I was born in Nakuru District (currently Nakuru County) in a place called Ndeffo in Njoro Division and slightly past Egerton University. For this reason, I feel at home whenever I embark on a journey towards Nakuru town. My parents live in Nakuru County. In a year, I visit Nakuru over 10 times and its beauty has never faded. Being a home, I struggle to get the thrill of attractions (you know the ones you get when you visit a new place). However, I still feel the need to explore and discover more. Some places like Lord Egerton castle are well known to me since I was 5 years old. At that time, I never used to see it in touristic eyes. After studying the Kenyan history, it now makes a lot of sense when I visit. Nakuru is a place anyone in Nairobi or within 4 hours to Nakuru should plan to visit on a weekend. There is a lot to experience and a lot to see. Lake Nakuru National park is one of the attractions in Nakuru County. This park is popular for flamingoes, baboon cliff, Makalia falls and Rhino sanctuary among others. Menengai Caldera is another beautiful attraction. People frequent here for hiking, academics and view point photography. Other major attractions include Kariandusi pre-historic site, Hyrax hill pre-historic site, Lake Elementaita, Lord Egerton castle, and Soysambu conservancy among others. A weekend is not enough to experience all these attractions. Nakuru is centrally located and can be a good getaway for people living in Nairobi, Nyeri, Nyahururu, Eldoret, kericho, Mau and/or places less than 4 hours’ drive. Your guess as to why I’m writing this article is as good as mine. Yes, I have discovered another hidden gem in Nakuru County. Travel with Eliud and you will not know how/when you packed your bags. I recently went exploring in Nakuru. I was looking for a quiet and serene place outside the busy town. My fate landed me to Tumaini Cottages and Conference Centre. This is a place you need to visit as soon as you can. It is located 3.9 km from Westside Mall, Nakuru. At the Njoro interchange, take a left towards Njoro town and Egerton University. On the third left from the interchange, you will see a sign post bearing the hotels name. Take the all-weather road; follow the signs for about 1.5km and voila! The hotel is part of Tumaini Mission Centre for destitute street mothers and Tumaini Bethany Children's home which is a project that helps the less privileged in the society. All its proceeds are directed to this noble course and therefore a stay here is a generous contribution. The dusty rough road, makes you feel like you have arrived in Paradise when it ends. Upon entering Tumaini Cottages and Conference Centre, you are treated to a well-manicured and beautiful ground that welcomes you to a home away from home. The hot towels and a glass of juice presented to you at the reception is an icing to the cake. I was received warmly and briefed about the hotel. The guys at the reception were ever smiling and welcoming. You would think probably they are taught that in church given the hotel is on a Christian foundation. I thought I had seen everything until I was shown to my room. I have no words to describe it. Honestly, I did not expect such a room in this hotel. View the pictures below and be the judge. Tumaini Cottages and Conference Centre has 43 rooms. 16 of the rooms are in form of cottages The rest of the rooms are in a hotel block I fell in love with the cottages because they are spacious and secluded. Some of the cottages have connecting doors and can easily be converted to family rooms. Outside the cottages are gazebos and a ground demarcated by flowers. One of the gazebos has a dart to pass time for those who know how to play it. The hotel block has spacious rooms sold as doubles or singles. Some of the rooms have a balcony with a magnificent view of the swimming pool. Tumaini Cottages and Conference Centre has large restaurant connected to the kitchen and the reception. The conference halls are also close to the restaurant. The hotel has 4 conference halls that can hold 10 to 200 delegates on theatre style and 150 delegates on classroom style. If you are a company looking for a conference getaway, this hotel should be in your bucket list. There are several very inviting team building grounds with the largest able to host by up to 2000 people at a time. The kids are not left behind because the hotel has a playground. The swimming pool is next to the playground and the hotel block. It has a baby pool, a small Jacuzzi and a deep end of up to 7 feet. It is so rounded by thatched umbrella shades where you can sit and enjoy your soft drink. The hotel does not sell alcohol. However, you can carry your own and avoid drinking at the restaurant. The menu is affordable with meals starting from 700 Kenya shillings for a main course. Behind the cottages is a prayer or meditation garden. The garden has two huts with only 2 sits inside. People who want their time alone find peace at this place. The garden is also used by the hotel to present a romantic dinner setting for couples on honeymoon or anniversary. This is a hotel that you need to make your next getaway destination. It is accessible by any type of vehicle, motorbike or bicycle. It is a short distance from Nakuru town. If you are in Nakuru for a business meeting choose Tumaini Cottages and Conference Centre as your accommodation of choice. You will call to thank me. I also strongly recommend this hotel to couples, families and groups.
Should you plan a visit to this gem, reach out to Safiri Nasi and they will offer you a discounted price and any other information you will require. Make Nakuru your next destination and be sure to explore the attractions therein. Until next time, keep travelling.... Click on ‘comments’ below to comment
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AuthorEliud Ndungu, a part-time adventure travel blogger who’s been exploring his motherland-Kenya for over 5 years ArchivesCategories |