Rutundu Log Cabins are unique to Africa. Located on the lip of Lake Rutundu and overlooking the north eastern face of Mount Kenya, the rustic chic cabins are the perfect escape from the ‘safari circuit’ or the bustle of Nairobi.  At 10,200 feet (3100 meters), both the vegetation and the wildlife is distinctive.

Location

Mount Kenya straddles the equator, 175 km north-east of Nairobi (3-4 hour drive from Nairobi. Nanyuki airstrip, 13 kms from the Club (15 minute transfer). Altitude 2,135 metres (7,000 feet). 

Getting there

By road

From the turning off the main Nanyuki – Isiolo road up to the log cabins, a four-wheel drive vehicle is needed, and the drive should take about 1.5 hours.  The road deteriorates somewhat from the hollow trees onwards; the trees are a good half way mark in terms of time.  The road ends at the Kizita gorge, where you leave your vehicle.  From here to the cabins is a 15-minute, challenging walk through the gorge.  The staff will meet you where the road ends and will carry your luggage to the cabins. 

By air

There is an airstrip about 1.5kms from the cabins and a heli pad about 100 meters from the cabins. 

By horse

There is now an option of riding to Rutundu. Neighbouring Kisima Farm provides trained polo horses to ride through the moorland and up to Rutundu. Overnight stays are a must in this case. Please be warned that the horses are well trained polo horses and you need to be an experienced rider. Please contact rutundu@lewa.org to arrange this. 

Climate and seasons

Clothing 

The weather at Rutundu varies greatly throughout the day.  Warm and weatherproof clothing is necessary, together with light cotton items for the sunny mornings.  Sunscreen and hats are required.  Nights are chilly and warm pyjamas are advisable.

Weather

Weather conditions on Mount Kenya can be unpredictable, with bright sunny days changing into cloud, rain or hailstorms, therefore bookings for Rutundu must be made with the understanding that the weather may adjust your  travel plans.   

When it rains on Mt Kenya it can be very hard and at times impossible to get to Rutundu by road. If it is raining it is not advisable to try and drive up; you will be offered to change your dates for your booking if this is the case.

Accommodation

There are two log cabins each with open log fires and en-suite bathrooms.  One room is attached to the sitting room and dining room area as well as the breakfast veranda and kitchen.  The other is detached from the main building.   Rutundu can accommodate four people comfortably, but another four beds are available, providing that sharing rooms is acceptable.

All bedding, towels, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils are provided.  There is no electricity; lighting is by hurricane lamps.  There is a gas oven and an ‘out-door’ fridge but no deep freeze. 

Dining and bars

Rutundu is hired out on a self-catering basis. Guests are required to bring all of your own food and drinks. We recommend that you bring soups and stews since they are great for evenings in case you do not manage to catch a fish. Fruits, cereals and eggs and bacon for breakfast, and cold meats, cheeses, breads and salads are ideal for lunches. Good drinking water is available, but please take up tea/coffee, juices and any alcoholic drinks. Peter will help you in the kitchen and also do some cooking if you want. 

Child-friendly

The cabins are ideal for families.

What to see and do

• Fishing - Rutundu is not only a nature lover’s paradise, but is also an ideal spot for fishermen and hikers.  Both Lake Rutundu and Lake Alice, a two-hour walk further up the mountain, are stocked with Rainbow Trout, and provide excellent opportunities for fishing.  The average catch is 2 to 3 Ibs, with larger fish reaching up to 6 Ibs.  (It is not everyone who can claim to have caught a trout within 5 Km of the equator.)  A boat/punt is provided and there are three casting platforms.  Previous experience in fly-fishing is not necessary. Next to Lake Rutundu is the Kizita River Gorge, a crystal clear river with small brown trout to catch. 
• Walking - There is a beautiful walk around Lake Alice, through Giant Groundsel and Heather forests.  In contrast to this moorland terrain, the Cedar and Podo forest, a half hour drive below Rutundu, provides lovely walks and picnic sites. 
• Birdwatching - Due to Rutundu's unique location there are ample opportunities for birdwatchers, not least from the breakfast table where scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds Nectarinia johnstoni are seen most mornings.