House of Waine | Nairobi
HOUSE of WAINE has 11 bedrooms and a 2-bedroom cottage set on 2.5 acres that blends the elegance of gracious living with The Spirit of Modern Africa in an exclusive and serene setting. Our aim is to provide our guests with an experience that exceeds all their expectations of city hotels and is punctuated by personalized, friendly and excellent service and cuisine in beautiful surroundings.
Located in the peace and quiet of Karen, House of Waine still retains much of the charm of a family home. Guests are assured of a relaxed and informal atmosphere where they can be free to do as much or as little as they like. Upon entering the gates one is transported to another place, one with a gentler, quieter pace, a private retreat where the only noise one will usually hear will the be the sound of the local birdlife.
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Our 10 Standard rooms are all individually styled and then named to reflect their different themes ensuring that no two are exactly alike.
•4 of our bedrooms can be single, double or twin rooms with 6 of which can be triples as well.
•Each bedroom features a large marble bathroom with plenty of natural light through the large windows.
•Most bathrooms have a separate shower and bath (with the exception of 1 which feature only a shower) and all have a complete range of toiletries, hairdryers and bathroom telephone.
Our guests can be assured that they will enjoy the same standard of facilities in their room as they would in a larger city hotel. These include:
•Free Wi-Fi
•Televisions in each room with local and satellite channels
•Direct dial telephones
•Complimentary non-alcoholic mini bar
•Mini safe
•Tea and coffee making facilities with fresh milk and freshly ground coffee delivered daily
•Complimentary pastries daily
•Air conditioning in all rooms
•Hair dryer
“Malaika” is a Swahili word for an angel which explains why this suite is associated with perfection. This suite is also known as the Superior suite, with the fact that it is extremely spacious, with two lounge areas, a separate dressing room, an overly spacious bathroom ensuite with a unique spherical shaped bath tub and balcony with a view of the swimming pool and the utterly landscaped beautiful gardens.
The cosy Cottage sleeps 3, a double in the master room complete with a fireplace and a single. The Cottage has an open plan lounge (with a fireplace), Dining room, Kitchen and private garden.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Iron / Ironing Board, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Art Galleries, Big 5, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Rides, Hiking, Massages, Museums, Safaris, Squash Court, Tennis Court, Wildlife Tours
It is located at Langata, approximately 3 kilometers from House of Waine. It is the creation of a Kenyan
conservation organization, the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). It was established in order to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, that is found only in the grasslands of East Africa.
The main attraction for visitors is feeding giraffes from a raised observation platform. The centre is also
home to several warthogs which freely roam the area along with the giraffes.
They have three types of Giraffes: Reticulated Giraffe, Masai Giraffe and the Rothschild Giraffe.
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm 7 days a week.
Sheldrick is a Kenyan wildlife conservation charity founded in 1977 in memory of David Sheldrick by his widow Daphne Sheldrick. It assists and advises the Kenya Wildlife Service and manages an orphanage for elephants and rhinos.
One can also adopt an Elephant at a cost of USD 50 per year upon prior booking.
It is located approximately 20 minutes from House of Waine and is open daily from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. At this time you watch them being fed with the normal human children formulae milk.
Charges are Kshs. 500 per person both local and international.
Kazuri Bead Factory is situated 1 km and is approximately a 15 minutes walk from House of Waine – “a stones-throw away” from Karen Blixen Museum.
Originally founded by the late Lady Susan Wood in 1975, she created employment for struggling single mothers in the community. Kazuri is still located in its’ original setting in Karen, so far the workshop has now employed over 300 local women. Kazuri Beads specialize on Hand Made Ceramic Beads, Pottery and Genuine Leather Bags.
Kazuri Beads Shop opening hours are as follows: Sundays 9:00am to 4:00pm, Mondays to Saturdays from 8:30am am to 6:00pm. Karen Workshop closes Mon to Sat at 6.00pm and Sundays at 5.00pm.
Utamaduni Crafts Centre is located on Bogani East Road between Ostrich Park and Giraffe Centre in Langata open from 10am to 6pm daily. Utamaduni Crafts Centre is situated 5 Minutes from House of Waine. There are about eighteen individual Craft Shops in one large house offering a wealth of Kenyan Culture.
