About 20 km west of Voi, 360 km southeast of Nairobi, and amidst sisal plantations and glaring heat, lies Wundanyi, a small town at the heart of Taita Taveta county.
The little-known town is gradually growing into a tourist attraction site, so if you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway, then this is just the spot for you.
If you especially fancy some alone quiet time away from the chaos of urbanization, Wundanyi is perfect for that, with its laid-back aura that will give you the time of your life.
Wundanyi is a melting point of different ethnicities, but the Taita, also known as the Wadawida dominate it.
Get acquainted with the intriguing Taveta culture, learn to speak a few words in their dialect, and get awed at how beautiful diversity is.
Want to survey every bit of the area and its environs? Then consider travelling by road, and see how the scenery changes along the way as you pass different towns.
Alternatively, you could use air transport with the numerous airstrips near Wundanyi such as Voyager airstrip, Kilaguni airport, and Taita Hills airstrip.
Below is a list of places to visit in Wundanyi, and the respective activities to engage in.
1. Tsavo East National Park
The Tsavo National Park generally stretches to a large part of the coastal area, but Tsavo East is easily accessible from Wundanyi.
The park is well known in the country for its abundance of different animal species, whether rare or common such as Rothschild giraffes, the roan antelope, lions, buffaloes, elephants and monkeys.
Game drives are organized, so guests can have an up-close view of the animals. The guides are multilingual, and well-versed in knowledge about the park, so feel free to engage them.
Go on nature treks to have a complete interaction with nature where you get to see different plant species.
The terrain is equally ideal for hikes, so be sure to bring comfortable shoe ware as you burn some calories, and have breathtaking views of the vast lands.
Looking for more thrill? Try riding in the hot air balloons, best done in the morning, and get the perfect panoramic view of the entire park.
The ride will be nothing short of exhilarating, with breakfast being served as you enjoy your view.
What better way to climax your tour other than a bush dinner, where you savour tasty meals as you get lost in the sheer beauty of nature and tranquillity.
2. Lake Chala
This is another cradle of beauty that can be easily accessed from Wundanyi.
Geographically, the lake was formed as a result of volcanic eruption, but a local Taita myth has it that the lake was formed as part of a prophecy fulfilled.
The story has it that the local community was being punished after being unkind to an old lady, hence a tremor occurred, causing the formation of the lake.
Cruise the waters by boat riding and canoeing; skilled personnel will take you through that.
There is also a swimming area for you to take a dip when the temperatures get too unbearable.
Bird watching is another activity to engage in while in the area, with the hundreds of species that flock there every so often.
At different times of the day, water in the lake varies in colour, changing from turquoise to a green-blue colour that you definitely should see.
In the evening, take a stroll along the lake shores, enjoy the cool breeze and be swept away by the scenic sunset view, as it meets the blue colour of the water.
3. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Classified by UNESCO as a biodiversity conservation area, this expansive sanctuary, stretching for about 28,000 kilometres, should be your next step if you are a nature lover.
It features a rare covering of indigenous forests, riverine and savanna vegetation.
This cradle of nature is quite breathtaking, quite like nothing you’ve seen before. To survey every bit of it, go on an arranged game drive, where you get to see every part of the sanctuary in a short time.
If you feel like physically engaging, hiking the Taita Hills should top your to-do list. The hills have three main peaks, with the highest being Dawida, which is about 7310 ft above sea level.
Reaching the peaks will reward you with stunning views of the lands beyond. Go on treks in the lowland plains, engage in bird-watching activities and get a glimpse of what serenity really is.
Looking for some time to unwind and introspect? Go on a solo guided walk, and get all the privacy you need without worrying about stumbling upon a pack of wild animals.
Within the sanctuary is a small museum that mainly tells the story of war veterans as well as the Taita culture, so be sure to make a stop and see the artefacts stored there.
4. Taita Hills Safari Resort and Spa
Think of luxury, pomp, grandeur and lavishness. This state-of-the-art facility lives up to all those names, and more, if the architecture is anything to go by.
The resort is located right at the heart of nature, in the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, so your visit will be nothing short of peaceful and rejuvenating.
If you are looking to put up for a few days, their rooms are up to standard, well-aerated and spotless.
Overlooking the nearby Taita Hills-there’s no better way to wake up other than green scenery.
Enjoy exemplary services from the hospitable staff, whose top priority is your safety and comfort.
In the glaring temperatures, cool off in their sizeable pool that will do justice to your body.
To feel awakened after long seasons of hard work, visit their spa, where a masseuse will work his/her magic to restore your body’s glory.
A well-mowed garden adds to the beauty of the place and is perfect for intimate outdoor activities and events such as graduation or birthday parties.
A good stay wouldn’t be complete without equally good food, and the resort knows this all too well.
They have chefs possessing exemplary culinary skills in both traditional and foreign cuisines, so feel free to indulge.
5. Ngangao Forest
About 10 km from Wundanyi town lies this extraordinary forest that you should definitely stop by if you are hoping to get acquainted with nature at its best.
It is the second largest, and one of the few forests in the Taita Hills surroundings.
This forest is a combination of both exotic and indigenous tree species, and the green covering is quite something to behold.
The forest, stretching for about 13,000 hectares, is home to rare and endangered bird species such as the White eye, and tourists flock to the forest to see them.
Managed by the Kenya Forest Service, the forest serves the locals as well, especially herbalists who earn a living out of treating patients with barks, roots or leaves from the trees.
Visiting the forest will give you an unbeatable view of the nearby Mount Kilimanjaro and the sprawling Taita Hills.
Try catching a view of the orange horizon as the sun sets in the hills, you will be swept away.
For a wilder experience, camping in the safer parts of the forest is highly recommended, as you sleep listening to the chirping crickets and staring at the starlit sky.
6. Taita Luxury Hotels
This is another magnificent place to visit or put up, especially if you’re not operating on a tight budget.
Located along Milimani Road, the 3-star hotel offers exquisite accommodation facilities in terms of single, double, double deluxe and triple rooms to their guests.
The rooms overlook Mount Kilimanjaro and Taita Hills, so the view is nothing short of epic.
Cleanliness and aeration are well maintained, and the rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, so you can keep tabs on the surrounding happenings.
The facility specializes in indoor games such as table tennis, chess and playing billiards.
If you need to tour the surrounding areas, bicycles are up for hire at a small fee within the facility.
They have the added advantage of offering currency exchange to their guests, and transport to wherever you wish to go can be organized for you.
7. Lavender Garden Hotel
Think of exceptional services, and this facility immediately comes to mind. Located about 800 metres from Wundanyi town, the Lavender Garden Hotel aims to offer nothing short of excellence to its guests.
Accommodation is offered in superior single, double deluxe and triple economist rooms either overlooking the mountains, a garden or the terrace.
Continental breakfast is served every morning, although their menu is à la carte.
As you wait to devour your meal, enjoy the fresh, crisp air and breathtaking views as you sit on the well-maintained terrace.
Visit their fitness centre to blow steam and leave your body feeling rejuvenated.
Cycling too is recommended with bicycles up for hire. After touring the area surrounding you, sit down to the most sumptuous delicacy, with the wide array of dishes being served.
What’s a good day without some spice to it? Visit the lounge for some good music as you indulge in your favourite drink, although a little responsibility might go a long way.
