Menengai Crater... almost...

On Friday, school was closed for Kenya's Independence Day holiday. Brian and I decided we'd drive up to the Menengai Crater and do a 2-3 hour hike into the crater (which is technically a caldera) and then drive back to Nairobi. The drive there and back was plagued with busier-than-normal levels of traffic because of the holiday (and crazier driving conditions, if that is possible), so it took us 3 hours and 15 minutes to arrive at Menengai. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a gorgeous view of the caldera, carpeted in lush green foliage with a steep descent to the caldera basin. We clambered out of the truck, hiking shoes laced up and itching for a good workout... only to discover... all trails are currently closed because of a land dispute with local farmers! We could see cattle way down below, and apparently the trails have been "tampered with" by the farmers so visitors cannot use them. We admired the view while we drank some lovely Kenyan tea, and then climbed back in the truck for the long journey back to Nairobi. It was definitely a long way to drive for a spot of tea!