Self-Catering Resorts in Kenya for Group Trips
Even though group-trip planning is not an easy task, it can be one of the most rewarding exercises to those involved in the planning process. Family re-union trips, friends getting away over the weekend, or a company team trip for team building and bonding, all can be part of group trips.
Whatever the type of group yours happens to be, accommodation can either make or break the group trip. And meals.
One key factor that can determine success or otherwise of the group trip is finding the perfect accommodation. The type of accommodation that caters to everyone’s needs while maintaining a sense of togetherness. This is where self-catering comes in. Self-catering meal plan takes into consideration dietary needs of individual group members that would otherwise be over-looked by the other types of meal plans. Self-catering could also be cost-saving.
No shortage of comfortable and stunning self-catering accommodations in Kenya for group travel. Many of those self catering resorts also offer privacy and flexibility. And you and yourr group get a chance to create memories while you’re there.
Self catering resorts are found almost everywhere in Kenya. Whether you want beachfront villas, country lodges, lakeside cottages or safari camps in the wild. You’ll find something to work with. These self catering resorts usually try to balance comfort, convenience and beauty.
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Self-Catering Resorts in Kenya Ideal For Group Trips
This article our list the 10 best group-friendly self-catering accommodations in Kenya. Each of them have unique features that will most likely suit different tastes and preferences. This list comes from summary of feed-back and reviews from guests that we have provided bookings and reservation services to over the last few years
We receive requests for adventures in the wild, beach retreat or highlands highlands. We shall always have something for every group traveler.
One thing: Remember that self-catering does not mean cooking all the meals by yourself. Cooking your own meals is a choice. A cook is usually on call. You give them the foodstuffs, ingredients and the recipe and they do the rest. For this service you would be charged a small fee when booking.
That said, go explore these exceptional resorts.
1. Watamu Treehouse, Watamu
The Watamu Treehouse, located in the beach line town of Watamu, is a paradise for beach and nature- lovers. People seeking a quiet escape can book this resort as well. Your group may want to relax in the Treehouse in Watamu. This architectural masterpiece has open-air designs, mosaics and views of the Indian Ocean.
To get there from Nairobi, fly 45 minutes to Malindi and then drive for 30 minutes to Watamu Tree House. Driving from Nairobi would take you almost 9 hours and driving from Mombasa 1 hour.
Why we think it resorts works for groups: the treehouse has several bedrooms and large communal areas. Cooking together in a fully equipped kitchen or enjoying a drink on the rooftop terrace while watching the sunset is possible for guests.
Activities nearby: Kayak in mangroves, snorkel in Watamu Marine Park and Gede Ruins.
2. Leleshwa House, Naivasha
Groups, families and friends can enjoy Leleshwa House at Green Park on Lake Naivasha. This is a 9 – person resort.
Families of friends will enjoy it too. It has 3 double bedrooms and 1 twin bedroom. Two double bedrooms have en-suite facilities. A family bathroom, two large lounges and a fully equipped kitchen complete the accommodation.
They have terraces for sitting outside, a large well-kept garden, a great pool area with sun beds and seating for our guests and security gates for family safety. Use barbecues by the house or in the pool area.
Why we think it’s good for your groups: Wide open spaces, lots of bedrooms plus an outside area for group barbecues and bonfires in spacious cottages with multiple bedrooms. Guests wishing to cook can also hire a private chef on request.
Activities nearby: Boat trips on Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park hiking and birdwatching.
3. Olepangi Farm, Nanyuki
Groups seeking rustic charm with modern comforts should consider Olepangi Farm. This boutique farm stay is in the foothills of Mount Kenya and offers views and activities for the more active traveler. Those are the reasons most of our group guests enjoy it too. It can sleep up to 10 persons. A small group of course , but a group nonetheless.
From Nairobi it would take about 3 hours driving to OlePangi Farm.
Why it works for groups: Farm cottages and main house can accommodate large groups and fully equipped kitchens are available for self catering. Communal areas like the dining room and fire pit promote fellowship.
Activities nearby: Horseback riding, nature walks and visits to nearby Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
4. Lamu House, Lamu Island
Let your group experience cultrual charm. Visit Lamu Island for Swahili culture. Since at least the 14th Century, Lamu Town is one of the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlements in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a 12km unspoiled beach and relaxed vibe.
Lamu House is in Lamu Old Town. These traditional Swahili style homes are ideal for groups wanting to experience history, culture and the kenyan coast. It has 10 rooms, so you can bring a group here.
Assuming you are coming from Nairobi to get there, you can Fly to Manda Airstrip. The flight companies servicing Lamu are Skyward Express, Safarilink, Jambojet, Fly540 and Hahn Air. FLY from Nairobi to Manda Airport on Manda Island. From Manda Airport, it’s a boat ride over to Lamu Island. Boat transfers can be booked via your hotel. Or you can hire them on arrival – there are usually boats waiting.
