Castle Forest Lodge is located deep in the thick forest on the slopes to the south of Mount Kenya. The main house was built in 1910 with the river stones and wood from the surrounding forest and the rivers. It is said that both Queen Elizabeth and President Jomo Kenyatta visited Castle Forest Lodge when they were still students. In 2000, Castle Forest Lodge was renovated to accommodate slightly over 30 guests.
Castle Forest Lodge History
Built-in 1910 using stones and wood from the surrounding forest, the main building at the Lodge is over 100 years old but is still standing strong and majestic. Some renovations were done in 2000 but the Lodge hasn’t lost it’s rustic nature. It was built by the royal family deep inside the dense forest as a hunting lodge for King George VI. He spent his life in an area that teems with different kinds of wildlife. George would go hunting and retreat to the lodge, which was later to be occupied by his daughter, who later rose to the throne.
The lodge sits on 50 acres, where stray elephants and other animals from bamboo forests graze freely. Although there is little information about what George did when he stayed at the lodge, other than hunting, older Kirinyaga residents said his daughter visited twice. Queen Elizabeth II first toured the lodge in 1945 and again in 1952 during the struggle for freedom. Today, it is a tourist attraction for local and international visitors.
Castle Forest Lodge Location
Castle Forest Lodge is easy to find in Kimunye, Kirinyaga County, and Google Maps ensures you get there without getting lost. The roads from Nairobi are all tarmac, and the trip takes about two and a half hours.
Castle Forest Lodge Entrance Fees
The Castle Forest Lodge has an entrance fee of Ksh 250 for adults and Ksh 50 for children.
Castle Forest Lodge Accommodation
There are different accommodation options.
1. Cottages
The 8 Cottages are round huts for one or two people with double or two single beds. Each hut has its theme, a private en-suite shower and toilet, and a fireplace where a fire is lit at night.
2. Bungalows
There are 3 Bungalows with 2 bedrooms each, a living room with a fireplace, and a Verandah overlooking the fields, the forest, and the valley in the distance. Each bungalow has a shower and toilet. There are two standard Bungalows, which are in the original style. And one “Luxury” Bungalow recently renovated which is more spacious and has a hammock.
3. Chalet
There are two beautiful free-standing chalets available. Each with ample space, a fully equipped kitchen, a large living room, and a splendid view of Mount Kenya
4. Chalet Montane
A beautiful cabin that sleeps 4. There is a lot of space to put extra beds or mattresses.
5. Chalet Telluride
This is a spacious cabin with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
6. Budget Rooms
There are three rooms in the Main House, which was built in 1910, one double and two twins. They share a shower and toilet and are above the kitchen, bar, and restaurant.
7. Camping
A separate field offers ample camping space, clean toilets, hot showers, and a large hall with tables and chairs to sit around in case it rains. Firewood is provided at a cost. Camping rates are Ksh 1000 while Tent and bedding cost Ksh 1500.
Castle Forest Lodge Menu
Castle Forest Lodge serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main house at the set hours with a daily changing menu. Snacks are throughout the day and the drinks are from our well-stocked bar. There is a charming little living room with a crackling fireplace, where you are welcome to spend the rainy days. For the sunny hours, you enjoy the leisure veranda, surrounded by the mystic of the indigenous rain forest the veranda is the ideal place to relax and unwind.
Castle Forest Lodge has been called the coziest kitchen in Kenya. Even on the coldest of days, it’s warm here, and the loving, friendly staff is always ready to make your stay all that you expected, from stacking up your cottage fire to preparing delicious three daily meals.
Castle Forest Lodge Activities
1. Climbing Mt. Kenya
Climbing Mount Kenya through the adventurous “Kamweti” route starting from Castle Forest Lodge will lead you on old elephant pathways through dense rain- and bamboo forests to the highland swamps and moorlands of Mt. Kenya. At McKinders camp the route meets all other routes for the final climb conquering point Lenana. On average you will walk 5-6 hours per day and guides will prepare a camp in the evening either in the bush or in the neighborhood of a cabin. The “Kamweti” route will take you from 5 to 7 days depending on the route descending.
Whilst the highest mountain tops of Mount Kenya – Batain and Nelion – can only be climbed by experienced mountaineers and using the right gear, Point Lenana, the third highest summit, can be climbed by anybody provided you are in the right condition for climbing. Although the mountain top can be reached relatively easily, you should be well prepared, not only for varying weather conditions, like cold, snow, and rain, but also for problems, like altitude sickness.
2. Nature Walks
The hiking possibilities for guided day trips or short walks around the lodge are unlimited. The castle lodge guides will point out the animal footprints who have been there before you and tell all about the forest and its mysteries.
3. Bird Watching
About 175 species of birds have been identified that are partly specific for this altitude and forested areas, The Castle Lodge’s experienced guides can lead you to them
4. Trout Fishing
Crystal-clear rivers on either side of the lodge provide endless opportunities for trout fishing.
5. Horseback Riding
Three beautiful horses, one for the guide, can take you riding on the trails in the forest where you may encounter wildlife or just enjoy the different colors of green or for a longer ride through the tea fields bordering the forest.
6. Swimming Pool
On hot days dipping in the fresh water infinity pool or cool-down under one of the waterfalls in the nearby river is a great thrill.
7. Wildlife
The unique ambiance given by the forest provides the home for various kinds of mammals wherein the elephant, buffalo, leopard, hyena, bushbuck, Colobus- and Sykes monkeys as well as about 175 species of birds.
8. Waterfalls
A visit to Castle Forest Lodge isn’t complete without a visit to the waterfalls. This one is right next to the Lodge. Small but scenic. Kamweti Falls is about an hour and a half from the Lodge by foot. It is a very comfortable walk through the forest with birds singing different tunes making it a musical hike.
Castle Forest Lodge Contacts
Phone: +254 731 407109
