Going on a safari vacation had been a trip of a lifetime, four years in the making.
Having originally planned it as part of a milestone birthday, the onset of the Covid pandemic put any plans we had on an indefinite hold. Once it was safe to return to the world of travel, we expanded our original itinerary to include four nights in Nairobi, Kenya, staying at Nyati Hill Cottages.
Having found a less expensive business class flight a few days earlier than the start of our main itinerary, we were hoping to stay somewhere unique and luxurious, that could also help us acclimatize ourselves to the country and transition to full-day safaris.
Landing in Nairobi in the wee hours of the morning, we were escorted in darkness from the main city center down dirt roads until we reached the front gate of the safari resort. Though they were expecting us, the gates were locked, the lights off and no one was in sight. Our driver, hesitant to leave the vehicle, (which was terrifying), attempted to call the main office, with no luck. We sat in the car, surrounded by bush and total darkness, hoping someone would notice that we had arrived. After about twenty minutes, a light switched on and we were greeted at the gate.
Want to hear more about our adventure? Listen to the podcast! Click here for Part 1 of The African Albatross >
Our host opened the large iron gates and allowed the vehicle to drive inside, where we gathered our bags and were escorted to our cottages. We were given the Cheetah & Impala cottages, two separate and unique buildings with a lovely sitting area between them. A small table and chairs fitted with an umbrella, a perfect spot for morning (or afternoon) coffee.
Click below to scroll through photos of the rooms at Nyati Hill Cottages >
The cottages are mainly circular but irregularly shaped, constructed from large shaped stone, each fitted with a high straw roof an iron gate over the wooden front door. There are four different cottage experiences available.: Nyati and Zebra are single cottages, each with the living, sleeping and dining amenities all rolled into one space, these are good for one to two people. The Cheetah and Impala cottages are booked together for two people, separating the living, sleeping and dining amenities into two separate buildings. And lastly, the Giraffe, Elephant and Lion cottages are booked together, with two separate sleeping cottages and one dining cottage that can accommodate up to six people.
TIP: The cottages at Nyati Hill Cottages are not equipped with air conditioning, but there are windows which open to allow for a breeze. We stayed during a hot month in June and found no need for air conditioning. The cottages are made from local stones and the roof is timber and grass, which keeps the rooms cool in the summer months and warm in the colder seasons.
Our Impala cottage was equipped with a large bedroom with mosquito netting hung over the large white bed with iron headboard, and ample storage, plus an open bathroom with large shower, sink and vanity, and in between them, a large room for the toilet (and privacy). There are no radios or televisions available in any of the cottages, only the sounds of nature that surround you.
The second cottage (Cheetah) was a few steps away and served as the dining area, with a separate table and chairs and a fully equipped kitchen, with everything you could possibly need. Breakfast foods were supplied, including eggs, bread, fruit, juice, yogurt, cheese, butter and coffee/tea. It was more than enough for our needs, and when requested, the host supplied whatever we wanted.
That first night, exhausted from a long flight and bumpy drive, we quickly unpacked and crawled into bed, navigating underneath the mosquito netting. Mesmerized by the night sounds, and excited to start our safari, it was difficult to fall asleep. Among those screeches and bumps in the night, I was sure I heard a meow. The next morning, we found a young tabby cat curled up on one of the patio chairs. This adorable kitty quickly became the best part of our stay.
A young male, he was friendly and very affectionate. He quickly followed us, kept us company and slept soundly on our laps (and sometimes on our bed). He waited for us in the mornings, always sleeping on the chairs in the patio area. Not everyone loves cats, but if you do, this is a huge bonus. We asked the staff and they said he did not have a name, so we named him Swahili. The chef later confessed she sometimes calls him Thomas. We were missing our pets back home and having Swahili around made our stay exceptional. Any animal lover will quickly fall in love with him.
In the light of day, after a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast, with hot coffee and fresh juice, we decided to explore the grounds. Nyati Hill Cottages is a small collection of stone buildings nestled within in a large area. It so happened that we were the only guests during our stay, which for us, made it extra relaxing. The grounds are beautiful and well kept with lush greenery, flowers and trimmed paths to each cottage. Behind the cottages, down a flight of steps, stretched a good sized pool to cool off on hot days. When it is too hot to stay in the sun, there is a shaded area to sit and relax.
