Castle Forest Lodge
Castle Forest Lodge is located deep in the thick forest on the slopes to the south of Mount Kenya, Castle Forest Lodge is a 3 star found in Kimunye. It is set in a natural surroundings of the rainforest, that is the fresh water rivers with falls, a fabulous view of the valley on one side of the lodge, and the impressive peaks of Mount Kenya on the other. It is an eco-tourism Kenya safari facility recognizes its responsibility towards maintaining the fragile ecological balance of its unique natural environment by actively seeking new opportunities to reduce consumption of energy, water and other natural resources. Whilst the entire power consumed at the lodge is generated by the solar-and micro-hydro systems, there is also great effort to re-use or recycle materials and responsibly dispose of the non-recyclable items where possible.
In order to forward the benefits of the lodge’s operations to the direct neighborhood, it is a core mission of the to secure both the human resources and main supplies from the adjacent communities. Through the closed and continuous cooperation with these communities in terms of the quality assurance and training on the job the lodge adheres to an ethical business concept contributing to the sustainable development to the entire region.
The main house was built in 1910 with the river stones and wood from the surrounding forest and the rivers. It is told that both Queen Elizabeth and President Jomo Kenyatta visited castle Forest Lodge when they were still students. In 2000, Castle Forest Lodge was renovated to accommodate slightly over 30 guests.
Accommodation of the Castle Forest Lodge.
Cottages.
It has got 8 cottages around huts for one or two people with a double or the two single beds. Each hut has its individual theme, a private en-suite shower and toilet and a fire place where a fire is always lit at night.
Bungalows.
There are 3 bungalows with 2 bedrooms each, a living room with fire place, a verandah overlooking the fields, the forest and the valley in the distance. Each bungalow has a shower and toilet, there are two standard bungalows which are in the original style, and one ‘’Luxury’’ Bungalow recently renovated which is a more spacious and has a hammock.
Chalet.
There are two beautiful freestanding chalets available. Each with ample space, a fully equipped kitchen, a large living room and a splendid view of Mount Kenya.
Chalet Montane.
A beautiful cabin which sleeps four people. There is a lot of space to put extra beds or mattresses.
Chalet Telluride.
This is a spacious cabin with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
Budget Rooms.
Castle Forest Lodge has three budget rooms in the Main House which was built in 1910, one double and two twins. They share shower and toilet and are above the kitchen, bar, and the restaurant.
Camping.
Castle Forest Lodge has got a separate filed offers ample camping space, clean toilets and hot showers as well and a large hall with tables and chairs to sit around in case it rains. Firewood is provided at a cost, here the tourists during camping Kenya safari tour do experience the nature wild.
Facilities for the Castle Forest Lodge.
Castle forest Lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main house at the set hours with a daily changing menu. Snacks are throughout the day and the drinks from our well stocked bar. There is a charming little living room with a crackling fire place, where you are welcome to spend the rainy days. For the sunny hours, you enjoy the leisure veranda, surrounded by the mystic of the indigenous rain forest the veranda is the ideal place to relax and unwind.
Castle Forest lodge has been called the coziest kitchen in Kenya. Even on the coldest of days, its warm in here, the loving, friendly staff is always ready to make your stay all that you expected, from stacking up your cottage fire to preparing delicious three daily meals.
Activities done in Castle Forest Lodge.
Bird watching.
The tourists who visit especially the bird lovers, can be able to spot over 157 bird species that have been identified that are partly specific for this altitude and forested areas, the guides can lead the guests in bird watching.
Trout fishing.
Trout fishing is done in the crystal clear rivers on either side of the lodge provide endless opportunity to the tourists.
Nature walks.
The hiking possibilities for the guided day safari or short walks around the lodge are in fact unlimited. The guides can point out the animal foot prints which have been there before you and tell you about the forest and its mysteries.
Horseback riding.
Horseback riding is especially done on the three beautiful horses, one for the guide, can take you riding on the trails in the forest where you may encounter wildlife or just enjoy the different colours of the green or for a longer ride through the tea fields bordering the forest.
Game viewing.
Tourists are always able to spot the most unique ambiance given by the forest such as the elephants, buffalo, leopard, hyena, bushbuck, colobus-and Skyes monkeys and a variety of over 175 bird species.
Swimming pool.
The tourists during the hot days during at the Castle Forest Lodge they enjoy while dipping in the fresh water infinity pool or cool-down under one of the waterfalls in the nearby river which is a great thrill.
How to get Castle Forest Lodge.
It can be accessed in various ways from the Nairobi city to the lodge, that is using both the road transport and air transport and among others.
Castle Forest Lodge can be accessed from Nairobi which is 139km and it takes approximately 2 hr. and 13 minutes to drive from Nairobi to the Castle Forest Lodge, and it takes you 30 minutes to fly from Nairobi to the closet Mount Nanyuki airstrip, which is then 64 miles from the lodge.