The centre offers antiques, wood carvings, bronze items, and jewellery of the highest quality. Utamaduni means “cultural heritage” and is a converted house containing (about 18) arts and crafts shops including:
cKisii Soapstone
- African Fabrics
- Men's Boutique
- Beaded Glassware
- An African coffee table book shop
- Antique African silver & gold jewelry
- Crafts made by ex-Nairobi street children
- A variety of beautiful Kenyan Kiondos (Baskets)
Utamaduni Craft Centre in Nairobi is the best place to buy souvenirs.
The museum is situated in the upscale Nairobi suburb of "Karen," a town that was created by the parceling out of the coffee farm's land after Blixen's return to Denmark. Itis also the former African home of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her book Out of Africa which chronicles life at the estate.
The Karen Blixen Museum is located 1km from House of Waine and is open every day between 9:30am and 6:00pm, including on weekends and public holidays.
Visitors have the opportunity to take part in continuously offered guided tours of the house, which features rooms designed in both the original decor and with props from the 1985 film. The grounds, which feature original equipment from the coffee farm, are also available for touring. There is also a gift shop. The grounds of the museum are available to rent for weddings, corporate functions, and other events.
Charges :100 Kshs per person-Residents & USD 10 Per Person Non-Residents.
The Museum is open from 9:30am to 6:00pm
With a beautiful view of our heated swimming pool, it is ideal for lunches and cocktail parties.
The Dining room offers a varied menu that reflects the diversity to be found in Nairobi today ensuring that guests find something they enjoy from the various options.
With beautiful view of the garden, the terrace offers an opportunity to view the bird life as they enjoy their breakfast as well.
Right by the fire place
Right in the middle of our beautifully landscaped gardens
The Main Bar
Your Stay
2 Nights
Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
5 Star
Guest House
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 12
Special Interests: Big 5, Flora, Golf, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Wildlife
Porini Amboseli Camp | Selenkay Conservancy
This award-winning safari camp is set in the Amboseli eco-system within the exclusive Selenkay Conservancy– an important wildlife dispersal area for wildlife moving out of Amboseli National Park. The private conservation area ensures the best possible game viewing in proper off-road safari vehicles, off the beaten track and away from other tourist vans and minibuses.
Porini Amboseli Safari Camp is small – with just 10 spacious guest tents – and retains all the charm and feel of the traditional mobile safari camps of days gone by. The tents are tastefully furnished and have solar powered electric lighting with en suite bathrooms including shower, wash basin and flush toilet. One of the tents is a a family unit consisting of of two rooms with a lounge in between
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Porini Tent
Porini Amboseli Camp has just 10 guest tents.
The tents are spacious and have private verandas along the length of the tent, providing a private 'space' for you to relax and enjoy the beauty of this African wilderness. The tents are comfortable and unfussy, fitted with wooden furniture and beds with comfortable mattresses with cosy duvets and blankets and soft rugs on the vinyl floors. These are traditionally themed safari canvas tents large, bright (three of the four walls are made of mosquito screen) and comfortably functional – perfect for people who want a tented camp experience without frills.
Each tent contains a double and single bed with bedside tables with LED solar bed side lamps, torch, wardrobe for hanging your clothes, luggage rack, en-suite toilet with bucket walk-in shower and wash basin sink, writing desk with solar lamp and carpets on the floor. Chairs and table on veranda for relaxing. Hot water bottles in each bed keep you warm on chilly nights.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Restaurant
Room Facilities
En-Suite, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary)
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
On one of the days during your stay, you will be escorted on a walk by Maasai warriors to a village to get an insight into their fascinating culture and way of life. Then take a game drive in the camp’s open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle into the conservancy, stopping for a sundowner at a scenic spot overlooking Kilimanjaro, followed by a night game drive to look for nocturnal animals such as aardvarks, serval cats, caracals, bat-eared foxes, African wild cats, and other species.
Shared game drives with excellent guides in the Selenkay Conservancy and in the Amboseli National Park, a full day (with picnic lunch) spent in the National Park , an escorted walk with Maasai warriors to visit an authentic Maasai village to learn the way of life of the Maasai community. Night game drives in the Selenkay Conservancy to seek out the nocturnal animals. Sundowners at scenic spots.
