Homestays
in Africa
When
traveling in Africa,many visitors prefer staying in exclusivity in private
homes and private ranches where they experience freedom of movement
and security while they conduct their affairs. Private home stay accommodation
is becoming common in tourism and visitors to africa like this for exclusivity,freedom
and comfort. You get a unique opportunity to stay with the owners of
the private homes in the urban centers,rural set ups, ranches or game
sanctuaries in their own homes or in custom-built accommodation.Most
of the homestays are located in places overlooking unforgettable stunning
scenery.With their superb accommodation facilities and warm hospitality,you
are also assured of first class and personal service throughout your
stay.
 |
Homestays
in East Africa
East Africa is a region of warm hospitality to all visitors coming to
africa. Its people are welcoming and generous in nature.In view of this
most tourists are establishing relationships with the local residents
to offer homestays to them when they visit East Africa.This is a common
practice in african homestay tourism of today.Many families are shunning
away from the normal hotel and lodge accommodation which has been the
practice in many years, and turning to homestays in the urban centers,rural
villages and private ranches which are located near or within the tourist
attraction they wish to visit.This is common practice in the cities
of Nairobi in Kenya,Kampala in Uganda and Dar es salaam in Tanzania.
There are also private homes specifically built to offer exclusivity,freedom
and comfort to the family visitors. Victoria safaris urges those visitors
who are are planning to study, volunteer or travel to africa to consider
staying with hosts and experience the places they visit on a deeper
level, through participation in the daily lives of local people. Victoria
safaris has a close working relationship with the owners of most homes,
which assists in providing for a memorable vacation.
Homestays
in Kenya
Tourists visiting kenya are offered Homestays in three major categories
which are considerably affordable ;
Urban
homestays in Kenya
These are individuals and family members with modern homes in the suburbs
of major cities of kenya which are Nairobi,Mombasa and Kisumu. Victoria
Safaris has a close working relationship with the many hosts, which
assists in providing homestays for a memorable vacation.We will locate,
book and arrange for your accommodation,and in addition to the charming
accommodation and warm hospitality, you are assured of first class and
personal service throughout your stay in these homes at an affordable
rate.
Rural
- Village homestays in Kenya
When touring kenya in the rural areas and villages, victoria safaris
makes arrangements for these group of visitors to stay within the homes
they are visiting.This is most common with community and cultural tourism
in western kenya and lake victoria region.Most villages within this
region have homes of those working in urban areas which are fully furnished
and left under the care of home attendants. Victoria safaris have made
arrangements with the owners of most of these homes and we rent the
same for a period we have visitors who desire to live among the Community
they visit.This gives the visitors a unique opportunity to stay in the
private homes in the rural village set up where they can opt to cook
by themselves or use the services of our chefs to prepare all the meals
during their stay. Laundry, house cleaning and house keeping is done
by us during your homestay in the rural villages in kenya.
 |
Student
Cross Cultural Exchange program - Rural village homestays in kenya;
This takes students to Western Kenya to the land of the Luos of central
Nyanza who have traditionally subsisted on fishing and small scale farming.
Students will be placed in individual homestays where they will begin
to explore issues of tradition vs. modernity, change and continuity
in socioeconomic practices, and community vs state in a capitalist state.
Here they immerse themselves in the daily life and ritual of their host
community and work with locals on projects chosen by community leaders.They
stay in homesteads in the rural village in kenya where they will eat
local foods,sleep in a local rural homestead,herd cattle ,use oxen plough,ride
bicycles to the market, attend market days,and other village chores.
Through hard work,they begin to understand and appreciate the problems
and joys of living in a developing country.
Those
seeking overseas voluntary work and volunteer opportunities abroad will
discover the difference one individual can make. Whether you find yourself
teaching English in a school in Africa, building a community center,or
tending to village daily chores in kenya, one thing is certain: this
overseas voluntary work experience will change your life. These are
a trans formative experience to remember and to grow on.All student
exchange programs end with 6 to 10 days spent exploring the environment
and culture of the surrounding country.On these adventures, you might
visit the lake victoria wildlife sanctuaries and the Maasai Mara national
reserve,ndere island national park and Kakamega forest. Our high school
summer programmes are designed both for adventure and reflection.
