Ngong House lies in the residential suburb of Langata, which lies to the west of the city centre (an approximate half hour drive from the centre of town, the international airport and airport hotels) within sight of the famous Ngong Hills, which featured in Karen blixen’s novel Out of Africa.The hotel is one the more atmospheric of the Nairobi hotels and offers a wide range of Nairobi accommodation: ideal for Kenya safari options. 

Ngong House is entirely unique. Not only is most of the accommodation provided in ’tree houses’ that stand in the grounds, but also the interior decor has been done to a high degree of elegance and typically Kenyan charm. Much of the furniture is presented in the traditional ’Lamu’ or Arabic style, some is made from indigenous camphorwood; other peices have been fashioned from the sleepers of the ’Lunatic Express’, one of the greatest railways ever to have been built – which links Mombasa to Nairobi and the shores of Lake Victoria. With a total of only six rooms, Ngong House also aims to deliver exclusive and personalized service to the highest possible standards. 

Ngong House stands on the land which once made up Karen Blixen’s ill-fated coffee estate. It was built by Belgian diplomat Paul Verleyson and is now hosted by his son,  Christoff. In concept, Ngong House relies on the utilization of a central house, which houses the dining area and bar, and the provision of a series of timber-built ’tree houses’, which stand in the grounds. The interior decor of the house makes extensive use of natural woods, Kenyan cultural artifacts and the simplicity of space, light and natural views. 

Accommodation 

The Ngong House bedrooms are located in five wooden ’tree houses’, which stand on 4m wooden stilts, affording them stunning views of the blue-gray Ngong Hills. An additional bedroom is offered in the main house. Each twin level ’tree house’ is traditionally thatched in coastal palm fronds (known as makuti) and has been furnished to its own unique colour and design theme. All feature upper level bedrooms equipped with spacious four-poster beds (double) with pure cotton sheets and feather pillows. On the lower level is a tastefully presented living area, which also features an intimate dining area. Each house has its own verandah, fully-stocked bar, telephone, tea/coffee-making facilities and ensuite bathroom. Room service is provided. 

Guest services 

Ngong House offers mobile phone reception throughout, medical services, airport shuttle (at a fee). The majority of rooms in this city hotel are no smoking: smoking rooms available.

Dining and bars 

Ngong House prides itself on its cuisine, which displays a strong Belgian influence and depends on the use of fresh and wholesome locally-sourced ingredients. There is a choice of dining areas: guests can elect to dine in the privacy in their own ’tree houses’ or in the elegant  candle-lit central dining room. Meals can also be served in the grounds or on the open air terrace, which features a log fire.  Standards of presentation are high. Sundowners are served nightly on the terrace, in the grounds or around the campfire. Room service is provided. 

Weddings and honeymoons

Ngong House makes the ideal venue for a wedding and can be booked in its entirety.

Child friendly

Ngong House welcomes children and can arrange baby-sitting upon request. Cots and extra beds provided. No age-limit for children. 

Attractions 

Ngong House offers its own swimming pool, which is set in the grounds. Golf can be arranged at a nearby course; and numerous other sports facilities (tennis, squash, riding etc) can be easily arranged. Ngong House has its own full-sized pool table. A 4WD vehicle and driver is also available for private tours. The house also offers its own gift shop. Airport ’meet and greet’ is provided. 

Location 

Ngong House lies in the residential suburb of Langata, which lies to the west of the city centre (an approximate half hour drive from the centre of town, the international airport and airport hotels).

Kenya city hotel: what to do and see while at Ngong House

Ngong House is ideally placed for tours of the city centre, the Nairobi Railway Museum and the Kenya National Museum. This city centre business hotel also lies approximately 7 minute’s drive from Nairobi National Park, the only ‘city park’ in the world. Wildlife sightings include lion, rhino, a wide range of plains game and hippo.

Other Kenya capital city attractions

Ngong House lies within 20 minutes walk of the Jock Leslie-Melville Nature Education Centre, which is now universally known as The Giraffe Centre. One of Nairobi’s prime attractions and a great favourite with children, the Centre offers a central education rodavel, which is mounted on stilts. The central portion offers information on the Rothschild giraffe while the open terrace that surrounds it serves as a feeding platform for the giraffe. Pellets are provided and the giraffe are well accostomed to being fed. There is also a small gift shop. Guided walks are also offered through the surrounding primeval forest, allowing the guests to learn more about the flora, fauna and avifauna. Insights are also given as to the many uses of the flora in Kenyan traditional medicine. The house also lies ten minutes drive from the Karen Blixen Museum, the house where the author of Out of Africa wrote her books. Next door is the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, which offers a charming dining experience as well as a range of shops showcasing locally-made handicrafts. Also within easy reach is the northern entrance to Nairobi National Park, the only ’city’ park in the world – offering sightings of rhino, lion, buffalo, leapard, cheetah, hippo and more. 

The only capital city to boast a national park within 10 minute’s drive of the city centre, Nairobi’s National Park offers rhino, lion, giraffe and a broad range of plains game as well as an animal orphanage, Safari Walk and range of restaurants and shops. 

Kenya’s cosmopolitan city centre also offers a broad selection of city centre golf courses and city centre health clubs, a flying club, race track and more. This vibrant capital city also offers a wide range of city centre shopping malls and cultural and handicraft markets.