Naro Moru River Lodge is a world-famous base for climbing Mount Kenya; it is also a charming weekend retreat. It is situated on the equator between Nyeri and Nanyuki, at an altitude of 1,982 metres, in the Mount Kenya foothills (5 minutes drive to the road that leads up to the national park). The lodge is set in lush tropical gardens through which the Naro Moru River flows. The river, fed by the snows of Mt Kenya, is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, offering fun and excitement for the fly fisherman. There is also an exceptionally diverse bird population, including Hartlaub's Turaco.

Recreational facilities include a heated deck-level swimming pool facing Mt Kenya; tennis courts, a squash court and sauna, as well as horse riding along beautiful nature trails by the river. Cuisine is offered to suit every palate, with special attention paid to the needs of climbers. The bars and restaurants are warm and friendly places to meet.

A professional base for climbing Mount Kenya, the lodge offers a fully equipped Mountain Store, which hires out hiking and climbing gear, tents and everthing for the climb. The lodge is also a base for mountain guides. Additionally, the lodge runs a number of overnight huts on the mountain where good clean accommodation and food is provided to those making the ascent. 

Location

Nyeri is 197 km north of Nairobi (a 3 hour 30 minute drive). The hotel stands above a gorge through which flows the Chania River. Set in rolling gardens, it features numerous ancient trees and flowering shrubs. 

Wildlife highlights

Suni, eland and the rare bongo antelope. Birds: 250 recorded species.

Accommodation

The lodge offers a bewildering selection of accommodation options ranging from a campsite to bunk houses (communal sleeping huts with bunks and kitchen facilities) and from luxury ensuite rooms to stand-alone houses with self-catering facilities and gardens by the riverside. Most of the rooms are accommodated in single storey buildings that stand just above the river and are reached by winding paths leading through colourful flower gardens. Beyond these is an area of parkland, which leads into woodland. Here, dotted around in a charmingly rustic manner are a series of houses: studio, 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom and 5 bedroom. All have log fires, fully equipped kitchens, comfortable lounges, fully equipped bedrooms and bathrooms.

12 standard, 10 superior, 12 deluxe, 7 cottages, 5 country homes, bunkhouses and a campsite.  Rooms feature twin beds, private bathrooms and shower in most.  Deluxe have a fireplace and balcony.  Interconnecting rooms are available, while cottages have fully equipped kitchens.  

Dining and bars

The lodge offers a spacious dining room, which overlooks the pool and the mountain. Typically, buffet styled meals are offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a modern bar. The climbers bar is located in the original timber building by the river and is decorated with T shirts and flags from all those who have made it to the top of the mountain. Atmospheric and eccentric, it also offers broad lawns and picnic tables by the river. An ideal place to spot the areas phenomenal birdlife.

Child-friendly

The lodge welcomes children

What to see and do

•  Heated swimming pool 

•  Tennis courts 

•  Squash court 

•  Sauna 

•  Horse riding 

•  Bird watching 

•  Bars, restaurants and lounges 

•  Beautiful grounds 

•  Fully equipped Mountain Store 

•  All rooms with private bathroom