Why we think Lamu House is Suitable for Self Catering Group trips: The big houses feature multiple bedrooms, large kitchens and roof terraces for relaxation and group meals.
Activities nearby: Sailing trips by dhow, walking the narrow streets of Lamu Old Town and Shela Beach.
5. Simba Oryx Beach Cottages, Diani
Diani is home to Simba Oryx Cottages. They have 10 African styled self catering cottages. The cottages sleep 2 to 6 guests. Each room has Lamu ceilings for privacy and Mwule beds. Big windows allow air circulation in rooms with additional ceiling fans. Bed linen / towels / mosquito nets are included.
Why it works for groups: Each cottage has running hot and cold water, granite kitchen with gas cooker, fridge with cutlery and crockery, dining room with lounge and WC and shower. The cottages all have verandas overlooking the blue Indian Ocean with a direct cool breeze.
Activities nearby: Aside from swimming, snorkelling, sun bathing and walking along the golden sandy beach there are boat rides, deep sea fishing & diving. Tours of daily duration to the nearby Shimba Hills (National Park) and Wasini Island (snorkeling, dolphins) are recommended. Shops / restaurants / bars / discos are easily reached by private, taxi or public transport.
6. Kusini Beach Cottages, Diani
A short walk from Diani Beach, Kusini Beach Cottages is a laid-back coastal escape for groups. These fully equipped villas are ideal for a quiet getaway.
Coral bricks with makuti on the roofs (coconut palm tree leafs) facing the Indian ocean this little complex is shaped so you feel like you are in the middle of Africa.
White sand from the beach covers the space and tracks to the cottages so you can walk barefooted from Kusini. Inspired by the setting we have an elevated swimming pool that looks out from the beach giving the impression you are on the stern of a boat. The Colubus and Sykes monkeys can be seen in any of our garden trees.
Getting there from Nairobi
Fly direct to Ukunda Airstrip and transfer to Diani beach resort. One can also fly to Mombasa’s Moi International Airport and take a 2 hour transfer to Diani.
Why it works for groups: Each villa has several bedrooms, private pool and fully equipped kitchen so groups can cook and relax together.
Activities nearby: Snorkeling/diving at Kisite Marine Park, camel rides on the beach and Shimba Hills National Reserve.
7. Amboseli Bush Camps
The property contains two adjacent camps. Choose between the opulent upper camp or the quaint lower camp tents. For larger groups both camps can be reserved.
Amboseli Bush Camp is perched above Mount Kilimanjaro and offers both comfort and wilderness. Highlights include the watering hole in front of the camp. This brings in wildlife – we saw giraffes and zebras, ostriches and hyenas drinking there.
It has 3 classic safari tents with en-suite bathrooms for 6 people each. For larger parties camping tents with mattresses and beddings are available.
It is 4 hours drive from Nairobi and 45 minute flight from Nairobi.
Why it works for groups: The camp has an outdoor kitchen and campfire area, as well as a lounge with deck overlooking the plains and a watering hole frequented by wildlife.
Activities nearby: Game drives, cultural/community tours, sundowners.
8. Watamu Beach Cottages
A homey beach resort for beach lovers on a family vacation, a romantic getaway or seeking a little active adventure. Watamu is about 5 kms from Watamu Village on a large 5 acre site in the North Coast of Kenya in Watamu National Marine Park.
Why it works for groups: The accommodation ranges from tents or tent huts in the forest for Camping, air conditioned Clubrooms to Cool Chalets at Watamu Sailing Camp, pool side Cottages with air conditioning, two sea view Apartments and 1 and 1 a double story sea facing Villa.
Activities nearby: Enjoy excursions to cool places, dives, kite surfing with JC Kiteschool, stand up paddle boarding or kayaking along the Mida Creek…
9. Pelican House, Ol Pejeta, Nanyuki
A truly special experience for groups is the Pelican House, Ol Pejeta, in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. These wildlife-filled cottages combine adventure with relaxation. It sleeps 12 people max. Small groups of colleagues, family or friends.
Why it works for groups: Each cottage has several bedrooms with fitted kitchens and exclusive conservancy activities for groups interested in wildlife and nature.
Activities nearby: Game drives, visits to chimpanzee sanctuary and night safaris.
10.Oilepo Cottages, Naivasha
The ideal group trip need not be stressful. Most important was the dietary needs of the groups participants. To solve this, self-catering meal plan can be the answer.
Kenya’s self-catering accommodations are ideal for groups seeking comfort, privacy and flexibility. Such properties include a beachfront villa, a country cottage or safari camp. Plan your group getaway today & make memories in one of these destinations.
