Kapsimotwa Gardens & Nandi Hills Self-Drive Group Tour

ABOUT KAPSIMOTWA GARDENS

Background Information

Kapsimotwa Gardens is a serene and secluded site located in the picturesque Nandi Hills, which are series of lush green rolling hills at the western edge of the Great Rift Valley. Sitting at about 2000m above sea level, the Gardens are part of the Kapsimotwa Farm – which comprises a huge tea plantation. The Farm was established in the 1930s by a British settler called Bushwell.

It’s the embodiment of serenity and relaxation.

What You Need to Know

✅   It is believed to have more than 100 flower and plant species. The flowers themselves are of various colors - with the most vibrant shades of reds, pinks, purples, yellows, and whites.

✅   It is located in Nandi Hills – a highland area of towering green hills and huge tea plantations at the edge of the Great Rift Valley.

✅   The colourful gardens are dotted with serene and clear pools and dams.

✅   The well-manicured gardens boast of a number of both exotic and indigenous trees such as wild bananas, Nandi Flame, Nandi Gold, Coco Palm, Royal Palm and bamboo trees which trees make it a bird's paradise.

✅   There are a number of bird species such as Weaver Birds, Pigeons, Doves, Cuckoos, Group Touracos, Monarch Fly Catchers, among others.

✅   The Nandi Hills is also the burial site of the respected Nandi Seer, Koitalel Arap Samoei. Koitalel Arap Samoei was the supreme leader of the Nandi people who led the Nandi to several successful battles against the British. After being murdered by the cowardly British Col. Richard Meinertzhagen under the guise of negotiating a truce, he was buried under a symbolic tree at the top of Nandi Hills. It is said that after he was killed, the ground turned red on the spot of his murder.

Departure & Other Details

Because of how busy the Nairobi to Mau Summit and Western Kenya is, an early start is required. 6.00 am departure will ensure that we avoid most of the heavy transit goods trucks’ traffic.

Nairobi to Chemilil takes about 6 hrs. The road from Chemilil – Chebarus is excellent tarmac and will take us roughly 30min and 14kms. However, the tarmac ends soon after Chebarus. It’s a gravel road to Kapsimitwo Gardens.

The campsite is located about 30 min from the end of tarmac.

The road to the campsite is gravel/murram/dirt road that any vehicle with decent clearance will manage.

The Campsite

The campsite has a few structures. One structure houses a kitchen complete with sinks with running water.

The second structure hosts an ablution block with toilets, sinks and showers both with running water.

There is also a nicely shaded storied patio, which comes in handy when the sun gets hot or if it rains during the day.

Activities

✅   Driving to Nandi Hills takes you through the very scenic Rift Valley and the highlands of North Rift.

✅   Favorite part of this trip for many will be watching relaxing on the awesome green lawns of the Gardens, and enjoying the calls of birds and bubbling sounds of clear spring water.

✅   You can take a hike to the Hills through the vast tea plantation at Kapsimotwa Farm.

✅   See purple tea leaves in case you have not seen them before.

✅   Enjoy views of the neighboring counties—Kisumu county, Kericho County and Kisii County from the top of the Hills.

✅   Carry your barbeque grill and enjoy some nyama choma

✅   Chill, drink, laugh, tell stories, enjoy a campfire, sleep.