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Tag: Kenya
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Hippie on an adventure: Elementaita and Kakamega
Ever wondered how well you’d get by traveling on public transport to different destinations on your seek for adventure? Well, we tried; not the best but its an experience totally worth it. Also reliant on luck, sometimes, or atleast the few times I’ve resorted to taking this option. You can either get a fair or worst encounter along the way, this one time; we weren’t too lucky, from crazy delays, reckless driving and inconsiderate drivers, we had it all. It was worth it though, especially Kakamega. Our initial plan was to travel all the way from Nairobi to South Rift Valley via Western and end up in North Rift. We however completed only half the circuit which included; Elementaita, & Kakamega (we decided to skip Nakuru).
View from our campsite at Lake Elementaita. 
Views 
Channeling all the good vibes in the rain-forest. 
Basking in the warm sunlight of Kakamega Forest. 
So lush and green. 
Surreal Sunrise 
Atop Lirhanda Hill 
The entrance to bat-infested Lirhanda caves which was once a gold mine. 
Super cows! ? I have no idea how they climbed this high. 
Trees of Kakamega Forest 
Classic shoe-fie. No? 
We hiked up for 2 hours so we could experience this beauty. 
Dawn by Lirhanda hill overlooking Kakamega Forest. Points to Note
- For optimum convenience and accessibility, private transport is ideal.
- Camping anytime! It’s affordable and fun , I mean, lodges are overrated.
- Avoid touristy spots for better experiences.
- Research on the weather of your destination before the trip so you can pack accordingly.
- Kakamega Forest is divided into the western and eastern side, each managed by a different government parastatal. For wildlife, the Eastern part suffices, under Kenya Wildlife Service.
Little compares to the feeling in my soul when I embark. The combination of mystery, excitement, and opportunity makes me feel alive. I live for adventures.
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Magati Maosa
PEOPLE : MAGATI MAOSA
Big on film photography and just recently getting to share his visual art on apparels, Magati Maosa will get your head spinning once he welcomes you into his world. We get to discuss his connection with nature and how it influences his work and aesthetic, thoughts on concept theft and more.
1. Wild Intro
I am Magati Maosa, a 21 year old visual artist from Ongata Rongai, Central Kajiado.
I really love using the old Kodak Film camera that Ma’ used to have and only allowed us to use it at family gatherings or when my cousins asked me to take pictures of them. Three years ago, was when I realised that photography was diverse. My friend and fellow photographer, Patricia Karimi, encouraged me to push my interests and it helped better my photographic skill that is being able to compose, structure and produce work.2. Describe your aesthetic and what inspires itI love exploring emotion. Adding life to a still image gives a totally different look to my work. Minimalism, is a style I enjoy along side portraiture, fashion & lifestlye photography.I am also inspired by modern Africa. The free-thinking society allows what is considered ‘weird’ as normal. Being different allows us to identify as the select few and show the world who we are.
3. What is photography to you and do you recall the first image you took?Photography is a release, a way I show the audience my vision, my story.
The first image I took, was at a Blankets and Wine Concert, trying to get a picture of “Just A Band” performing. Honestly, I had no clue my settings were alright but I was ready to see what would come of it.4. How has social media influenced your growth?Social media has been a huge opening platform for me. It has shown that the world is listening. I’ve been able to meet people with common interests and made friends and colleagues as well.Thoughts on photo credits and theft of contentAppreciation of work is good as it shows respect to the artist. Content theft sucks! People need to consider themselves professionals and prove this with their work. I don’t mind being an inspiration to someone but it seems less appreciative to ‘take someones work’. Be true to yourself.
5. Analogue or digital photography and why?I enjoy both. Analogue photography encourages me to compose more before pressing that shutter. It takes a lot before being able to settle on composing but it’s me to think out-of-the-box. I also like how time and mood is created with film. Digital phography has better advantages and allows one to actually get the images there and then and also explore wider in different photography styles. Digital Photography is a stepping stone and is more accessible now as compared to analogue.
6. Do you think in single images or stories?Series allow people to show ‘their side’ of a story line. It’s like a journey and one’s goal would be to captivate your audience till the end.
How has this helped you in concept creation?It allows me to deliver my idea as well as being able to know whom I’m speaking to.
7.What is your relationship with nature and how does it inspire your work?Trees are too cool. (Let’s plant more!)
I love working outdoors as there is a mood that is set when working with nature. I often try to work around tones and color with my images to add character. We all connect more with how everything is set in the world. The envionment is an art piece that we should be a part of.
