Safari254

This past weekend was traveling to the new Panari Resort in Nyahururu and part of the itinerary was a stopover for lunch at Lake Ol’ Bolossat.

I had never heard of Lake Ol Bolossat up until sometime last year when the One Touch team visited. Their images had me enthralled and I really wanted to visit this little known lake. Up until now I had only seen the lake while standing in my late Grandmother’s farm in the Aberdare Ranges.

The lake is 7 km drive from the main road, though it felt much longer. The road is unpaved and would pose a challenge to non 4×4 cars during the wet season. Lake Ol Bolossat is currently not legally protected so access to the lake is free of charge.

 

 

 

Lake Ol’ Bolossat, Central Province’s only natural lake, is an internal drainage basin. The lake is situated in the valley between the northwestern slopes of Aberdares Mountains and Dundori Ridge which are the main catchments .The water from the Lake drains into the Ewaso Narok tributary, down the famous Thomson Falls, then connects to the legendary Ewaso Ng’iro.

 

 

 

 

The Lake Ol Bolossat basin is host to lots of wild animals like Hippopotamus, spotted hyena. In addition, 185 species of bird have been recorded; thousands of Palearctic and African waders and waterfowl inhabit the lake.

 

 

 

 

Right by the lake is the Samawati Conservancy (our lunch stop) and if you’re looking for somewhere to stay by the lake based on purely how they look then I would recommend it.

This is not a review, I have yet to get the chance to stay there but now that I know that Samawati Conservancy exists I would love to go back.

I was able to take a tour of the property and I fell in love with what I saw. I am a sucker for all things rustic and the cottages were just my style.

If you choose to stay at Samawati there are two choices when it comes to accommodation. You can stay in the deluxe cottage, ideal for families or you can stay in a standard cottage.

 

 

The downstairs area contains the kitchen area and lounge area and a single bathroom.

 

 

A wrought iron stair case with handcrafted wooden steps leads to the upper floor.

 

 

There are 2 bedrooms; I wouldn’t necessarily call them rooms since they are beds under a nook. There is a curtain separating the bed from the general area and that’s about it for privacy.

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I loved the space because of the design and everything looks so cosy. If you want to enjoy some fresh air there is a door that leads to a small balcony that overlooks the rest of the property.

There are little elements of design here and there that show whoever designed them paid attention to detail.

 

 

The other option you have is the deluxe cottage which houses a maximum of 8 people.

 

There’s a fireplace outside, I’d imagine that it would be the perfect spot to stargaze and tell stories in the chilly night.

 

Once you walk inside there is a large lounge area that leads to an open plan kitchen. In addition to the fireplace outside, there is one in the living area too.

 

 

The kitchen is well equipped with a fridge and cooker.

 

 

 

In addition to the lounge area downstairs, there is a large bathroom equipped with a shower.

 

A staircase leads to the upper floor where all the bedrooms are. Unlike the standard cottage there is a little more privacy in the bedrooms.

There are two distinct bedrooms, the first being the master bedroom The master bedroom is en-suite with the most beautiful bathtub with a lovely view overlooking the property.

 

 

The other room contains 2 beds, one which you need to climb up a ladder to access.

 

 

In between the 2 rooms there is another lounge area with a couch and TV and tucked in a nook is another bed.

I would love to go back and stay there and when I do I’ll do a full review. If you’ve ever stayed there, do leave a comment, I would love to know how it was

Rates

Deluxe cottage at Ksh. 30,000 ($294.97) per night

6-8 adults

Extra adults 30% of the rate Children 20% of the rate

Halfboard Ksh. 38,000 ($373.63) per night

Full board Ksh. 45,000 ($442.45) per might

Standard cottage Ksh. 12,000 ($117.99) per night maximum 5 people

Halfboard Ksh. 19,500 ($191.73)

Fullboard Ksh. 22,000 ($216.31)

You can hire a cook for Ksh. 1500 per day ($14.75) but you have to bring your own supplies.

For more information you can visit their website