Leah Kanda is a practicing Quantity Surveyor by day; a hobby-photographer and writer during her spare time. She is an adventure junkie who enjoys exploring new places, chasing sunsets and diverse cuisines. Read about her food and travel experiences around Kenya on Foodies Kenya
What’s on your 2020 travel bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to go to the Seychelles and I am hoping to finally tick off my bucket-list this year.
What travel lessons did you take out in 2019 and what do you hope to start doing/ do differently this year?
I learnt the importance of having a well-planned itinerary and a detailed list of activities to engage in prior to one’s travels. My vacations in 2019 were mostly spur-of-the-moment decisions; as such, I’d find myself deciding on places to explore and things to do on arrival. While spontaneity is thrilling in some instances, I feel as if I limited my options and failed to reap the full potential of my trips. In future, I’m definitely doing my research way in advance and writing everything down!
How do you achieve Work and Travel balance?
I have crazy work hours, so my travels are mostly centred around public holidays and days off the clock. The lengthier vacations are scheduled to coincide with my annual leave.
Favourite destinations in Kenya so far?
Top on my list is the stretch from Samburu to Loiyangalani on the South Eastern shores of Lake Turkana. The views are breathtaking, and the dynamic landscape offers so much versatility in terms of activities and experiences. If you ever need a trip to clear your head or to rethink your life choices, then a road-trip to the Northern Frontier will do the trick!
My other favourite destination is Lamu. The island is close to my heart not only for its food and rich culture but also for the tranquility and calm that seems to transcend your life the moment you step on the Island. Diani has the best sunrises. I’d never get tired of going back so as to experience those magical moments at dawn on the beach as the hues of the sky change.
Tsavo and Amboseli (the National Parks) are a favourite because of two things; the numerous herds of elephants and the splendid Savannah Sunsets. If you ever visit Tsavo and you happen to love ‘ellies’ as much as I do, Sarova Salt Lick will give you an unforgettable experience.
Some of the travel highlights you have had from your trips?
Attending the Marsabit-Lake Turkana Cultural Festival (in 2016) is one of my most memorable and beautiful local travel experiences. I got to see a whole other side of Northern Kenya and experience the splendour of an area that has been marginalized for decades. Similarly, Rusinga Cultural Festival was an eyeopener in terms of being acquainted with the Suba culture and an amazing opportunity to experience the beauty of the Island surrounded by the hills.
I love festivals as they are an excellent showcase of communities and their cultures; from how they dress, the houses they live in, their food and economic livelihoods. It’s the perfect avenue to merge a leisure and educative trip.
What are your favourite accessories that you cannot leave behind during your travels?
My glasses, a camera and tripod……..!!
Your parting shot:
In the words of Anthony Bourdain “…I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.” Travelling really does broaden one’s perspective of life. It is the best investment you ever make in yourself!
3 comments
Am inspired and challenged at the same time….
How do I become a contributor to this magazine?
Hey Daron, Send your pitch to editor@nomad.africa