Rondo Retreat Centre

Includes 3 meals a day and it was good. Had nice views too from the hotel

We stayed for 2 days over Christmas and it was a fabulous time. Our rooms were homey and charming, the garden was gorgeous. We attended the services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and our boys hiked to the river. We explored the bookshelf! We were extremely well looked after by staff who seem to enjoy their work. The staff topped up our children’s plates so they did not need to go looking for food at midnight as they sometimes do at home! The menu was European style and tasty with full English breakfast, traditional roast turkey Christmas dinner, pasta, lots of puddings and cakes, tea on your verandah mid afternoon while watching colobus monkeys. They gave attention to allergies, providing alternatives where necessary. All in all a lovely break.Thankyou.

We had a very relaxing few nights at Rondo Retreat, which we visited mainly for birding. The accommodations and food are simple, as advertised, but comfortable enough. The grounds and gardens are beautiful, though I do question the exotic plants introduced next to a vulnerable and protected rainforest ecosystem (hopefully they do not become invasive). We enjoyed watching the birds and monkeys from the grounds, including the juvenile African Crowned Eagle practicing his future monkey hunts around the property. I would note that the main server/reception person was a bit surly at times, and he seemed put off by some simple requests/questions, which was the only issue in an otherwise relaxing stay. A few tips from our experience: - You can fly from Nairobi to the Kakamega airstrip on Skyward express (Wilson Airport). It leaves/arrives quite early, but Rondo was accommodating. - If you are a serious birder, you can ask for Job's contact information (a very good local guide). - Although this isn't stated anywhere or offered, you can arrange to have an earlier breakfast if you'll be out birding early (e.g. 6am) and can get coffee/snacks when you come back (lunch isn't until 1pm). - There are some short, lovely forest paths behind Rondo and you can walk along the road, but otherwise you must have a guide to go further into the forest. - They don't offer alcohol but were fine with us bringing our own wine (should have brought some Tuskers!) - There is barely a cell signal and wifi only at the office, which is fine but good to know.

They can't even provide a simple receipt of payment causing me lots of inconvenience. Unless they are being fishy or lack of integrity. Now I am at pains to explain why I can't surrender a receipt yet all my follow up yielded nothing as if there is something to hide

Having popped in here a few years back, I was able to return with a friend, this time for a 24-hour overnight stay. Everything at Rondo is a delight. The manicured and well-tended garden is a perfect contrast to the surrounding forest. The chalets are old, quirky, simple, comfortable, and very clean. Food was good and plentiful, to a set menu. Staff were friendly and welcoming. I got up in the morning pre-dawn, sat in the garden and watched the sky lighten across those spectacular, tall trees. A troupe of monkeys lazily swung by, as the dawn chorus faded. The hikes for us were an absolute high-spot. Our guide Winston was a fund of knowledge, and paced the walk to match our speed and interests. When you climb "the hill" you look down on the forest canopy, and the wide sweep of rugged countryside all round. Descending to the river takes you among a wondrous vista of enormous and varied trees, including the dreaded "strangler" fig. Even the short walk, past the pond, is a gem. Take this rare opportunity to enjoy the simplicity, the peace, the lack of Wi-fi, and the wonders of nature. (All photos thanks to Jim I.)

We spent the entire Christmas weekend at Rondo Retreat. The staff were great (and thanks Julia for your "additional touches). Meals were well prepared. Dining room was charming. The other guests were a wonderful mix of "Kenya's best" - warm, unassuming and interesting. All our hikes were rewarding and our many hours luxuriating out on the lawns provided great entertainment - crowned eagle and black & white casqued hornbill nests towering above us. Monkeys playing for hours on the lawns. Our room in the main house was private and comfortable. It is a long drive from Nairobi but very rewarding. Thanks to one and all for making our Christmas special.