After a crazy, busy and hectic week, all you would want is to be able to wind down, relax and regain your energy for the next week. Sometimes, this is not possible even in the four corners of your home. You just need an absolute break from your current life and live a fantasy, so completely normal! Yet, the beach always seems to be the first choice to totally relax and rejuvenate your mind which means you need about four days, at the least. This means you can’t just take a weekend, you got to wait for the next long weekend or cut a few days off your leave days right? Well, what if I tell you there is an alternative? And all you need is a weekend, just one night. Leave on Saturday and get back Sunday… would you believe me? 

This place does exists, it’s just about a two hours’ drive away from Nairobi. With the less crowded roads and the gorgeous scenic views, you begin your holiday the moment you start driving out of Nairobi. Located in the heart of Kiharu, just about two kilometers from Sagana, is the serene camp, Jangwani. It’s a small camp that can hold about 200 tents at once. Even if you’re someone that does not love to camp, staying a Jangwani will change your mind. Not only is the camp’s location perfect but also guests can book tents and are provided with mattresses and blankets as well as clean toilets and showers that definitely increase the comfort levels. Together with that, there is a small restaurant that serves a full English breakfast and a coffee as well as a bar to keep you covered for the time you’re there.

You’re probably wondering about the cost too which is very minimum, especially if you’re also doing your own cooking and bringing your own drinks. Since there’s different tent sizes i.e. one person, two people, five people etc. the prices differ. At he same time the size of the group determines cost per person in terms of food and beverages, but there is no way you would spend more than 5.000 KSH per person (on the higher side).

Apart from those tiny details, the camp is located right in front of the river with three beautiful waterfalls as your backdrop. If you’re one looking for adventure, there’s a number of activities that you can take part in while there. From swimming in the river to white water rafting and kayaking in the river. If you’re not in the mood of getting wet there’s other options too, including archery, mountain biking and nature walks. This way you’re able to enjoy the beautiful scenery by the river and appreciate the different bird, tree and insect species you may encounter. Lastly, if you just want a complete time out, set yourself up by the river with your chair or your tent or your mattress and just lay, no one’s going to judge you! I had my Adiwi Air Sofa to rest on while adoring the waterfalls accompanied by a cold White cap beer, sounds like heaven doesn’t it?

Let’s not forget the night-sky, with the stars showing off, if you’ve got a clear sky. Sitting by the bonfire and just staring into the night-sky, almost staring into darkness with endless possibilities. Allowing you to be completely numb from your thoughts, from all the stress.  But wait, the best part of all is falling asleep to the sound of the waterfalls, the most peaceful and therapeutic way to fall asleep… definitely leaving you completely relaxed for the day after!

The last piece tying together your stay is the amazing hospitality delivered to you by the staff. It’s a very small number yet they cater to all your needs, even if they have to go out of their way to do so, making your time there all the more peaceful. They welcome all sorts of groups including families, couples, friends and work mates. A great way to bond with your work colleagues and peers while surrounded by picturesque nature! After just one night, not only did I feel closer to my cousins but also I felt absolutely re-energized and recharged. All it took was just one night.

Not many people know of Jangwani, even when I visited it was the first time I’d ever heard of it but now its my first choice of a camping location. I’d recommend It to all those that love to camp or are just looking for a weekend away. If you get a chance to visit, let me know what you think :)