Because Macushla was originally built as two separate houses for letting, it has a slightly ramshackle feel, but this also helps it avoid the sterility of a purpose built hotel. This is a good choice for those looking to avoid Nairobi city hotels, but not wanting to pay for the more sophisticated places like Ngong house.
It's also somewhere that clearly has a loyal following, with plenty of repeat business from the likes of the BBC wildlife unit, who apparently use this as their home from home when in Nairobi. Macushla has a slight feeling of faded hippy style; wind chimes, eclectic pieces of art and furniture and some intriguingly bizarre pieces in and around the pool and garden (a large and elaborate dragon fountain spurts water into the swimming pool, for example). While unusual, this manages not to feel contrived however, and the reason is that these are bits and pieces that owner Carolyn Henkel has collected over the years.
The first adjective that comes to mind when describing macushla is "dark", but the overall feeling of Macushla is a relaxed, slightly messy, but none the less charismatic private home. Tucked away in a Langata backwater, it's somewhere you can find peace and quiet, but it's also easily accessible for all the main events in Nairobi.
Full board, incl. Drinks (excl. Champagne)
Surrounding Nairobi City itself is a varied landscape. To the west, the landscape is arid with wide grassy plains and acacia scrub. To the south, the Ngong Hills mark the boundary to the Great Rift Valley, providing a dramatic vantage point and some interesting scenery. To the north and west, the land slopes steadily up to an altitude of 7,000ft where cypress forests and bright green tea farms roll over gentle hills. For those that don't want to stay in town, there are a couple of pleasant places with interesting things to see which you can combine with the attractions of Nairobi itself. Read more?
Kenya is the most established safari country, and consequently you have to step a little off the conventional route to find real wilderness, but it’s certainly there. Kenya also has much going for it as a family destination, and also a good number of very individual safari camps and lodges with a personal approach that makes your experience very special. Kenya also has a particularly diverse ecology which ranges from snowy mountains to true desert, rolling grassy plains filled with wildlife to craggy scrub intersected with dry riverbeds, sparkling beaches and volcanic ranges. Read more?
Can't find the camp you're looking for? Just let us know and we will be sure to help.
Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
