Mount Kenya, the second highest peak in Africa, is home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts. The region offers a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury lodges to eco-friendly camps. Below is an overview of some of the best lodges and camps near Mount Kenya.
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is one of the most luxurious resorts in Kenya, sitting on over 100 acres of beautifully manicured gardens in the foothills of Mount Kenya. It combines comfort, adventure, and an exceptional view of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak.
The club is located in Nanyuki, about 200km north of Nairobi. It is situated right on the equator, offering a unique chance to stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously.
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club has 120 luxury rooms, suites, and cottages with views of Mount Kenya or the property’s landscaped gardens. Each room is elegantly furnished and equipped with all the modern conveniences one would expect from a luxury resort.
There are several dining options available to guests. The main restaurant serves a variety of cuisines including local, Mediterranean, and international dishes. There’s also a Tusks Restaurant, which provides an exquisite fine dining experience, and a Zebar, a great spot for cocktails with views of Mount Kenya.
The club boasts an impressive range of facilities including an outdoor heated swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, and a nine-hole golf course. It also organizes a host of activities including horseback riding, game drives, nature walks, bird watching, and fishing.
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is committed to sustainability and operates under Fairmont’s well-established Green Partnership program. The club emphasizes water and energy conservation, waste management, and community outreach.
The club supports local communities through the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. The conservancy runs an animal orphanage and is involved in various conservation initiatives such as the breeding of the endangered Mountain Bongo antelope.
Serena Mountain Lodge
Serena Mountain Lodge is located in Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya, and is a part of the Serena Hotels group. The lodge is uniquely designed as a tree hotel, a concept that originated in Kenya, and provides a distinct opportunity to experience wildlife from a unique perspective. Here’s a bit more detail on what you can expect from Serena Mountain Lodge:
The lodge is set in the heart of Mount Kenya National Park, one of Kenya’s most famous national parks. The lodge is nestled amongst a vibrant canopy of trees, making you feel as if you’re truly part of the forest.
The lodge offers comfortable accommodations in the midst of the wild. The rooms are designed with large windows so you can enjoy the incredible views of the forest and the animals that inhabit it.
The lodge boasts a water hole and salt lick, which attracts a host of wildlife, especially at night. From the safety and comfort of the lodge, you can see a variety of animals like elephants, buffalos, and many species of birds.
The lodge organizes nature walks led by experienced naturalists. There are also opportunities to go trout fishing and participate in bird-watching walks. If you’re adventurous, you can even climb the peaks of Mount Kenya, which is the second-highest mountain in Africa.
The dining room is in the wooden lodge overlooking the water hole and salt lick, providing excellent wildlife viewing while you enjoy your meals.
Rutundu Log Cabins
Rutundu Log Cabins are located in Kenya, on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya. These cabins are famous not only for their beautiful, remote setting but also because they were the site of Prince William’s proposal to Kate Middleton.
The cabins are located on the edge of Lake Rutundu and are part of the Mount Kenya National Park. They are situated at an altitude of 10,200 feet. The location is remote and can only be reached by a 15-minute helicopter ride from Nanyuki or by a more strenuous 4-5 hour horse ride.
Rutundu offers two log cabins which are made entirely from cedar wood. Each cabin is equipped with a fireplace and a bathroom with a hot shower. There’s also a separate cabin for dining and another cabin used as a kitchen. The cabins are decorated in a rustic style, in keeping with their wilderness setting.
The location is perfect for trout fishing, horse riding, hiking, and bird-watching. You can also take nature walks and picnics around the beautiful Lake Rutundu and Lake Alice. Game drives and a climb of Mount Kenya can also be arranged.
Meals at Rutundu are cooked on either a log-fired stove or in a clay oven. The experience is a rustic one, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
The area around Rutundu is home to various species of wildlife, including buffalo, bushbuck, leopard, and a variety of bird species.
Sirimon Bandas & Campsite
Situated on the popular Sirimon Route up Mount Kenya, this is a more basic accommodation option. It’s often used as a stopover by hikers and mountaineers ascending or descending the mountain.
The Sirimon Route approaches Mount Kenya from the northwest. The Sirimon Campsite is one of the stopovers on this route.
As is typical for mountain campsites, facilities are basic. Campers usually need to bring their own camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, and food preparation gear.
The campsite is surrounded by natural beauty, including unique vegetation and potential sightings of wildlife. The Sirimon Route is known for its relatively gentle slope and the variety of ecosystems it passes through.
The primary activity here is hiking and climbing Mount Kenya. There might also be opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
The campsite is only accessible on foot, as part of a multi-day hike up Mount Kenya.
The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is a not-for-profit entity committed to the preservation of Mount Kenya’s biodiversity. The conservancy is involved in various wildlife conservation efforts and is particularly known for its work rehabilitating animals and reintroducing them into the wild. It’s located within the Mount Kenya National Park and Natural Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to an array of animal species, including several that are endangered.
The conservancy runs an animal orphanage which is home to a variety of animals, many of which were injured, abandoned, or orphaned in the wild. The orphanage provides care and rehabilitation for these animals with the aim of eventually reintroducing them to their natural habitats.
The conservancy offers accommodation in cottages within its property. It’s a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts as the conservancy is involved in a variety of conservation activities.