve the discomforts of the journey. The extensive crop (“shambas”) Coffee and tea, the foothills on the equator, the fruit at the foot of berm, the comings and goings of people for whom the road is dual carriageway road before… Everything contributes to the attentive traveler keep your eyes open.
The last withdrawal from Baden-Powell
Before entering the Treetops, which has deservedly earned the nickname of "hotel-tree", must make a stop in the Nyeri Outspan, colonial style property with magnificent views of Mount Kenya (if fog permits) also has a recent history worthy of mention. In Nyeri spent the last years of his life Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, and the house where he lived has become a museum is a must for their coreligionists neckerchief. Which in its day was the youngest general in the British Army died in this city, which for him meant being "closer to happiness", and here is buried. "I have come home", His epitaph reads. Addition, a 8 October 2004, in these same gardens, the Kenyan Wangari Maathai, behind the movement "Green Belt"-able to plant three million trees to halt rampant deforestation caused by the extension of the great crops of coffee and tea- learned that he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. To celebrate, could not be otherwise, planted here, with large palm, a tulip tree in Gabon, the best tribute to a nature which is certainly indebted to this remarkable woman.
The main attraction of Treetops are observation platforms, camouflaged boards, allow wild animals to see just a few meters
En el Outspan, the traveler is forced to leave their luggage, Treetops because only allowed to carry the essentials for the night, given the reduced dimensions of the simple rooms. Guests transfer in minibus for up to twenty people. After twenty minutes at the wheel, take a detour that leads to the copper ground Aberdare National Park, immersed in the lush tropical landscape of bright chestnut. El Treetops, hugging one of these giant trees (hence the nickname) is built with wooden planks that provide a unique aspect to its three floors dotted with tiny windows.
A real awakening
While on vacation with her husband, Elizabeth went to bed one night at Treetops princess and queen rose to communicated the death of his father, Jorge VI, a 6 February 1952. To rule over a country abounding in colonial adventures, nothing better than being crowned "in petto" in one of its overseas dominions, in the shadow of these "skins drying in the sun". But at that time was in the making the bloody revolt of the "Mau Mau" that, but suppressed after four years of struggle, would be the germ of the independence of Kenya, finally reached in December 1963. Today, Treetops walls are filled with snapshots of that historic visit. The main attraction of the Treetops, however, are observation platforms, camouflaged wooden planks, allow wild animals to see just a few meters away. The original hotel was built next to a pond frequented by elephants, rhino and buffalo to water. Just be patient and wait. For the lazy, the timbres of the rooms at night notified of the presence of visitors expected. Depending on the number of beeps you know what animal it is, so the host decides whether it is worth leaving the sheets or not.
[tab:The road]
Desde Nairobi, any travel agency offers a visit to the Aberdare Mountains. If one prefers to go it alone, it is best to rent a jeep and driver to tour the 165 kilometers between the capital and Nyeri.
[tab:A nap]
Accommodation possibilities are scarce within the national park and are limited to Treetops (www.blockhotelske.com) and The Arks (www.lonrhohotels.com), a boat-shaped lodge located in the heart of it. Travel to the past recommended, logically, the first, for his legendary character and the unique history that drags. In either of the two is easy to observe wildlife.
[tab:A table set]
There is no other choice but to do so in the hotel restaurant, where the long wooden tables encourage travelers talks. The terrace of the Outspan, a Nyeri, is strongly recommended if only for the magnificent views to be enjoyed. Be sure to visit the stunning colonial style bathrooms spotless.
[tab:Highly Recommended]
-If the traveler thinks staying up late to try to surprise, camera at the ready, the greatest number of animals watering in the pond, should be dropped from time to time by the bar in the Treetops, located on the first floor. Tuscker with a beer or a glass in hand, the wait more bearable and makes no room for remorse, because from the windows of the bar can see one of the troughs.
-There are many books that can help the traveler. "My trip to Africa", the Winston Churchill, and "The Dream of Africa", the Javier Reverte, are each.
Comments (2)
John
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Great place, best memories and incredibles views. Aberdares for ever!!
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Mayte
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Very interesting, the place is really incredible!
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