A visit to KWS Parks & Reserves will make you the visitor feel alive, rejuvenated, and have your mind batteries recharged! Set in the quietude of nature, KWS offers a wide range of self-catering accommodation options, especially for the budget traveler.
Whether you are looking to get away from the daily grind of life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city in the serenity of the bush, or just to soak in your senses and reconnect with nature, KWS bandas and guest houses offer the perfect ambiance.
Come and spend a night or two in our cottages. Nourish both body and soul as you take in the clean crisp air. Catch an early morning or a late afternoon game drive in the plains through the rugged and varying terrain teeming with abundant wildlife and adventurous experiences.
Unwind and enjoy uncrowded spaces and places as you catch up with loved ones.
ABEDARE NATIONAL PARK
The park is readily accessible on tarmac from Nyeri and Nyanyuki on the Eastern side about 150 km from Nairobi. Or via Rhino, Shamata, Wandare, Ruhuruini, Treetops Ark, Kiandongoro, and Mutubio Gates.
Mutubio gate is the shortest route from Nairobi via Naivasha (Naivasha to Mutubio Gate is about 50km). 4WDvehicles are highly recommended all year round. The park can also be accessed by Air. The nearest Airstrip is the Mweiga Airstrip on the opposite side from the park headquarters along Nyeri-Nyahururu road near Sasini Estate Farm.
FISHING LODGE
Accommodation; 2 housing units; 7 persons per unit.
Each cabin has three bedrooms. Two bedrooms have one double and one single bed. The third bedroom has a single bed.
Amenities; Two ensuite bathrooms per cabin, furnished sitting room with a fireplace, dining area, and a kitchen equipped with gas stove, kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery, and drinking glasses. Beddings, towels, soap, and toiletries are also provided. Lighting is by kerosene lamps and solar lamps all round. A house caretaker is available.
Rates: Citizens & Residents: Kshs.14, 000/=
Non-Residents: US $ 210
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
The park can be accessed from Emali on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway Eremito gate or from Kimana through the Kimana gate. There is a road linking Tsavo West N. Park with Amboseli N. Park joining Amboseli from Kimana Gate. Can also be accessed by air. The park is served by an airstrip.
KILIMANJARO GUEST HOUSE
Accommodation; One housing unit 7 pax
1st bedroom – One double bed
2nd bedroom – One double bed
3rd bedroom – Three single beds
Amenities; Bathroom, furnished sitting area with DSTV, open plan dining area, a kitchen that is equipped with a gas stove, fridge, kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery, glasses, beddings, toiletries and electricity. A house caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 12,000/-
Non-residents US $240
KILIMANJARO ANNEX
Accommodation; 1 unit, 4 pax
Two bedrooms each with double bed
Amenities; Bathrooms, electricity, kitchen, fridge, kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery, drinking glasses, bedding and toiletries. A house caretaker is available.
Rates
Citizens & Residents Kshs. 6,000/=
Non-Residents US $ 100
SIMBA COTTAGES
Accommodation; 2 units; 2 pax per unit
One unit has one double bed and the other unit has two single beds.
Amenities; Well-equipped kitchenette, fridge, gas cooker, beddings and toiletries. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 4,000/=
Non-residents: US $ 90
CHUI COTTAGES
Accommodation; 2 units; 2 pax per unit
Each unit has a bedroom with 2 single beds
Amenities; Well-equipped kitchenette, fridge, gas cooker, bedding, and toiletries. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available.
Rates
Citizens and Residents Kshs. 4,000/=
Non-Residents US $ 90
KAKAMEGA RAIN FOREST NATIONAL RESERVE
From Kakamega town, drive 18 km towards Webuye/Eldoret route.
ISUKUTI GUEST HOUSE
Accommodation; 4 units; 3 pax per unit
Consists of one double bed and one single bed.
Amenities; A fully equipped kitchen and dining area, refrigerator and gas cooker. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available plus beddings, mosquito nets, towels and toiletries. TV with access to local channels.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 4,000/=
Non-Residents US $ 50
UDO GUEST HOUSE
Accommodation; 4 units; 2 pax per unit
Each unit has a master bedroom with two single beds and one double bed.
