Yes, Yes I know it’s been a while since I posted something but it’s been a crazy few weeks all over the place. If you’ve seen my instagram post I’m sure you know exactly why and you’re itching to find out more. Sorry to keep you waiting but this one is worth it.
To all those that don’t follow me on instagram or missed my latest post. Be patient… you’re in for a treat too.
It’s become a common thing to take weekends away to a place that offers peace and quiet. It’s sad that our lifestyles and the way the world is evolving has made us robots. We’ve forgotten to take care of ourselves and enjoy the little things and instead of constantly being happy we try and run away to obtain just a weekend or a week or a month of happiness. Sadly, that’s just how it is. It’s true not all the time can you afford to drop everything and run far away like Mombasa, Nanyuki or sometimes, even Naivasha seems too far out. There’s places just here in Nairobi that can serve this purpose, and you won’t be disappointed.
I was having one of those days where I just wanted to get out! Let’s be honest it’s been so overwhelming these past few weeks (in a good way), I’d love to run away now. However, I’m sure after I’m done writing this post I’ll probably feel a lot more lighter - I hope I manage to make you feel the same way too.
Just about a 2 hour drive away from the Westlands area, in Tuala Village - Oloosirikon lies a beautiful two bedroom open plan house called ‘Kampi ya Karin’. However, if you use the national park its only about a 30 minute drive from the back gate. Technically, it’s only one bedroom that guests can book while the other room belongs to Karin, the host. She turned the upstairs into a gorgeous, cozy room with all the facilities you would need. She’s created a romantic getaway with amazing privacy… you wouldn’t even know you’re living with another person.
You know what the best part is? The bathroom! There’s a huge bath tub placed right in front of the glass windows which means you can enjoy the view while enjoying a hot, relaxing bath. While I was in the bath I was looking for animals because all you see is Nairobi National Park. Apart from the amazing set up, she also provides bath bubbles that not only smell incredible but also leave you feeling completely relaxed. The bathroom is divided from the bedroom with a simple curtain.
The bedroom has a balcony that opens up and you can enjoy the view of the watering hole, the Mbagathi River and the vast greenery in the national park. There’s no noise except the sound of the birds chirping and the occasional barks from the dogs. There’s literally no sound of the annoying construction or the cars driving around. The bed faces the balcony so you can enjoy the view while lying down too.
The room is massive, even behind the bed there’s a small sitting lounge too for you to laze around if you don’t wish to sit downstairs. Honestly, I can imagine living here forever. It’s possible because it’s not even far from the city center. Karin herself has her office set up downstairs… so it’s a definite possibility.
Just like the upstairs, the downstairs has an open veranda with the same views from above. She has decorated it with a high table and chairs, a bench and some cozy sofas where you can just enjoy a cold drink and take in nature. At the same time, the inside is huge and filled with furniture and photography representing the African culture and heritage well. The downstairs has a fire place that warms up the house at night and makes it even dreamier. It does get quite chilly at night because you’re surrounded by the open fields and the river. It is the perfect end to the night.
To top it off, every morning you are served with a tasty, full English breakfast and a cup of fresh brewed coffee. Oh! You can smell the coffee as soon as you’re up. The house keeper was beyond amazing, she was friendly and we didn’t feel short of anything. She sorted us out with everything we needed without a hassle. While we were there, Karin was away so we basically had the whole place to ourselves and we felt at home, thanks to the housekeeper too. We enjoyed having breakfast outside with the morning sun shining down on us. And of course three dogos trying to trick us into giving them our breakfast…
The host lives with three cute dogs that give you company the whole day. They are the most alert, especially when you’re walking to the viewing deck past the watering hole. This is because there is a possibility of wild animals from the park walking to this side. They are friendly but if you aren’t a dog person you should know they will be following you around. They don’t jump on you or attack you but they are always around. The only thing to remember is to bring them in by 6pm otherwise there is a possibility of them being attacked, which has happened before by a leopard.
I was only away for a night and day after spent our time in the National Park. The weekend felt like a blur and all I remember was how content I felt at the end of it. We got to spend some quality time while winding down from our crazy lives.
If you’re looking for a weekend like that you should definitely check it out - Kampi ya Karin on Airbnb.
