“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous
Meet Bonita Aluoch, a travel writer and photographer who is constantly searching for exciting destinations. She blogs at aluochbonnita.com and also on her Instagram page (@bonitaonsafari) to document her travels. She camps, treks, hikes, sails or flies to get to her destination. She says home is where she spends the night. Her inspiration in life comes from her travel experiences and the people she has met along the way. Find out what Bonita does when she is not travelling here Pearls And Heels: Bonita Aluoch.
What are your favourite destinations?
Nanyuki. followed by Kilifi and finally Naivasha.
Why?
Those are the places that imbue unexplainable relaxation and happiness from within in ways that sometimes surpass my comprehension. I tend to connect deeply with the universe when I visit these three places.
What places are on your travel bucket list and why?
Greece, Santorini to be Precise, Rabat in Morocco, Ghana, Bali, Namibia, and Cuba.
Greece because Linda Matama gave me serious FOMO. Rabat because I just finished a book by Michael Palin called Sahara and I like his vivid description of Morocco. Ghana because I want to buy myself some Kente, check out the largest man-made lake in the world -Lake Volta and do not forget to check out its castles and forts. Cuba, because I want to see the vintage cars, try out cigars and experience the Spanish/African Cultural blend. Namibia because I have read a lot about it and getting an opportunity to learn a thing or two about the Himba People will make me happy and I also just want to know how the Namib desert looks like. Bali… Because it is every new international traveller’s starter pack…
What factors do you consider when choosing a destination for your holidays or mini breaks?
How I feel and how my destination of choice will make me feel. Most often when I am stressed there is a higher chance I will go to a beach or lake but when I lose focus or feel lost, I will most likely settle for a bush destination. When I want to prove a point to myself I will most likely settle on challenging stuff like extreme sports and camping.
Cost, and fun stuff to do while there come second and third respectively.
What are your travel essentials?
Camera, laptop, and travel pick-and-go backpack that has a complete set of essentials that are never removed.
How do you save for your holidays?
To be honest I do not save for my holidays I just make a few sacrifices here and there. I hunt for deals (hotel sales, discounted flights etc) and also, and I have learnt to forego so many things. Fewer heels, fewer trips to shopping malls etc…
A horror story from your travels. What went wrong?
I once saw a snake dangling from a makuti roof. To make matters worse, I was on the upper part of the double-decker bed at a backpackers alone!
Where are you planning to go for your next mini trip or holiday?
I am looking forward to going to Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp in Tsavo West. I can’t wait to write about it on my blog when I come back.
If you had to choose a country from your travels where you could settle down apart from your home country which country would that be and why?
Uganda. In as much as I would like to travel the world, nothing beats the feeling of being at home or near home…I think I can easily blend in considering there are some of my tribesmen there …I like to feel that I belong.
Do you prefer to travel alone or in a group? Why?
I like to travel alone. But I don’t mind good company once in a while. My ideal situation would however to have a masculine travel partner who can help carry my bags and pitch a tent (hahaha).
How many countries have you been to?
Let’s just say I am yet to fill my passport.
What is the most interesting city to visit in your country?
Kisumu.
What is the most interesting souvenir that you have ever bought on one of your holidays?
I once bought the best Coffee I have ever taken from Tanzania.
I hardly buy souvenirs when I travel because I am almost always on the road and on a budget. However, I freeze memories and gift friends nice photos from my travels.
Would you rather visit another country or travel within your own country?
I think I have been to almost all corners of this country and going out is an idea whose time has come.
What are popular tourist destinations in your country?
Naivasha, Mombasa, Kisumu, Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara, I mean the list is endless.
Have you been to any of them?
Yes, almost all of them.
Which would you recommend if you could only recommend one? Why?
Maasai Mara. The annual migration of the wildebeest is magical.
If you would like to interact with Bonita you can find her at @bonnybonnita. You can also find her on @instagram and also check out her website www.aluochbonnita.com. Read more about what Bonita does when she is not travelling here Pearls And Heels: Bonita Aluoch.
