My husband and I headed out to Ngong House for a mid-week get-away from Nairobi. Driving the long way around made us feel like we were heading way out of town and the view from treehouse 1 confirmed the illusion. All we saw from our balcony was the Ngong Hills. The rome, the food and the service was amazing. They even quickly baked a cake for my husbands birthday.

Perfection.

We've stayed one night during our honeymoon at the Ngong House and wished we could have stayed a bit longer. It's like coming home. We were greated with a cold drink which we enjoyed in the garden whilst one of the staff checked us in and asked us we're we wanted to have our lunch. We opted for the beautiful garden and within minutes a tables was set under a big tree where we had a very nice lunch. After lunch we we're brought to our tree house and it is a real tree house. Very romantic and really Out of Africa style decorated and as we had the last tree house we had a beautiful view. In the evening the host, Paul, entertained all his guest at the campfire. He's incredible hospitable and friendly. After our sun downer we were guided to a rondavel where a long table was set. The setting was incredibly cozy, the food very good and it was nice to get to know the other guests.

Ngong House is a truely special place, really romantic and we would definitely stay there again.

However, dinning at Ngong House turned out to be a “mysterious” event, to say the least. Initially, several attempts to book a table failed as no one picked up the phone. Then, arriving at the hotel was a stressful adventure itself. The GPS could not find the way, and luckily the hotel staff was kind enough to rescue us. We were lost in the hotel area for more then half an hour. We had actually driven by the hotel entrance, through a dark street without public illumination, but there was no visible indication of the hotel, and we missed it. With the hotel staff we drove through a dark driveway off the main road until with spotted a hotel sign. The parking lot was dark and empty. Once at the hotel we were kindly greeted by several employees, but there was no sign of guests. There was actually none. We asked for the menu, but it was not available. The maitre, offered “meat, chicken or fish” choices with vegetable. Once our orders had been placed, we were still requested to wait for the table to be ready, and meanwhile were able to calmly enjoy some cocktails at the reception. We were later led to our table, which was located outside the reception building. We were guided through a narrow dark path through the bushes, until we arrived at a round hut, built with a thatched roof, short external walls and no windows designed in a simple but nice Swahili style to allow the flow of air. In the hut there was a long and well-decorated table, maybe a bit too big for 4 people, with chandeliers, and no artificial lights. Several small fireplaces built in the wall, which surrounded us, were lit. The atmosphere was cozy, quiet and private, as no other guests were around. We were still feeling strange about the place, and this amazing atmosphere helped to relax, although the place was different from the restaurant pictures I had seen on the website. It was a secluded area. We ordered wine, and again no wine list was available. We were offered inexpensive South African wine, which was inappropriate and expensive. We patiently waited for the food another while. Although lacking creativity for a kitchen run by a recommended European chef, the food was tasty. Apparently the chef was not in that evening. On our way out, another “mysterious” surprise: credit cards were not accepted, and this turned out to be an issue. The stuff however managed well the situation and a comfortable solution was found. To tell the truth we all found the place very charming. It felt as if we were out of Nairobi in a nice safari lodge. However, the overall approach by the staff left us uncomfortably thinking that this dinner could be some kind of scam, particularly as both the kitchen and bar had low value for money, only cash was acceptable and no receipts were given. I would like to return, but in a more predictable and transparent opportunity.

Never really thought a hotel in Nairobi could feel so special – this place is just amazing, in every sense. The accommodation is fantastic, the food is amazing, and the staff are just lovely...polite and attentive but never intrusive. Their hospitality felt truly genuine. 3 of us spent the night in the ‘log cabin’ which is so large, when we walked in we had assumed we were in some communal living space until the guide started showing us the bedrooms! The cabin has 2 double bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, plus a small mezzanine type bed space in the main living area, and another sitting space that could also serve as a double bed. There was a bar, and even a pool table in the cabin, along with sofas and a log fire! Dinner was in our room, and was delicious, although we were all rather full after the appetizers and the two starters so didn’t do the main course much justice. All drinks are included, including wine with the meal and the fridge is well-stocked with sodas and beer.
As residents, we got very good rates – even more so as there were three of us rather than just 2. We took a look at the tree houses before we left and they are lovely but for more than 2 people, the cabin is perfect!