In Nairobi, it is pouring rain. Water streams from roofs and trees, forming muddy puddles which clot tyres and shoes, passers-by tramp a film of rust-coloured mud over houses and clothes. We drive from Nairobi down the Great Rift Valley to Naivasha, where the sun is out. The sun is always out in Naivasha. My friend tells me that Naivasha has a microclimate, and the weather proves her right again.
Savage House Naivasha
Savage House sits high on the ridge above Lake Naivasha. Its elevated position offers views across the entire valley with Mount Longonot to the left and the sequined sparkle of Lake Naivasha to the right. Life at Savage House is sweetly still with only the whistle of birds and a distant nicker of a zebra to break the calm. The sky is periwinkle blue, the closely shorn lawn mustard green, the sun glints off the duck pond which peacocks have claimed as their own. Savage House is the perfect spot for a break in Naivasha.
Savage House is a sprawling house mixing old-world colonial glamour with ranch house living. The whole building is centred around the enormous dining room, which features an imposing fireplace, a vast dining table, and scarlet walls suggestive of long candlelit suppers. It is a room that is as warm and inviting as it is grand. The main building at Savage House has 4 large bedrooms (3 ensuite) and a large functional kitchen, all of which form three sides of the house. The fourth side is given over to a substantial lounge where you will find another immense fireplace, works of art on the walls, antiques, family photos and huge comfy sofas giving the room a familial cosiness that belies its size. The hero of the house, though, is undoubtedly the terrace and its panoramic views.
The terrace runs the entire width of the house, its portly girth large enough to house a pool table, dining area and comfortable lounging area with acres of space to spare. It’s the place to hang out, mellow yellow dawns, orange-clad sunsets and an outdoor fireplace to warm you as the nights grow cold. A large lawn runs past a small pool and down to a duck pond. Beyond the house, you can spot giraffes, zebra, impala and spring hare. The askari tells stories of buffalo and rarely seen leopard.
The main building at Savage House has four double rooms, but three further cottages allow for a larger party. There are two small cottages, each with two single beds and a third larger two-bedroom place that can sleep four. The external buildings radiate the same genteel warmth; expensive sheets, plump cushions, paintings and carvings from local artists. The external buildings sit away from the main house, far enough away for privacy, but not go so far that you would feel separated from your group.
Things to do at Savage House Naivasha
Beyond the property, the kids can leap on their bikes and explore Kedong Ranch, choosing to cycle down the dusty paths, play hide and seek in the wild olive groves or search for tortoises in the bushes.
Lake Naivasha is a 5-minute drive away, head to Camp Carnellys for lunch and hop on a boat cruise to look at hippos at the same time. Crescent Island Game Reserve is 10 minutes away (now only accessible via boat since the lake waters have risen). This small island has a high concentration of non-predatory animals, making it a wonderful place to walk around and get up close to some of safari’s best – do watch out for buffalo and hippo. Hells Gate National Park is 10 minutes along Moi South Lake Road, within the park you can hire bikes and cycle through scenery so magnificent it was used as the inspiration for Disney’s The Lion King, Hike through the twisted turns of Hells Gate gorge, visit the Obsidian Caves or rock climb Fischers Wall. Further down the road is Mount Longonot, a sleeping volcano that offers an epic 5-hour hike up to and around the crater rim. Every two months there is a fantastic Farmers Market in Naivasha which is a great day out and well worth planning your trip to Savage House around.
How to get to Savage House Naivasha
Savage House is set in the bush and grasslands that border Kedong ranch, just 2.5 off Moi South Lake Road, and a 90-minute drive from Nairobi. It is easy to drive and possible to catch a bus or Matatu from central Nairobi to Naivasha town. You will need a taxi to get you to the house which is on an unpaved road.
How much does it cost to rent Savage House
Off-peak the prices at Savage House are as follows:
Main house: 300 USD per night (whole house)
2 bedroom guest cottage 150 USD per night
1 bedroom guest cottage (there are two available) 50 USD per night.
Book through Airbnb link HERE
Check out their Instagram HERE
Book Your Kenya Trip – Insider Tips
Find everything you need for visiting Kenya on my TRAVEL RESOURCES page.
Find everything you need for moving to Kenya in my THE EXPAT GUIDE TO LIVING IN NAIROBI book.
- Kenya Accommodation: Booking.com has the cheapest rates for hotels and guest houses in Kenya.
- Accommodation Reviews: TripAdvisor is my go-to portal for checking reviews on accommodation/restaurants in the local area. I never book without checking TripAdvisor first.
- ESIM: Airalo allows you to access the Internet from virtually any country without paying roaming charges
- Car Rental: Rental Cars is managed by Booking.com – guaranteed reliable.
- Tours and Guides in Kenya : Check out Get Your Guide and Viator – reputable companies that do tours within Kenya and East Africa.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I recommend Visitors Coverage, which covers you for East Africa and offers ‘special insurance’ for safaris and adventure sports:
- Visitors Coverage
- Compensair – if you have a cancelled or delayed flight, you may get a refund.