2017 in Photos: Backpacking in Kenya, Africa and Beyond.

2017 saw me go on adventures in Kenya and Southern Africa. I backpacked to Nyeri, Machakos, Mombasa, Kilifi, Watamu, Malindi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Below are 15 of the best pictures I took during the trips.

My Zimbabwean friends!

Chinga Dam in Nyeri Kenya

Chinga Dam and Waterfall are a few kilometers from Othaya town in Nyeri County, Kenya. The dam overlooks the Aberdare ranges and offers a spectacular sunset and sunrise view. You can take a morning or evening boat ride, and if adventurous enough, a small field by the dam is a great site to pitch a tent overnight.

Chinga Dam in Nyeri

Hiking the Ngong Hills of Kenya

Ngong Hills offer great views of Nairobi. It is a good place to go hiking any day of the week as it is close to the city and moderate in nature.

Hiking The Ngong Hills of Kenya

Zaina Falls in Nyeri Kenya

Located in the Aberdares is the Zaina Falls. This is one of the most scenic waterfalls I have seen in Kenya. To get to the fall, you can join a hiking group or brave the Solo trip. You board Matatus heading to Chania village shopping center in Kinunga from Nyeri (Upper stage next to Kimathi University and King’ong’o Matatus) to get there. Once at the shopping center, ask a local to direct you to Zaina Falls. It is a short hike of about 2 hours from the center.

Zaina Falls in Nyeri, Kenya

Backpacking in Kilifi County – North coast of Kenya

Kilifi County

Hiking the Elephant Hill Part 3 – Attempting Kinangop peak same day.

The Elephant Hills remains the most challenging and best hike ever. In 2017, I returned to the hills with Hikemaniak, hoping to summit Kinangop Peak. We didn’t accomplish the mission, but the experience was amazing. I strongly believe that in 2018, Elephant Hills and Kinagop Peak will be possible on the same day.

Attempting Peak Kinangop in the Aberdares

Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe

This trip outdid my backpacking adventure along the North Coast to become my highlight of the year 2017. Backpacking from Nairobi to Zimbabwe and experiencing Southern Africa from Buses and Trains was amazing. I am now looking forward to more of Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia in 2018.

Victoria Falls

Kilimanjaro Ordinary Train from Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi

Budget travel in Africa is always my goal; this train from Tanzania to Zambia offered me just that. With only Kshs 4000, I could travel 1860km in 3 days onboard the Tanzanian, Kilimanjaro ordinary train from Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi.

Kilimanjaro Ordinary train Between Dar and Kapiri

Nairobi to Victoria Falls by road and Rail

My major travel goal in 2017 was to visit Victoria Falls at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe on a budget. This trip ended up being a great success. With more than three weeks on the road, I had a chance to experience a great journey.

Kenyan Backpacker

The last ride of the Lunatic Express – Overnight Train from Nairobi to Mombasa

The old train (Lunatic Express/Jambo Deluxe train) made its last 15-hour ride from Nairobi to Mombasa in May to pave the way for the 5-hour Madaraka Express trains and Intercounty trains. This overnight train, in my opinion, was the best for travelers. Despite its slow speed, it offered a scenic view of the Tsavo game reserve, and travelers could watch stars at night while enjoying the midnight breeze.

The Iron Snake of Africa Train

The Iron Snake of Africa – Former Jambo Deluxe Train

Lunatic Express between Nairobi and Mombasa

Mukuba Express Train from Zambia to Tanzania

Mukuba Express is the Zambian train between New Kapiri Mposhi and Dar es Salaam. It is newer and more elegant compared to the Tanzanian one but offers the same great services.

Mukuba Express Train Zambia

The New Madaraka Express Train

Madaraka express trains were launched in June 2017 to replace the Lunatic Express.  The trains run between Nairobi and Mombasa daily along the new Standard Gauge Railway line. This service allows passengers to travel between the two cities fast, safely, and at an affordable price.

Madaraka Express Train

Sunset and Sunrise on the TAZARA Trains

Sunrises and sunsets make a trip memorable. Zambia and Tanzania are some of the best places to get that.

Sunset

The Power of Education in Zambia

Zambian Kids Going to School

The Magical landscape between Kapiri Mposhi and Lusaka

The landscape between New Kapiri Mposhi to Lusaka in Zambia along the Great North Road is beautiful. I enjoyed the sunset and the countryside view, farms, and long-distance trucks.

The Great North Road

Conclusion

“Jobs fill your pockets; adventure fills your soul.”

The year 2017 was great; 2018 will be better.  More Travels and More Adventure.

Comment below on your best travel experiences of 2017.