Why the highlands are perfect at Christmas

• A real Christmas atmosphere: cool evenings, warm blankets and a fire make the highlands feel surprisingly festive
• Your own home for the holidays: cook your own Christmas dinner, open presents in your cottage and celebrate the way you like
• Room for the whole family: our cottages can be combined, so grandparents, parents and kids can celebrate together while everyone keeps their own space
• Close to Nairobi: no long journey, no flights, no stress
• Peace and quiet: wide open landscapes instead of crowded holiday destinations

From Jamhuri Day to New Year

The Kenyan holiday season offers several opportunities for a break in the highlands. Jamhuri Day on 12 December is a great occasion for a first long weekend before Christmas. Over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, many families have a few days off together. And the days between Christmas and New Year are ideal for a longer stay, when the city is quiet and there is finally time to slow down.

Christmas on the farm

Self-catering gives you complete freedom over the holidays. Prepare a festive dinner in your fully equipped kitchen, bake Christmas cookies with the kids or simply keep things easy. And if you would rather not cook every day, the restaurant and café on Sandai Farm are right there for you.

Between the festive meals, there is plenty to do on the farm:

• Horseback riding through the open countryside
• Archery for the whole family
• Yoga to start the day calmly
• Foot reflexology massages to recover from the Christmas rush
• Billiards and table football for long evenings
• Walks, birdwatching or simply doing nothing at all

Day trips between the holidays

The days between Christmas and New Year are perfect for exploring the region. Visit the rhinos at Solio Rhino Sanctuary, less than an hour from the farm, or discover the forests and waterfalls of Aberdare National Park. All safaris and day trips can be arranged directly from Sandai.

New Year’s Eve under the stars

Far away from city lights, New Year’s Eve on Sandai is something special. Celebrate with family and friends in your cottage, light the fire and watch the stars over the highlands. A quiet, relaxed start into the new year, and on a clear morning, Mount Kenya might just greet you on the first day of the year.

Which cottage for your holidays?

For couples: the roundhouses Azizi & Zawadi are a cosy retreat for two over the holidays.

For families: the medium-sized cottages Makena & Chui sleep 4+2 each. Located side by side, they are ideal for two families celebrating together.

For big family gatherings: our large cottage Punda Milia sleeps up to 8, perfect for Christmas with the extended family.

Tips for Christmas on Sandai

• Book early: the holiday season is our busiest time of the year, and the cottages fill up quickly.
• Plan your groceries: shops may have reduced opening hours over the holidays, so stock up in Nyeri on your way to the farm.
• Pack warm clothes: evenings and nights in the highlands can be chilly.
• Bring the dog: pets are welcome in our cottages, so nobody has to stay home.
• Reserve activities in advance: horse rides and massages are popular over the holidays.

Kenyan residents benefit from special resident rates for our cottages.

Book your Christmas in the highlands

Want to spend this Christmas somewhere different? Check availability for the holidays now. We look forward to celebrating the season with you on Sandai. Merry Christmas and Karibu!

The post Christmas and New Year in the Kenyan Highlands appeared first on Self Catering Cottages Kenya.

Why Sandai is the ideal base for the Aberdares

• Close to the park: the park headquarters are located in Mweiga, near Sandai Farm
• Your own cottage: cook when you like, set off early for a game drive and come back whenever you want
• Safaris arranged for you: day trips into the Aberdares can be organised directly from Sandai, including transport and guides
• More than a place to sleep: horseback riding, yoga, archery, a restaurant and café on the farm
• Between two mountains: the Aberdares on one side, Mount Kenya on the other

Aberdare National Park at a glance

Established in 1950, Aberdare National Park protects part of the Aberdare Range in Central Kenya. The park rises from around 2,000 metres to over 4,000 metres above sea level. This creates a series of very different landscapes: dense montane forest and bamboo on the lower slopes, open moorland higher up, and deep valleys where rivers plunge over spectacular waterfalls. Thanks to the altitude, the climate is cool and often misty, which gives the park its unique atmosphere.

Highlights of the Aberdares

Waterfalls

The waterfalls are the signature of the Aberdares. Karuru Falls is the tallest waterfall in Kenya and drops in three stages through a forested gorge. On the opposite side of the same gorge lies Gura Falls. Chania Falls and Magura Falls are also well worth a visit, and at some of the falls you can leave your vehicle and walk to viewpoints.

Wildlife in the forest

Instead of open plains, animals move through thick forest here, which makes every sighting special. The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, leopards and black rhinos, as well as bushbucks, waterbucks and giant forest hogs. Its most famous resident is the rare mountain bongo, a shy forest antelope found in very few places in Africa.

Birdwatching

With more than 250 recorded bird species, the Aberdares are one of Kenya’s important birding areas. Look out for crowned eagles, sunbirds and colourful turacos in the forest.

Hiking and trout fishing

The high peaks of the range offer challenging hikes, and the park’s rivers are known for trout fishing. A fishing licence is required and can be obtained at the park headquarters.

A touch of history

The Aberdares are also home to Treetops, the famous lodge where Princess Elizabeth became Queen in 1952 after learning of her father’s death.