8. Do you express yourself through other mediums?Yes! I am a digital artist and consider my style Pop Art. My canvas has been my computer screen but I recently started doing my prints on apparel. I beleive art can be worn and I would love to share my illustrations.Will you release more products soon?Yes, of course. I’m trying to do more art pieces and exploring more with some doodles to make #magoillustrates move past a memory. Tune in to see more coming your way.
9. What have you learnt about yourself through your work?Not to fear expressing oneself, being true to myself and showing people that I’m gifted and it is essential to share this gift.What are you currently working on?I’m trying to work more on my art, consistency and practice which really shows improvment and I hope with time I’ll better my yesterday.10. Wild Outro (advice)Make worth your work and prove to people that your voice is meant to be heard. Follow your passion and always show gratitude no matter the situation. Drink water too.
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Wildlife in the City’s Backyard
I recently had the privilege of visiting the Nairobi National Park. It is one of Kenya’s twenty three National Parks. However, what makes it stand out is the fact that it is regarded as the “World’s Wildlife Capital”. This is because of it’s strategic location that is only a short drive away from the Nairobi Business District. Now how cool is that?
However, despite it’s proximity, majority of Nairobi’s city residents have not paid a visit to this home of upto 100 mammal species and over 400 bird species.
Zebra grazing within the Park copyright @RootsofAfrika
The Nairobi National Park is home to four of the big five animals. Can you guess which among the big five is not found in the park? It’s not the Rhino, nor is it the Lion, Leopard or Buffalo but the Elephant. There are various Park activities and Park attractions to enjoy alongside the spectacular wildlife. You may opt to have a game drive where you get to spot various wildlife busy grazing, browsing or simply napping and walking against the city scrappers as their backdrop. This is a spectacular sight to behold and one that will forever be etched at the corner of valuable memories.
Giraffes strolling within the park. copyright @RootsofAfrika
The rhinoceros with its young one. It is among the endangered species at the park. Copyright Ceri_KanjaThe park also hosts the Nairobi Safari Walk and the animal orphanage. The Nairobi Safari walk offers a relaxed stroll as you gaze upon different types of animal species such as the Hippo, Leopard, Cheetah, Rhino, Ostriches, Water bucks among many more. The facility also offers children’s wildlife classes and this together with the animal orphanage provide a good platform for you as well as the little ones to learn more about the wildlife and interact with them fondly under the supervision of the park’s guides.
The wooden platform within the Nairobi Safari Walk. Copyright Ceri_Kanja
A leopard basking within its confines at the Nairobi Safari Walk. Copyright Ceri_Kanja
One of the Protected White Rhinos within the park. Copyright Ceri_Kanja
The park equally boasts of spacious picnic sites and camping sites thus making it ideal for group hangouts as well as overnight stays at the park. So why not spend the night there around a cozy bonfire just to get away from the bustles of the City life? And the best part is that you do not have to travel far and wide to do this thus very budget friendly to the city dweller.
Local Tourists enjoying the park’s view. Copyright @RootsofAfrika
The Park’s rates as well as full list of attractions and park activities can be easily found here
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Vivi Karia
PEOPLE:VIVI KARIA
If you haven’t gotten the chance to meet Vivi Karia, no need to worry as I have you covered. She is outright outstanding with her thoughts, vision, design and execution. Vivi Karia is pretty much the closest you will ever get to Rihanna in Nairobi. We discussed how she views fashion in Nairobi, her clothing brand and more.
1. Wild Intro
I’ll be 23 this year. Though hard to describe my skill, I majorly took interest in drawing stick figures when I was 8, but now I’ve moved on to doodling. My dad inspired me and I became more conscious about fashion and style when I turned 13, this is when I paid more attention to what people wore in music videos & teen shows.
2. What has inspired your aesthetic as both a curator and designer?Street style inspires me because there are no rules on how to dress, there’s an openness and rawness where you can always play with whatever comes to mind so I like to combine it with high fashion.
3. Do you view your brand as rebellious considering that it depicts a sensual aspect?Not really, maybe other people do, but I’m very open minded & like to talk about things that are not so polite, especially through images.Do you feel the need to be relatable?Yes, as a person outside the clothes that I make. I’m always worried that people don’t understand where I’m coming from. Because if you have that sexual vibe people don’t view it as art but box you & sexualize you like “She’d be so good to take to bed”.Such things annoy me! Greek goddesses had their bosoms hanging out & were given the utmost respect…
4. Does consumer reaction pressure you to release more products?No, I like pushing my products beyond boundaries in terms of reach & sales too and generally, I take my time when I release a product because I want to perfect it.And what is the downside of production?The fear that you’ll put all your money into an idea & have it not come out as you pictured it or poor reception from consumers.
