Lake Naivasha Panorama Park and Lodge is located off the Naivasha Mai-Mahiu road about one kilometer from the town. PHOTO | COURTESY
Perched on a natural cliff of beautiful landscaped gardens with a stunning view of the famous Lake Naivasha and Mount Longonot and Eburru hills on the western side, Lake Naivasha Panorama Park and Lodge gives a glimpse of a natural heritage at its best since it started its operations eight years ago.
For those who have tested its ambience and serenity, the allure to go back has always been inevitable.
Panorama Lodge is a no alcohol establishment located off the Naivasha Mai-Mahiu road about one kilometre from Naivasha town which is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination.
The small but appealing signboard welcomes you to the lodge . For a new visitor, this may give you an impression that you are entering a start-up place but beneath the misconception lie serenity and tranquillity that has stood the test of time for almost 10 years attracting international tourists from as far as the US, China and Canada.
Photo shoot
It does not disappoint given the number of visitors I noticed when I checked in. From the hill top of one of the eateries, a group of people could be seen from far enjoying a swim on the far left of the executive rooms that stand tall with an African touch.
Within a few minutes, a couple checked in for a photo shoot in one of the neatly maintained gardens.
Lake Naivasha Panorama Park and Lodge started its operations in 2007 with a couple of the buildings that included a kitchen, parts of the lodge and the reception.
By then it had a small bed capacity of 20 rooms and the management had to convince the locals to sell nine acres of land to help accommodate more beds. They eventually got the land at a cost of Sh10 million - which was used to acquire and develop the infrastructure.
Today, Panorama has 65 rooms with a setting that resembles a yacht that is a point of attraction for both local and international tourists. From Sh5,000 to Sh6,400 one can secure a room on a bed and breakfast basis.
The half board cost is between Sh12,000 to Sh13,500 during the peak season. Panorama also offers full board at around Sh18,000.
Panorama Park and Lodge, a bird lovers’ paradise, does not stock any alcoholic drinks but does not limit visitors from bringing their drinks from outside.
“I saw a vacuum for such an investment and took the plunge and it is now paying off. This place used to be quarry where no agricultural activity was sustainable. I came at a time when landowners here were selling to look for more productive area,” said John Mugo, the proprietor.
The rooms have WI-FI, hot shower and TV as well as daily newspapers for free. The lodge also has a splendid gym, sauna, steam and massage parlour including a swimming pool.
There is a conference hall that can hold 500 people at any given time including a garden that can host a wedding as well as team building sessions.
“We make arrangements for those who want to make excursions into Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park which is just a few kilometres from the lodge,” says Sammy Gathagu, the manager.
Conferences
The hotel is able to handle over six conference meetings in a week. The hotel is currently expanding its infrastructure to include an additional 48 rooms in the near future to cope with the growing number of visitors to the Naivasha region.
“People have realized that there are interesting tourist destinations and attractions away from the usual coast and Mara tours,” says Mugo.
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