The Ol Talet Cottages are located about 40km from Nairobi, via Magadi Road. The location is next to the famous Ole Polos. PHOTO | COURTESY
Kajiado County
SAVANNA SUNSET RESORT (OLOLOSOKUAN)
Enjoy picnic with family and friends as well as camp at the foot of the Ngong Hills with panoramic views of the Rift Valley. This camp site has activities such as hiking, biking and fun activities for children. Mountain bikes are available for hire in the premises.
Reservation: Advance bookings required
OL TALET AND OLOIKA COTTAGES
Located in Kiserian and a walking distance from Olepolos club, this tranquil resort is a perfect getaway for those who want to have some privacy.
Nestled on the side of a hill, the cottages have views of the expansive hills and valleys of Ngong. Cottages have masaai themes and can sleep six people in each with a fully-equipped kitchen and pool. Picnics and camping done on request on a self-catering basis
Normal rates: Sh18,000 per cottage that holds a maximum of six people
Reservation: Booking only at http://oltaletcottages.com/
WHISTLING THORNS
Tucked away in Kajiado County on the Pipeline route between Kiserian and Isinya, this paradise has served many who want a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It’s a small and peaceful hideaway to relax and spend some time with scenery to behold of the Ngong hills. One has a perfect view of sunrise and sunset from the plains of Kiserian. Enjoy their camp site or cottages, swimming and walks for a chance to see the pastoralist communities in the area.
Camping: Own tent Sh800 per person/night adults, Sh600 children under 10 years Hire of a tent & mattress Sh900 per person/night Bedding Sh500 Luxury tents Sh5000 per night double bed
Cottages and rooms: Cottages Sh6,000 per night for 2 people Master bed Sh7,000 Double room Sh4,500 Single room Sh4,000 Extra bed Sh2,200
OLOOLUA NATURE TRAIL
Hidden in the suburbs of Karen, the Oloolua Nature Trail is an amazing place. The waterfalls are the highlight of the trail and the forest cover has a variety of tree species for those who are interested in the bio diversity of indigenous forests.
The forest is quiet, peaceful and beautiful, with various spots for picnics and camps with benches, tap water, toilets and firewood is available for those who want to light a fire. Bring your own camping gear and cutlery.
Cost: Entry fee Sh200 (children); Sh400 (Residents); Sh600 (Non-residents) Camping Citizens: Adults Sh2,000; Sh1,000 Children Sh5,000 per group of 10 peopleResidents : Adults Sh2,500; Children Sh1,500 Sh6,000 per group of 10 people Non-Residents - Adults Sh3,000: Children Sh1,500) Sh8,000 per group of 10
STEADMAK GARDENS, KAREN
It is one of those places that you can play, dine, get accommodation and still want to do it all over again. With various activities available for both children and adults, the Steadmak garden has unique features from the rest of the parks.
Children have a list of activities for them from the paddle boat, a trampoline, train rides, swimming, bouncing castle to the playground area with swings, slides, balls and ropes.
Adults can enjoy meals in the floating restaurants, bandas or at the garden restaurant with great views of the gardens. The floating restaurant is one of their famous areas, which are reserved by groups of up to 50 people. One can also take up fishing in the dam with fishing equipment available in the vicinity to rent.
Great Rift Valley
CRATER LAKE
The camp which is within a game sanctuary has been a favorite of many who like camping by the shores of the lake in Kenya’s rift valley. Learn its history by visiting the founders, Lady Diana Delamere’s hilltop grave as well as some of the caves in the golden wheat fields which are popularly known as Caves of God.
The camp has also received acclamations as the best tented camp in Kenya as well as the most romantic. Get your hiking, cycling, and swimming gears ready. Those who love the outdoors can go for guided walks in the game sanctuary and game drives.
Hire Tent: Sh1,500 pp; 2pax tent Sh2,000; 3 pax tent Sh3,000 all inclusive of bedding Own tent: Sh500 Adults; Sh250 children per night
LAKE ELEMENTAITA CAMP SITES
The lake famous for its flamingos makes for a perfect getaway for those with families. Couples who want some privacy can do so in the nearby hot springs.
The lake is home to several luxury camp sites including the Serena hotel camp. Those on a budget can also enjoy their stay at Oasis Eco camp and Mbweha camp or pitch up tent on the shores of the lake for a night’s stay if with a group of people.
Limuru
KENTMERE CLUB
Located in the serene Tigoni highlands, this hotel has a homely atmosphere that delights those who like cool weather. It has a restaurant and rooms with a fireplace to keep the cold away at night.
Although they do not have many activities at the club, a quick drive to Brown’s Cheese, Kiambethu tea farm or to St Andrew’s church and coffee farm for a tour of the former colonial settlers farms.
KIAMBETHU TEA FARM
The life of a settler’s farm is well-mirrored in Kiambethu tea farm, from the setting of the landscape to the old settler’s house.
The farm offers trips to the expansive acreage of tea plantations and a half-day tour of tea tasting and a buffet lunch at the farm.
Reservations: Cottages available with bookings made well in advance.
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