‘Easter Weekend in Paradise’, by Discovering Kenya

We were looking for a weekend getaway over the Easter break. We wanted to have a little road trip but nothing too far as we had to get back to Nairobi and get straight to work. Loldia House, part of the Governor’s Camp Collection, stood out to us for many reasons. It is set right on Lake Naivasha, on the Loldia Conservancy on the north side of Naivasha. Driving through the conservancy from the main road was a game drive on its own. We passed an inquisitive giraffe, some shy dik-dik and grazing impalas before driving up the lake side to the house.

We were greeted by Heather, our host for the weekend. She showed us to our room, where afternoon tea was delivered to our verandah. The room was set overlooking the lake and lawn where grazing wildlife wandered freely. Sitting there with birdsong, having tea and enjoying the view, was the first time we experienced an overwhelming sense of calm in a while.

Loldia’s Top Cottage – photo credit Sidney Trompell

After watching the harvest moon rise over the lake, we had our evening drinks by the fireplace followed by a hosted dinner. They have a set menu at Loldia House, accommodating different dietary requirements; including halal, vegetarian, vegan and lactose free. We then had a night game drive with Jacob, our guide for the weekend. There is no need to go far to see the wildlife on Loldia conservancy. There are grazing hippos just outside the boundary of the house. We also spotted a mongoose trying to hide away from an owl in the trees. Guided by the light of the full moon, the night game drive was an amazing experience for our first evening and was just the right amount of time to get us back to the house in time for one last pot of tea on the verandah before bed.

Loldia’s elaborate dining room – fit for a king! Photo credit Sidney Trompell

We had an early start on our first morning in Loldia House, as we planned a boat ride before breakfast.  I am not a ‘morning person’ by any means, but the 6.30am wake up call, including fresh coffee set on our verandah, was exactly what I needed to get me going. The air was crisp and fresh at that time of day, and the fishermen were already bringing their nets in. Jacob was our guide on the boat – spotting different birds as we circled around the north side of the lake. The highlight was seeing a Fish Eagle catch a fish a stone’s throw away from our boat! An hour after the morning boat ride, we enjoyed our breakfast on the terrace of the house. A White-browed robin-chat is a frequent guest at the table, appreciating any little crumbs of bread.

Watch fish eagles dive for fish from our boat safaris – photo credit Will Fortescue

The second half of the day was restful – spent mainly by the infinity pool set above Loldia House, overlooking the lake and Mt. Longonot in the distance – perfect for a cool dip on a hot day. After a late lunch we had a little afternoon siesta followed by some sunset yoga on the lawn. To end our luxurious and restful day, I lit some candles and ran a bubble bath with bath salts, a great way to relax before our final dinner.

Loldia’s infinity pool offers stunning lake views – photo credit Dave Richards

I wasn’t happy to leave Loldia but the drive out of the conservancy and North Lake road was so gorgeous and relaxing it made me think less about how short the time we spent there was. My most treasured memory from this trip will definitely be the magical moments sat in the moonlight with wildlife literally at our doorstep every evening.

Loldia at night – photo credit Sidney Trompell

With a great balance of activity and rest, Loldia House is the perfect getaway to set aside the stresses of city life and reconnect with yourself and nature.

By Sidney Trompell, Discovering Kenya