Three weeks ago I visited the Wilderbeest Eco Camp in Karen – Langata. I was expecting a very low key camp but it has both high end and low end options. The first giveaway that it would be a pleasant surprise was the gate which made it look like it was the residence of a family. It also has a beautiful driveway that leads to the reception and the managers’ offices.
The reception has a 2 in one function. It is both a reception and a curio shop where visitors staying at the camp can buy lovely locally crafted souvenirs to take home. The camp has on-site parking & 24 hour security.
Imagine having such an office with a great view and lots of fresh air.
I was surprised that there was such a beautiful, peaceful getaway that is not well known. This is the place to go for a weekend. There are basic camper options and luxury options so you can get something that suits your pocket. You can also hire the camp for a small intimate wedding. The grounds are sufficient. You can also have a party there or take your staff there for a retreat under the stars.
There are basic tents which start from Ksh. 1,250 for a shared tent including beddings and breakfast. You can also carry your own camping gear and you will pay Ksh. 1000 for camping. The campsite is located in the shaded grassy garden. These campers share flush toilets and hot showers.
There is also a garden tent which are located in the garden. The single tent goes for 4500 and the double for 5,500 and includes breakfast. The tent is a large walk in custom built permanent pitch tent which can hold one double bed or two singles. Bedding and a bath towel are included. There is also a luggage rack, bedside table and an electronic safe for your valuables. For this option you will still use the shared flush toilets and hot showers.
Ensuite Garden Tent which can be single, Double, Triple, Quad. These custom built permanent pitch tents are comfortable and stylish. A single goes for 7,000, a double for 8500 and you can even do triples or quadruples if you want. They have one one double bed and one single bed which is convenient if you have a child. There is also a luggage rack, bedside table and an electronic safe for your valuables. This is an ensuite tent with hot shower, basin and flush toilet. It has its own deck with two chairs. full electrics include lights and UK power socket.
Deluxe Safari Tent
These are luxurious deluxe tents that have including ensuite bathroom with solar-hot showers, basin and flush toilets – as well as 240v electricity. A single goes for 9,000 and a double for 11, 000 including breakfast. You also have triple or quadruple options. . There is also a luggage rack, clothes rack, bedside table with lamp, writing desk and lamp and an electronic safe for your valuables. There is also an outdoor deck with two chairs. )T he bedding includes 100% cotton sheets, microfiber duvet, pillow and a 6 foot 6 inch inner spring mattress.
There is a fully stocked bar. The bartender is a really nice guy called Happiness.
The camp has free Wi-Fi. There is a guest lounge with DSTV (full package of sport and international channels). The guest lounge has a library that guests can use. There are also board games & cards, pool table, foos ball, table tennis & darts that guests can play. The lounge is open to all the guests of the camp.
The camp has a children’s play area.There is also zip lining which can be done by kids.
Beautiful, relaxing gardens and two decks
The musicians are ready to play some tunes for you.
You can have a campfire at night and tell stories.
If you are going by public transport take the 24 bus for the Langata – Karen route at Ambassador Stage. Drop at the Kobil Petrol station. Cross the road, and there is a dusty road that leads there. You can also take a boda boda. It will cost you fifty shillings. It is not too far but for the first time it may help to take the boda boda. You can also drive there. You will pass the Kobil petrol station and about 50 metres away there is a dusty road that you can take.
The Wildebeest Eco camp is an eco friendly camp. They have water treatment and recycling plant to treat grey water, water harvesting and storage, solar lights across much of the camp, solar hot water, and they have also planted hundreds of native plants to encourage birds and butterflies. There are plans to install a solar heated swimming pool soon. They also plan to have a solar heated swimming pool installed sometime in the coming year.
The camp is situated at a very convenient location especially for tourists who need to catch a flight from the Wilson Airport. It is also not too far from the Kenyatta International Airport and the central business district in Nairobi.
This is one place I must go back to. It has such a relaxed atmosphere. The kind of place you can read your books in peace, or write and then when you want some noise you can go to the bar and have a drink with the rest of the campers. This is a great place to go either alone or with a group. It will be worth your time.