5. With the new wave of designers, have you considered being more intricate to define your brand?Yes & No. Yes because I like standing out & also the more intricate I am with my ideas the more it is for guys to copy.I know I’m unique and I don’t think anyone would share the same vision.What do you consider when choosing an individual to head a new campaign/collection?I look for intricate physiques, weird looking people & those that are comfortable with themselves.6.What are you currently working on?It’s a secret! But I will drop new patches soon & an art book too.
7. Does the term creative have any significance to you and why?No, I don’t appreciate the terms designer, creative, artist, as there’s a huge saturation in Nairobi. I like to do my thing & if you are feeling it then that’s great.I low key call myself a” constructor ” instead because I view myself as someone who makes things.
8. What is your biggest disappointment in Nairobi fashion and what are you doing about it?First the hype! People wear Supreme t-shirts & ripped jeans & feel like they are entitled or that they are influencers. That’s not what street style is about! Second, it’s the oversaturation of the idea of blogging, if you combine these two, its just bad!It’s hard to do something impactful about it, partly because, we are still a young city when it comes to streetwear but I always try to stir such conversations when I’m with my friends.
9. Thoughts on high fashion and streetwear collaborations.Best one so farThe Louis Vuitton X Supreme collection hands down! People expected a crazy collabo but these are the biggest brands in both high fashion & street wear & they did what they knew best, showcased simplicity in their vision.10. Wild Outro (advice)For the collaboration
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Amy Muhoro
Images courtesy of Amy Muhoro + Darina Anstis
PEOPLE :AMY MUHORO
On the first feature of our new section:People, I’d like to invite you to join me in an intimate conversation I had with Amy Muhoro, better known as Amyvisuals, a young self taught female Photographer based in East Africa. I met Amy back in 2014 and she has served as the biggest inspiration to me. Though elusive to taking images of herself, she quite often tells captivating visual narratives.
We discussed how she started off, a bit of her aesthetic, creative process and more.
1. Wild Intro
I am a 20 year old visual artist, born and bred in Kenya-Nairobi.I got interested in photography late 2013, which is when I first got onto Instagram and became fascinated by that particular art of taking photos after following a couple of cool local and international photographers.Progressively over the years, I wanted to challenge myself and do more and that’s how I now became interested in filming, cause it’s more or less the same thing as photography, only that it involves a lot more planning and concentration when executing. You can’t really throw a filter on it and expect things to turn out alright like in photos haha!2. Describe your aesthetic and what inspires it.(Laughs) So I’ve heard people say it’s ‘bold’ and full of deep and moody tones and colors, which I kinda agree with.But, from the beginning it was more about expressing my emotions; what I was feeling inside.I’d say it’s basically how I see the world through my eyes; Learning to notice and enjoy the beauty in everything and everyone.
3. What drew you to shooting and can you remember the first photograph you took?Funny enough, I think the first photograph I ever took wasn’t of a person but of a flower in our backyard and I became fascinated by the capturing of essence of an object. And I just continued from there. Soon enough, I began shooting portraits of my family and friends. Most of the time the pictures failed miserably, I had no knowledge on composition or camera settings but I was determined to learn.4.How do you work out a concept for a project?I have a mood board for every image or video that you get to see. I get lots of different works from different artists, revise them, study their forms and composition all in a trial to come up with my own. I know they say there’s nothing new under the sun but I really try to ensure my work is as ‘authentically me as possible’.
5. What do you think you translate through your images?Again, always emotion. How I’d like to see the world through my eyes.You need some sadness, some joy or some wonder? I’m your girl haha.6. Are there any other mediums you use to express yourself?I am an indoor musician, I like to relax on the piano, but only recreationally, I decided not to pursue a career in it. It’s more of my happy place, where I come back to reflect and refresh my thoughts.I also have a small collection of few collages that I make (if it even counts, haha). It’s just a new fun medium of expression that I’m trying out. I don’t want to pursue a career in that either.
7. What have you learnt about yourself through your work?My art has saved my life multiple times, so it’s very personal for me.What I mean by this is that, by doing what I do, I’m able to grow myself positively; financially & especially mentally; I’ve had a lot of battles with anxiety in the past and working on visuals just gives me the peace and clarity I need.
