There are a variety of unique and interesting places to stay for vacations in and around the Kajiado area, and the route that leads to the border town of Namanga is a worthy stop-off in its own right.
The Namanga road traverses major towns like Kitengela, Isinya and Bisil. As you drive along, the route gets less crowded and more serene, with nothing but acres of bushland stretching out, perfect for winding down. Below is a list of places to visit along the route.
1. Maasai Ostrich Farm
The first thing you do when you visit the ostrich farm south of Kitengela town is pick up an egg and marvel at its heaviness.
You may discover this and much more about these unique birds by taking a tour of the only commercial ostrich farm in Kenya.
You’ll get to watch these birds grow up from tiny hatchlings to mighty avian titans in one powerful thwack. The tour concludes with an optional ostrich ride around the farm.
Unfortunately, the restaurant has been closed for quite some time, so you won’t be able to have an ostrich steak for lunch. Plans are for it to reopen in the fall, making it more accessible for day trips. A tour of the farm costs Ksh 300 per person, and an ostrich ride costs Ksh 500.
2. Tandala House
This expansive residence in Bisil sits over a waterhole and was built with plenty of love, attracting buffalo, elands, and the docile local warthogs.
The warmth and character come from the owners’ thoughtful touches.
This villa is great for large groups because of its four bedrooms (three of which have views of the waterhole), long veranda where meals can be enjoyed in the fresh air and a swimming pool.
Enjoy a glass of wine in front of a crackling fire and a candlelit meal for Ksh5,950 per person (children under five eat for free) on cooler evenings. There is a chef available for self-catering.
3. Fred’s Ranch, Isinya
There are a few restaurants in this general area where you can grab a bite to eat, but Fred’s Ranch in Isinya (keep an eye out for signage on the left as you go south from Isinya) makes an effort to differentiate itself from the competition and attract customers.
Everything, even down to the wait staff wearing cowboy hats, is decorated in a ranch-style motif. Within distance is a playground for children that provides rides on lead-rein ponies.
It is a wonderful place to grab some nyama choma, but you need to call ahead to make sure that it has not been reserved for a wedding. The establishment may get crowded on weekends.
4. Leruat Log Resort
The Namanga road, which connects Kajiado and Bisil, features this Swiss-style cabin motel. The setting is remarkable, offering one of the best panoramas in the region.
Cottages and rooms are available, each with its own communal deck. The interior design is a little slack, with tacky wallpaper, brown bed covers, and tiled floors giving it a vintage vibe.
However, it’s still worth going there if only to gawk at the scenery and the bizarre log pile construction. 24/7 service eatery is available, and rooms with full board start at Ksh 16,500 per night.
5. Ol Doinyo Orok Mountain
It is located roughly 170 kilometres south of Nairobi, in the town of Namanga, which serves as the country’s border. It is situated at an altitude of 2,548 meters above mean sea level.
Furthermore, it has a wide diversity of flora and fauna, including plants, herbs, and hundreds of animal species.
The Ol Doinyo Orok Mountain is the ideal location for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, walking in nature, seeing wildlife, and bird watching, perfect for nature lovers.
6. Tumaini Gardens
Tumaini Gardens is a hotel in Kajiado that features a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi in public areas, a restaurant, and room service.
In addition to a common lounge, a bar, and an outdoor pool, this B&B offers visitors air conditioning for those cooler evenings.
Guests can relax with a continental breakfast and views of the surrounding area in clean, comfortable rooms.
Children of all ages can enjoy the playground in Tumaini Gardens which is well-equipped with various eye-catching play items.
7. Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village
Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village & Museum is the first genuine Maasai Boma in Kenya, and it also features a Maasai Museum and accommodations near the Tanzanian border.
“Olpopongi ” is a one-of-a-kind Maasai and wildlife safari in West Kilimanjaro.
In the traditional Maasai village of Olpopongi, you can spend a full day and night mingling with locals.
Enjoy a museum and village tour, a traditional Maasai lunch, a walking safari across Maasai territory, a lesson in Maasai hunting skills, a look at some remarkable natural and herbal medicine, an evening programme complete with Maasai rites, a campfire and barbecue, and a hearty breakfast the following morning.