Mess Tent
Porini Amboseli Camp offers fully-inclusive meal plan that caters for all meals, drinks (gin, vodka, wine, beer, sodas and mineral water). The dining and lounge tent is furnished in a neutral, modern style, with wood-frame armchairs, coffee tables and rugs. Coffee in a thermos and tea-making requisites are always on hand. The meals are crafted to complement the authenticity of the safari experience. All meals are served on a set menu basis, with warming hearty breakfast in the morning, light invigorating lunches and three course dinners served in the mess tent. Bush breakfasts or lunches are also typically part of the experience and usually in a scenic setting or in one of the wildlife viewing platforms, depending on the weather. The camp caters for all dietary requirements; guests with special or specific dietary requirements are requested to advice the camp upon booking confirmation.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Elephant Bedroom Camp | Samburu National Reserve
An intimate tented camp with simplistic elegance, luxury and style providing an astonishing safari experience.
Elephant Bedroom Camp offers luxury in a setting of breath taking beauty. It is set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and shaded by Doum palms and other trees that make up this green belt of riverine forest in Samburu National Reserve.
The surrounding Samburu National Reserve is an area of spectacular scenery; its dry plains bisected by the meandering river, with the backdrop of Africa's dramatic mountains, including Mt Kenya.
The 14 spacious tents have rustic and colorful African touches, offering all the comforts; including a private plunge pool on the deck, hot and cold running water, electricity (and complimentary herbal shower and bath products.)
The lounge and dining area is decorated with vibrant safari style, its soft intimate lighting assuring that this is the ultimate place to relax in between exciting game drives. Elephant, Monkeys, Impalas are amongst the camp's many regular wild visitors, whilst Samburu National Reserve has a good number of lions and leopards and offers the opportunity to see many species endemic to northern Kenya.
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Elephant Bedroom Camp - Samburu
King Size Double Beds and Queen Size Twin Beds each with a private plunge pool
Ensuite deluxe tented rooms each with private plunge pool
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Internet Access (Complimentary), Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Lounge Area, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Shower, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Room Service
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Walks, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Hiking, Massages, Safaris
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 12
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Watersports, Wildlife
Governors' Camp | Masai Mara National Reserve
Governors’ Camp is Africa’s first permanent luxury tented camp, remaining in its original site since 1972. It occupies the best wildlife viewing location in the Reserve, nestled in the riverine forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, its waters teeming with bird-life, hippos and crocodiles. It is perfect for couples, families and friends wanting to experience the best of what a safari in the Masai Mara has to offer.
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Governors' Camp Virtual Tour
The camp is located right in the heart of the best game viewing area of the Masai Mara. There are 16 'classic safari tents' (twins and doubles), all facing on to the Mara River. The tents are big, bright and allow in lots of natural light. All the tents have been designed in the classic safari style, each with en-suite bathrooms and a private verandah.
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Drinking Water Filtration System, En Suite Bathroom, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Shower, Verandah
We are delighted to share an early preview of our new family-style accommodation at Governors' Camp (ready by the 1st of June this year). Shaded by riverine forest and offering spectacular views across the open plains, five spacious tents will replace the original eight with enhanced privacy and comfort. Two units are wheelchair friendly, with a ramp and supporting grab rails for guests with mobility challenges.
Each family tent features a (fixed) double bed on one side and a twin on the other, with the option to add a third single bed for larger groups. The twin room can also be converted into a double - perfect for two couples sharing. A central living area seamlessly connects the two bedrooms, while a wide verandah with outdoor furniture ensures you stay close to the action at all times. Please note that the interiors and colour scheme are for guideline purposes only.
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Drinking Water Filtration System, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Family Safari Tent, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Safe, Shower, Table, Twin Bed, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Perched on a bend of the Mara River, this is a lovely suite for honeymooners.
One of our classic safari tents has a ramp for wheelchair access and a specially modified bathroom to offer complete assistance. The flooring inside the tent is level, and the tent is spacious enough to manoeuvre a wheelchair around comfortably.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Massages, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
Governors’ Camp properties combine the best locations in the Masai Mara with the best-designed vehicles and exceptionally highly trained and experienced guides to give our clients un-matched game-viewing and photographic opportunities in the world’s prime wildlife area.
