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Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Loldia House

This historic farmhouse is great for those looking to explore the wildlife surrounding Lake Naivasha.  — Mango's view

Loldia Ranch was established by a family who trekked by ox-wagon from South Africa a century ago. Today their descendants still own the land. The original farmhouse is managed for visitors by Governor's Camps. It's an ideal spot to relax, taste the pleasures of Kenyan country life and explore the Great Rift Valley.

Loldia House, built in the Second World War, nestles under ancient Acacia trees. Lush lawns run down to the shores of Lake Naivasha, the Great Rift Valley's highest and purest lake. Indigenous plants and flowers fill the gardens. There are beautiful views of the dormant volcano, Mount Longonot. Wild animals roam free on the farm. Small antelope wander through the gardens. In the evenings hippo munch quietly by the waterside.

They have kept the original character of the house: comfy chairs surround a huge fireplace; paintings by an artist who lives on the farm hang on the walls; a deep and shady veranda on which to relax and sun beds in the garden. In the main house there's a choice of four en-suite double rooms with original furniture. And three more rooms in the specially-built Loldia cottage have their own sitting-rooms, fire and panoramic lake views.

Mouth-watering meals, with fish and shrimp from the lake, are served under the trees or in the old dining room. Britain's Country Life Magazine even described Loldia's manager as "probably the best butler in the world".

Activities at Loldia House are tailor-made for each guest. But don't miss out on a day in the National Parks to see the rhinos and flamingos in 4-wheel drive vehicles. On Loldia Farm itself there are 6,500 acres to explore on foot or horseback. See cattle graze among a flock of farmed ostriches and ride through herds of wild antelope. Loldia House looks across Lake Naivasha where you can take boat trips to the hippo pools, bird watch with a trained guide, and there's good fishing too. Lakes Elementeita and Bogoria are also worth a day trip. Pink famingos are found at both, and Bogoria has the rare and beautiful greater kudu and spectacular hot geysers. Nearby is Hell's Gate National Park, named for its spectacular canyons and hot springs, and the energetic can climb the dormant volcano Mt Longonot.

Includes: All meals, laundry & safari activities (game drives and day trips to Lake Nakuru - excluding park fees)