Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari club is a luxurious resort located in Nanyuki, Kenya. It has a rich history dating back to the late 1930s and has enjoyed frequent visitors such as Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemmingway, Charlie Chaplin, John Travolta and Conrad Hilton.

With such a great history, I could not help but be increasingly drawn to it. And finally, late last year, it was time to cross it off my bucket list.

On the day of travel, we left Nairobi for the resort at around 9:30am and after a few stopovers along the way, we arrived to find a sumptuous multi-cuisine lunch waiting for us. After lunch, I took my camera and went to explore the vast grounds.

One of the things that immediately strikes you as you start walking around is the quietness and the old English country feeling of the place. And the further you walk, past the scenic 9-hole manicured golf course, the pond, the tennis court, the private rooms and suites; the stronger the feeling becomes.

If you walk just a bit further, into the dirt road surrounded by different species of trees, with the gentle sound of a flowing river getting louder, a new feeling starts to take over; a feeling of oneness with nature.

It is here that you stop seeing the occasional shy Colobus monkey and start seeing a troop of baboons and other wildlife that tend to avoid humans. And before you know it you reach the perimeter fence. To get past that, you need to be accompanied by a guard because you will be entering into the wild part of the conservancy.

The Millennium Maze

One of the places that I found interesting was the millennium maze. It is large enough to walk around in and end up feeling lost but small enough to find your way back. That is with a bit of patience. Though from the stories I heard, some people would get lost and have to call the staff to help them get out. So if you are one to panic easily, it’s better you don’t go alone.

Animal Orphanage

Located within the grounds of the resort, the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and Animal Orphanage is home to animals that were orphaned or injured and that couldn’t survive on their own in the wild.

After visiting a number of animal orphanages, I wasn’t too thrilled about visiting this one. I honestly didn’t think I would see or experience anything new. But after my friend insisted, I decided to accompany him. And I’m glad I did because this turned out to be the highlight of my entire stay.

Most of the animals were free to roam around and you can simply walk up to them, touch and feed them. Some of the monkeys jump on your shoulders and eat right off your hand. That’s if you will allow them.

The best part of visit was interacting with the cheetah. Though it took quite a bit of convincing for me to even consider stroking it but the experience that follows is worth it.

You also get to see different rare species from around the world including the world’s smallest antelope. It’s smaller than a rabbit. Imagine that!

All in all, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari club offers a great luxurious experience for anyone looking to get away from the bustle and hustle of everyday life. And with plenty of activities both in and outside the resort, you will be guaranteed a wonderful stay.