Are you looking for a special paradise to getaway? Whether you’re planning your dream holiday or honeymoon, Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge is a winner! 😀
Back in November, we had the pleasure of visiting this haven of a place while exploring Destination Laikipia…
Makena’s Hills Tented Lodge
Remember when Mwarv, Tim, Kevin and I made a short visit to Luonyek Village?
(Read about our adventures here)
We were high on adventure as we embarked on our next destination: Makena’s Hills, in Laikipia Nature Conservancy.
The drive was insanely long and bumpy, and the day slipped from us with nightfall swiftly racing toward us.
That distinct feeling of being lost hung in the air… And though the map came in handy, we stopped frequently to ask for directions.
By the time we got to the Laikipia Nature Conservancy (LNC) gate, it was pitch dark… Thankfully, a guide was waiting there to lead us to the Lodge.
It was quite a distance away but I think we felt a more at ease now, with our guide in tow. 🙂
On arriving at the Lodge, Ali and his team welcomed us warmly, and it felt good to get off and stretch our weary souls.
They’d set up a fire for us, and as I sipped on my black, ginger tea, everything felt good with the world again. 🙂 The night was short because of our late arrival, so we retired to our tents soon after dinner.
The Story of Makena’s Hills
Makena’s Hills is situated on the far west side of Laikipia Nature Conservancy which sits on 100,000 acres of land.
Fun Fact: Laikipia Nature Conservancy is the largest of its kind in Laikipia County, if not Kenya.
Nested on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, and with spectacular views of Lake Baringo, Makena’s Hills is a 270km drive from Nairobi.
Kuki Gallman, (Author/Conservationist) and her late husband Paolo initially maintained it as a family ranch, but later transformed it into a conservancy after his passing.
Like a Morning Surprise…
I couldn’t have prepared myself for the ragged beauty that accosted me the next morning! 😀
Rich, green landscapes gave way to the most gorgeous views spreading out as far as the eye can see…
Being a little under the weather I’d missed the Morning Game drive with the guys, but the views outside my room were well-worth it…
Arabic Style Décor
With the advantage of daylight, I could now admire the beautiful rooms and décor. Walking through the Lodge you get a feel of Kuki’s eclectic style sprinkled through everywhere…
They have 6 Arabic-style rooms, each with double beds plus the Guide’s cottage that can take up to 4 beds. They also have 10 tents available for camping lovers.
The lounge areas and rooms are charmingly furnished with collector’s antiques.
When the guys returned, we had an easy time of breakfast under the sky, basking in the beauty of the stunning scenery…
Fun Fact: Laikipia Nature Conservancy is locally known as Ol Ari Nyiro a Maasai word that means: a place of black springs…
Fun Things To Do At Makena’s Hills
Explore Mukutan Gorge
Shortly after breakfast, we drove to Mukutan Gorge. It’s about a half-hours’ drive from Makena’s Hills.
Imagine a place so wild and unspoiled, with hills and valleys converging into a painting of dancing landscapes… Picturesque does not even begin to describe it!
We felt like Christopher Columbus on some National Geographic Feature; but no- this is #MagicalKenya 🙂
Mwarv showing us the ‘promised land’
You can choose to drive or trek to Mukutan Gorge, then settle for a lovely bush breakfast in this exclusive retreat.
Fun Fact: There are 62 Man-made dams within LNC
More Things To Do
>Game Drive : LNC is well endowed with wild animals: Buffalo, >impalas, lions, leopards, cheetahs, water-bucks, warthogs… greater Kodu all except for rhinos.
>Guided walks to Engelesha forest with its numerous rare birds and the colobus monkey
>Yoga retreat (yoga lessons available on request)
>Community visits/projects : Kuki Gallman’s passion for conservancy led her to set up the Laikipia Wildlife Education Centre, in memory of her son, who died after he was bitten by a venomous snake. You can join the projects or visit the community.
Makena’s Hills is the perfect escape whether with family, friends or simply by your lonesome to recharge and rejuvenate. 🙂
Travel Tips:
- Choose a proper 4-wheel drive vehicle because the roads are quite rough and stony
- Dress warmly as it gets very cold at night
- Carry a flashlight
- Charge your devices in advance You can only charge your phone at the Lounge area,
- Download an offline map and buy a physical map of Laikipia County as navigating the routes can get tricky on the unmarked roads
Photography Credits
Mwangi Kirubi (Mwarv)
I hope you enjoyed this post, cheers to you for reading! And hey, don’t keep it to yourself-share with a friend! 😀
P.S. Leave a comment down below and I’ll be sure to answer! Happy weekend! 😉
<<Love and Light. Stay Inspired Always>>
4 Comments
Nesh Kanja
August 9, 2018 at 11:21 pmThat’s a destination i truly look forward to go to thus a bucket list, the hike you the gorge n explore its virgin routes would be a great deal for me. Did I read the conservancy has lions…… I would still hike it still. I fear nothing btw….. jokes aside
Scrapbook Journeys
August 10, 2018 at 12:49 amHahaha I know you would enjoy this place, it’s perfect of hiking lovers like you! Urmmm… about the lions… Stay alive, and stay safe-always! 😀
Jolly Busingye
July 28, 2018 at 12:59 pmWow! I held my breath as I read it till the end!! I would love to go here. Thank you for giving me a sneak preview into the beauty that this place is. Great piece as usual!
Scrapbook Journeys
August 10, 2018 at 12:33 amHey thank You Jolly! Really glad to read that you enjoyed this post! And yes, I hope you will make time to visit and discover Kenya some more! Thanks for reading! 😀