Samawati wooden cottages sit on a 30 acre piece of land just beside Lake Ol Bolosat, Ol Kalau, Nyahururu. PHOTOS | SANDRA CHAO
What you need to know:
For anyone looking for a quiet place to clear their head not so far from the capital, or a change in their weekend escapades routine, then the seven kilometre shores near Kasuku centre on your way to Nyahururu will do perfectly.
When you think about the country’s inland water ways, and lakes to be precise, often the mind wonders to the western and rift valley region.
Many people forget about the only permanent lake within the central and Mount Kenya region, Lake Ol Bolosat. Maybe because of the continued shrinking in size, or the lack of prominent human activity.
For anyone looking for a quiet place to clear their head not so far from the capital, or a change in their weekend escapades routine, then the seven kilometre shores near Kasuku centre on your way to Nyahururu will do perfectly.
Interestingly, the lake has many murram entrances that branch off from the Nyahururu- Ol Kalau Road and unless you get a very good guide most first timers end up on the other end of the shore where only farmlands exist.
After several attempts at going on the wrong turnoff and almost giving up, we finally get the turn off marked “Kasuku view point seven kilometers” and opt to give it a final try.
Climate change
Despite being unpolluted by constant human interaction, Lake Ol Bolosat has been shrinking over the years, a factor which conservationists have attributed to climate change.
Even so, the lake shores provide a good serene picnic spot for both family and corporate functions that makes the whole two and a half drive from Nairobi worthwhile.
Though there are just a handful of wooden tables and benches it is advisable to pack your own foldable furniture for the day, if you are not into sitting on picnic blankets.
If you’re a bird watchers, Lake Ol Bolosat has a few which might also be hard to come by depending on the time of day.
In the early mornings and late evenings however you might just be fortunate enough to see the hippos coming out to bask . Other times the large creatures actually get out of the lake to graze on the grass along the shores.
While it’s also a good spot for camping, it’s perfect for people who aren’t nature lovers.
The under explored environment has a variety of accommodation options to choose from each promising an exclusive stay.
Samawati Cottages sit on a 30 acre piece of land just beside the lake shores built purely of wooden structures that sit on concrete foundations.
While there are just four cottages, the whole place can host about 28 adults comfortably.
The architecture and décor of the cottages has a rustic homely feel that is complete with a fire place to keep away the cold at night and balconies overlooking the beautiful lake scenery.
Designed in such a way that a cozy sitting room ad kitchenette lies on the ground floor and sleeping areas located at the upper floor, it makes for a scene from the old Hollywood television show, Little House on the Prairie but with modern furnishings.
Three of the cottages can sleep a maximum of five adults, four on the upstairs designated areas and one on the sofa bed downstairs.
The deluxe cottage, which is not only larger in size but also more oriented to large groups can comfortably sleep about eight adults.
What’s interesting with Samawati is that there is absolutely no restaurant, so best be advised to pack your own food and drinks, though these can be sourced with prior arrangement with management and for an additional cost.
If you don’t fancy cooking while on holiday , a local cook can be made available to prepare all the meals once a day.
Rural feel
Unless in the larger cottage, you are not likely to find a bed, the sleeping areas are lined with heavy duty mattresses placed on a carpet on the floor.
What I loved the most about Samawati was the rural feeling that comes with seeing livestock running around the compound. And the 30 acre farm is not short of goats, ducks, cows, turkeys, and sheep; adding to the stock of three horses.
It is like going to the village without doing strenuous like cleaning out the cowshed.
A dawn or dusk boat ride on the lake can also be organised upon request for those looking to enjoy the breath taking scenes.
Kichakani Paradise has much smaller cottages inspired by the Maasai manyattas, though they are actually square like structures built of concrete and have a flat roof as compared to a thatched one.
Located a stone’s throw away from Samawati their cottages sleep a maximum of four people. They also come with kitchenettes that make self-catering an option for those with a picky palate who would not enjoy dining in the restaurant.
