Kitengela House Nairobi Kenya

The house is a family home on the banks of the Mbagathi River bordering the edge of the Nairobi National Park. This unique situation, offering amazing views of the park, is only 15 kms from the city centre and 1 km from an entrance to the Park. For the last three decades the Leakey family has lived on this property, nurturing the area surrounding their home, making it a welcome habitat for flora and fauna alike. The present family house has evolved over the years and many visitors and friends have enjoyed the peaceful views, walks and proximity to the National Park.

Kitengela House Nairobi accommodates ten guests: 8 in double rooms, with shower and toilet en-suite, plus 1 twin room with separate bathroom and toilet. Two of the rooms can comfortably accommodate triples making a possible 12 beds available. For relaxation there is a comfortable drawing room and covered veranda looking over the Nairobi National Park. There is also a quiet room on the lower terrace for yoga or meditation; and secluded bird hides on the river bank. Off the downstairs twin room there is a playroom for the smaller children and a plunge pool is being built nearby.

As part of the Silole Bird Sanctuary, Kitengela House has on its doorstep a seasonal river, a rugged gorge and more than 400 acres of protected land for walking, exploring and bird and game viewing. This will appeal in particular to the adventuring and discerning traveller:

•The location lends itself to walking, rock climbing, exploring, game viewing, cycling, photography and quiet places to paint or draw

• Bird hides built along the river banks enable keen birdwatchers to spot the many rare species recorded in the area and to watch animals drinking at the water’s edge

•Plant enthusiasts may enjoy locating and identifying several rare plant species which botanists have recorded

•Visits can be arranged to places of interest nearby, such as Kitengela Glass, to see the recycled glass blowing and stained glass products; Masai Weavers for both local cotton and wool carpets; Leleshwa Soap factory where the oils of wild plants are used in the soap-making process.

•Kitengela House is home to a hand craft workshop, open for guests to see and participate in the creation of Siana Cane and Sea grass furniture made from natural African raw materials

Beyond Kitengela House Nairobi early breakfast, or sundowners’ trips, can be arranged to the Nairobi National Park 1 km away or watch the sun set over the Rift Valley. Other areas of interest include:

•  The Utamaduni Craft Centre, the famous Kazuri Bead factory and the Karen Blixen Museum are easily accessible in the Karen/ Langata area. The Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Trust where you can meet the orphaned elephants and the Giraffe Centre where you can feed the giraffes are nearby, about twenty minutes away

•  For those who like some urban background a tour of Nairobi and its surrounds can be arranged taking in a visits to the National Museum, the Snake Park, the Railway Museum, the Ramona Art Gallery and the Go-Down, a show place for aspiring artists, plus a look at the “Jua Kali” artisans workshops - a major contributor to the informal sector economy

•Other guests may have specialized interests   - such as, coffee and tea production and processing; craft markets; self-help groups; and children’s homes for those interested in social and community matters

•    Short one or half-day safaris can be offered to the Ngong Hills of “Out of Africa” fame; Olorgesaille stone tool prehistoric site where Louis and Mary Leakey worked for many years; Magadi soda lake to see flamingoes and hot springs; and Shompole community conservation area near Lake Natron; or visit a Masai manyatta.

The Kitengela House mission is to offer a high standard of cuisine and comfortable accommodation for guests while preserving this unique and special place.

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