Pepe Haze, a member of the Paramedikz (second from left), is one of the many featured artists. The popular singer/songwriter is about to launch an album entitled Brainstorming and he’s here to share his love of Kenya with you readers, a major inspiration for his music…

Hi Pepe, good to have you with us – so tell me a little more about Kenya – how does it inspire you when it comes to creating new tracks?

Kenya has become a nation filled with many artistic minds. I painted this in my music and I’m now seeing the reality of that dream. I feel even more inspired to keep on pursuing my passion as a voice of change. My music is wishful thinking placed in the hands of God.

About your new album “Brainstorming”: Are there any particular destinations in Kenya that brought that into being?

Most certainly, Athi River had a huge hand in the making of the album. The easily accessible wildlife, the friendly Daystar University students and nearby residents made it real easy for me to complete this project.

Crazy About Kenya is an opportunity for the Kenyan people to share the best of their country, that said I’d love to have your take on the top three safari spots and why?

The Masai Mara remains my number one pick! Followed by Mombasa (North coast) and last but most definitely not least, Lake Nakuru. Tourism is on the rise in that region and it is definitely a breath of fresh air (y’all should check it out!)

Where’s the buzz in Nairobi, by all accounts that’s a real cultural melting pot these days, so can you give us the low-down on all the hip and happening events in the capital? 

Shows at the Bomas of Kenya, Blankets & Wine, Slam Africa and Wamathai’s Poetry events stand out! If you’re looking for content and entertainment, you won’t be disappointed.

By the way, I saw the recent video. Have you got any new projects on the go?

I am the host of Slam Africa (an event which occurs every third Friday of the month in Nairobi) and I am also working with Amplified Studios on a radio drama (Athi River based). Any interested travellers, holla! My work half of the time is to have fun, so you are most welcome to hang out with me!

Can you give adventurers the inside track on travel in your home destination – what should they bring with them to Kenya?

It’s funny you ask that. To be honest the most beautiful thing about Kenya is the fact that people really appreciate the beauty of diversity. Bring yourself, be yourself, that’s all you need. Kenyans are very loving and friendly people.

What would be the first words you’d utter to a tourist if you hooked up with them on the street, and where’s the first place you’d take them to in downtown Nairobi?

Jambo! Then we’d jump on a matatu (local bus – some to be found playing International hip-hop sounds) and I’d take them around the city so they could get an idea of how the common public live.

And finally, any “Must have” phrases for adventurers in Kenya?

“Asante” (Thank you), 
”Nakupenda” (means I love you)
, “Ntamupata Wapi Pepe?” (Where is Pepe?)

You can contact Pepe Haze online. If you want to overland or take a small group safari on the continent and make the best of the wildlife capital, click through to Acacia Africa.

Me ready for take-off!

How much does it cost to do a microlight flight over Victoria Falls?

On the Runway!

This breathtaking adventure is not the cheapest of activities. A 15 minute flight will cost you $ 135 (Batoka Sky rates, Zambia).

For 30 minutes, expect to pay twice as much ($ 270). The same prices apply for helicopter rides.

Helicopter Ride or Microlight?

That’s it, we made it!

Advantages of Microlights:

- 360° panoramic view

- Much closer to nature

- Stimulates your senses and gives you a great adrenaline rush

Can you see the spray from the falls?

Any Disadvantages?

- Microlight rides are relatively noisy

- Things can get a little shaky up there, especially when the wind is blowing

- If you are afraid of heights, the helicopter might be a better option for you

Not for the faint of heart!

How Safe are Microlights?

Worth every penny, believe me!

While safety cannot be guaranteed 100%, the first thing you can do in order to minimize risk is to choose a serious microlight company. Do a little research and only deal with the most popular businesses out there.

In the case of Batoka Sky for instance, security is the number 1 priority on their check-list:

Batoka Sky Adventures Ltd operates the only microlight flight training school in Zambia, approved by the Zambian Department of Civil Aviation and the highest standard of tutoring is offered. Our resident commercial pilots are carefully selected and are all Instructor Rated. Highly qualified engineers of many years experience, carry out all aircraft servicing providing an excellent safety record.

The guy I flew with was an ancient pilot from the Air Force of Zimbabwe. A very interesting chap with lots of things to say and anecdotes to tell you about (both the pilot + passenger usually wear headphones with a mic, which enables easier communication).

Victoria Falls is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world!

Are Personal Cameras Allowed Up There?

