Rondo Retreat Centre

This place is paradise on Earth, the literal definition of peace and serenity. Attentive staff, clean rooms, great food, attention to details. Well maintained garden, fish pond and trails invite you to enjoy and rest in a peaceful setting, surrounded by birds, trees and sounds of nature. Who needs a bar with alcohol or a swimming pool, when you can watch the colobus monkeys play and birds are chirping while you enjoy your afternoon tea served by friendly staff. This is simply the best place in the world to spend multiple days, just to get some rest, watch rare birds and immerse yourself in the kenyan rainforst....

We had a very relaxing few nights at Rondo Retreat, which we visited mainly for birding. The accommodations and food are simple, as advertised, but comfortable enough. The grounds and gardens are beautiful, though I do question the exotic plants introduced next to a vulnerable and protected rainforest ecosystem (hopefully they do not become invasive). We enjoyed watching the birds and monkeys from the grounds, including the juvenile African Crowned Eagle practicing his future monkey hunts around the property. I would note that the main server/reception person was a bit surly at times, and he seemed put off by some simple requests/questions, which was the only issue in an otherwise relaxing stay. A few tips from our experience: - You can fly from Nairobi to the Kakamega airstrip on Skyward express (Wilson Airport). It leaves/arrives quite early, but Rondo was accommodating. - If you are a serious birder, you can ask for Job's contact information (a very good local guide). - Although this isn't stated anywhere or offered, you can arrange to have an earlier breakfast if you'll be out birding early (e.g. 6am) and can get coffee/snacks when you come back (lunch isn't until 1pm). - There are some short, lovely forest paths behind Rondo and you can walk along the road, but otherwise you must have a guide to go further into the forest. - They don't offer alcohol but were fine with us bringing our own wine (should have brought some Tuskers!) - There is barely a cell signal and wifi only at the office, which is fine but good to know.

I wanted to see Kenya's only tropical rainforest and stayed at this place upon the recommendation of a colleague. The rooms are located in houses built in the early 20th century, giving them an old world charm. It was such a treat for each of us to have our own rooms and bathrooms. The food was very good and the staff were all friendly and helpful. If you love to walk and hike, then there will be several options in the nearby area. If you're not much of a walker and just want to relax, then you can take leisurely strolls around the property and disconnect especially from digital devices (data and WiFi signals are spotty). If you do plan to hike, then take at least two pairs of shoes so that you have a pair to use while your dirty shoes are being cleaned or are out to dry. Bring a walking stick and rain gear as it rains in the afternoons/evening. If you're picky about pillows then you might want to bring your own.

Having popped in here a few years back, I was able to return with a friend, this time for a 24-hour overnight stay. Everything at Rondo is a delight. The manicured and well-tended garden is a perfect contrast to the surrounding forest. The chalets are old, quirky, simple, comfortable, and very clean. Food was good and plentiful, to a set menu. Staff were friendly and welcoming. I got up in the morning pre-dawn, sat in the garden and watched the sky lighten across those spectacular, tall trees. A troupe of monkeys lazily swung by, as the dawn chorus faded. The hikes for us were an absolute high-spot. Our guide Winston was a fund of knowledge, and paced the walk to match our speed and interests. When you climb "the hill" you look down on the forest canopy, and the wide sweep of rugged countryside all round. Descending to the river takes you among a wondrous vista of enormous and varied trees, including the dreaded "strangler" fig. Even the short walk, past the pond, is a gem. Take this rare opportunity to enjoy the simplicity, the peace, the lack of Wi-fi, and the wonders of nature. (All photos thanks to Jim I.)

I have wanted to visit for years and so glad I finally made it. making a reservation was so easy - decent road almost all the way there and complete relaxation when I arrived. Just so wonderful - complete serenity. Staff wonderful, food good, rooms lovely - garden and forest - guided walks - birds and butterflies - just so simple but so spoiling at the same time. Afternoon tea and cake in the garden, Casques hornbills calling over head - Colobus hollering - butterflies did not hesitate.

A wonderful place to retreat from the world. Rondo is old-fashioned in a positive way: kind and service minded staff, afternoon tea , books to borrow, comfort food and no wi-fi! The cosy cottages have plenty of space to sit both indoors and on the verandas. The garden is manicured and the whole place sits in the midst of Kenya’s only rainforest. My impression is that Rondo is mainly for adult guests. Bring your own bottle if you want wine or beer, as no alcohol is served.