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.

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille | Ole Lentile Hotel Lodge

Colonel’s House Sanctuary Ole lentille

A guest who could not believe her eyes, mesmerized by the beautiful scenery, once asked in Kiswahili-”tumefika mbinguni?” translated into English, “have we arrived in paradise?”.  She might not have been far from the truth.  Laikipia is a paradise that has attracted the world attention for the last one thousand years.  . Laikipia is and has always been about Dynamism,  Romance, Adventure and discovery And to a bigger extent Missing in Action. This is the discovery that Prince William, the heir to the throne made the first time he landed at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.  On landing love was in the air.  He could not keep off the alluring Jecca Craig. Rumors of imminent wedding in the world press were spreading like a bushfire in hamatan.  Well! Well! well, today (22 April 2011), wedding bells of probably the greatest wedding of the 21st Century are ringing loud. Unless something happens, Prince William will wed Kate Middleton on 29th April 2011 at Westminster Abbey. Not only is the wedding big news but the mystery of Laikipia features prominently.  The Mystery where in Laikipia did the Prince propose to Kate? Was it at Lewa? Rutundu Log Cabins?  Mukutan Retreat? The Sanctuary at Ol Lentil?, Ol Pejeta? Il Ngwesi?  To cut the long story short, today we bring to you the luxury and the breathing taking scenery at a paradise in Laikipia Kenya= The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille.

Getting to The Sanctuary of Ol Lentille, you can either drive or fly.

The sanctuary of Ole Lentille is located to the North West of Lewa Wildlife Sanctuary near Dol Dol.  The private sanctuary at Ole Lentille occupy an area of 20,000 acres, located 75 km from Nanyuki slightly north of Dol Dol town

 Ole Lentille is a name given to a hill in the centre of Laikipia Plateau with panoramic views of Mt Kenya, the Samburu sacred mountain Ol Olokwe, the Matthews Range and the Karisia Hills .

Ol Lentille Conservancy

The conservancy is 20,000 acres of grassy hills and deep valleys, heavily wooded with many acacia species and African olives. Its sandy laghas are bordered by great stands of fig and fever trees. The Conservancy is home to the endangered African wild dog, greater kudu, leopard, striped and spotted hyena, and klipspringer.

The conservancy is an initiative of the  Kijabe Group Ranch, on the far northern escarpment of the Laikipia Plateau with enormous views to the craggy peak of Mt Kenya, .

Accommodation at  Ol Lentille Conservancy

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille comprises of four fully furnished and staffed private houses perched on the flanks of a wooded rock kopje, in the heart of Ole Lentile Conservancy. The four houses are named, the Chief’s, The Sultan’s, The Colonel’s and the Eyrie ( Eagle Nest-so called because it’s perched up in the kopje)  The description your own place in the African bush befits both the houses and the sanctuary.  Besides own private compound, each of the four houses has a butler, a valet, a guide, a 4×4 vehicle and a guard (Askari).

The Chief’s House

The Chief’s House can accommodate a total of six Guests.  It is a reflection of contemporary Africa combining a sumptuously cool modern interior with the best of African art, fabrics and artefacts. It has three double bedrooms, sitting and dining rooms, and kitchen. The sitting room has a charming open fire, as well as a plunge-pool on the outdoor deck. Each bedroom has a dressing room and bathroom. The master bedroom has a large outdoor bath set in the rocks for candlelight bathing under the stars.

The Sultan’s House

Can Accommodate 2-4 guests.  This stone-built house is designed in “Lamu” style under a huge roof thatched with twisted papyrus. It has fine plaster carving, and lavish furnishings, including a four-poster bed. The House has one enormous double bedroom, a huge sitting/dining room and a kitchen. The space of this House is such that it can be converted to provide a second (children’s’) bedroom.

The Colonel’s House,

In “Campaign” style, this house seems truly to be the bush home of a well-traveled military man. With brass-bound furniture, oriental carpets, and a beautiful “Knole” sofa in front of an open fire you can feel a connection with a bygone era of comfort and style. The House has two double bedrooms, sitting and dining rooms, and kitchen. Each bedroom has a dressing room and a sunken bath. The courtyard has a plunge-pool.