Amenities; A fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, refrigerator, and a gas cooker. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available plus beddings, mosquito nets, towels, and toiletries. TV with access to local channels.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 3,000/=
Non-Residents US $ 40
KISITE MPUNGUTI MARINE PARK
The Marine Park can only be reached by boat eight kilometers (8km) south of the main Shimoni Pier. The cottages are located in Shimoni town at the park headquarters which is 76km from Likoni.
SHIMONI COTTAGES
Accommodation; 7 units; 2 pax per unit
Amenities; Ensuite bathroom facilities and a communal washing area with shower. There’s also a communal dining area. Guests on request can be rovided with cooking stoves, kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery and glasses. Alternatively, guests may use the communal kitchen and dining areas equipped with chairs, tables, cooking facilities, kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery and glasses, electricity, beddings, towels and mosquito nets. A conference facility is available for hire but requires advance booking, a house caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 2,000/=
Non-Residents US $ 20
Seasonal Rates
Non-self-contained cottage:
Low season Kshs. 1,000; High season Kshs. 1,500
Self-contained cottage
Low season Kshs. 1,500; High season Kshs. 2,000
Self-contained family cottage
Low season Kshs. 2,500; High season Kshs. 3,000
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Lake Nakuru is located about one hundred and fifty-six kilometers North West of Nairobi on the main A 104 road. The park’s main gate is 4 km on the stadium road from the Nakuru Central Business District (CBD). The lake can also be accessed from the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway at Lanet and Nderit gates. The latter which is Nderit gates is commonly used by visitors accessing the park from Maasai Mara or Elementaita. The Park is accessible by air on the Naishi Airstrip near Naishi Guest House.
NAISHI GUEST HOUSE
Accommodation; Main house: 1 unit; 6 pax; Annex: 1 unit, 2pax.
The main house has two bedrooms each with one double bed and one single bed. The annex has two bedrooms each with one sing bed.
Amenities; the main house has a tastefully furnished sitting room with a log fire place, Gas cooker, fridge, kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery, and drinking glasses.
The main house also has a wash room with beddings, toiletries and kerosene lamps. The electric power for the main house is provided by a generator.
On the other hand the annex has no sitting room.
The caretaker is available for both the main house and the annex.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 16,000
Non-Residents US $ 250
MERU NATIONAL PARK
Access to Meru National Park from Nairobi is (348 Km) through the Nyeri – Nyanyuki – Meru or via Embu all-weather roads. Access to the park from Maua to Murera Gate (35km). The park is also accessible through Embu to Ura Gate 120 km. The park is served by an airstrip at Kina, Mulika next to Meru Mulika Lodge and Elsa’s Kopje airstrip.
MERU GUEST HOUSE
Accommodation; Main house: 1 unit; 5pax
Amenities; A fully equipped kitchen, refrigerator, and gas cooker. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available plus beddings, mosquito nets, towels, and toiletries.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 8,000
Non-Residents US $ 150
KINNA GUEST HOUSE
Accommodation; 1 unit; 10 pax
Contains 5 bedrooms and a separate annex.Two of the bedrooms have a double bed each with ensuite bathrooms. Two smaller bedrooms have single beds each.
The fifth bedroom has a bathroom shared with the other smaller bedrooms.
The annex has its own bathroom.
Amenities; A generator is provided from 6pm to 10 pm. Solar lighting is also provided. The guest house has a fully equipped kitchen.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 18,000
Non-Residents US $ 250
KINNA COTTAGES
Accommodation; 3 units; 2 pax per unit
Three of the cottages have one bedroom with two single beds. The fourth cottage has two bedrooms each with a double bed.
Amenities; Bathroom, beddings, mosquito nets, and toiletries.
No kitchen equipment is provided. Therefore visitors are advised to carry their own gas burner. An outdoor cooking area is provided. Lighting is by lanterns.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 3,500
Non-Residents US $ 80
KINNA COTTAGE (BIG)
Accommodation; 1 unit; 4 pax
Amenities; Bathrooms and beddings are provided. No kitchen equipment are available. Therefore visitors are advised to carry their own gas burner. An outdoor cooking area is provided. Lighting is by lanterns.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 7 000
Non-Residents US $ 160
MURERA COTTAGE
Accommodation; 6units; 3 pax per unit
Each cottage has two bedrooms each. Each bedroom has one double and one single bed. One cottage has one queen bed and a TV in each bedroom.
