'Mountain of love': Narok youths turn touristic site into lodging

From a distance, the scenery from the mountain dubbed ‘Mount Love’ welcomes visitors.

Paul Lomwonge, a local who has lived in the area since the 1960s explained to Wananchi Reporting why it is called the ‘Mountain of Love.’

“The mountain is so called because people who are full of life and love frequent it. This area was previously known by a Maasai name ’Nakuiyana’ which means calm and smooth area,” he said.

According to the residents, most visitors who come here are youths. “They come here mostly to enjoy themselves. Tourists are also very frequent visitors here, they come to see the mountain and enjoy its breeze. During weekends and holidays, the mountain is flooded with people from different places,” Lomwonge said.

“On weekends and holidays, we see many people come in for many different reasons. There are those from church, who come for retreats, others come with their partners.”

Another attraction is the fact that there are no charges to visit the site. 

However, there have been challenges faced at the site, including environmental and ethical issues.

“Different types of people come here, some come and turn it into a lodging, and publicly display their affection. Some bring alcohol that they drink together with their friends,” says Paul.

Locals now want the government to make the site more attractive to tourists not only from areas neighboring Narok but all over the country.