Best Accommodation Options at Mount Kenya National Park: Mount Kenya National Park is situated northeast of Nairobi, surrounding Mount Kenya, which is the second tallest mountain in Africa, rising at 5,199 meters above sea level. This mountain acts as a water catchment area that supplies several river systems including Lake Tana and the Northern Ewaso Ngiro ecosystem. The park itself spans an impressive area of about 2,800 square kilometers, reaching heights of over 300 meters above the surrounding landscape. This remarkable national park is located 715 kilometers northeast of Nairobi. The park was originally established as game reserve and become a UNESCO World Heritage Ste in 1997.
Mount Kenya National Park offers a variety of places to stay, making it easy for you to rest before or after your hiking adventure. You’ll find several luxurious lodges and camps nestled on the slopes of the mountain, providing a comfortable experience. For those who prefer camping, the sites are simple yet tidy, with running water available in most areas. Some sites even have modern toilets, while others use traditional long-drop facilities.
Additionally, there are mountain huts where you can spend the night and even prepare your meals. If you’re trying to decide where to stay near Mount Kenya, you have plenty of options. Below are some recommendations to help you find the perfect spot for your stay.
Naro Moru Lodge
Naro Moru Lodge is located along the banks of the Naro Moru River, which flows down from the Lewis Glacier on Mount Kenya, Naro Moru Lodge offers a serene retreat. The sounds of the river, along with cheerful birds and playful black-and-white colobus monkeys, greet you every morning. Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool that overlooks the mountain, along with activities like tennis, basketball, squash, and a sauna to unwind after long hikes. Adventure seekers have plenty of options here, including cycling through the local community, exploring wildlife conservancies like Ol Pejeta, and discovering Kenya’s rich history at sites such as the Mau Mau Caves and Barden Powell’s grave. And, of course, there’s always the majestic Mount Kenya waiting to be climbed
Misty Mountain Lodge
Just a couple of hours’ drive from Nairobi, Misty Mountain Lodge in Narumoru is a cozy yet spacious retreat at the foot of Mount Kenya. This privately owned lodge is surrounded by wildlife parks like Mount Kenya National Park, Aberdare’s National Park, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Misty Mountain Lodge takes hospitality back to its essence by offering world-class services, rooms, and suites that meet the comfort of a home away from home.
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is a luxurious escape situated in Nanyuki. The main building, designed in the style of the 1950s colonial architecture, has a charming country club vibe, complemented by quaint cottages, including the original home of film star William Holden. The lodge features colonial architecture that will remind you of the flamboyant safari experiences of early explorers in a more renewed boutique setting.
With stunning views of Mount Kenya, the resort features 120 expertly designed hotel rooms with a sitting area with a fireplace, cozy bed, spacious bathroom, tea and coffee maker, personal safe, air conditioning, and internet access. Villas are set within expansive, beautifully landscaped gardens, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and comfort. Cottages are available for guests who prefer a suite for their private and intimate East African trip.
Rhino Watch Safari Lodge
Located in the scenic central highlands of Kenya, Rhino Watch Lodge offers breathtaking views of Mount Kenya. Surrounded by multiple wildlife reserves, this lodge is an ideal starting point for safari adventures. Guests will find warm welcomes and a friendly atmosphere, making it a peaceful hideaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The lodge caters to nature lovers, families, and even professional photographers, providing a variety of thoughtfully designed room options.
Serena Mountain Lodge
Serena Mountain Lodge is located inside the Mount Kenya National Park at the edge of the foothills standing high at 2,134 meters above sea level. The lodge offers 41 guest cabins with large viewing windows or private verandas for wildlife viewing. Serena Mountain Lodge is surrounded by an incredible lush rainforest on Mount Kenya’s slopes.
The lodge is an admirable vantage point for watching buffalos, elephants, and other large and small herbivores stroll to the watering hole to drink before disappearing once again into the forest. The main building and guest cabins remind many of our guests of the tree-house structure, giving you a unique place to relax and rest in between your safari activities. Guest cabins feature en-suite bathrooms and comfortable beds. One of the most engaging parts of your stay at Serena Mountain Lodge is having the staff awaken you during the night to observe the nocturnal behavior of elusive wildlife at the watering hole and saltlick.
Serena Sweetwaters
Set against the plains of Mount Kenya, Serena Sweetwaters camp features 39 luxurious tents, each with its own private porch that looks out over a waterhole. The camp’s central dining area, housed in a historic colonial manager’s residence, serves both local and international dishes. Visitors can unwind by the warm fire in the bar and lounge or enjoy wildlife viewing from the waterhole hide.
Ol Pejeta House
Once the private ranch house of billionaire Adnan Khashoggi, Ol Pejeta House stands majestically in the heart of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy. With stunning views of Mount Kenya, this luxurious mansion includes spacious reception areas, a dining room overseen by a dedicated chef, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Guests can choose from a private cottage, master suites, and guest rooms, all set amidst landscaped grounds featuring pools and barbecue areas. Ol Pejeta is not only home to the “Big Five” but also boasts the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and the only chimpanzee sanctuary in the country.
Ikweta Safari Camp
Located just outside Meru National Park, Ikweta Safari Camp is a mere 2.5 km from the park entrance, allowing easy access to the wildlife within. The semi-luxurious tents come with Wi-Fi and offer excellent value for money. The camp is surrounded by over 300 native plants, which will enhance the setting as they mature. Most of the delicious meals are grown in the garden of Susan, the engaging host. Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can always book a lunch or dinner at this welcoming spot, aptly named ‘ikweta,’ which means ‘equator’ in Swahili.