8. How has social media influenced your growth?Well yes, mildly.Apps like Instagram are how I even discovered my craft in the first place, and helped me connect with like minded people who I began collaborating and even became close friends with.For me, there are lots of positive thought growers on social media. From musicians like Solange who charms you with her weird inspiring aesthetics to Rihanna who just makes you not wanna give a f#%$ about what other people think of you. These people, they slowly start to have an effect on who you are, and encourage you to be bigger; Bigger than life, like they already are. And I think that’s really cool.But, I also frequently take time off social media as well, because I don’t wanna turn into one more of society’s zombies. I feel like there’s too much pressure to be who we’re not and that’s just against everything I stand for, so I don’t wanna get caught up in all that ‘societal expectations mambo jumbo.’
Any Amyvisuals’ wannabe experiences?Lots of them.It’s cool to see that more youth want to get into visual arts scene and all. Yes, I’m happy that I inspire some of them, but I think there’s a line between discovering what you were meant to be and trying to be someone else. You’re not going to be your best authentic self if you are busy copying someone else. Have faith in yourself. A little faith can go a long way, and I am proof of that.
9. How has the new wave of photographers helped you identify as ‘different’?Am I different? haha yeah I guess I probably am.I think it’s probably cause I see most people are doing the same thing, over and over. Like I said, there’s nothing new under the sun, but I would just like to express myself in MY own way as best I can.But at the end of the day, I’m happy that WE EXIST and I’m glad we’re breaking that stigma of how being a Kenyan artist isn’t a ‘real career’ and you have to get a ‘real job’ eventually by becoming a doctor, lawyer or whatever…you know the highly praised careers by parents. But no, that’s just people’s opinions.You can be anything you wanna be, you just have to want it bad enough.
10. Wild OutroAlways be yourself.We hear a lot of successful people say this but I don’t think we pay much attention to it.Trust me, they are right.You will only excel in life by living out YOUR purpose. This can only happen by being yourself; by being the BEST version of yourself.
Below are links to some of the videos Amy Muhoro has worked on, kindly have a look : -
WILD INTRO
Tell Me About Yourself
If anything, this must be the worst question I have ever had to encounter as an introvert, but no one would believe that I am one, given that my social media platform has gained traction for quite a while now and so the world assumes I am social. Half the time I lack talking points while on the other hand, I prefer getting lost in my thoughts, visualizing them… ‘she’ is always aloof. Why? Well, I don’t appreciate being in touch with reality since our world is so painful to look at and be a part of, I am talking about the greed for power, money, acknowledgement etc. Then why not survive on a fantasy and focus on not being wiped out and turning into a memory?
I am a 21 year old artist (Wild_Child) from the capital, Nairobi, Kenya. Well, some would prefer the term creative but I wouldn’t want to be labelled since my art is all that matters than who I am. It’s more about the impact and inspiration that follows my craft that makes me want to be acknowledged as an artist. I however categorize my art to be experimental since I learn and discover new things almost everyday. What I do? Sometimes I don’t even know ha! But I could say that I am an aspiring creative director set out to make you trip balls over the simple things in life that are regularly ignored.
My collective, though not official, try to address our daily lives by simply envisioning various series according to a specific theme, be it duality, gender fluidity, contrast etc and try to tell a visual narrative through images and hopefully into short films much later. But that’s the artist, that’s not who I am.
Hi! I am Alexis Nereah and I am struggling not to disappear 🙂
Photography + Make Up : Nyokabi Mwaura
Accessories : Indigene
Muse : Randy Gowon + Alexis Nereah
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Travel through the Valley
2015. The year of change.
In 2014, we launched Baobab Media Ltd. My late wife and I began this venture as a part of our passion for travel and exploration. As I begin this year anew, i find it very important to keep this station moving and hop on to a train that will take me to the most magnificent locations out there.
This year, as we began drawing closer and closer to the launch of our first publication in April, we are pleased to announce the re-initialization of our blog and travel information hub for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The latter two still to be fully implemented.
Till then, here’s our first post.
Our adventure starts in the Rift Valley. A Trip that most Kenyans would have taken by now, in one form or another.
As we drive along the Nairobi – Nakuru highway and leave the confines of the Nairobi viscinity, our first encounter is with the Rift Valley Viewpoint.
From this juncture, you get to see a vast landscape showcasing the Valley in it’s awesomeness, and in the valley, the primary scene depicts the great Mount Longonot. We’ll leave you with this scenescape for now.
Mount Longonot as seen from the second Rift Valley Viewpoint.
