Chentravel
April 5, 2024
Chui Lodge was one of three accommodations we stayed in while on Safari in Kenya. Unlike the other camps, we were not able to keep our guide with us and had to use one of the guides from the lodge. (The lodge and the conservancy it’s on are all run by the same owners) After the initial surprise, this turned out to be really great thing, as the provided guides was incredibly familiar with the location and terrain. At check in, we were greeted with cold towels and welcome drinks. Our bags were carried and we were checked in quickly at the front desk and shown to our hut. Calling it a hut is somewhat deceptive, since it featured a four poster bed and full bathroom. The rooms have a lot of charm and character, with hand painted windows. The bed has a mosquito net but it’s really unnecessary unless you plan on leaving your door open. My only complaints would be that the number to call for service was only told to us verbally and not written down anywhere, and this was the only accommodation on our safari that didn’t offer us a wake up call with coffee. When we mentioned an early morning, they asked us to go to the dining room for coffee. (Really very minor gripes) We had the all inclusive option. Food and meal service were excellent. Attentive without being overbearing. Our favorite part was al fresco lunch in front of the watering hole, watching the wildlife. All meals were multiple courses - you will not leave hungry. The heated pool was also a highlight. Definitely worth a few hours between meals and activities. Comfy lounge chairs look out over the watering hole. The activities offered were nothing short of amazing. This is where Chui Lodge really shone. Arriving in Kenya, I didn’t know what to expect. ‘Would we see any animals?’ Was a worry for me. Well, I didn’t need to worry, we saw hyenas within 1 minute of our first game drive. While the conservancy did not have all of the big five, this was the place where we saw the highest density of animals. No boring bits during game drives. We also got exceedingly lucky on our very first game drive and had a leopard cross the road right in front of our vehicle. In addition to game drives, they planned a bush walk for us, sundowners on both evenings we were there and a bush breakfast on our second day. And every single thing was phenomenal. Watching the sun go down by a warm campfire, overlooking a landscape filled with wildlife, while having a drink and freshly made snack. Just the best. This lodge also offers boat trips on lake Naivasha. We had done the boat ride with a different operator before arriving but would definitely do it at Chui Lodge instead next time. We’d recommend this place to anyone going to the lake Naivasha area. It’s was an excellent introduction to safari and just such a relaxing place. And if offered, do the flower farm tour! It’s at a rose breeding facility and was amazingly informative. We didn’t think we’d like it but ended up really enjoying it. And lastly a reminde