Vic Falls are 108 m high and over 1.7 km long!

No, for safety reasons no cameras are allowed. However, companies usually offer a wing-mounted digital camera that takes pictures at regular intervals. You can buy those pictures after the flight. This makes the experience even more enjoyable as you don’t have to worry about taking photographs yourself.

On average, over 1 million liters of water fall every second!

How Much Does it Cost for the Microlight Photos?

View of the falls and the nearby islands!

From what I remember, it costs approximately $ 40 for pictures of your personal flight.

Short vs. Long Flight?

Gives me the chills just by looking at the picture!

The short flight only includes a circuit over the Zambezi river + Victoria Falls and back to the landing strip.

The longer microlight flight includes the short circuit + a view of Kalai island and a flight over the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for good game viewing opportunities.

Can you see the hippos?

I adore arid places. Deserts really rock in my book. They are so interesting and filled with the most fascinating plants and animals which have managed to find ways to not just survive in an extremely harsh environment, but actually thrive.

Ai-Ais/Richtersveld is jointly managed by South African National Parks and the local Nama people, and the park is part of a transfrontier conservation area (TFCA) which spans across the border between South Africa’s northern cape and southern Namibia.

The incredible desolate beauty of the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

It came into being on August 1 2003, when the Ai–Ais Hot Springs Game Park in Namibia and Richtersveld National Park in South Africa were joined in one of the first TFCA initiatives.

Now part of the magnificent Boundless Southern Africa branding initiative which markets all of the nine TFCAs, the park is quite remote, being just over 1500km from Johannesburg and 875km from Cape Town.

This makes it classic Road Trip material, and because it’s also the home of the world’s second largest canyon – the Fish River Canyon – it makes it one of Africa’s top Road Trip destinations and an overland safari classic.

From delicate miniature rock gardens – nature’s own landscape gardening – to tiny succulents and other-worldly rock formations, the Richtersveld flora and fauna are watered only by occasional, seasonal rains and early morning fog which rolls in from the cold Atlantic Ocean.

Slicing through this harsh wilderness is the Orange River, offering some respite from the dry and rugged terrain and acting as a border between Namibia and South Africa.

At Sendelingsdrift, on the South African side, the old pont which was last in service in 1988, when South West Africa (now Namibia) was still governed by South Africa, has been restored and offers an unusual and convenient way of crossing the river, being strong enough to carry the equivalent weight of a 32-seater bus, or two fully-loaded double-cab 4x4s.

This place is not for “sissies” and is only accessible by means of a 4×4 – normal sedans are not permitted in the park, but vehicles with high clearances such as combis and LDVs do make it through. But for anyone bold enough and adventurous enough to make the journey into the park’s hinterland, the rewards are phenomenal.

In spite of the harsh environment, the fauna and flora here have evolved to not only survive, but actually thrive.

There’s a host of accommodation options in the park, from the Sendelingsdrif Rest Camp to Tatasberg and Ganakouriep wilderness camps, hiking trails and camp sites.

The environment of the park is unique, making camping or staying in its rest camps out of the ordinary. As a result, there are some important things to remember before considering the Ai-Ais Richtersveld as a destination, especially if you are considering traversing it yourself and not as part of an organised safari or tour.

For a start, drinking water can be an issue, as some of the rest camp water supply is not suitable for consumption. There are no shops in the park, so everything you need has to be taken in with you, and, most importantly, removed by you.

While petrol and diesel is available at Sendelingsdrif, there is no unleaded petrol available in the park. The nearest garage with unleaded petrol is in Alexander Bay, 80km away.

When camping, it’s important to remember that heavy dew occurs at night. Temperatures in the park are extreme – up to 53 Deg C in mid-summer but with much cooler nights, and cold in winter.

Insect repellent is a must, as are plastic refuse bags, as the park requires that all rubbish be removed on departure. There is no firewood or kindling available in the park, so this must be taken in by guests, although SanParks advises that gas braais or cookers be used as the wind in the evenings makes traditional braaing (our local vernacular for barbecuing) a problem.

You need to pack for all eventualities and climates, with fleeces, rain gear and wind-cheaters for early mornings and evenings, as well as lightweight clothing for daytime.

An extra spare wheel, tools, spares and enough food and extra water are also recommended.

If taking on the Richstersveld sounds like an adventurous expedition – it is, but one that’s going to give some special holiday memories for the rest of your life. And probably have you going back for more.