Ziwa Bush Lodge

Overview

Ziwa Bush Lodge is an intimate boutique lodge set among lush indigenous gardens on the outskirts of Nakuru, overlooking a small dam teeming with birdlife. With only around ten en-suite units, the lodge offers a personal, “home away from home” experience that has earned it a reputation as one of the best-rated lodges in the Nakuru area . It is a favourite overnight base for safari-goers visiting Lake Nakuru National Park, roughly a 45-minute drive from the park’s main gate.

About the Property

Each unit at Ziwa Bush Lodge is built from local stone, canvas and traditional makuti (folded palm leaf) roofing, and furnished with handcrafted cedar furniture made on site by artisans from the Nakuru area. The lodge was founded with a charitable mission: it supports the EAM Children’s Home located on the same property, and a portion of every booking (around 3%) goes toward the orphanage. Guests are welcome to visit and learn about the project during their stay.

Quick Facts

• Traditional makuti-thatched architecture with locally made cedar furnishings
• Restaurant overlooking the dam, plus BBQ facilities
• Outdoor swimming pool, spa/massage services and sauna
• Approx. 19 km (12 mi) from Lake Nakuru National Park
• Approx. 30 km (19 mi) from Menengai Crater; 45 km (28 mi) from Lake Elementaita
• Nakuru Airport is about a 30-minute drive away
• 3% of each booking supports the on-site children’s home

Location

The lodge sits in a secluded, garden-filled compound in the Ngata/Njoro area on the western outskirts of Nakuru, overlooking a small private dam. It is far enough from town for real tranquillity, yet close enough for easy access to Lake Nakuru National Park (about 45 minutes to the park gate), Menengai Crater, Lake Elementaita and the wider Rift Valley circuit. Nairobi is roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive away via the A104.

Accommodation

Rooms are spacious, individually styled cottages and villas with mountain views, private balconies, en-suite bathrooms with excellent showers, fireplaces in some units and 300-thread-count linens.

Dining

The open, makuti-roofed restaurant overlooks the dam and serves a mix of continental and Italian dishes alongside Kenyan favourites, with vegetarian options available. Guests consistently praise the food quality, generous portions and the breakfast and dinner service. BBQ facilities are also available for group events.

Facilities

Outdoor swimming pool, sauna, spa and massage services, restaurant and bar, BBQ area, expansive lawns for sports and games, children’s playground, fishing at the dam, business/meeting facilities, laundry service, room service and Wi-Fi.

Why Choose Ziwa Bush Lodge

• Genuinely boutique: only ~ service is warm, personal and consistently praised by guests
• Authentic bush-lodge character — stone, canvas and makuti construction with handmade cedar furniture
• A stay with purpose: part of every booking supports the on-site children’s home
• Ideal safari base for Lake Nakuru National Park without park-lodge prices
• Peaceful lakeside-garden setting with prolific birdlife
• Excellent food and one of t

Get There

• By road from Nairobi: ~160 km / 2.5–3 hours via the A104 (Nairobi–Nakuru highway); the lodge is signposted off the highway on the western side of Nakuru toward Njoro/Ngata.
• By air: Fly to Nakuru Airport, about 30 minutes’ drive from the lodge; alternatively fly into Nairobi (JKIA or Wilson) and transfer by road.
• To Lake Nakuru National Park: ~45 minutes’ drive to the main gate.

Activities

• Bird watching at sunrise and sunset around the dam and gardens
• Fun fishing at the lodge’s dam (great for kids)
• Swimming in the outdoor pool
• Spa treatments and massage
• Volleyball, lawn games and sports on the expansive grounds
• Weddings, birthdays and private events in the manicured gardens
• Day trips: Lake Nakuru National Park game drives, Menengai Crater, Lake Elementaita, Hyrax Hill
• Visits to the on-site EAM Children’s Home