The Journey from Nairobi
We depart Nairobi at approximately 9:05 a.m., six members of staff filled with anticipation for what we hope will be a memorable, albeit brief, stay. Laughter and storytelling carry us through the morning, while the comfort of our air-conditioned transfer vehicle makes the two-hour road journey feel effortless.
As the landscape begins to shift, the first distant glimpse of Lake Naivasha sparks shared excitement. The air grows fresher; the surroundings increasingly serene. There is a subtle yet unmistakable change in atmosphere as one approaches Naivasha – a sense of openness and calm that signals a slower, more intentional pace of life.
A simple roadside sign reading “Loldia House” confirms what we already feel: we are about to experience something special.
A Welcome Rooted in Nature
Our 11.24 am arrival is marked by a quintessentially African welcome – buffalo, giraffe and impala grazing peacefully across the conservancy. Wildlife here is not a scheduled encounter; it is simply part of the landscape.
At the entrance, we are warmly received by House Manager Joshua and the ever-gracious Cynthia. Cool welcome drinks await us in the lounge, offering immediate refreshment and a moment to settle into our surroundings.
The property briefing and guided tour reveal one of Loldia House’s most striking features: expansive lawns stretching effortlessly toward the lake. The setting feels both grand and intimate. In the distance, hippos announce their presence while birds provide a melodic accompaniment – a reminder that this is a home shared with nature.
Comfort and Character
Breakfast is served warm and fresh, a welcome comfort against the cool weather. The possibility of rain lingers in our minds before arrival, yet it quickly becomes clear that at Loldia, the property itself is an experience. Even without venturing out, one feels entirely immersed and content. The activities are an enhancement – never a necessity.
Our group is accommodated in two Luxury Cottages and one Luxury Suite. Upon entering my cottage, the first reaction is simple awe. The twin ensuite room is elegantly appointed, complete with a thoughtful welcome card and delicate petals. Large windows frame views of the gardens and the lake beyond. Every detail feels considered and refined, promising a restful night ahead.
The Luxury Suite offers equally impressive design and panoramic views, complemented by a semi-heated plunge pool. Time spent there, listening to the distant calls of hippos and birds, feels restorative in the truest sense. Later, the infinity pool draws us in. Positioned to maximise views across the lake, it offers a perspective that is nothing short of remarkable – water blending seamlessly into the horizon.
Exploring the Conservancy
At 4:00 p.m., we gather in the Land Cruiser for an afternoon game drive across the private conservancy. Under the guidance of Juma Saidi, whose knowledge of the ecosystem is both detailed and intuitive, we explore the varied terrain.
Giraffe, zebra, impala, hartebeest, buffalo and waterbuck appear across the plains during our two-hour drive. The recent rains mean many species gather in clusters beneath acacia trees, creating striking compositions of wildlife sharing shelter. These moments, and nature, define the Loldia experience.
We return to the house at dusk, the sky softening into evening hues. Dinner unfolds seamlessly, thoughtfully prepared and attentively served. The collaboration between kitchen and service teams is evident in every course. That night, the gentle cadence of rainfall and birdsong provides the perfect lullaby.
Day Two: Life on the Water
An early breakfast sets the tone for our final day. Preferences are carefully accommodated, and plans are discussed with the house team before we set off for the lake.
We board the newly introduced MV Furukombe, a powerful and beautifully designed vessel named after the Swahili word for the African fish eagle. As we cruise across Lake Naivasha, we are surrounded by an abundance of birdlife. The African fish eagle – from which the boat takes its name – soars overhead, while pelicans gather along the water’s edge.
Our captains enhance the experience by positioning guests in the best viewing areas, allowing for extraordinary photographic opportunities and a deeper appreciation of the birds’ natural behavior. Hippos surface nearby, observed safely and respectfully from a distance.
For guests with additional time, this excursion pairs beautifully with a visit to Crescent Island, where guided walks among free-roaming wildlife and picnic breakfasts offer yet another dimension to the stay.
A Stay Worth Extending
With limited time, we are unable to experience every activity available – from farm visits to extended explorations – reinforcing a key takeaway: Loldia House is best enjoyed over at least two nights.
After returning for lunch, we reluctantly prepare for departure. One final game drive offers a fitting farewell before the journey back to Nairobi.
Though short, the stay feels deeply restorative and richly layered. Loldia House offers more than accommodation; it offers immersion – in landscape, in wildlife, and in a quieter rhythm of living that lingers long after departure.
By Ann Mbaabu for www.governorscamp.com
Images by Felix Rome