The Eyrie House

This special house is perched at the top of our kopje in “African Retro” style. The Eyrie has one bedroom, a sitting and dining room with open fire and kitchen. It is seductively furnished. The circular bedroom has a gigantic round bed, and it is but a few steps to your own secluded outdoor double rock bath with views over our rugged hills to the deserts of the north. The Eyrie can sleep 2 guests.

Activities, What to do, Attractions at Ol Lentille Sanctuary

The Lodge has a gallery and shop  with art and necessities.  Also there is a common pool for swimming, lounging, sunbathing, dining.  There is a Library has books, games, relaxing, fireside.  A Deck – wildlife viewing, with GPS telescope, bar, central fireplace. Also available are Boules/Bocce/Petanque, Croquet,Good food and wine.

In the conservancy are Game drives – day and night,  Walking – day and night,   Abseiling and rock-climbing,   Horse riding,  Camel riding, Mountain biking,  Quad-bikes/ATVs,  Bush Skills course,  Fly camping.

To book  Sanctuary at Ol Lentille Contact

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

Hire 4×4 Car to visit Ol Lentille

Hire 4×4 Car To Ol Lentille

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy | Lewa Down-Prince William Hideout

The history of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy can be traced to the decline of wild black rhino population.  The intense poaching 0f the 1970’s had reduced the wild populations from the high of 20,000 individuals to a mere 300 individuals scattered in different locations. By 1980’s to safe the black rhino was the number one priority of the governments and conservations.  It was an enormous task requiring heavy investments in terms of land and security.  The government appeal to the private individuals to chip in bore fruits.

In 1983, David and Delia Craig set aside 5000 Acres of their ranch as Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary.  Anna Merz, a renowned conservationist and philanthropist contributed her savings.  With land and cash at hand, they captured and trans-located the wild populations into the sanctuary to form a breeding herd.  Today the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, employs over 300 people and occupies an area of 40,00o acres.

Location of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

The conservancy is located on along Isiolo Road, two Kilometers from Meru/Isiolo/Isiolo Nanyuki junction.  It is approximately 260 Kilometers from Nairobi on a paved road.

Getting to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

The critical mass of Lewa is worldwide.  It is a famous destination attracting a diversity of guests, the list of which includes no other than Prince William. From Nairobi, you can either fly or drive into Lewa.  A fly/drive arrangement is possible.  Two road options are available.  From Nairobi you can either drive as follows

• Road A2-Nairobi-Karatina-Kiganjo-Nanyuki-Subuiga-Lewa
• Road A2-Nairobi-Makutano(Take B2 Road)-Embu-Meru-Subuiga-Lewa
• Rent 4×4 car to visit lewa

Whichever road you use, you drive all the way to Isiolo Junction (Subuiga) from where the gate of Lewa is 2 km down Isiolo Road(A2).

Accommodation at Lewa Wildlife conservancy is offered by Lewa House, Lewa Safari Camp, Wilderness Trails, Kifaru House, Sirikoi Camp.

Lewa House consists of the main house and three cottages. It can accommodate in total 12 guests.  It has a large swimming pool

Lewa Safari Camp (USD 180 (Low Season)-USD410(High Season pp sharing) provides 12 tents with a swimming pool. The camp offer spectacular views of snow capped Mt Kenya and Laikipia.

What to do/ Activities at Lewa Wildlife Conservation.

The activities at Lewa are diverse.  Within the sanctuary itself

1. Game viewing – with the option of day and night drives
2. Bird
3. Bush walks with local guides
4. Lion tracking
5. Visits to local villages(Bomas)
6. Visit the pre-historic archaeological site
7. fly fishing (weather permitting)
8. Participation in wildlife management activities
9. Educational talks on the history and day-to-day operation of the conservancy.
10. Massage and Beauty therapy
11. Sundowners
12. Bush meals
13. Game watching from blinds
14. Aerial and helicopter rides.
15. Visits to the nearby attractions and ranches.

