Maji Tamu hills offers sweet waters and ‘healing’ springs
A section of Maji Tamu Hill on the border of Solai and Subikia in Nakuru County. PHOTO | CAROLINE CHEBET | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
Chamuka hot springs, although not well known, is also found on these hills.
The hills are home to thousands of different birds species.
Welcome to the graceful Maji Tamu Hills, a natural boulder separating Subukia and Solai sub-counties in Nakuru.
Forget the droughts, the floods and famine that often strike this area and its surroundings.
There are beautiful things to focus on these hills woven together to create a flawless and mysterious masterpiece.
Maji Tamu Hills derives its name from the springs found on these hills.
According to locals, the water is ‘sweet to the palate’. That is when locals coined the name ‘Maji Tamu', Swahili for sweet waters.
Perhaps it is because of Lake Solai’s salty water that made residents believe the pure water from the springs are really sweet.
CHAMUKA HOT SPRINGS
Chamuka hot springs, although not well known, is also found on these hills.
These spurt hot water as a result of effects of volcanic activities. And locals believe water from the hot spring is also medicinal.
Occasionally, those with different ailments flock the springs to get a bath in the hot water with hopes that their maladies will get healed.
The water is believed to cure skin diseases and refreshes. So there is no need of massages or acupuncture here! All you need is a ‘spring bath’.
These hills are also a home to thousands of different species of birds.
Some of the species are rare and on the verge of extinction. They find a home in this little explored and pristine hills. Evenings can be a perfect time for bird lovers as one can see almost all the species as they ‘return home’.
And have you ever wished you had wings to swoosh down from the hill top? This is a sport called paragliding. It may sound a dream but with use of paragliding gear, it can be a reality. Although less explored, this sport can also be a great tourist attraction.
The hills are a haven for nature lovers who wish to explore mountain hiking, nature trails, walking, safaris and camping. There are those who may want to try home tourism where you are hosted by locals and you learn their culture in the process, this is the place.
One too can explore the foggy evenings and watch as the rains come, crossing the thousand hills to Lake Solai.
