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 Olbolossat_Boat

 

Lake Olbolossat_Bench

 

Lake Olbolossat_Man

 

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.

Lake Olbolossat_Scenery3

 

Lake Olbolossat_Scenery1

 

Lake Olbolossat_Flower

 

Lake Olbolossat_Tractor

 

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.

Lake Olbolossat_Bird

 

Lake Olbolossat_Bird in flight1

 

Lake Olbolossat_Bird in flight

 

Lake Olbolossat_Superb Sterling

 

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.

Samawati Conservancy_Standard Cabin

 

Samawati Conservancy_Standard cabin entrance

 

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

Samawati Conservancy_Standard cabin living room

 

Samawati Conservancy_standard cottage shower

 

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

Samawati Conservancy_Standard Cabin Staircase

 

Samawati Conservancy_srandard cottage steps

 

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.

Samawati Conservancy_Standard cabin bedroom

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Samawati Conservancy_Standard Cabin bedroom1

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.

Samawati Conservancy_decor

 

Samawati Conservancy_decor1

 

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

Samawati Conservancy_Deluxe cabin

 

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

Samawati Conservancy_Deluxe cabin fireplace

 

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.

Samawati Conservancy_Deluxe cabin fireplace (2)

 

Samawati Conservancy_living room1

 

The kitchen is well equipped with a fridge and cooker.

Samawati Conservancy_Deluxe cabin kitchen

 

Samawati Conservancy_deluxe cottage fridge

 

Samawati Conservancy_deluxe cottage kitchen area

 

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

Samawati Conservancy_deluxe cottage bathroom downstairs

 

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.

Samawati Conservancy_Deluxe cabin Master bedroom

 

Samawati Conservancy_Deluxe cabin master bathroom

 

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

Samawati Conservancy_Deluxe cabin bedroom

 

Samawati Conservancy_Deluxe cabin bedroom (2)

 

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

Samawati Conservancy_Deluxe cottage 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

 

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13 Comments

  1. March 29, 2016 at 3:08 pm — Reply

    Another amazing location. Those bird shots just before the buildings are my favorite on the page. I voted for you for the BAKE awards 🙂

  2. March 29, 2016 at 3:56 pm — Reply

    Lovely post as always. I stayed here many years ago although I believe it was called something else at the time.th

    • March 30, 2016 at 11:10 am — Reply

      I believe it was called Kichakani Cabins.

      • March 31, 2016 at 5:42 pm — Reply

        This is not Kichakani but Samawati cottages. Kichakani is our neighbour.

        We apologize for the confusion

  3. April 8, 2016 at 2:53 am — Reply

    Ok – that bathtub has me sold! I’d get some bubbles going and read a good book. This looks like such a peaceful place to retreat to. And the lake looks so calm that I would never guess that it’s home to so much wildlife.

  4. April 8, 2016 at 4:42 pm — Reply

    What an awesome place! Surely an abundance of birds and wildlife. Great lodge, too. I can’t picture where it is exactly. #wkendtravelinspiration

  5. June 3, 2016 at 12:22 pm — Reply

    The cottages are beautiful!
    Xx
    https://whisperywind.com/

  6. September 14, 2016 at 6:05 pm — Reply

    Those are just but beautiful and wonderful sites i love watching nature and feel this is an ideal place for me

    • October 10, 2016 at 2:13 pm — Reply

      Indeed they are.You should visit sometime.

  7. Christine
    June 1, 2017 at 5:38 pm — Reply

    I had the time of my life at Samawati… Great place, great people awesome ambience… I saw a shooting star, hanged out with Elisheba to learn more about this fantastic place…
    The food was great. The cottages are literally a work of art
    We got to see a dozen hippos in two different schools….
    Wow I would visit this place over and over again.. Two enthusiastic thumbs up! May 2018

  8. Wacuka
    December 3, 2020 at 2:13 pm — Reply

    Hello, I have noticed these posts are from 4 years ago, and wondered whether Samawati Conservancy is still operating. And if so, if you could kindly send me their contacts, please. Thanks in advance.

  9. Pacific
    January 20, 2021 at 9:48 am — Reply

    Wow I really like this place is amazing but I would like to know the price per night for 2people in a standard room with only breakfast

  10. May 16, 2024 at 6:57 pm — Reply

    This is a well written article with all the necessary information

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