Bantu Mountain Lodge Naro Moru

Bantu Mountain Lodge is a delightful country-style holiday resort tucked away in the woods on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya. Situated inside the lush Gathiuru Forest, the lodge is surrounded by luxuriant gardens, spacious manicured lawns, indigenous trees, and a private mini lake. The resort offers a tranquil atmosphere and serves as both a relaxing getaway and a natural base camp for adventurers looking to summit Mount Kenya.

As pioneer guides for Mount Kenya trekkers, the lodge has over 15 years of experience organizing comprehensive mountain expeditions and supporting climbers. Beyond mountain climbing, the lodge thrives on conservation practices and provides a serene stopover for travelers visiting the northern Kenya tourist circuit, including Samburu and Meru National Parks. With personalized service, elegance, and a deep connection to the surrounding wilderness, Bantu Mountain Lodge meets the discerning needs of every guest.

Location & Accessibility

Bantu Mountain Lodge is strategically situated on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, tucked away inside the lush Gathiuru Forest. Its central location makes it both a serene mountain retreat and an ideal midway stopover for travelers venturing along the northern Kenyan tourist circuit.

By Road from Nairobi (approx. 3–4 hours / 180 km)

✓ The Turnoff: The lodge is located 7 km north of Naro Moru town and 15 km south of Nanyuki. Look for the signpost off the main Nairobi–Nanyuki highway
✓ Final Stretch: Turn off the main tarmac road onto an all-weather access road and drive less than 1 kilometer into the edge of the Mount Kenya forest to reach the property
✓ Route: Take the Thika Superhighway north out of Nairobi, passing through Thika, Makuyu, Karatina, and Nyeri. Continue toward Naro Moru on the Nyeri–Nanyuki Highway

By Air

✓ The Flight: A quick 45-minute domestic flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip
✓ Airstrip Transfer: From Nanyuki Airstrip, it is a 25- to 40-minute drive south toward Naro Moru town to reach the lodge via taxi or arranged shuttle.

Strategic Positioning & Surrounding Attractions

✓ Mount Kenya Base: Situated directly inside the forest, acting as a natural base camp for trekkers and climbers aiming to summit Mount Kenya’s main peaks
✓ The Northern Circuit: Perfectly positioned as a midway rest point for tourists traveling from Nairobi to exotic northern game parks like Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and Meru National Park
✓ Proximity to Parks: Located within a 2-hour drive of major regional attractions, including Mount Kenya National Park, Aberdares National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and El Karama Game Reserve

Accommodation

Bantu Mountain Lodge offers a variety of room categories designed to suit all types of guests, from couples and families to budget travelers and school groups. The guestrooms are set amidst the tranquil, luxuriant gardens and include four distinct room types as well as fully serviced camping grounds.

Superior Rooms

These spacious and cozy rooms offer the perfect retreat during the cold or rainy mountain seasons, uniquely featuring a built-in fireplace for added warmth.

✓ Bed Type: King-size bed (designed for flexibility to accommodate two beds if needed)
✓ Amenities: Built-in fireplace, comfortable reading table/workstation, TV for entertainment, free coffee maker, and free breakfast.

Deluxe Rooms

A spacious and flexible option designed for pure relaxation, offering the same footprint as the Superior Rooms but without a fireplace.

✓ Bed Type: King size bed (designed for flexibility to accommodate two beds if needed)
✓ Amenities: Comfortable reading table/workstation, TV for entertainment, free coffee maker, and free breakfast.

Standard Rooms

A slightly more compact room category offering practical comfort. Available as singles or doubles, with several doubles easily convertible into triples or quads for shared stays.

✓ Bed Type: King size bed (designed for flexibility to accommodate two beds if needed)
✓ Amenities: Table and chair, TV for entertainment, free coffee maker, and free breakfast (no fireplace).

Budget Rooms (Dormitories)

These spacious rooms are the ideal solution for school or college groups, budget travelers, and hikers heading up the mountain looking for a comfortable alternative to tents.

✓ Bed Type: Queen-size bed (spacious enough to accommodate up to four beds)
✓ Amenities: Chairs and tables, TV for entertainment, free coffee maker, and free breakfast.

