Drive to Rutundu Log Cabins-Mt Kenya National Park

Dated: 16th Aug 2011

“Hello there!  We had a great trip.  I am back at school now.  It was a real pleasure meeting you and your wife.  Many thanks for making our trip so wonderful.  Please keep in touch”,  Kathy McIntire , http://www.eu.dodea.edu/

Though receiving this message from our guest inspired me to write, I discovered that I had few choices for words to describe this adventure.  Thrilling,  challenging, beautiful, hard, soft, inspiring all flooded into my brains.  I have to admit that the only way you can truly appreciate Rutundu log Cabins is by visiting.  Rutundu Log log Cabins and the adjacent lakes Rutundu and Alice enjoy a remote location in the middle of Mt Kenya National Park.  It a secluded, absolute escape for lovebirds, away from civilization and from it all.  Rutundu gained international fame as the place where Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge  proposed to the future Queen Kate Middleton.

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The morning of Jul 27th 2011 was a chilly.  Though it had not rained the previous days, it was threatening to drizzle and I and our tour guide Kirimi were wondering whether we will make it to pick our guests.  On a rainy day, it is a bit tricky to get to Rutundu even with a 4×4. You have to contend with sticky soils of Marania and Muchiene areas, not to forget that elephants can fell trees and block your route. To unblock the road can take the better part of the day.

From Meru we drove to Kiirua and branched to Kibirichia.  We drove past Kibirichia, Muchiene and entered Marania forest.  This is where we found elephants had felled one tree blocking the road.  Our help came from the un expected arrival of motor cycle riders who cleared the road and we passed on.  Driving up the road we came across a stone signposted Rutundu Log Cabins.  From this sign post you have undisturbed views of Ithangune hill, Lake Alice, the valleys below and the mountain peaks.  By the time we arrived in the moorlands, the sun was up and the day crystal clear and we were able to take some photographs.

Actually the signpost marks the end of forest and entry into the moorlands.  From here you drive for about two hours to Kathita gorge where your luggage is loaded into the cable cars for crossing.  All guests are advised to walk across the stream.  From the gorge, it takes about 30 minutes to walk to the Cabins.

The drive from the signpost to the cabins takes you via the most scenic route with clear views of the Mt peaks and the surrounding area.  You are likely to sport zebras, buffaloes or elephants within the forests or the moorlands.  Colourful flowery plants grace the moorlands.

On arrival at the Gorge, with assistance of the cabin staff,  our guests had already crossed and were waiting for us. We loaded their Luggage into the car, offered lift to one of the staff and drove back to Meru.

What to do / Activities At Rutundu Log Cabins

1. Fishing for rainbow trout
2. Hiking and walking on beautiful trails to lake Alice
3. Bird Watching
4. Horse riding from Kisima farm to Rutundu

To Book Rutundu Log Cabins Contact,

R&N Xplorer Africa Safaris , Tel +254 723 684 974 or email rnxploresafaris@gmail.com, info@gorillasafarisrwanda.com

A visit to Rutundu can be combined with nearby Laikipia community and private ranches. These include Il Ngwesi Community Ranch, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, Loisaba Wilderness.

HIRE 4X4 TO VISIT RUTUNDU LOG CABINS

Nairobi Car Hire Toyota Land Cruiser | Car Rental Kenya Toyota Prado 4x4WD 

Our car  Hire  Services / Car Rental locations include-Nairobi City Centre Office, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Coded NBO or JKIA) serving the whole of the country and Nairobi.  Other locations in Kenya include, Mombasa Town,  Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA), Malindi Airport (MYD), Kisumu, Nakuru, Nanyuki. They  open from 08:00to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Saturday.  Rental Cars can be returned at the point of pick up, at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or at the hotels in Nairobi, Mombasa or Malindi. In the rest of East Africa rental locations (locations des voiture) are Kigali (Rwanda),  Kampala , Jinja and Entebbe (Uganda),  Bujumbura (Burundi) Dares salaam, Dar Es Salaam Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), Arusha ( Tanzania) and Zanzibar.

Rutundu Log Cabins Mt Kenya National Park

Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge knows very well that in a marriage proposal, the where and when is very important. The location has to be special, a hide away in a special setting.  It is no surprise that he found Rutundu Log Cabins worth that special honour.  Located higher up the slopes of Mt Kenya (10,000 feets above sea level), Rutundu Log Cabins enjoy a romantic location, a fairy-tales setting for happily ever after….The Rutundu log cabins are park of the famous Laikipia Tourism Circuit which comprises of private ranches, eco lodges and tented camps of Laikipia Kenya

Rutundu Log Cabins, Mt Kenya National Park, a luxury accommodation facility 10200 feet above sea level.  The cabins are self contained with log fires and en-suite bathrooms. To book the cabins email us rnxploresafaris@gmail.com

Rutundu log cabins also called Rutundu lodge enjoy a beautiful location overlooking Lake Rutundu in Mt Kenya National Park, surrounded by alpine country.  It is a private,  memorable hideaway,  a paradise for lovers away from public scrutiny.  Like Adam and Eve, in the Garden of  Eden, it you, your partner and nature.  Activities include trout fishing, fly fishing, horse riding, nature walks, Arial tours on Helicopters, hikes to nearby  lake Alice.

