OUR EXPERIENCE AT THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY LODGE AND GOLF RESORT

THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY LODGE AND GOLF RESORT

We recently took decided to take a quick break out of Nairobi and headed to the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort owned by heritage Hotels. The scenic drive was an easy hour and a half’s drive from Nairobi and just off the Nairobi- Nakuru Road. The Lodge is built on the Eburru, a mountain that the Maasai call Ol Donyo Opurru, meaning mountain of smoke. The lodge sits at about 7,000 feet, from which elevation it enjoys magnificent views to the west and east. The vistas stretch from the sparkling waters of Lake Naivasha to the jagged volcanic crater of Mount Longonot and, beyond, the sloping shoulders of the Aberdare Mountains.

ACCOMMODATION

The accommodation is one of the finest in Kenya and we had an opportunity to try both the lodge rooms as well as the Villa. The Lodge offers 21 twin and nine double rooms, all with private balconies overlooking the spectacular expanse of the Rift Valley. The rooms are located in spacious two- and three-storey blocks, and are beautifully furnished with large four-poster beds, handmade wooden furniture, and modern en suite bathrooms. Several of the rooms have interlinking doors that convert them into spacious family suites. Alternative accommodation is available in the Longonot Villas, 40 modern three-tier three-bedroomed houses – a home away from home, a designer’s delight complete with every modern amenity to make the traveler feel right at home. The living room, dining room and kitchen take the entire floor with the master bedroom on the top tier. The ground floor with the two bedrooms, opens to the garden with every floor giving that unforgettable view of the mountain and the lake. Lastly, there is a series of homely private chalets overlooking the golf course, with two, three or four bedrooms, all modern amenities, and the same magnificent views throughout.

RESTAURANTS

The wine and dine experience is one of the best in this part of the Rift Valley and the F&B team have done a excellent job of providing guest almost fine dining experiences. You can choose from two restaurants, one is an A la Carte restaurants and the other is a Buffet restaurants with a wide variety of dishes to meet any dinners desire. We had a change to enjoy both and were thoroughly spoilt with one special dining experience where the F&B manger had setup a special menu with personal chefs for a fine dining experience. This reminded us of the days when we enjoyed flambé dishes in our courting days. Compliments to the Chefs….

GOLF

We had a chance to try out some golfing which started off from the golf range and once we got the hang of the swing we challenged ourselves for a full 18 hole. The Great Rift Valley Golf Course has earned a reputation as one of the most challenging and breathtakingly beautiful of all Africa’s championship courses. Set on the slopes of a small dormant volcano with unspoilt scenery in all directions, most holes on this course enjoy stunning views of mountains, plains, lakes and both escarpments of the Rift Valley itself. The 18-hole course is laid out around the Great Rift Valley Lodge and along the fairways are 80 generously spaced privately owned homes, some of which are let out to hotel guests.

ACTIVITIES

Other activities that one can enjoy at the lodge are Tennis, Bike Rides, Bird Watching, Jogging, Swimming or visit to the small farm where they grow their own vegetables. Activities out of the Lodge include Boat Rides and Fishing at Lake Naivasha, Game Drive to Hells Gate or Lake Nakuru National Park, Climb Mt. Longonot and Visit to the Brewery just to name a few. The management can even arrange special bush breakfast and dinner for group or a special intimate romantic dining under the stars in their private gazebo’s. The resort is also ideal for Weddings, Honeymoon, Anniversary or Special Birthday Parties.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

If you are playing team building with your office staff the Resort has one of the best conferencing facilities in the country with three conference rooms set in beautiful grounds overlooking the Aberdares and Longonot. The rooms can sit 180, 80 or 30 people away from any distractions save for the resident birds and the views. The conference rooms are fitted with all the conferencing amenities including audio-visual materials.

Whether you are taking off with your spouse, friends or with the entire family you will not be disappointed. Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort is officially on the Go Places Recommended list.