Fully Serviced Campsites

For outdoor aficionados looking to blend adventure with the conveniences of a resort, Bantu Mountain Lodge boasts four distinct camping locations within its fully serviced campgrounds.

✓ Facilities: Full access to modern amenities including clean restrooms, dining facilities, and communal spaces for socializing
✓ Options: Guests can rent lodge-owned dome tents or walk-in tents (equipped with beds), or bring their own tents for private camping
✓ Experiences: Enjoy evening gatherings around the bonfire/campfire to share tales, Mount Kenya folklore, and connect with fellow travelers

Dining & Cuisine

At Bantu Mountain Lodge, guests can indulge in a delightful culinary experience featuring both à la carte and buffet meals. Welcoming both residents and walk-in guests, the diverse menu features a mix of local African flavors and international cuisine, all prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The Main Restaurant & Dining Hall

The main dining hall comfortably seats over 100 guests, making it the perfect setting for vibrant buffet-style breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Guests enjoy an abundant selection of delicious dishes, all complemented by an attentive service crew in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Private & Open-Air Dining

For a more intimate experience, the lodge features flexible dining areas set amid lush, manicured fields offering picturesque views.

✓ Open-Air Shelters: Charming, cozy structures that provide a serene atmosphere surrounded by nature.
✓ Rock Structure Dining: Unique, man-made rock structures adorned with cascading waterfalls, adding a soothing natural soundscape that elevates every meal.

Bush Dining Experience

Blending exquisite gourmet cuisine with the beauty of the Mount Kenya Forest, the bush dining experience offers a true culinary adventure. Guests can savor meals prepared with fresh local ingredients in stunning outdoor settings. Options include scenic picnics, barbecues, or gourmet meals under the stars, allowing you to dine while enjoying breathtaking views and the tranquil sounds of the wilderness.

Bars & Lounges

Guests can unwind and enjoy refreshing drinks from the well-stocked bar in a variety of comfortable settings.

✓ Indoor & Outdoor Bars: Flexible setups designed to cater to any time of day or weather condition.
✓ Lounge Areas: Spacious lounges featuring comfortable seating and cozy fireplaces, perfect for evening gatherings, relaxing after a hike, or sharing stories from the day’s adventures

Experiences & Activities

Bantu Mountain Lodge is both an adventure enthusiast’s paradise and a peaceful haven for family downtime. Set directly within the Mount Kenya ecosystem, guests can engage in an array of outdoor excursions, educational treks, and family-friendly recreation right on the grounds or in the surrounding wilderness.

Mount Kenya Climbing & Trekking Expeditions

As pioneer mountain guides with over 15 years of experience, the lodge serves as the natural base camp for adventurers aiming to summit Mount Kenya.

✓ Peak Ascents: Guided multi-day treks leading through distinct alpine zones up to Point Lenana.
✓ Sirimon Route Hub: Operations include two dedicated mountain huts along the Sirimon Trail, supported by extensive gear stocks, crisis management equipment, and seasoned mountain guides capable of leading groups of all experience levels

Outdoor Adventures & Guided Excursions

✓ River Fishing: Tranquil freshwater fishing excursions along the Burguret River
✓ Mountain Biking: Exhilarating cycling routes through rugged mountain paths and scenic forest landscapes
✓ Horse Riding: Guided equestrian rides around the grounds catering to adults and children of all experience levels
✓ Boating & Water Sports: Rowboat excursions across the lodge’s private mini lake and motorboat rides along the scenic man-made dam on the Burguret River
✓ Forest Treks to Mau Mau Caves: A guided 7-kilometer trek through indigenous forest to the historic Mau Mau caves and waterfalls, uncovering local independence war history, waterfalls, and rich flora and fauna

Wildlife & Nature Encounters

✓ Colobus Monkey Tracking & Birding: Guided nature walks through Gathiuru Forest to spot resident troops of rare black-and-white colobus monkeys and diverse bird species
✓ Day Game Safaris: Organized game drives to nearby conservancies and parks, including Mount Kenya National Park, Aberdare National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and El Karama Game Reserve

Lodge-Based Recreation & Cultural Entertainment

✓ Campfire Folklore: Nightly gatherings around the Makutano campfire for storytelling, stargazing, and Mount Kenya folklore
✓ Traditional Performances: Authentic cultural entertainment featuring the Kikuyu Mwomboko dance troupe and animal dance dramas
✓ Family Fun & Games: Dedicated kids’ amusement area equipped with swings, swing boats, and a merry-go-round, alongside outdoor games, pool tables, and skywalking

Events, Banqueting & Conferences

Bantu Mountain Lodge provides a serene, cool-climate setting for corporate retreats, meetings, and grand celebrations. The lodge is equipped with projectors and other conference essentials, offering versatile layouts including theatre, table, and banquet setups.

