As I walk through the valley of enjoyment…

I got an overwhelming response after my last article, A most unlikely yet intriguing travel plan. This not only showed the appreciation my audience has for my #TembeaKenya endeavor, but also the urge they have to learn and explore new places. I was impressed by how people embraced and welcomed the idea of doing something different such as a coffee tour. Kenya is amazing and there is much to see and a lot of activities to do. As I mentioned in the previous article, most people yearn to identify a place to getaway to that is not too far away from Nairobi; A place with untouched nature and some enjoyable activities to engage in. Trust Travelwitheliud not to let you down.
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In my search for the perfect plan for a day’s adventure out of Nairobi, I came across a place on Facebook that sounded like an irrigation project. What else comes to mind when you hear the name “The Dam Redhill”? See, now you understand me, right? I was hesitant at first and started looking for other destinations, however, a strong desire to explore pressured me to unlock this mystery. I called the place and Elizabeth (the lady at the reservation desk) gave me directions to the place. She sounded very happy to welcome someone from Nairobi and this raised my hope for a great day ahead. Let the adventure begin!

The Dam Redhill is located only 15 kilometers from Nairobi, CBD via Limuru Road. If you are not driving, let that not hinder you. A number 114 matatu from Koja terminus on the Tom Mboya and River Road roundabout will leave you at the gate. There is a big sign post so chances of getting lost are close to none. 

From the tarmac, you will go downhill for 1 km. This is where you are disadvantaged if you are driving there. The sceneries and environment are better experienced while on foot. 

The Dam Redhill is next to the luxurious Sun Africa Hotels’ unit called Sovereign Suites. The area is called Redhill, just after Ruaka and Ndenderu. The walk presented a tea plantation, a cool environment and tree cover that only prove that there is still hope in conservation.

As I walked down, I started to catch a glimpse of my destination. However, I did not want to get over excited and roll downhill. The road is winding making driving or walking downhill much easier. ​The road leads to a very scenic dam.

I am not sure of the exact measurements but it’s a little smaller than the one at Paradise Lost. The dam has four floating restaurants that are also used as conference rooms. 

​I went straight to the reception so that they could tell me more about the place. 

At first, I was surprised that the management does not allow professional picture taking. This was a first for me. All the other places I had been to, they didn’t mind because it translated to free marketing. Well, I explained the impact of pictures, blogging and social media and they seemed to get on board. After leaving the reception, I met Mr. Willy Kihara (he goes by just Kihara) who is the director at The Dam Redhill. 

He offered me a seat and we had an interesting conversation. According to Kihara, the place came to be in 2015. His initial idea was to start a bar along the dam for the locals. He later changed the motive and thought of a restaurant. He narrated a humorous story about how he organized a grand opening and on the next day people came and he did not have any stock. The Dam Redhill has grown overtime and is now receiving visitors from all over Nairobi and other areas as well.
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The Dam Redhill has an active kitchen that offers an a la carte menu. 

The waiters are welcoming and professional. They are courteous enough to let you know when a particular menu item will take long; unlike other places where waiters disappear so that they don’t have to face you. The retreat offers activities such as:

​ boat riding

​sport fishing

​zip lining

​horse riding 

​and had a well-equipped kids’ playground.

​There is a large ground for team building that can hold over 1,000 people. 

​Several gazebos are constructed along the dam for privacy in case of small meetings. 

​Kihara has a jet ski which is private. He does not allow staff or guests to ride on it. 

​He also does not hesitate to make visitors jealous by giving them a show of sharp turns and speed.

However, he clarified that he had bought it for visitors but realized the dam is small to accommodate restaurants, boat riding and jet skiing at the same time. It requires a well trained person to ride the Jet Ski on that size of water body and he is not ready to take any risks with anyone. I couldn’t convince him that I had ridden the same successfully on the Indian Ocean. I took a few pictures of him which he got excited about.  

​To appreciate my interest of the place and the time I spent listening to him, he offered me complimentary zip lining, horse riding, boat riding and lunch. What a lucky day!

The Dam Redhill has a 160meterzipline that goes over the dam. Safety measures are observed to by trained facilitators. There are other plans to install a second zip line so as to avoid going round the dam to come back to the starting point. A complete circuit of horse riding around the dam is only KES. 500.

The Dam Redhill is ideal for team building, chama meetings, picnics, romantic getaways and conferencing. Kihara explained to me how they make it romantic for couples who choose to have dinner at The Dam Redhill. 

Think dim lights around the floating restaurants and a candle lit table for two inside one of the tents. The venue offers a photo shoot and video shooting grounds, wedding ground and camping ground with own tents. As I mentioned before, this facility has enough waiters at your service unlike other places with gardens where you have to find your way to the kitchen. It is a great place to spend your day and be warned that you will not realize how fast time will be moving. 

The Dam Redhill is open 7 days a week. If you are group, it is advisable to call prior to your visit for reservation of space.  As time goes by, this place will have a lot of visitors and it will only serve you right if you reserve group meetings early.

The Dam Redhill goes down as another one of my favorite places for adventure. I liked it and I am sure you would love spending time there. 

Take your kids too. The playground is amazing and baby sitters are available to ensure that you get to enjoy yourself. Adventure lovers can do zip lining, boat riding and perhaps sweet talk Mr. Kihara to get a ride on the coveted Jet Ski. 

Being only 15km from Nairobi and accessible through public means, there is no reason to stay at home on a loose weekend. Go to The Dam Redhill and enjoy a country side environment, fresh air, nyama choma and a cold beer (for those who enjoy to partake) at the dam.

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