This
final period of your high school programme offers you an opportunity
to reflect on the experience and how you will integrate it into your
life back home.The student exchange programme is a two to three week
homestay in a remote rural village.We can extend this program as per
the demands of the students or the programme organizers. Our high school
summer programs allow a maximum of 18 students per group,have two leaders
and two to three in-country support staff.
 |
Farm
and Ranches Homestays in Kenya
These homestay arrangements are mostly in old colonial farm houses and
ranches.The location of the farms and ranches will often overlook unforgettable
stunning scenery, in addition to the charming accommodation and warm
hospitality, you are assured of first class and personal service throughout
your stay in these Farms and ranches.This category of homestay is also
suitable for researchers wishing to undertake study of wildlife,community
development or agriculture.They often stay in the ranches and farms
respectively, where they monitor the daily activities of occurrences
in their research activities. Examples are those studying doctorate
in various fields in wildlife management,aqua culture and community
development.
 |
This
same category is suitable for individuals,honeymooners,families and
women travelers who want complete exclusivity,comfort and freedom during
their visit to africa. Victoria safaris have arrangement with various
ranches and farms across kenya from the farms around lake victoria region
to the ranches in northern,central and southern kenya for homestays
of our visitors both foreign and local.Each ranch and farm has limited
and exclusive accommodation and offers a variety of activities such
as guided bush walks, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, day and night
game drives, horse riding, camel treks,fishing and boat rides,farm activities,
and others. The bird life throughout is prolific and amazing to the
bird watchers.
Farms
and Ranches offering homestay accommodation in Kenya include: -
Ngong
House in Nairobi
This is situated in Nairobi suburbs. A unique `tree hotel’ overlooking
the Ngong hills. The Belgian owners have created 4 two-storied thatched
tree houses situated well apart in extensive gardens. The tree houses
are comfortable and creatively decorated in various themes. The cuisine
is superb! Experiencing this unique style of accommodation at the beginning
or at the end of the safari and less than 30 minutes from the center
of Nairobi should not be missed!
Rusinga Island in Lake Victoria
Easily reached by light aircraft from the Masai Mara,and by road from
Kisumu via luanda Kotieno by ferry to Mbita, this charming little camp
offers fishing for giant perch, water-skiing and windsurfing in the
warm waters of the world's second largest freshwater lake. other attractions
include bird watching,exploring the islands ancient archeological sites,
and visits to Ruma Game Park, home to several species not seen elsewhere
in Kenya.
Rekero Ranch in Masai Mara
“Truly African – stunning landscapes, fascinating cultures
and abundant wildlife”. Rekero, the Beaton’s home, is located
in the world famous Masai Mara, situated in a particularly good location
to view `big cats’, such as lion and cheetah. The Beatons cater
for 8 guests in comfortable thatched bungalows.
Ol Donyo Wuas in Chyulu Hills - near Tsavo
Ol Donyo Wuas is splendidly perched on a ridge in the foothills of the
Chyulu Hills, with exclusive access to a quarter of a million acres
of surrounding wilderness. The open plains, rolling hills and snow capped
dome of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance, invoke images of an Africa
as it was in the earlier part of the last century. The lodge consists
of 6 individual cottages. Aside from riding,walking or fly camping,
excellent bird shooting is possible during the months between July and
August.
Galdessa in Tsavo East
Sample the unique richness of the African bush.The pioneer of eco-tourism
in Tsavo. The camp is built using local materials from thatched roofs
to ostrich eggs for lampshades! Eight elegantly decorated and spacious
bandas all have private verandas and en- suite showers.
 |
Hippo
Point & Dodo's Tower at the shores of Lake Naivasha
This is known as Nderit Estate. Michael Cunningham-Reid, the nephew
of the late Lord Mount Batten, bought 500 acres of land off his step-father,
Tom, Lord Delamere, to create, together with his wife Dodo, a retreat
in a garden of Eden on the shores of Lake Naivasha. The entire estate
is reserved for wildlife and forms an important migration corridor for
the game in the surrounding 25,000 acres of untouched Africa. Hippo
Point House, is the Estate’s original mock Tudor Manor, set in
a traditional English garden with 8 en suite bedrooms. A more recent
addition is Dodo’s `folly’, a pagoda-like eight story structure
which towers 130 feet amongst the Acacia trees which boasts 4 bedrooms.
