Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
Hippo Point Kenya - Naivasha, Kenya
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Hippo Point Kenya

4-12 Keys 4 Bedrooms 6 Guests 3 BathsView Amenities

Description

Hippo Point is an exclusive private wildlife conservancy sitting on an isthmus between Lake Naivasha and Lake Oloidien at an altitude of 6,200 feet or 1,050 metres.

With a near perfect microclimate, over 350 species of birds and an average of 1,200 resident animals roaming the grounds it is the perfect place to let go of your busy life.

We like to call it " slow safari" where you get to experience the magical rhythm of life on our private African wildlife conservancy. Fall asleep under Russian linen sheets, smothered by the stars of Africa, soothed by sounds of Leopard, Hyena and Hippo calling in the night.

Wake up early and breath in the cool spring air of altitude and walk among the game and birdlife along the lake shore, do yoga at sunrise, swim, jog with the Giraffe and Zebra, bike, meditate, read or simply enjoy breakfast in bed – here, you can do what you like when you like.

Rated one of the top wildlife retreats in the world, the eight-story 120 foot Tower is one of the most luxurious Kenyan homes frequented by people in search of the unusual. Custom-built by Dodo Cunningham-Reid and still used as the family’s second home today it is open to a limited number of guests during the year.

Enjoy breathtaking views over Oloidien Bay and follow at eagle-eye level the movements of the hippos, giraffe and zebra grazing at the foot of the Tower - a magical symphony of peace and tranquility, broken only by the extraordinary birdsong and splashing of water as hippos venture out under the cover of darkness.

There are 4 double-rooms, 1 single ground floor room – a dining room, kitchen, spacious living room with incredible balcony, writing room, meditation room and a small top view room. Ideal for a family looking for a unique luxury experience in Africa. On the conservancy there is also a beautiful 20 meter pool (which occasionally may be shared with other guests staying at the Manor house), and a chauffeur driven open game vehicle for night game driving.

The property is fully staffed and includes free of charge security, fully serviced accommodation with daily housekeeping and a cook (groceries and alcohol excluded/ can be purchased by the Hippo Point team upon request ahead of arrival and charged to the guest), access to over 1,000 acres of wildlife territory, guides for walks and jogs, use of game viewer 4X4 for night game drive, sun-downer picnic set ups in special locations, access to 20m swimming pool ( may also be used by guests of the Manor House), local airstrip transfers (Oserian airstrip by appointment only), and laundry service. Generous gratuities are highly recommended in the region of 15-20 US dollars per person per day.


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Property Details

Size

Estate with 8 levels
4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 5000 square feet, 465 square meters

Bedrooms

Queen, Queen, Queen, and Queen
6 guests maximum

Nearest airport

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International
2 hours by car and 25 minutes by private charter aircraft

Property View

Dodo's Folly

Amenities

No Pets Allowed
Not Handicap Accessible

Activities of Interest

  • Equestrian
  • Fish
  • Golf
  • Hike
  • Shopping
  • Watersports
  • Enjoy the peaceful life of deep Africa where life follows nature: we walk with animals in the crisp air of altitude until the equatorial sun warms our spirits; we get fit on mountain bikes, do yoga, get Spa treatments and eat healthy food.
  • Enjoy the majestic African wildlife with slow game walks or bike rides in the early morning and evening for an unforgettable experience.
  • Extra activities off-site include hiking through a hot spring gorge; climbing an extinct volcano; visiting a Rhino sanctuary; bird watching by boat; hot air ballooning over lake Elementaita and longer horseback rides.

Places of Interest

  • The Naivasha lake area is fascinating being home to at least 350 regular bird species as well as of a host of migrants and irregular visitors.
  • Enjoy succulent local food at the Ranch House restaurant.
  • Visit the Nini Flower Farm, a great success story for Africa. This farm spans over 44 hectares and markets 90 millions stems per year.




Reviews

Charles S.

