The most famous thing about West Tsavo Park is the Kilaguni Lodge. It is now part of the famous Serena chain, which is central to the park. Kilaguni is a Kamba word, a vernacular language in Kenya, meaning “the place of the young rhino.” This lodge was the very first and the only permanent accommodation for a long time in a wildlife reserve or a national park of Kenya. His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, officially opened this world-class establishment in West Tsavo in 1962 and is now a flying blue programme member. Staying there is an out-of-the-world experience.

Once upon a time of great hardship, loneliness, and adventure, in Deighton Downs, at the foothills of Aberdare and Mount Kenya and overlooking the Laikipia plains, lived a young African man. His name is George Waititu who is now the former Managing Director of Steadman. As he grew up enveloped in the wilderness, an immortal dream came unto him to convert an impoverished rural community. That idea became the exclusive Tafaria Castle established in 2012. Hence, it is fair to say that it was George Waititu’s motivation that paved the way for the existence of Tafaria Castle and Country Lodge.

Amidst the thicket of canopy trees and shrubs, a few kilometers from Nakuru town, lies the fascinating and magnificent Lord Egerton’s mansion. He built it in 1952. Love inspired its existence. The castle casts its shadow on its lush lawn as well as the chiseled boulders dotting its stairways. Love is so impactful that it can move people’s hearts even to build luxurious castles. The Egerton Castle of Nakuru in Kenya tells a love story albeit without a fairy tale ending because Lord Maurice Egerton lived until 1958 as a loner in the castle. Eventually, he died a sad death.

Joy Adamson was a wildlife preservationist and naturalist who spent forty years living on the game reserves of Kenya. She became deeply involved in wildlife preservation activities and is known for the films and books depicting her work in Kenya, especially her book Born Free and Spotted Sphinx. Elsamere in Naivasha is the former home of Joy Adamson, operating now as a museum dedicated to her with the original editions of her books – Born Free – and her paintings on display. The real treat at Elsamere is the afternoon tea set amid flowerbeds and lawns that attract plentiful monkeys and birds.

The area surrounding Thomsons Falls in Nyahururu palpitates with such vibes as to allow any visitor a unique experience. It is unlike any other place in Kenya. The constant sound of the falls, twittering of the birds, chirping of the monkeys, and the enchanting view would make anyone feel closer to nature than at any other time and place. The hippo pool at the equator never ceases to amaze visitors. As one marvels at the wonders of the environment, it is quite natural to feel overwhelmed. The tourism industry has also not given it the credit that it truly deserves.