Creating a Land of Nourishment
During our travels in Kenya, we stumbled on a beautiful project.
Little did we know, it would inspire us very deeply and take us on a journey to share.
It had been a few days of visiting the capital, and we were feeling weary - eager to discover a natural haven away from the city. Lush green landscapes were calling us away from the urban jungle. Away from the intensity, the chaos, the noise. We were curious to visit an area where food is grown, to get a glimpse of local agriculture and connect to these new lands through the gift mindfully grown food.
Our search led us to discover Mlango: a magical farm, just north of Nairobi - offering day visits (and homemade lunches) for curious visitors like ourselves.
Quickly, we reached out to book a visit. Shortly after, we were on our way on a short road trip.
We arrived and landed immediately, in a green wonderland of plants and birdsongs. There was so much to do and see - our inner child was instantly hooked. Opportunities to play with the farm animals. Lots of delicious food and farm products to enjoy. An incredible, amphitheatrical layout to the land, with endless terraces that have been tended to, to grow abundant vegetables. There was just so much to explore in the context of this land. It was like a playground. We could feel like the people behind it saw it as such. We could feel the love poured into it all.
After our walk around the farm, we were pretty convinced about a few things:
01) We were bummed about leaving and knew we had to come back
02) This place is definitely worth documenting
03) We really have to chat with the people behind this! Our wishes quickly became fulfilled. Shortly after our delicious farm lunch, we were talking with the owners, and connected instantly.
Els & Kamande are the wonder couple behind this project. They used to live in Amsterdam, and many years ago they came to Kenya, reclaiming land that had been passed down from Kamande’s family. Little by little, they turned nothing into something, and have turned a barren, abandoned land into a luscious garden and farm. Today, the project provides employment to the local community, distributes organic food to hundreds of families and local businesses, and serves as an educative platform for future generations to connect and co-create with Nature.
We were awe-struck and left with a little hole in our hearts, longing to make it back and get to know them better. ”Could we come back, spend some time here, get involved?” we asked ourselves.
A few weeks later, after Linda’s art residency in Lamu, we made our way back.
Delicious farm food
Farasi the horse
Nasturtium growing abundantly at the farm
Keziah & Becky playing with water
Els and Kamande welcomed us in like their children. Suddenly, we were staying with them at the farm house, observing and being part of the daily rhythms of the farm. Being part of the big family that Mlango is, with its employees and everybody working there. The context made every day feel extremely interesting.
Our days felt full, yet slow and playful. Every morning we would get to say hello to all the women of the team, working as cooks, guides and managers for the farm. After a delicious breakfast, we would often go say hello to the farm animals as well, and go for a stroll, capturing pictures, footage, or just coming up with ideas of what to create on the farm. In between our own projects, we would often be spending time brainstorming together, giving social media advice to the team, and experimenting with earth based projects with clay from the Land. There was a lot of sharing, a lot of laughing, a lot of getting to know each other and feeling like part of this big family.
In the evenings, the employees of the farm would go back to their homes, so it was quieter. We would spend this time together with Els and Kamande, relaxing and exchanging stories. It was heartwarming and we really got to fall in love with their personalities. Els is dutch with an incredible accent, powerful, and like the Mighty Mother of the project, running everything, envisioning with a strong sense of rooted practicality. Kamande is the authentic Kenyan rastafari man, with a deep love and worship for the Earth - you could feel how much respect he has received from his community. We also met Kamande’s brother, a fascinating character, a multi-disciplinary artist with endless stories and philosophical points to share.
Needless to say, these new friendships brought us abundant conversations and most magical memories to cherish for years to come.
Sharing some photography & social media tips with the team
The abundantly green Land
Kamande’s brother, an artist & philosopher
Popo, the sweetest cat in the world
Kamande, the rasta boss
Throughout our time there, we set the intention to capture daily life at the farm, telling its story.
So we created a short film about Mlango Farm.
Processing Clay from the Land
Els - happily observing the clay play
Sharing the magic of clay with children
What Mlango taught us
Seeds take time to sprout.
See the big picture of everything you create.
Especially when you’re working with Nature.Design your life around what matters to you.
Prioritise what you consider as abundance.Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Empower your local community. Give them a role in your project.Think about inspiring future generations.
Create opportunities for children to learn.
INFINITE GRATITUDE TO
Els & Kamande for allowing us to be a witness and a part of Mlango Farm. We can’t wait to come back and see you again. You are family.
All the amazing women that work at the farm, who cooked nourishing meals and with who we had the best laughs!
You know who you are, sisters.
If you are interested in learning more about Mlango Farm, make sure to visit their website & instagram.
Words by Linda Pappa | Photography & Videography by Art of Euphoria