Conference & Meeting Halls

✓ Mkulima Hall: A mid-sized venue accommodating 20 to 50 delegates
✓ Watalamu Hall: An intimate space ideal for small meetings of 10 to 20 delegates
✓ Kifaru Hall: A spacious hall perfect for workshops and seminars of 50 to 100 delegates
✓ Makutano Hall: The largest indoor venue, capable of hosting up to 500 guests for major conventions, large banquets, or bonfire-centered gatherings

Outdoor Event Grounds

✓ Five Dedicated Event Lawns: Well-manicured, expansive open grounds offering stunning mountain views and highly customizable setups
✓ Special Occasions: The perfect picturesque backdrop for weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, team-building events, and large outdoor picnics

Highlights

✓ Abundant On-Site Activities: An adventure hub offering guided hikes to the historic Mau Mau caves, horse riding, motorboating on the Burguret River dam, and fishing
✓ Wildlife Conservation: Situated within a rich ecosystem offering excellent bird watching and guided forest walks to track rare, endangered black-and-white colobus monkeys
✓ Extensive Event Facilities: Four distinct indoor conference halls accommodating up to 500 guests and five expansive outdoor grounds tailored for weddings and celebrations
✓ Diverse Accommodation: Flexible lodging options featuring Superior and Deluxe rooms, Standard rooms, Budget dormitories for groups, and four fully serviced campgrounds
✓ Proximity to Game Parks: Located just a short drive from major attractions including Aberdare National Park, Sweetwaters (Ol Pejeta) Conservancy, and El Karama Game Reserve
✓ Unique Dining Experiences: From a 100+ capacity buffet dining hall to intimate rock-structure dining with cascading waterfalls and immersive gourmet bush dinners under the stars
✓ Strategic Forest Location: Tucked away in the lush Gathiuru Forest on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, serving as a tranquil retreat and a convenient midway stop on the northern tourist circuit
✓ Pioneer Mountain Guides: Over 15 years of expertise in organizing comprehensive Mount Kenya treks, featuring highly experienced guides, specialized gear, and two dedicated mountain huts along the Sirimon Trail

Bantu Mountain Lodge Non-Resident Accommodation Includes

Rates on a Full Board Basis

Notes

Children Policy

* Children 3-12 years sharing a room with an adult will be charged at fifty percent (50%) of the per-adult rate
* Children 3-12 years staying in a separate room will be charged seventy-five percent (75%) of the applicable room rate

* Lunch Box – 20 US Dollars per person
* Canopy Walk – 5 US Dollars per person
* Camping Fees – 10 US Dollars per person
* Crocodile Visit – 25 US Dollars per person
* Bird Watching – 60 US Dollars per person
* Mau Mau Walk – 70 US Dollars per person
* Horse Riding p h – 25 US Dollars per person
* Colobus Monkey – 60 US Dollars per person
* Request for Bed only, Bed & Breakfast, and half-board rates
* Mountain Huts Shipton’s – 35 US Dollars per person per night
* Mountain Huts Old Moses – 30 US Dollars per person per night
* Mountain Huts Camping Fees – 20 US Dollars per person per night

Economy Package 2,300 Kenya Shillings Per Person Per Day

* Am Tea with Snacks
* Buffet Lunch
* PM Tea with Pastries
* Grounds

Budget Package 2,600 Kenya Shillings Per Person Per Day

* AM Tea with Snacks
* Buffet Lunch with a Soft Drink
* PM Tea with Snacks
* Grounds
* One Field Activity

Business Package 2,800 Kenya Shillings per person per day

* AM Tea with Snacks
* Buffet Lunch with a Soft Drink
* PM Tea with Snacks
* Grounds
* Three Field Activity

Team Building Package 3,800 Kenya Shillings per person per day

* AM Tea/PM Tea with Snacks
* Buffet Lunch with a Soft Drink
* 2 Bottles of Mineral Water
* Team Building Activities/Facilities
* Team Building Facilitator
* Boat riding
* Visit Canaan & Eden in Bantu Lodge

Bantu Mountain Lodge was founded 15 years ago to organize and support Mt. Kenya hikers and climbers from the lodge. 

