The Cliff Nakuru — Hotel in Barut ward

Our family of four (kids ages 7 and 9) stayed one night at The Cliff during our safari. We traveled up from Lake Naivasha, and had a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park prior to checking in around 2:00 pm. The staff greeted us at our vehicle and took care of all our luggage. Check in was very quick followed by an orientation of the camp. We counted approximately 10 tents in total, and we had two of them. There was only one other tent being used, and we actually never saw those guests. It felt as if we had the entire camp to ourselves.

Food was plated with at least two choices for each course (two meat entrees and two vegetarian entrees). Everything was excellent! Albert took care of us and he was very personable, telling us about his family, his experiences working in different resorts all while providing attentive service. He was also very sweet with the kids, offering them specially prepared foods and interacting with them on a “kid-level.”

After lunch, my wife took advantage of the spa services and enjoyed them. Maybe not a luxurious experience, but INCREDIBLY reasonably priced for what they offered. While mom enjoyed the spa, I took the kids to the pool and we had a lazy afternoon. Albert was available to grab a few drinks and bring them over to the bar.

Dinner was another great experience. Again, we had the whole dining area to ourselves. Albert was great and the chef prepared some amazing meals, coming out to talk with us about everything. Before leaving, Albert took our order for breakfast the next day.

We had two separate tents and didn’t want the kids to sleep alone, but we were able to put them down and enjoy the evening on our porch overlooking Lake Nakuru. The tents are set up perfectly utilizing the view, including a bathtub next to a zipper flap, allowing you to open it up and enjoy the evening skies while enjoying a relaxing bath. We slept with just the mesh flaps closed (the do have canvas coverings to block out any light/provide more privacy), so that we could see everything outside. Even if the resort were full, the tents are setup so that you would have privacy from anyone looking into your tent from theirs.

In the morning, the sunrise was gorgeous – directly in front of us across Lake Nakuru. Albert was again their to take care of breakfast, which was, unfortunately, a bit quick because we were leaving relatively early to travel to our next destination. We were able to enjoy the sunrise, but spent a little more time packing than we would have wanted during breakfast.

Albert, and the rest of the staff, helped with all of the luggage and wished us a safe trip to our next lodge. It was hard leaving The Cliff, especially after just the one night.

During our safari, we stayed at 4 different lodges, and the Cliff was by far the most unique and luxurious experience we had. Lake Nakuru National Park, was not as exciting as some of the other parks we visited, but this camp would certainly pull us right back, just to have the experience of staying here again. We absolutely loved staying here and would not hesitate...

Our group booked at The Cliff for one night, and that was enough for me. The people were friendly there and the view was exceptional — incredible, gorgeous views, an incredible setting. There’s a deep plunge tub there that’s amazing. Upon arrival we were immediately given drinks and moist towels for our hands, so it was a wonderful welcome. 

However, I’m glad that we only stayed one night. Each tent there has its own butler, but we were given no way to contact anyone. After I was shown around the room, I had to walk back up to reception to get the wi-fi password. I had to go to the bar to order coffee to be delivered to my room. So, I didn’t know how to get in touch with and utilize my personal butler/concierge.

Though I want to point out that there is NO WAY for The Cliff to be able to control this, I have to say that I was put off by the enormous spiders I encountered in both my room and the bathroom, as well as small spiders and other insects. The zipper for my tent was difficult to close properly, which resulted in more insects in my tent. 

Because we were warned about baboons and other animals that live in the national park in which The Cliff was located, I was wary of walking back to reception during the night. This became an even greater issue when the electricity went out. There was no flashlight in the room, though we had been told there would be, so I decided I would not try going to the reception area in the dark. I used my cell phone light until it ran out of battery — in a room with large spiders and no power. It was not a good experience, sitting terrified in the dark with no idea of how to reach out to hotel staff. I felt trapped, I didn’t feel safe, and I barely slept. 

I’m glad that I opted for the service of opening the tent at 6am for the sunrise, despite not having finally fallen asleep until almost 5am, because it was indescribably beautiful.

I would like to mention that we had checked in later than expected, and I do wonder if this resulted in our missing some information that might have alleviated some of the troubles I encountered at this very beautiful and unique place. If I’d known how to contact someone, if there had been a flashlight in the room, or if I’d at least been warned that the power might go out, I think it would have been a much better stay for me. As it is, I don’t feel comfortable recommending the...

The Cliff is a luxury getaway tucked away in a corner of Nakuru national park.

Wife and I came here for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi and couldn’t have been happier. The 3 night 4 day trip was everything we had heard and read about and more!

The rooms- (Tent4) Room had a huge bed with extra quilts for the cold Nakuru nights. Complimentary minibar and tea coffee facilities along with water in the rooms. Marula collection products were amazing and the hot water bottles at night in the bed were a lovely touch. Nancy our housekeeper had a good atttention to detail and we wanted for nothing. The way the tents are angled does provide privacy so the open fronts allow you to enjoy the view without prying eyes of other guests

F&B- where to begin. Peter, Willord and Hesbon kept us well fed and watered with world class service. Food wise chef and co made huge efforts with great vegetarian and non vegetarian choices. Big recommendation would be their cheeses bread and avocado on toast at breakfast.

Extras at the hotel- pool was decently sized but not heated so quite bracing for morning swims but was refreshing in the afternoon heat. The spa was an incredible experience. Wife and I both did the hot stone massage (2 seperate treatment rooms) and the masseuses, Dorcas and Hope, left us resting on cloud 9 after an incredible experience. Bar had a decent selection of wines and spirits and quite nice mocktails! Conference facilities and WiFi were well appointed and comfortable.

Must do- If you have the chance, the silent wake up call at 6am to watch the sunrise over the lake (stunning views) and the boat excursion onto the lake was a real treat! (Mid morning departure gave us a chance to enjoy lunch on board)

Quick tip- as the camp runs on generator there will be periods of no power, especially between 11pm-6am Carry a power bank to use to charge your electronics overnight.

Overall a fantastic experience. (Photos have no filter! Views were that amazing!)

To the team- Asante Sana watu wote! Tume Shukuru sana! Tuta onana...