This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
Published on August 11, 2019, Nyahururu town, nestled in the heart of Kenya's Aberdares mountain range, was once a forgotten gem. However, the Panari Resort Hotel, which opened its doors in 2016, has breathed new life into this charming town.
Located approximately three and a half hours from Nairobi, the resort offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. As we entered the resort, we were greeted by a long driveway that led us to the colonnaded entrance of the hotel.
Surprisingly, the resort boasts a modern design, with extensive gardens that evoke the ambiance of a country club. A warm welcome and quick check-in process soon had us whisked away to our rooms in electric golf carts, reminiscent of vintage cars.
My stay in the cottage blocks was a highlight, with a spacious room featuring contemporary decor and a balcony overlooking a steep river gorge. The resort's elevation of 2,370 meters above sea level means that it can get chilly at night and in the early mornings.
However, the staff's thoughtful gesture of lighting log fireplaces in the bedrooms and placing hot water bottles inside the beds made for a cozy and comfortable stay. Families with young children may prefer the interconnecting rooms in the main building, which also features a children's play area.
For those seeking more privacy and personalized care, the resort offers two villas with kitchenettes and valet service. All meals were served as buffet spreads at the Brown Olive Restaurant, which offered a delightful selection of dishes.
After working off our indulgence at the gym, we relaxed in the steam room and enjoyed a swim in the indoor pool. A brisk walk through the manicured lawns, surrounded by tall forest trees and the sweet songs of silver-cheeked hornbills, was the perfect way to start the day.
One morning, we decided to explore the nearby attractions, starting with the famous Thomson's Falls. A 10-minute walk from the hotel takes you to the viewing point, which offers a breathtaking view of the 74-meter drop of the Ewaso Narok river.
For the more adventurous, a sharp descent and gruelling ascent lead to the valley bottom, where the views are well worth the effort. The thundering roar of the falling water and the fine spray of mist hanging in the air created a truly unforgettable experience.
From the falls, we walked to the hippo pools, accompanied by a hotel guard. It was a surreal experience to spot hippos living in a spring among the fields, their ears and nostrils peeking out of the water as they surfaced to take a breath.
An excursion into the neighbouring Marmanet Forest is highly recommended, as it is part of an elephant migratory route and offers a unique opportunity to spot these majestic creatures. The forest is also home to the "maternity wing," where elephants often come to give birth.
Sitting on the hotel's raised elephant viewing deck, I imagined families browsing among the trees with newborns in tow. Panari Resort Nyahururu makes a great overnight stop for travelers on the safari route from Samburu County to the Rift Valley.
