Information

Staying at Mount Kenya Farm is an opportunity to enter into the lives and culture of the local Kikuyu farmers.  We encourage you to take this opportunity fully.  You will be greeted on arrival by one of our Kikuyu family who will welcome you and make you feel at home. Pictured is Jockey standing proudly by the traditional Kikuyu kitchen she has recently built.  She will be happy to teach you to do the same, and other members of the family will be pleased to help you engage in other local activities.  But, you will also have complete seclusion to enjoy the tranquility of the farm’s quiet pastoral position and the crisp clarity of the southern sky at night – especially clear at this altitude. There is a good telescope for your use.

 

 

Mount Kenya (17,000) provides a stunning backdrop to the East, and to the West there are distant views across the Rift Valley to the Aberdare Mountains (12,000) some thirty miles distant.  This is Kikuyuland, and although the triple peaks of Mount Kenya are named after great Massai warriors, the mountain itself (Kirinyagi) is claimed by Kikuyu tradition as the seat of the Gods – Ngai.

Mount Kenya Farm is part of a living and working rural, cultivating community. Nanyuki is just a ten minute journey, but you will have to cross into a different hemisphere each time you make it, since it lies just north of the equator! You will be greeted by local farmers as they pass by on foot or bicycle taking milk or produce to market, or collecting firewood. 

 

The farm is provided entirely by natural energy, using solar and wind power to generate sufficient electricity for lighting, and taking a shower. 

 

The farm is surrounded by garden with fresh produce growing year round, including tomato, green pepper, carrot and potato.  This is for your consumption whilst you stay, and not being gardeners ourselves we welcome advice on other produce that might thrive from any green fingered visitors.  By all means – Go Dig!  Other produce, including milk and fresh eggs can be bought from neighbours or at the local duca (small shop).

The farm is supported by our sister, Phoebe, who has her own accommodation within the grounds.  They will make and change beds, do washing and clean the house, daily.  They will be happy to provide a traditional Kikuyu meal at a small extra cost, or to go food shopping for you (or with you).  There is also a gardener, Minah, and an askari (nightwatchman), Francis .  Francis is Massai and he will appear at dusk.  This is good time to talk with him as he sleeps during the day.  He can tell you about his time as a moran (warrior).

 

 

 

 
 

Do You Dream of Safari?

Safari means "journey".  Some safaris from the farm include Samburu National Park (two hours north) and Lake Baringo, a premier site for bird watching.  The journey to Lake Baringo is on bush roads throughout and you will see abundant animal and bird life and meet the colourful Pockot people.  

Masai Mara is accesible by light aircraft (daily) from Nanyuki airstrip.  If you prefer to plan an overland safari to Masai Mara allow two or three days and include Lake Naivasha and Nakuru where you will see flamingo, hippos and much more.

We will be pleased to help you plan any safari you wish - either in advance - or on the spot.