The property’s powerful scenery combined with understated luxury
of its interiors, abundance of game and architectural diversity makes
Nderit an exceptional destination.
Loldia on the northern shores of Lake Naivasha
This is a 6,500 acre farm on the northern shores of Lake Naivasha, with
a rambling colonial style house idyllically situated with breath taking
views over the lake to the dormant volcano Mt. Longonot beyond. The
farm house was built in the 1940’s and designed much as were settler
houses of that era, around a small courtyard. The restored comfortable
old style furniture within contributes to the warm and hospitable atmosphere.
Bedroom accommodation is in the main building, or in separate en-suite
cottages. Third generation Hopcraft family continue to farm the land,
but Peter Njoroge, the house manager is renowned for making guests feel
comfortable and relaxed and that nothing is too much trouble. “Much
to return for”.
Loisaba Lodge and its Star Beds
Loisaba is a 65,000 acre private wildlife conservancy and working cattle
ranch. The main lodge is constructed from local timber and thatch and
is perched high on the edge of a plateau with 7 bedrooms. However, the
main attraction of Loisaba Wilderness are the unique `star beds’.
One set of star beds overlooks a waterhole which attracts wildlife,
and the second set is located on the banks of the Ewaso N’giro
river. The beds are on a raised wooden platform, partially covered with
a thatched roof, with the four poster beds uniquely designed on wheels
which can be wheeled onto the open deck area for a night under the stars
or left under the shelter of the roof. Copious insect netting over the
beds ensures bug free nights.
The Mukutan retreat
This is a unique refuge overlooking the spectacular Mukutan Gorge on
the edge of the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. It is situated on conservationist
and author Kuki Galmann’s 100,000 acre Ol Ari Nyiro ranch where
she penned her haunting autobiography 'I dreamed of Africa’. Three
large and spacious cottages each with large double fireplace, built
in elegant traditional style providing luxurious and romantic accommodation
for up to 6 persons. The unique setting, and the evocative sounds of
Africa make Mukutan Retreat an exclusive hideaway.
Borana
Ranch in Laikipia
A 35,000 acre ranch on the foothills of Mt. Kenya just sixteen miles
from the equator settled by the Powys family in the 1920’s and
still in family hands.It has 6 guest cottages built entirely from local
materials, decorated in unaffected but luxurious `up-country’
style, giving each room an individual character. In addition to the
usual activities mentioned above, Borana has a well stocked lake below
the lodge, and they can organize helicopter or road trips to the challenging
but rewarding trout streams on Mt. Kenya.“A stunning piece of
nature and a luxurious lodge, make this one of the best experiences”.
Ol
Malo in Laikipia
This is a 5000 acre game sanctuary, home to Colin and Rocky Francombe.
The buildings are shaped by natural rock with thatched roof and the
curve of ancient olive wood. The guest cottages are discreetly nestled
between rocks and cliffs overlooking a much frequented water hole and
salt lick below, surrounded by miles of rugged bush.The lodge boasts
a swimming pool with stunning views.“The view is vast and
beautiful”.
Lewa
Downs at the foothills of Mt. Kenya
This is a 45,000 acre ranch nestled in the foothills of Mt Kenya, Lewa
Downs is a vast tract of pristine wilderness dedicated to the preservation
of Africa's wild creatures. Among the many remarkable residents are
a sizeable population of the rare black rhino. The delightful cottages
comprise two bedrooms with en-suite facilities, a central living room
with open fireplace, and a veranda.
These are some of the Homestays in Kenya:
Giraffe Manor - Nairobi, Deloraine - Lake Nakuru, Kampi ya Kanzi - Tsavo
West,Kilalinda - Tsavo East, Desert Rose - Lake Turkana, Longonot House
- Lake Naivasha, Mundui Estate - Lake Naivasha, Mutumaiyo - Laikipia,Shompoli
- near Lake Magadi,Richard's Camp - Masai Mara, Dominion Farm - Siaya,
Opoda Farm - Bondo.
Customize
Your Homestays Tours and Safaris with us.
