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HOW TO MANYATTA
We’re excited that you’re joining us for the Manyatta Screenings October 2022 program, where we will watch films under the vast Aberdare sky in Mahiga Meru, Laikipia East.
Have you been to Mahiga Meru?
For those who have, welcome back to the calm, green, savannah.
If you like early morning walks, you’ll see Mt. Kenya (she hides behind the clouds for the rest of the day).
So you are fully prepared, below are some things to keep in mind for the 2-day camping affair filled with film, and exploration.
A NOTE:
However you choose to join us, we advise that you PLEASE get all your shopping done and pack whatever creature comforts you’d like BEFORE you set off on your trip, for convenience and ease.
How to get there:
First and foremost, Mahiga Meru is scenic, secure, and easy to get to. The two main ways to get to Mahiga Meru that we know of are:
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From Nairobi
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If you’re using public means.
It’s a 4-hour drive from Nairobi to Mahiga Meru shopping centre.
You’ll need to take a shuttle from Nairobi to Nyeri first, then pick another matatu to get you to Mahiga Meru shopping centre. To find out how to book your shuttle from Nairobi and where the stage is, contact 2NK Sacco. You’ll be using the Embu-Nairobi highway, which is the fastest route.
When you alight at the Nyeri stage, it will be easy to spot a matatu that’s headed to Nyahururu. Ask the tout to drop you off at Mahiga Meru shopping centre. When you do, you’ll spot a MANYATTA SCREENINGS sign and white stones that will be leading the way to the festival site. It’s only 300 metres away. You can opt to take a boda if you’d like a ride.
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If you’re driving.
You may want to make a road trip out of this, which is a brilliant idea!
A word of caution about the Thika and Nyeri traffic. Plan your trip to avoid both. The morning and early evening traffic in both centres will lengthen your trip by at least 30 minutes.
The Embu-Nairobi highway is a 3 hrs 40 mins drive. There's also a route through Gilgil which will take you 4 hrs 50 mins.
A little FYI - when you join the Sagana Nyeri highway, there is a famous Nyama Choma spot 1 km after Kenol.
2. From Nakuru to Mahiga Meru
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If you’re using public means
From Nakuru, one can use a direct matatu to Nyeri (4NTE, 2NK) and be dropped at Mahiga Merú. Once you’re at the Mahiga Meru shopping centre, look for the Manyatta screenings sign and white stones. These will guide you to the festival site, which is only 300 metres away. You can opt to take a boda if you’d like.
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If you are driving
If you’re coming from Nakuru using the B5, it’s a 120km (2hr 25min) drive. If you choose the longer route, through Gilgil on the A104/ C77, it’s 165 Km (3hr 10min). Directions Here
If you’d like to organise a Carpool to Manyatta Screening in Laikipia East pleas join the WhatsApp group here.
Are you a first-time Camper?
If you are, we understand you might be nervous, and that’s completely okay. We’re here to guide you through your first camping experience and hope it’s the first of many.
Things to note:
Your ticket secures you a spot to camp. The location is safe, open, has a bar and food kiosk. There are toilets and a place to shower. Bring your camping gear with a foldable chair and an extra blanket as the nights get cold.
If you do not own any camping kit, you can contact Sammy on +254 720 353198, to book your tent in advance at 2,500 Ksh/- per tent kit (a tent, sleeping bag and mattress) per night.
Tent booking closes at 4 pm EAT on Thursday, 27th of October ‘22. There is affordable food and drinks to buy on-site. You are, of course, free to carry your own food if you wish.
Now let’s talk packing for camping!
What you need to keep in mind is your comfort and some economy. We highly recommend that you bring along some treats with you for the weekend; think along the lines of what kind of drinks and snacks you like. Are you specific about what mixer you prefer with your gin, vodka or whiskey? You’ll need to include that in your packing list.
CLOTHING: Mahiga Meru weather, in case you’ve not been there before, gets extremely hot during the day, so pack some light clothing. At night, it gets windy and cold. Carry a beanie and windbreaker to keep you warm. If you’d like an extra cosy sleeping bag, pack a hot water bottle.
There’ll be fires lit at night to keep us comfy while we watch and talk about films.
Here’s a packing guide we’ve put together:
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A foldable camping chair for your comfort. (Optional but highly advised) Don’t have one? Check out Decathalon, they have some pretty good offers.
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A flashlight and an extra pack of batteries.
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Comfortable shoes and at least two pairs of socks
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Comfy sleepwear
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A pair of slippers or crocs
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Light T-shirts, a warm shawl, hoodie or jacket/windbreaker.
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A water bottle and/or thermo flask.
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A pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
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A charger and fully charged power bank
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A range of toiletries; i.e. preferred soap, toothpaste/toothbrush, body lotion, sunblock, tissue e.t.c…
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A towel, a blanket, and a pillow
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Fruits and snacks; if you’re particular about your sundowner, please carry your drink and mixer of choice.
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A book or a magazine for your entertainment
And that’s it! If you have any questions, email us at info@manyattascreenings.or.ke or WhatsApp/call us on +254 769 940693
We are really looking forward to seeing you!
DOWNLOADABLE FILES
Manyatta Screenings Oct '22 with French Embassy Nairobi & Kenya Film Commission