Over the years, the hotel expanded its operations to include 2 Mountain Huts along the Sirimon Trail (on Mount Kenya), as well as a sizable stock of additional mountain equipment and crisis management apparatus. 

Bantu Mountain Lodge guides have extensive experience, enabling them to organize and lead comprehensive mountain treks and expeditions of all kinds for mountaineers of all ages, group sizes, and experience levels. 

The lodge is surrounded by luxuriant gardens with a spacious lawn and a lake. There are 28 guestrooms comprising 12 superior rooms and 16 standard rooms. Each guestroom has a work desk, satellite TV, mosquito net, closet, and tile/marble floor.

The difference between the standard and Superior rooms is that the Superior rooms have built-in fireplaces, useful if you want to lounge in your room during the cold or rainy season. The 16 Standard Rooms have 2 singles and 7 doubles. The remaining Seven Doubles are convertible to either triples or quads. This is good shared accommodation for school/college groups or budget travelers.

There is an on-site restaurant that serves a 3-course mix of African and Continental buffets. The dining hall can accommodate up to 50 guests at a time. Guests can dine in the dining hall or outdoors. Drinks are served from the well-stocked bar. 

Bantu Mountain Lodge Mount Kenya has lush open grounds adorned with luxuriant indigenous trees. The spacious lawns are well-manicured and provide an ideal venue for relaxing, partying, weddings, and picnics.

Bantu Mountain Lodge Naro Moru activities include mountain climbing, horse riding, boating, fishing, and participating in schools and local community projects. Guests can also enjoy traditional dances, animal dance drama, pool tables, and disco music.

The lodge’s location allows guests to make day excursions to a number of major attractions, including Mount Kenya and Aberdares National Parks, Sweetwaters and El Karama game reserves, Ken Trout Fisheries, and Mkogodo Maasai village, all less than a 2-hour drive away.

Bantu Mountain Lodge Conference facilities 

Mountain Rock Bantu Lodge has a large conference facility where large groups of up to 150 guests can sit comfortably. The Lodge also provides projectors and other conference essentials. The cool mountain air will keep your head fresh. 

Bantu Mountain Lodge Activities 

Bantu Mountain Lodge offers a variety of entertainment for guests, including traditional dances, animal dance drama, and pool tables. The young stars can groove the night away with disco music. 

Apart from being a reception for trekkers and climbers headed to Mount Kenya, at Bantu Mountain Lodge you also find a wide variety of exciting, educational, and entertaining activities, including; 

* Fishing Excursions at the nearby Burguret River
* Motor boating: 500 Kenya Shillings per round per person
* Mau Mau caves and waterfalls hike: 300 Kenya Shillings per person
* Boating in a Mini Lake: 100 Kenya Shillings per round of 10 minutes per person
* Nature walk/bird watching/ colobus monkey search: 200 Kenya Shillings per person
* Kikuyu Dancers called the Mwomboko troupe will keep you entertained at 10,000 Kenya Shillings per group
* Horse riding, a favorite for both young and old, costs 100 Kenya Shillings per trip (around the hotel) per Person 

Bantu Mountain Lodge is located halfway along the northern tourist circuit, which includes several exotic National Parks such as Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Meru National Park. This makes it an ideal midway stop for those traveling from Nairobi to any of the game Parks in this region. 

The lodge’s central location allows guests to make day excursions to a number of major attractions which are all less than a 2-hour drive away. These include: 

* Ken Trout Fisheries
* Mkogodo Masai village
* El Karama Game Reserve
* Aberdares National Parks
* Mount Kenya National Park
* Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary
* Schools and local community projects in the Mount Kenya region
* Mau Mau caves where we revisit the war with colonialists in the battle for Independence (Uhuru)

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com