Naivasha · Kenya

Your Nature Escape from Nairobi

Discover Malu, a family-friendly nature lodge in Naivasha, surrounded by 1,800 acres of private forest. Stay in charming cottages, villas or a treehouse, and enjoy horse riding, farm animals, forest walks and outdoor adventures for all ages.

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Welcome

Welcome to our forest

Malu is a small country hotel offering luxury accommodation, superb service and acclaimed cuisine. On our 1,800-acre private forest reserve you are free to walk and ride through one of East Africa’s original highland forests, where leopard, buffalo and zebra roam.

Our donkeys and mountain bikes bring you close to this untouched wilderness, and the lodge is a perfect base for Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island, Hell’s Gate and the Kigio Game Reserve.

The destination
The forested ridges of the Rift Valley above golden grassland
A walker stepping across stones in a forest stream, under a canopy of indigenous trees
Safari chairs around a table on the lawn beneath a spreading tree
Lunch on the lawn, Mahindu House
1,800 Acres of private forest
90 Minutes from Nairobi
6 Cottages, houses & a treehouse
100 Miles of Rift Valley view

In their own words

Trip of a lifetime

“Our 3-night stay in Malu was absolutely incredible. Upon arrival we were greeted with refreshments and really from there it was nothing but luxury! Samson, the manager, welcomed and briefed us before we sat down for a delicious 4-course lunch in which David, front of house, took great care of us with his friendly smile and chatter which we enjoyed every meal thereafter! Our cottages were perfectly clean with lovely hot showers. Wangari, Linet and Sorena worked tirelessly to make us feel at home, lighting evening fires and even placing hot water bottles in our beds! A final shoutout to Steven, our guide, who taught us all about the fascinating local wildlife as well as how the local tribes use each plant in cooking and as medicine whilst we walked to the nearby natural spring. It really was an incredible few days and I very much look forward to coming back!”

Tripadvisor review Read on Tripadvisor ↗

“Malu is a real gem. The cottages are incredibly quaint and cozy with beautiful views of the rift valley and a very secluded feeling. I read books on the porch, enjoyed a fire at night, took a glorious bath, and just enjoyed being outside of Nairobi for the night. Thank you Malu! I will definitely be back.”

Google Maps review Read on Google Maps ↗

Go for the scenery – stay for the food!

“We had an incredibly quiet and peaceful weekend away at Malu Lodge. The cottages are large and ours had a fireplace, veranda, and bathtub. The small refrigerator with beverages was such a nice touch. We enjoyed watching birds on the veranda and taking hikes in the forest. The food was INCREDIBLE. Four course meals with the most creative salads at lunch and warm soups in the evening. The staff were so kind and we HIGHLY recommend a bird walk with Steve – he is so knowledgeable!”

Tripadvisor review Read on Tripadvisor ↗

“This has to be one of the most relaxing places I have ever visited. The nights are dead quiet, the beds are so comfortable. It's true what they say on their website about down feather duvets. The food is also so delicious, hot, and freshly prepared. The set menu is also surprisingly imaginative. Big up to the Chef. The staff are so warm and welcoming. Right from the manager Samson who personally welcomes you, to Samwel the waiter, to Linet who showed us the way to the dining and Wangare who starts the fire and turns down the bed. The grounds are expansive and there is no shortage of activities to keep one busy.”

Google Maps review Read on Google Maps ↗

Charming farm stay

“My extended family and I stayed in the charming cottages for two nights. All three generations had a really lovely time and found plenty to do. The staff were great and chatted with the kids for hours during walks, horse hacks and donkey cart rides. The food was fresh, coming from the farm's impressive vegetable garden and the focaccia bread was delicious. A thoroughly enjoyable stay.”

Tripadvisor review Read on Tripadvisor ↗

Exquisite!

“There is some kind of magic that happens at Mahindu. The character of the house is akin to a well-loved storybook, each corner adorned with intricate details and a palpable sense of nostalgia. From the creak of the wooden floors to the soft sunlight filtering through the vintage windows, every element resonates with a charm that's simply irresistible. But it's the gardens that truly steal the show, a sanctuary where nature's beauty unfolds in all its glory. As you wander through the labyrinthine pathways, you're enveloped by a sense of peace and tranquility that's hard to find elsewhere. In a world where chaos reigns supreme, this charming house and its exquisite gardens offer a much-needed refuge, a sanctuary for the soul. Once you've experienced the magic of this place, you'll find yourself yearning to return, to immerse yourself once more in its timeless embrace. Simply put, it's a journey you'll never want to end.”

Tripadvisor review Read on Tripadvisor ↗

Fab family stay

“We had a wonderfully idyllic overnight getaway (we live in Nairobi) here. It is such an incredibly peaceful setting with great views. The cottages are spacious and really lovely (my only niggle was that some of the upholstery could do with a refresh but v.minor point). All the accommodation is separate and feels very private. The staff were all lovely and did a great job. The food was delicious and fresh. The set up is so good for kids too, there are swings and a play box, lawns to run on. A lovely pool in the woods for a dip. But best of all the farm animals – we had donkey rides, fed rabbits, milked a cow, picked fresh chicken eggs for our breakfast. A lovely experience for our little girl.”

Tripadvisor review Read on Tripadvisor ↗

A tranquil oasis

“Among the most beautiful places in Kenya. A true oasis. The place is best for people planning to stay the whole day at the house with the family. There are better located places if you want to visit Naivasha and the lake. This place is a tranquil oasis, comfortable, beautiful landscape and friendly staff. Best to come here for at least two nights to relax.”

Tripadvisor review Read on Tripadvisor ↗

Great get away

“Great food, great service, nice get away place to just kick back and relax. Great activities as well, you can walk around, watch the sunset, time almost stops when you're enjoying this magnificent rustic destination. Would go back again and again.”

Tripadvisor review Read on Tripadvisor ↗

“Best restaurant in Kenya! Lovely place to spend a weekend. See you again soon. Thank you.”

S & J Deal

“Perfect location, excellent staff, wonderful food and a superb verve – paradise found!”

S. Stephens
A tea tray on the wooden deck of the Hilltop Cottage, looking out over the trees
Stay longer

Seven nights, the seventh is ours

Book seven nights at Malu and we will not charge for the seventh.

  • In any of our six lodges
  • Subject to availability
The restaurant

From the garden to the table

Long lunches that stretch into the afternoon; in the evening, a blazing fire while our Italian-trained chef cooks with the freshest ingredients.

A set four-course menu, Italian in style: hand-made pasta, fresh mozzarella, rosemary focaccia straight from the oven, vegetables and herbs from our garden, eggs and milk from the Malu cows.

The restaurant
The thatched restaurant with tables laid in red and white, open to the garden
Penne in a fresh tomato sauce, topped with basil

Find your place in the forest

Tell us when you would like to come and how many of you there are, and we will put your stay together.

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