Fodor's Expert Review Olepangi House & Cottages

Timau, Laikipia, Kenya

This expansive 120-acre farm is set in the foothills of Mt Kenya; pad out of your four-poster bed to your cottage's wooden verandah to take in the beauty of the ever-green Lolldaigas. There are five cottages, and the decor in the Party House (the main living area) is bohemian maximalism; an Indian throw pillow here and an Afghani ceramic bowl there, it's all inspired by the up to 100 countries owner Elizabeth Loker and her late husband Clinton Lucy had traveled to. Opened in 2012, the couple built the property from scratch---including bringing in water and electricity---and have since transformed the once arid land into a thriving farm. As it's an owner-run camp, should you so wish, Elizabeth will gladly join you at meal time and regale you with lively tales from her adventures. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, get paired with a suitable horse from the stables and gallop through the property. Only a half-hour drive from the bustling Nanyuki town, you can explore the restaurants there, or venture a little farther to Ngare Ndare forest to walk the 40 meter high canopy and swim under its waterfalls.

PROS

  • plenty of outdoor space and striking views
  • meals can be served throughout the property in a variety of settings
  • they grow a lot of their own food on-site

CONS

  • highlands setting means it gets really cold at night
  • there are resident dogs, which not everyone may like
  • it's a bit of a climb getting to some of the shared spaces

QUICK FACTS

House
Family
$$$

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 0742-148--815

HOTEL DETAILS

5 cottages
Rate Includes: All-Inclusive, Minimum 2 night stay

What’s Nearby