While in Lewa one can also visit the nearby private and community ranches of  Il Ngwesi, Borana and Lekurruki.  To the west of Lewa are Il Ngwesi Ranches and Borana ranches.  Borana is a private commercial ranch incorporating wildlife conservation.  The ranch organizes excellent nature walks, horse riding and sun-downers in addition to fishing excursion in the nearby Mt Kenya National Park with overnight stays at Rutundu Log Cabins (Full board USD 570 per day  for exclusive use o f 4 pax).  Accommodation in Borana is at Borana Lodge (USD 560-640pp sharing) and Laragai (Exclusive use of upto 6 pax USD 3400-39oo depending on season per day on full board). Laragai can accommodate a total of 12 pax.

Il Ngwesi is a community ranch owned by Laikipiak/Mukogondo/ Il Ngwesi Maasai. They own the excellent Il Ngwesi Eco Lodge (USD 400 pp per night).  Activities include, exploring the magnificent conservation area that adjoins Lewa, Borana and the Mukogodo Forest Reserve. Others include visits to the cultural boma, excursions along the Ngare Ndare River with local guides which offers special opportunity to get close to the wildlife, picnic breakfasts, game drive, sun-downers on top of  Mukogodo Hills and visits to troops of baboons and monkeys. A popular attraction is OMNI, the habituated orphan black rhino, trans-located from Lewa.

Similar activities are offered at Lekurruki Ranch with accommodation at Tassia Eco Lodge (USD450 PP per night).

Besides the above, one can visit Sweet Waters Game Sanctuary and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.  In the vicinity of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are National Parks of Meru, Samburu, Mt Kenya, Buffalo Springs and Shaba.

Book your Stay in Lewa or any of the above lodge

Contact Gorilla Safaris Rwanda

Email: rnxploresafaris@gmail.com

Tel:+254723684974

Hire 4×4 car to visit Lewa

Hire 4×4 Car To Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Our car  Hire  services / Rental company 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.

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Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge | Il Ngwesi Group Ranch / Community Lodge

Il Ngwesi Eco Lodge & Il Ngwesi Group / Community Ranch.

Il Ngwesi Group ranch (14, 500 Hac), is located at northwest edge of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and is owned by Il Ngwesi community of the Mukogodo division of Laikipia district. The local community often referred to as the Laikipiak (or Mukogodo) Maasai were hunter gatherer Ndorobo (Il dorobo) called the Yiaku untill the 1920′s when they slowly changed their traditional custom as hunters and bee keepers and got assimilated to the “superior”, cattle keeping tradition of the local Samburu. They also changed their language from cushitic to maa speakers. The “inferior” culture, coupled with intermarriages hasted the assimilation process. Their ladies would even prefer the rich men from the Maasai and the farming communities.

The Il Ngwesi Community Lodge (USD 400 pp sharing full board) comprises of 6 bandas all with adjoining open showers. It location on the banks of Ngare Ndare River on the edges of Mukogodo Hills commands panoramic views of Northern Kenya. IL Ngwesi is constructed local materials. Some of the bandas allow you to roll out your mattress on a platform and spend the night under the stars. An attraction in the lodge is a swimming pool, which appears to overflow into the wilderness below. All heating and lighting is provided by solar power.

Getting to Il Ngwesi

From Nairobi, you can either fly or drive to Il Ngwesi.  Il Ngwesi Lodge is reached using a 4WD from Borana Ranch or a short flight from Nanyuki. You can also drive from Lewa Conservancy to Il Ngwesi.  Il Ngwesi counts Prince William among its celebrity guest list.

Attractions, Activities/ What to do in Il NGwesi

Activities include, exploring the magnificent conservation area that adjoins Lewa, Borana and the Mukogodo Forest Reserve, visits to the cultural boma, excursions along the Ngare Ndare River with local guides, offers a special opportunity to get close to the wildlife, followed by a picnic breakfast, Game drive, followed by sun-downers on one the many different vantage points along the Mukogodo Hills and visits to troops of baboons and monkeys. A popular attraction is OMNI, the habituated orphan black rhino, trans-located from Lewa.

Book Il Ngwesi lodge
Email us: rnxploresafaris@gmail.com

Tel: +254 723 684 974

Visit Nairobi Car Hire /Rental Company and hire dark green 4×4 land cruiser to visit Il Ngwesi community and group ranch.