Directly across from the pool, there is a wonderful view of the nearby Nairobi National Park, where we often saw zebra, buffalo, ostrich and impala grazing or resting in the shade of the trees. One morning, one of the staff spotted a lion and eagerly came knocking on our cottage door to inform us so we could rush to the pool area and catch a glimpse. At the other end of the resort, there is a look out point where you can climb up a small ladder for a birds eye view of the grounds and nearby park, with the buildings of the nearby Nairobi city center in the distance.
Click below to scroll through photos of the grounds/view at Nyati Hill Cottages >
Guests of Nyati Hill Cottages who are not going on safari, can arrange for visits to the nearby Nairobi National Park, including scenic game drives, picnics and bird watching. Visitors have the option of hiring a VIP tour van, taking a bus shuttle or self-driving through the national park. Located at the edge of the Nairobi National Park, Nyati Hill Cottages offered unique views of the wildlife at any time of day.
LUXURY TRAVEL TIP: We believe private is always better, especially on safari. Enjoy the luxury and freedom of a private game drive in Nairobi National Park with a stop at the Langata Giraffe Center to get up close and personal with the famous Rothschild giraffes.
Everyone at Nyati Hill Cottages was friendly and attentive. The manager came to greet us on the first morning and asked if we needed anything. Rather than opting for a taxi to a nearby restaurant, we ordered lunches and dinners at the resort, which were made by the house chef and served in our kitchen. All the food we enjoyed at Nyati Hill Cottages was abundant, delicious and inexpensive.
The cost for lunch is $18 USD per person. The cost for dinner is $22 USD per person, but if you order both lunch and dinner, the cost is $35 USD per person. Guests are invited to select from a menu or request specific meals (if available).
All meals are cooked and prepared in the outdoor kitchen located a few steps away from the pool. A delicious aroma would emerge as we sat in the patio area and enjoyed the glorious sunsets.
On our second full day, we had pre-arranged to visit the nearby elephant and giraffe sanctuaries with our safari guides, but these can also be arranged with the help of the staff at Nyati Hill Cottages.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is located in the Nairobi National Park and home to many orphaned and injured elephants. We had the pleasure of meeting (and touching) these beautiful elephants, learning about their stories and how the Wildlife Trust rehabilitates them and releases them back into the wild.
UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE: Visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage to learn and interact with these gentle giants, then visit the famous Bomas of Kenya for a cultural dance and show (of which you can participate!).
The Langata Giraffe Center is also located inside the Nairobi National Park and is home to the famed Rothschild giraffes. Their unique visiting platform allows guests to not only see the giraffes up close, but hand feed them. These are the same giraffes often fed and photographed at the nearby Giraffe Manor.
Click below to scroll through photos from the animal sanctuaries >
During our third full day of lounging by the pool at Nyati Hill Cottages, we spotted rock hyraxes lounging on the roof of the building next door. These gopher-like creatures are usually nocturnal and the source of the "screams" one can hear in the middle of the night. Not too long after, we were greeted by a Hadada Ibis bird, who perched atop of the shaded area by the pool for a time. These prehistoric looking birds have iridescent feathers and a unique call that sounds like they are laughing (hence the name).
For us that were excited (and nervous) about going on safari in both Kenya and Tanzania, Nyati Hill Cottages served as the perfect transition. The short stay allowed us unwind and relax, to acclimatize to the time zone and weather, and introduced us to some of the local wildlife. We were better prepared to depart the next day and head deep into the Kenyan wilderness, though we were sad to say goodbye to our new friend Swahili.
For those who do not wish or cannot go on safari deep in the bush, staying at Nyati Hill Cottages is a great option. Its close proximity to both the Nairobi city center and the Nairobi National Park, allows guests the opportunity to experience both game drives and interact with the wildlife at the nearby animal sanctuaries, while still providing the space and creature comforts you desire.
Nyati Hill Cottages, Nairobi, Kenya
Overall Ranking - 4/5
Nyati Hill Cottages are perfect for both the safari
traveller who is either on their way or on their way back from an African safari deep in the bush, or the traveller who wants to experience the escape and solitude of safari, without having to travel far from the Nairobi city center. The rustic feel of Nyati Hill Cottages does not detract from the peaceful and luxurious comforts it offers its guests. Highly recommended for couples and families who seek serenity and love nature.
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