rutundu: Simple, rustic and welcoming log cabins on the slopes of Mount Kenya

rutundu clientele: Guests who are keen to fish or are in search of stunning views and hiking. Perfect for families & the adventurous; undeniably romantic for those on honeymoon.

rutundu‘X’-FACTOR: Remote and rare location off the beaten track with breathtaking scenery.

rutundu is located on the edge of Lake Rutundu, overlooking the north-eastern face of Mount Kenya, these rustic yet chic cabins are the perfect mid-safari break or escape from the bustle of Nairobi. The elevation (10,200ft) results in vegetation and wildlife entirely unique to the area.

Accommodation:
Rutundu Log Cabins are unique to Africa. Located on the edge of Lake Rutundu and overlooking the north eastern face of Mount Kenya, the rustic chic cabins are the perfect escape from the ‘safari circuit’ or the bustle of Nairobi. At 10,200 feet (3100 meters), both the vegetation and the wildlife are unique.

Rutundu has two log cabins each with open log fires and en-suite bathrooms. One room is attached to the sitting room and dining room area as well as the breakfast veranda and kitchen. The other is detached from the main building. Rutundu can accommodate four people comfortably, but another four beds are available, providing that sharing rooms is acceptable.

Activities:
The area surrounding Rutundu is a hiker’s paradise. Walks around Lake Alice, through Giant Groundsel and Heather forests, over moorland terrain and through the Cedar and Podo forest. Both Lake Rutundu and Lake Alice, a two-hour walk further up the mountain, are stocked with Rainbow Trout, and provide excellent opportunities for fishing.
Due to Rutundu’s unique location there are ample opportunities for birdwatchers. There is also now an option of riding to Rutundu. Neighbouring Kisima Farm does rides up the moorland and all the way to Rutundu. Overnight stays are advisable in this case. The horses are well trained polo horses and you need to be an experienced rider.

Part of the mountain's fascination is the variation in flora and fauna as the altitude changes. The lower slopes are covered with dry upland forest; the true montane forest begins at 2,000m and is mainly cedar and podo. At 2,500m, a dense belt of bamboo forest begins, which merges into the upper forest of smaller trees, interspersed with glades. In this area the trees are festooned with high altitude moss. These forest belts are host to many different animals and plants with at least 11 unique species.

The high altitude heath at the top (3,000-3,500m) is generally open, dotted with shrubs: African Sage, protea and helicrysum. Mammals: black and white colobus and Sykes’ monkeys, bushbuck, buffalo and elephant; lower on the mountain you find olive baboon, waterbuck, black rhino, black fronted duiker, leopard, giant forest hog, genet cat, bush pig and hyena. More elusive and incredibly rare to view is the bongo, a forest antelope. A number of other rare or endangered species can be found here: Sunni buck, Mt Kenya Mole Shrew, skinks (lizard), and a variety of owls. Occasional sightings have been recorded of albino zebra.

Experience through:
Walking:
The area surrounding Rutundu is a paradise for those who love nature and hiking. We are currently finding and creating the best trails in the area. There is a beautiful walk around Lake Alice through giant groundsel and heather forests. In contrast to this moorland terrain, the Cedar and Podo forest, half an hour’s drive below Rutundu, is full of lovely walks and beautiful spots to have a picnic.

Fishing:
Lake Rutundu and Lake Alice, a 2-hour walk further up the mountain, are stocked with rainbow trout and provide excellent opportunities for fishing. The average catch is 2-3lbs with larger fish reaching up to 6lbs. A boat/punt is provided and there are three casting platforms. Previous fly-fishing experience is not necessary.
Next to Lake Rutundu is the Kizita River Gorge, a crystal clear river with small brown trout to catch. Please read the ‘fishing rules’ displayed in the sitting room.

Bird watching:
Rutundu’s unique location allows for ample opportunities for birdwatchers, and most mornings scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds (Nectarinia Johnstoni) are seen from the breakfast table.
Horse riding:
There is an option of riding to Rutundu from the neighbouring Kisima Farm, across the moorland and all the way up to Rutundu. Overnight stays are advisable for this trip as the ride takes at least four hours. The horses are well-schooled polo ponies and you need to be an experienced rider.