75 Acres of Paradise; Inside the Exquisite Naromoru River Lodge Part 1

As you’re probably aware, it’s actually Ghafla’s work to update you on the happenings of the weekend and being a bright Monday and a new month, it is only fair we enlighten you on what was cutting, what was kicking and what you missed. Who was caught out misbehaving for example which I bet Tony will definitely enlighten in his exploring photo gallery.

I on the other hand will bring you up to par with a sanctuary I visited deep within the slopes of Mt. Kenya courtesy of one Winnie Mutua, formerly Kaymu and now marketing MD Naromoru River Lodge. Actually it came as a challenge that Ghafla for a long time has been in a comfort zone, afraid to explore more than weekend ratchets and which celebrity was doing what. There is more to life Irari she said over the phone so get on the next car and drive to Naromoru, I will cater for everything.

Who better to challenge than Ghafla as here we never hesitate when a challenge is bestowed upon us; we were determined to go and prove her wrong so together with my colleague we were on the next matatu to Naromoru.

For those not familiar with our beautiful nation, Naromoru is right between Chaka and Nanyuki; the land of beauty and splendor. If you’re using public transport, you pick your matatu at T-Room to Nanyuki; there is a couple to choose from and the fare will probably be around 500 bob on a normal day.

You will transverse across Thika Road onto Makuyu, Sagana, Karatina and finally to the Nyeri Nanyuki junction. You embark on the latter to Chaka and finally to Naromoru. It approximately takes you 3 hours to get there. And in case you get lost, do not fear to ask for directions from the friendly residents; they’ll be more than happy to direct you as the place is quite popular. That’s what we hopelessly Nairobian residents did and by 7PM we were already within the grounds and in the reception where we were welcomed by one Rueben. A hospitable chap who looked genuinely concerned about the intrigues of our visit and went ahead to offer us some refreshments; thanks Rueben.

The environment immediately changes when you enter this sanctuary; the air is fresher, cleaner and the surroundings tranquil and your mind immediately switches to a relaxed mood.

The lobby consists of well outlined wooden floors and seats; trust me it’s been long before I’ve seen so much wood; such exquisite wood just to be precise. Before we could settle down to the picturesque pieces of art present at the reception, our host Winnie was already with us. By the look in her eyes, I had a feeling she was a bit perplexed that I actually took up the challenge. After the usual pleasantries, she set us up with our rooms as dinner was waiting. I was taken aback by my environment that I had lost touch with the fact that I was starving.

Yet another friendly lad was in store to show us our rooms and he gladly offered to carry our luggage, I’m telling you the warmth of the staff at Naromoru was impeccable, five star even. 5, 10 minutes into the walk and we were not yet in our rooms which gave me the feeling this place was expansive; just how many acres? An interesting topic to bring up during dinner I figured. But we could care less how long it took us to get there as we were more mesmerized with the calming sound of the winds hitting the leaves, the roaring river and the birds chirping. It was quite therapeutic and immediately sent my beautiful girlfriend who reached out in the dark and held me tightly (Oh yeah! It’s going down tonight).

Soon enough we were in our rooms and if we thought it was romantic outside, we weren’t really ready for what awaited us in the rooms.