Tips for your visit

• Four-wheel drive: roads in the park can become difficult, especially after rain. A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended, or let us arrange a guided trip for you.
• Plan a full day: the waterfalls lie in the higher parts of the park. Start early to have enough time.
• Warm clothes: at higher altitudes it can be cold and foggy, even during the day.
• Best time to visit: the drier months, roughly January to February and June to September, are usually best for game viewing and road conditions.
• Park fees: please check current entrance fees and payment options with the Kenya Wildlife Service before your visit.

Combine it with Solio Rhino Sanctuary

Less than an hour from Sandai lies Solio Rhino Sanctuary, one of Africa’s oldest and most successful rhino sanctuaries. While the Aberdares are all about forest and waterfalls, Solio offers open grassland and excellent chances to see both black and white rhinos. Staying on Sandai, you can easily explore both on separate days. Further day trips and safaris are also available from the farm.

Our cottages near the Aberdares

For couples: the roundhouses Azizi & Zawadi are cosy Kenyan-style cottages for two.

For families: the medium-sized cottages Makena & Chui sleep 4+2 each and can be booked together.

For groups: our large cottage Punda Milia sleeps up to 8.

Coming from Nairobi? Read our tips for a weekend getaway from Nairobi.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Sandai Farm from Aberdare National Park?

Sandai lies near Mweiga, where the park headquarters are located. The park is just a short drive from the farm.

Can I visit the Aberdares without my own 4×4?

Yes. Guided day trips into the park can be arranged directly from Sandai, including transport and a guide.

Is one day enough for Aberdare National Park?

One full day is enough to see the waterfalls and do a game drive in the forest. If you want to hike or go fishing, plan an extra day.

Are there special rates for Kenyan residents?

Yes, we offer resident rates for our cottages.

Book your stay near the Aberdares

Ready to explore forests, waterfalls and rhinos? Check availability for your dates. We look forward to welcoming you to Sandai. Karibu!

The post Accommodation near Aberdare National Park appeared first on Self Catering Cottages Kenya.

Why Sandai is the perfect weekend escape from Nairobi

• Close enough for a weekend: about 3 hours by road, near Mweiga in Nyeri County
• Self-catering, but never on your own: cook when you like, or enjoy the restaurant and café on the farm
• Plenty to do, or nothing at all: horseback riding, archery, yoga, foot reflexology massages, billiards and table football
• Kids and pets welcome: bring the whole family, including the dog
• Space: lots of it. Room to breathe, walk and slow down

Getting there from Nairobi

Sandai Farm lies near Mweiga, north of Nyeri, and the drive from Nairobi takes about 3 hours. Leave the city early on Friday afternoon to beat the traffic and arrive in daylight. Detailed directions to Sandai Farm are available on our main website. Travelling without a car? On request, we can arrange a pickup.

A weekend on Sandai: how it could look

Friday: arrive and switch off

Drive up from Nairobi, stop for groceries on the way and settle into your cottage. Light the fire, cook a simple dinner and enjoy the quiet of the highlands. No city lights, just stars.

Saturday: enjoy the farm

Start the day with yoga, then head out on horseback through the open countryside. After lunch, try your hand at archery, book a foot reflexology massage or simply read on the veranda. In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at the restaurant. No cooking, no dishes.

Sunday: a morning with rhinos

Before heading home, visit the Solio Rhino Sanctuary, less than an hour from the farm and one of Africa’s oldest rhino sanctuaries. Alternatively, explore the forests and waterfalls of Aberdare National Park. Then drive back to Nairobi, relaxed and recharged.

Make it a long weekend

With an extra day, there is time for more. Combine your stay with a visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the last northern white rhinos, or simply enjoy another lazy day on the farm with views of Mount Kenya on clear mornings. All safaris and day trips can be arranged directly from Sandai.

Kenyan public holidays are the perfect opportunity for a long weekend in the highlands, for example over Easter, around Labour Day, Madaraka Day, Mashujaa Day or Jamhuri Day, or between Christmas and New Year. These dates tend to book up early, so enquire in good time.

Which cottage suits your weekend?

For couples: the roundhouses Azizi & Zawadi are cosy Kenyan-style cottages and the perfect weekend getaway for two.

For families: the medium-sized cottages Makena & Chui sleep 4+2 each. Located side by side, they can be booked together for two families or friends travelling together.

For groups: our large cottage Punda Milia sleeps up to 8 and is ideal for a weekend with friends or the extended family.

Tips for your self-catering weekend

• Stock up on the way: Nyeri is a good place to buy groceries before you reach the farm.
• Pack warm clothes: evenings in the highlands can be cool, which makes the fireplace all the more inviting.
• Book activities ahead: let us know in advance if you would like to go horse riding or book a massage.
• Bring the dog: pets are welcome in our cottages.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Sandai Farm from Nairobi?

The drive takes about 3 hours. Sandai lies near Mweiga, north of Nyeri, between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya.

Can we eat at the farm instead of cooking?

Yes, the restaurant and café on Sandai Farm are open to self-catering guests too.

Are there special rates for Kenyan residents?

Yes, we offer resident rates for our cottages.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, pets are welcome in our self-catering cottages.

Plan your weekend getaway

Ready to swap the city for the highlands? Check availability for your preferred dates. We look forward to welcoming you to Sandai. Karibu!

The post Weekend Getaway from Nairobi: Self-Catering on a Farm in the Highlands appeared first on Self Catering Cottages Kenya.