Lake Rutndu, Mt Kenya National Park.   The lake is small, deep and the waters not very clear.  However trout catch is superb with some weighing up to 6lbs. Averages of over 2 lbs are caught regularly.  There is a small boat to take you round the lake.

The Rutundu Log Cabins comprise of  two separate log cabins overlooking Lake Rutundu.  Each features en-suite bathroom  with open log fires.  The bigger or main cabin has a sitting and dining room, a verandah (which is perfect for breakfasts), and a kitchen.  The other cabin  has a bedroom and bathroom. All bedding, towels, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils are provided.  For comfort only a group of 4 people should use the cabins.  Four extra beds can be fitted in to make a total of eight when privacy is not a big issue.  Just like the Alaskan log cabins, they are made of large cedar log with moss filling in the cracks to keep them warm.  Floors are wooden.

Rates/ Prices of Stay at Rutundu Log Cabins .  USD 548.00 for exclusive use of 4 pax of less on self catering basis.  An extra USD 110 per person per day is charged for full board accommodation.  That means USD 768 for two persons per day or USD 988.00 for 4 persons per day on full board basis.  Please seek clarification as prices are subject to change.

Getting to Rutundu Log Cabins

Hire 4×4 Car to visit Rutundu Log Cabins

You can fly from Nairobi Wilson to Rutundu Airstrip.   The airstrip is 1.5 km from the cabins.  The helipad is 100 meters from the cabins.  Scheduled flights are available from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Nanyuki.  From Nanyuki you drive for 3 hrs to the Cabins. Whether you drive from Nairobi or Nanyuki, your final destination is Kazita Gorge, 15-20 minutes walk to the cabins.  The cabin staff will meet and assist you with luggage.  To book your Helicopter flight to Rutundu contact Gorilla Safaris Rwanda , Tel +254 723 684 974 or email rnxploresafaris@gmail.com.  Also contact the same for Helicopter Safaris within Mt Kenya and Laikipia.  Alternative you can  horse ride  from nearby Lewa Wildlife Conservancy or Borana Ranch.

Helicopter Tours

This Bird will take you to fly fish in Mt Kenya. The cost is about USD 2700 per hour. The price is subject to confirmation

Helicopter tours are very popular with the rich and famous who frequent this destination.  A helicopter trip will cost you on average USD 2700 per hour.  The rate is subject to confirmation.  You can arrange for pick up from your lodge.   Trips up the mountain are subject to weather conditions.

Lake Rutundu & Lake Alice Fly Fishing Trout

Fly fishing is superb at Rutundu and Lake Alice (12, 5000 feet above sea level) only 2000 feet above Lake Rutundu.  Lake Rutundu is small, deep and the waters are not clear thus making it more difficult to catch trout.  However fishing at the lake is superb with trout averages over 2 lbs being caught regularly.   Some over 3 lbs have been caught.  The lake also has punt to paddle around and fishing platforms.

In contrast Lake Alice has crystal clear blue waters.  The scenery around is beautiful with three peaks of Lenana, Batian and Nelion casting a dramatic backdrop.  The presence exotic vegetation of senecio and giant lobelia around the lake gives the location a surreal atmosphere.  Hiking from Rutundu Log Cabins to Lake Alice will take you from 45 minutes to 75 minutes of hard hiking.  However the dramatic appearance of the blue waters of the lake will melt away any tiredness.  Take your time to enjoy the outstanding beauty of the country side and an occasional sighting of various animals.  Lake Alice is named after.

Getting to Rutundu Log Cabins.

Gorilla Safaris rWanda has organized several expeditions to Rutundu log Cabins.  From our offices in Meru Town, Rutundu log Cabins is approximately two hours driver away.

From Nairobi you can fly into Nanyuki Airstrip and we drive you from Nanyuki to Rutundu.  You can also drive from Nairobi to Rutundu.  You need to leave early.  Alternatively you can drive from Nairobi to Meru and drive further to Rutundu.

Another alternative is a helicopter ride to the the log Cabins.  What means you use, you will finally have to cross Kathita Gorge and walk to the cabins.  At Kathita Gorge is a cable car specifically for luggage.

To Book Rutundu Log Cabins Contact,

Gorilla Safaris Rwanda , Tel +254 723 684 974 or email rnxploresafaris@gmail.com, info@gorillasafarisrwanda.com

A visit to Rutundu can be combined with nearby Laikipia community and private ranches. These include Il Ngwesi Community Ranch, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, Loisaba Wilderness.