Amenities; No kitchen equipment is provided and therefore visitors are advised to carry their own. An open kitchen area is available outside. Alternatively, a kitchen is available at the nearby student’s hostel. Lighting is by electricity.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 3 600
Non-Residents US $ 80
MURERA COTTAGE (WITH TV)
Accommodation; 2units; 2 pax per unit
Amenities; No kitchen equipment are provided and therefore visitors are advised to carry their own. An open kitchen area is available outside. Alternatively, a kitchen is available at a nearby student’s hostel. Lighting is by electricity.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 4 000
Non-Residents US $ 80
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
The park can be accessed from Kitale town through the murram (dirt) road (13Km) off the Kitale–Suam road which leads to Mt. Elgon Lodge and Chorlim gate. Chorlim gate is the park’s main gate leading to the Mount Elgon National Park Headquarters.
KOITOBOSS GUESTHOUSE
Accommodation; 1units; 6 pax
Consists of three bedrooms each with two single beds.
Amenities; Fully furnished sitting /dining area equipped with a kitchen with a barbeque area outside. Beddings, towels, toiletries and two bathrooms. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 6 000
Non-Residents US $ 180
KAPKURO BANDAS
Accommodation; 4 units; 3 pax per unit
Consists of one bedroom with one single and one double bed.
Amenities; A kitchenette with a gas cooker, hot showers, beddings, towels and toiletries. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 3 000
Non-Residents US $ 40
MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK
From Nairobi, travel northeast on the A2 road to Thika, Karatina, and Nyeri. Turn right at Marua towards Kiganjo and Naromoru. Batian Guest House is located at Naromoru Gate 17 Km from Naromoru town. Sirimon Cottage is located at Sirimon Gate 9 Km off the Nanyuki Meru Highway and about 25 Km from Nyanyuki.
BATIAN GUEST HOUSE
Accommodation; 1 unit; 8 pax
Consists of four bedrooms. Two bedrooms with a double bed each. One bedroom with a double-decker bed. While the last bedroom has two single beds.
Amenities; Bathroom, furnished sitting room, dining area, and kitchen. Beddings, towels, and toiletries. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 10 000
Non-Residents US $ 180
SIRIMON BANDAS
Accommodation; 1 unit; 8 pax
Comprises two semidetached bandas. Each banda has two bedrooms. One with a double bed and one with two single beds.
Amenities; Furnished bandas with fully equipped kitchen opening into the living room. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 4 000
Non-Residents US $ 80
OLDONYO SABUK NATIONAL PARK
The park is readily accessible on the tarmac. From Nairobi, take the Thika superhighway about 50km into Thika town. Proceed past Thika on Thika-Garissa highway for another 20km up to Makutano junction to your right. A 7km murram road on the right turn from the highway will lead you to the park’s main entrance.
SABUK GUEST HOUSE
Accommodation; Main House-Room 1: 1 double bed, Room 2: 3 Single bed, Room 3: 1 double bed and 1 single bed, Room 4: (Master bedroom): 1 Master bed, 2, single rooms within the master bedroom each with 1 single bed. Annex: 1 single bed with a toilet and bathroom. The main house has 9 beds in total. The annex has 1 bed. Therefore the whole house can comfortably accommodate 10 Pax
Conference facility: A conference room within the house that can accommodate up to 14 pax is available for hire. Charges are negotiable with the park management as there are no fixed rates on its use currently.
Amenities; A fully equipped kitchen, a refrigerator, and a gas cooker, beddings, mosquito nets, towels, and toiletries. The guest house is connected to the Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 20 000
Non-Residents US $ 300
RUMA NATIONAL PARK
The park is readily accessible from Homa Bay via the Homa Bay-Mbita highway. Take a left turn at Kwa DIO market and proceed for 24km to the Kamato gate. This road is all-weather and the route is shorter compared to the 42km distance via Ndhiwa.
ORIBI GUEST HOUSE
Accommodation; 1 unit; 6 pax
Consists of three bedrooms, two doubles, and one triple
Amenities; Dining area, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and beddings. Lighting is by solar. A house caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 5 000
Non-Residents US $ 100
SAIWA SWAMP NATIONAL PARK
Saiwa Swamp National Park is 22km from the Kitale-Kapenguria tarmac road. At Kipsaina junction, a 5km murram road leads to the only park entrance, Sinyerere gate.
