Happy 2018. Time for Nairobi this year ?

WEEKEND AWAY IN NAIROBI AND ENVIRONS

SILOLE COTTAGE

Right up on the boundary of the Nairobi National Park (near the Maasai Gate beyond Ongata Rongai), this rustic self-catering little cottage in the tranquil Silole Sanctuary is a great weekend getaway for families. The cottage has two main bedrooms, although kids can be squeezed into two attic rooms – accessible via a steep set of stairs, so not for very young ones – a small sitting room, and an airy and well-equipped kitchen. The owner, Will, lives just a short walk away, and is usually on site to welcome you, and take you on tours of the park (and farther afield) if you wish. The drive to the park takes a few minutes, and although you’re allowed to enter via this gate, you’ll need to pay at one of the bigger gates within the park before exiting. Ksh 10,000 per night for the whole cottage.

www.silolesanctuary.com

KITENGELA ECO COTTAGES

There are two ways of getting here – by car, or by taking the terrifying walk across a hanging bridge, suspended above a gorge with the odd crocodile or two. This is the home of Nani Croze, who has over 40 years built up a glassworks, eclectic cottages, and a menagerie of creatures, including a pet vulture. We particularly liked the pool house, sleeping 6-8 people, which has bold, colourful designs, a combination of glass, mirrors, and flamboyant bedspreads. Glass house, which as its name suggests, is a colourful collage of glassworks, sleeping two. Cecilia’s Cottage, which involves a steep climb up some rickety stairs, is perhaps the most rustic of the cottages. A pool – of course, no ordinary pool – is available. Cottages start from Ksh 6,000. Meals provided on request.

Email kitengelaglasstrust@gmail.com

ZIPLINING AT THE FOREST

A 45-minute drive from Nairobi is the Forest, an adventure retreat that offers the longest series of ziplines in East Africa along with a wealth of other activities such as mountain biking, archery, paintballing and fly fishing. Open just over a year now, the Forest has become a hugely popular destination for those seeking a bit of adventure not too far from the city. It’s usually packed out at weekends, so head there during the week if looking for some peace. An Alpine-style cafe overlooks the Aberdares. The full zipline tour – speeding you across six ziplines – costs Ksh 2,500 per person. Open on public holidays during the festive season from 9 am to 5 pm.

www.theforest.co.ke

WALKING IN OLOOLUA FOREST

Less known than Karura on the other side of town, Oloolua, wedged on the edge of Karen, is nevertheless a pretty spot for a hearty walk, made more appealing by its waterfall and long caves. For the most part, the 4.5 km circular walk is under forest canopy, with the occasional glade. Run by Kenyan Museums, this forest is much quieter than Karura, and on weekdays you’re likely to be among a handful of walkers. There a couple of picnic spots, and it’s also possible to camp in the forest with prior arrangement. Ksh 200 for citizens, Ksh 400 for residents. Open on public holidays during the festive season from 9 am to 6 pm.

 

SOURCE : NOMAD