Jump on the rider’s seat at Chaka Ranch

A guest race in quad bikes at Chaka ranch in Nyeri. A guest prepare to ride a qaud bike at Chaka ranch in Nyeri. Quad bikes at Chaka ranch. Shades where guests relax at Chaka ranch

As I negotiate the sharp bend, a sly grin spreads across my face, ahead lies a slippery and muddy track: Time to get dirty!

Gleefully, I step on the gas and the speedometer needle shoots up, all 30 kilometres per hour of it.

There is mud all over the MagiBuggy. The passenger seat and my overalls are fully covered in the muddy goo.

And yet I cannot wipe the smile of my face feeling all Lewis Hamilton up on the track.

Chaka Ranch Leisure Park is one of the few places where mud is fun! It is located in Chaka town, close to Kiganjo, Nyeri, around two kilometres off the Nyeri-Nanyuki highway.

I am safely harnessed in my MagiBuggy bike, my helmet and the goggles well fitted by the instructor as required.

The lengths they go to in order to ensure safety of the rider is impressive.

Oh, you have to sign an indemnity form before getting on the bike but it was comforting to see so many instructors armed with walkie talkies. They sure do take their job seriously.

I chose the MagiBuggy bike because it gave me a sense of comfort.

It was described as street legal and non-competitive. It sounded good to me too.

The courageous ones among us took the senior quad bikes.

But for those looking for more than a rush, there is the Racing Buggy TT.

The children are well catered for with Totos quad bikes, Junior quad bikes and Junior buggies. These can be ridden by children aged between five and 13.

The cost of a 30-minute ride on these bikes ranges between Sh1,000 to Sh2,500.

A ride on the competitive bike costs Sh5,000.

Our train of bikes was led by an escort bike to keep us in check while directing us through marsh, dry land and gravel.

It could accelerate when necessary and at times waiting when part of our 15-bike train was lagging behind.

After the 30-minute ride, we went back to the finish line where we handed over, albeit begrudgingly, our bikes and removed our muddied clothes.

We had developed an appetite and food was the only thing on our minds.

The food court is an expansive facility with an assortment of delicacies.

The seating area offers a stunning view of Mount Kenya and the rolling hills of the central region.

We were treated to juicy roast beef, roast chicken, an array of fresh vegetable salad and ugali.

Despite opening its doors to the public a few months ago, the park has been swarming with families, adrenaline junkies and tourists.

The rides. the food and the stunning view of Mount Kenya are not the only things this scenic location offers.

There is also a children’s playpen where the young ones can engage in different activities.

For those who want to let their spirits fly high while watching sporting activities, there is a sports bar.

In a sentence, Chaka Ranch is a getaway with all the thrills and amenities of modern life.

One gets the feeling of being away from home, but with all the comforts a home offers.

Fun for the whole family, sumptuous food, a good atmosphere and a great view — those are just some of the reasons why a two-hour drive from Nairobi to Chaka is worth it.

Before you set off for Chaka Ranch, please remember that cash is not accepted.

Payments can be done only through mobile money transfer service and by credit and debit cards.