Castle Forest Lodge is an eco-friendly hotel built deep within the lush forest on the southern slopes of Mount Kenya, offering a serene retreat surrounded by natural beauty. Situated amidst a verdant rainforest, the lodge boasts breathtaking views of the valley on one side and the majestic peaks of Mount Kenya on the other.
In the main house, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at set hours, with a daily changing menu. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day from the well-stocked bar. A charming living room with a crackling fireplace provides a cosy space to relax on rainy days, while the leisure veranda offers an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the mystical ambience of the Indigenous rainforest.
The lodge’s accommodations are exquisitely decorated, spacious, and meticulously clean, offering a comfortable retreat amidst the chilly nights. Each hut features a fireplace, lit nightly by the lodge staff, ensuring warmth and cosiness for guests. The restaurant, located in the original English colonial-style house, offers delicious meals blending local and European flavours, creating a memorable dining experience.
The lodge’s caring staff goes above and beyond to ensure guests have a pleasant stay, from tending to cottage fires to preparing sumptuous meals. Additionally, the lodge prioritizes eco-friendly practices, generating power through solar and micro-hydro systems and actively seeking ways to reduce energy and water consumption.
The accommodation types at Castle Forest Lodge include:
- Cottages: Round huts for one or two people with a double or two single beds, each with its theme, private en-suite shower and toilet, and a fireplace.
- Bungalows: Two standard bungalows in the original style and one “Luxury” bungalow recently renovated, each with two bedrooms, a living room with fireplace, a veranda overlooking the fields, forest, and valley, and a shower and toilet.
- Chalets: Two freestanding chalets offering ample space, a fully equipped kitchen, a large living room, and a splendid view of Mount Kenya.
- Chalet Montane: Sleeps 4, with additional space for extra beds or mattresses.
- Chalet Telluride: Spacious cabin with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
- Budget Rooms: Three rooms in the main house, built in 1910, including one double and two twins, sharing a shower and toilet, and located above the kitchen, bar, and restaurant.
- Camping: Ample camping space is available in a separate field, with clean toilets, hot showers, and a large hall with tables and chairs. Firewood is provided at an additional cost.
Location
As an eco-tourism facility located on the southern slopes of Mount Kenya, Castle Forest Lodge is committed to maintaining the delicate ecological balance of its natural surroundings. The lodge actively engages with neighbouring communities, sourcing human resources and supplies locally, and contributing to the sustainable development of the region.
Steeped in history, the main house, built in 1910, is constructed with river stones and wood from the surrounding forest and rivers. It is rumoured that both Queen Elizabeth and President Jomo Kenyatta visited the lodge during their student years. In 2000, Castle Forest Lodge underwent renovations to accommodate over thirty guests, preserving its historical charm while offering modern comforts.
Accommodation options at the lodge include cottages, bungalows, chalets, budget rooms, and camping facilities, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. Each accommodation type is thoughtfully designed and equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable stay amidst the tranquillity of the forest.
Whether indulging in guided walks, trout fishing, or simply unwinding amidst nature’s embrace, Castle Forest Lodge offers a unique and unforgettable experience, inviting guests to reconnect with the natural world and create cherished memories in the heart of Mount Kenya’s wilderness.