TREE TOP HUT
Accommodation; 1 unit; 2 pax
Consists of two single beds
Amenities; electricity is provided. Other amenities include beddings, washroom and toiletries. There are no kitchen facilities provided and therefore guests are advised to carry already cooked food. Alternatively, guests can prepare food from the nearby campsite kitchen.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 2 500
Non-Residents US $ 50
SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE
From Mombasa, take the Likoni Ferry and proceed 13km on the main south coast road (A14). Kwale town is located 33km from Likoni ferry. The bandas are located about 3km from town inside the reserve.
SABLE BANDAS
Accommodation; 4 units; 2 pax per unit
The housing units consist of one bedroom each with two single beds.
Amenities; each unit has an ensuite bathroom room. A verandah with a dining table and benches. Beddings, mosquito nets, towels, and toiletries are provided. Lighting is by solar and kerosene lamps. There is a communal kitchen available for hire at the nearby campsite. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, kitchen utensils, and cutlery. A house caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 3000
Non-Residents US $ 50
SIBILOI NATIONAL PARK
The park is a 2-3 days drive from Nairobi via Marsabit and North Horr or Kitale via Lodwar. The house is reachable via boat. The park is served by two airstrips for those using a charter plane. The airstrip is a walking distance to the guest house.
ALIA BAY GUEST HOUSE 1
Accommodation; 1 unit main house and annex; 10 pax Fully furnished main house with 3 bedrooms and 2 beds each. The annex has 2 bedrooms with 2 beds each.
Amenities; Fully equipped kitchen with gas cooker, freezer, fridge, water dispensers, and assorted cutlery. Beddings, mosquito nets, towels, and toiletries are provided. Lighting is by solar/generator all round.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 10 000
Non-Residents US $ 200
TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
The park can be accessed via Mtito Andei Gate 232 km southeast of Nairobi off the main Nairobi- Mombasa road.
KAMBOYO GUEST HOUSE
Accommodation; 1 unit; 8 pax
Consists of four bedrooms; a master bedroom with a double bed and a single bed, 2nd bedroom with a double bed, 3rd bedroom with two single beds, and the 4th bedroom with a single bed.
Amenities; Two bathrooms, one being ensuite to the master bedroom. There is also an outside shower in the courtyard. Equipped with kitchenette, electricity, and toiletries. A caretaker is available.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 15 000
Non-Residents US $ 240
LAKE JIPE COTTAGES
Accommodation; 3 units; 2 pax per unit
Amenities; each unit consists of two single beds and one communal kitchen located outside. The kitchen is not equipped. Lighting is by lanterns.
Rates; Citizens and Residents Kshs. 3 000
Non-Residents US $ 50
USEFUL POINTERS
Booking Policy
- For bookings made more than seven (7) days in advance, a deposit of 50% should be paid within 48 hours for the booking to be confirmed.
- The balance should be paid at least seven (7) days before the client checks in the facility.
- Unconfirmed bookings will be allocated to those clients on the waiting list.
- Full payment will be required for any booking made within seven (7) days to the day of use.
- Price is per Guest House/ Banda per day.
- How to make a reservation: Email: reservations@kws.go.ke Direct Reservations Contact:+254 726 610 533
- The availability and condition of facilities are subject to change.
Modes of payment
Safaricom MPesa. Visa and Master Card. Direct deposit to KWS account.
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellation by the client will be charged a cancellation fee per house and the period of cancellation shall apply as follows:
- 31-60 days – 25% of the deposit
- 15-30 days – 50% of the deposit
- 14-7 days -75% of the deposit
- 0-7 days – 100% of the total accommodation fee/deposit
- ‘No show’ – 100% of the total accommodation fee/deposit
Terms and conditions apply
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3 Comments
Incredibly informative Post!
Wow, I like the great deal of research that has gone through this article. I think KWS should make efforts to market these expereinces.
Fishing Lodge is my best among the many self-catering KWS has. It’s so special and the surroundings are welcoming. I loved my stay there. https://discoverafricaa.com/