Are there good boutique hotels in Kenya
UPDATE AUGUST 2021 sadly The Kiangazi House hotel in Kenya is now CLOSED BUT we would highly recommend the Chui Lodge hotel a few minutes away, same ownership and very good.
It’s not easy finding good boutique hotels in Kenya, but we think we’ve found 2 of the best. Kiangazi House and Chui Lodge both in Naivasha are gorgeous boutique hotels in Kenya and make for an amazing stay. Read our real experience of a 2 night stay summer 2017.
How do you get to Kiangazi House Boutique hotel Kenya
Kiangazi House is a beautifully kept, colonial style, boutique hotel in Naivasha, Kenya. You can get there in about 2.5 hours by road from Nairobi, most of the road is pretty good, so it’s not a difficult journey.
The advantage is you don’t have to pay steep park fees if you’re staying at Kiangazi House or it’s sister property Chui Lodge. There is plenty of game to be seen so it’s akin to doing a mini safari without the need and expense of flying to the Masai Mara.
When did we go to Kiangazi House
We stayed for 2 nights and 3 days in late June 2017 as part of a large group celebrating a family birthday.
Rooms at Kiangazi House
All the rooms at Kiangazi house are, without exception, gorgeous! They are very tastefully furnished, beds and linen are of a high quality and all rooms are ensuite. We stayed in a room called Roller, which is about a minute’s walk from the main house, with fabulous views overlooking the private conservancy.
There is an almost identical room next door. Both these rooms had their own patios too. The common parts at Kiangazi house are warm and very inviting at all times of the day with beautiful fireplaces and comfy furniture.
Food at Kiangazi House
Food is of a very high standard indeed here, and this is one of the reasons we chose to host our event here. We loved our vegetarian and non vegetarian meals alike. We also requested a birthday cake that was exceptionally good. Meals are usually included in your package and well worth it. The settings simply add to your enjoyment.
Activities at Kiangazi House
I suggest you definitely do the game drives on offer and see what wildlife you can spot. Coming to the sun dowers in the bush is a magical experience that I highly recommend.
You can also ask to see a nearby flower farm too. That’s where all the fresh roses in the rooms come from!
We also did a short boat trip around the lake, but I don’t suggest very small children do this activity.
Eating and drinking at Kiangazi House in the perfect settings are an activity in themselves too!
Breakfast by the lakeside is really special, so do try and organize that. Do also go for a short lakeside walk after breakfast. You’ll share your walk with giraffes and zebras! A very unique experience that’s quite different to seeing them from a vehicle.
Would I go again to Kiangazi House
Yes absolutely, it’s a great break from Nairobi and a very easy way to experience the Kenyan bush especially if you have a multi generational group as we did! Food is amazing, and the rooms verging on luxurious! Service is efficient, friendly and competent.
Geoff the manager and his partner Susannah went over and above the normal call of duty for our group and I’m sure they would for you too. Kiangazi House and it’s sister property Chui Lodge are both great for any kind of celebration, big or small or just if you want to get away for a special treat from Nairobi. Try them and tell me I’m wrong! We loved our experience and will be back…
We also spent 2 nights at Little Governor’s Camp in the Masai Mara on the same trip, another awesome experience!
Chui Lodge (sister property to Kiangazi, same owners)