September 2017

Magical Place

Our group of seven thoroughly enjoyed our week at Hippo point. The Tower ('Dodo's Folly') is a one-of-a-kind structure and stands on an isthmus between two lakes. It is elegantly furnished and the second floor is a wonderful gathering place open to a verandah completely encircling the tower; from here we were able to enjoy afternoon tea and observe the animals that run freely on the property. Staying at Hippo Point is referred to by the owners as a 'slow safari' as one is able to view many animals on property without having to access a vehicle. Daily walks (twice a day if requested) from the Tower are guided by Bernard who is extremely pleasant and accommodating in addition to being a wealth of information about all the flora and fauna. The bird watching is superb as Lake Naivasha is known as one of the best places in Africa for the quantity and diversity of birds. Walking on property yields endless up-close-and-personal viewing opportunities of giraffe, zebra, hippos, warthogs, monkeys, etc., and boating on both lakes affords viewing opportunities for hippos and birds. It is also very worthwhile taking a night game drive to view the munching hippos and other animals that come out at night. Several off property exclusions to Hell's Gate and Elsamere were worthwhile, but the joy of Hippo Point is remaining on property and being taken care of by the amazing staff. The meals (prepared by chef Paninah) were delicious and healthy, and served with a gracious elegance that made the experience truly wonderful. Sundowners and lunches are served in various locations around the property which made every meal and cocktail hour an adventure. We were fortunate to be able to share both sundowners and lunch with owners Casilda and Dominic and enjoyed their company and perspectives on Kenya. It was our first trip to Africa and Hippo Point was a wonderful first week following which we embarked on a 'typical' safari in the Maasai Mara the following week, an itinerary that I would highly recommend. ”

Lyndsay W.

February 2017

Exceptional - Pure "Out of Africa" MAGIC!!

What a truly unique and magnificent home - such vision to have created something like this... an African Pagoda soaring among the tree tops of the giant Acacia trees all around the property, with breath-taking views over Lake Oloiden. The sunsets over the glass-like surface of the lake are legendary! One of the highlights is having meals and sundowners in different locations all over the property! They went to such trouble to set up carpets or cushions or chairs or tables with fine china and crystal in the most unexpected outdoor locations - the ultimate in Al Fresco dining! It was such a treat to have all the grocery shopping and cooking done for us - expertly prepared by Chef Paul or Chef Peninah, and beautifully served by Steven and his team. What was amazing for us, having been lucky enough to have done many vehicle safaris in the game reserves of South Africa, was the unique opportunity to walk amongst the game, and have giraffe, zebra, warthog and many antelope wander right past you as you relax on a lounger under the soaring Acacia trees! And at night the Hippos come out to graze right next to the tower - you can hear them munching away from your open door high up in the tower. And then there's the sounds of hyena and jackals hunting at night... all just a few meters away! Bernard, the game ranger/guide, in particular was amazing and our 6-year old son really connected with him... he spent many patient hours answering his endless questions and teaching him so many things about the animals and the bush that he'll never forget! Highly recommended activities - if you can tear yourself away from this oasis of tranquility and comfort - is to go for a boat ride around Lake Oloiden, where you can see even more game and wildlife from the boat. And take a morning to visit Hell's Gate national park, and hike the Gorge there - it's spectacular and a real adventure. The owners, Dominic and Casilda, were the most gracious hosts and we really enjoyed having sundowners with them and getting to know a bit more about their story and their vision for Hippo Point. The staff too, were without exception truly outstanding - warm, genuine, very well trained and flawless in their service. If you ever get the opportunity to experience this truly one-of-a-kind gem, don't hesitate - it's a place you won't easily forget!”

Sam B.

August 2016

Best Trip Ever!!

Cannot say enough good things about Hippo Point! Nested between Lake Naivasha and Lake Olodien, it is not rare to look out your window in the morning and see dozens of water buffalo strolling by. All of the vegetables are grown in gardens on the property – every meal is a dining experience. The table is always beautifully set with delicate china, lovely linens and bouquets of brightly colored flowers. Chef Paul and Peninah prepare the most delicious meals, we loved the Chicken Curry and rice as well as the homemade sorbets for dessert. Our group stayed in the Manor House, which was perfect for a party of 9. Each room was tastefully decorated with gorgeous bed linens and wood paneling. Our accommodations were nothing short of incredible. Bernard, our wildlife guide is a walking encyclopedia – the man knows everything about the birds, animals, and the flora and fauna at Hippo Point. He has a smile so big it can make your day go from good to great! Each day Bernard would lead us on long walks around the property, various excursions off site, and night game drives. We were lucky enough to see two very stealthy leopards! One of the best parts of each day was the “Sundowner,” drinks and appetizers (or as they staff called them: “bities”) in a different location every night. We cannot sing the staff’s praises loud enough. They were so attentive to every detail and among some of the most gracious people. Thank you to Hippo Point for an unforgettable vacation of a lifetime! Sam Berry and Mary Roos ”