We are in the heart of the best game viewing area of the Masai Mara; we take you out twice a day into the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve and surrounding areas. Our driver-guides are hand-picked and nurtured by us. They undergo a continuous guide training scheme mentored by experts in the field. Having operated in the Masai Mara for 50 years, our driver-guides have an un-paralleled knowledge of the reserve combined with a deep understanding and respect for the importance of this wilderness area, its flora and its fauna.
Game drives are included in the accommodation rate.
For those looking for an adventure of a different kind, we suggest a magical hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara.
The adventure begins just before dawn. Departure is from a launch site behind Little Governors’ Camp. Guests assemble at the launch site for a briefing as the flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crews inflate their craft. As the dawn breaks, the hot air balloon fills and then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-coloured canopy, you’re off for a wildlife viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective.
What amazes most first-time balloonists is the absolute stillness – the silence as you float above the plains, the forest and the rivers of the Masai Mara.
After about an hour or so, your balloon safari finishes with a flourish. In the time-honoured tradition of balloon flights the world over, toast your return to earth with sparkling wine and enjoy a delicious breakfast that is set up and served at a very special spot. The experience ends with a game drive back to your camp.
There is an extra cost for a hot air balloon safari and the price depends on the time of year.
For a very unique experience, enjoy the excitement of a bush dinner in the wild. You will arrive at a special secluded location on the banks of the Mara river. A welcoming drink awaits by the warming campfire, followed by a delicious meal prepared by our Bush chefs, served under the stars, with the soft lights of safari lanterns and accompanied by the sounds of the African night and the grunting Mara river hippos.
Bush breakfasts and bush lunches are also available. Please try to book bush meals in advance. Costs: bush breakfasts and lunches USD $75 per person, bush dinners USD $92 per person
After your late afternoon game drive, end the day with a 'sundowner' at our very special spot on the banks of the Mara River. Our team will have set up a traditional 'safari bar' ahead of your arrival.
Sundowners are included in the nightly rate but premium drinks are extra.
The Masai people of East Africa are a striking image, synonymous with safari. A proud people with many traditional practices still very much alive in their culture. Visit a local Masai village and learn about who they are in their own words.
Entry to the Maasai village is currently USD $40 per person and is paid directly to the community.
Since the beginning of the 20th Century the cheetah population has fallen dramatically from 100'000 individuals to 7'500 individuals with human activity a major cause. It is therefore important to understand the cheetah-human interface, which is one of the key works of the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project, led by Dr. Elena Chelyseva.
Our Governors' Guides play a critical role in the data collection for Dr. Elena and her team, reporting through sightings and behaviour observations of cheetah spotted. Dr Elena enjoys sharing her expertise on the cheetahs in the area with our guests through talks or by accompanying guests game drives.
Please let us know if you would like to pre-book a talk or a guided game drive with Elena when booking your safari. There is a minimum donation requirement of USD $500 for a presentation in camp.
Visits to our responsible tourism projects can be organised from camp. Mara Rianda Primary School and Mara Rianda Medical Centre are two inspirational projects supported by Governors’ Camps.
There is no extra charge for this activity but donations to any of the projects are welcome.
On arrival at Governors’ Camp, you will notice our numerous little furry friends - the dwarf and banded mongoose - who are well-loved members of our famous "cast of characters"! We wanted to celebrate these entertaining critters by naming our kid’s club after them, so the Governors’ Mongoose Club was formed.
The idea behind this club is to educate and inspire our youngest visitors in ways they would never have access to in their mainstream schooling systems abroad. Game drives are, of course, extraordinary experiences in themselves to be shared with family, but there is so much more for your children to take away from their Kenyan safari.
The activities are designed to be fun and informative; we know these experiences will provide your children with lifetime memories. You, as the parents, can take some well-deserved timeout, enjoy a spa treatment, read a book, or have a siesta while our friendly team keeps your children as entertained and educated as they would like to be, whilst, of course, ensuring their complete safety at all times. Please note that the Mongoose Club is only available at Governors’ Camp.
Included in the accommodation price.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 24
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
