What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 08:00 - 17:00 Saturday 09:00 - 13:00

Rondo Retreat Centre

Home
Kenya
Kakamega
Rondo Retreat Centre

Rondo Retreat Centre HOW TO GET TO RONDO:
When coming to Rondo from Nairobi, the most direct route to use is through Nakuru and up to the Eldoret Road. Turn left at the T Junction.

The tranquil Retreat Centre in the Kakamega Rain Forest welcomes you to make it your home for a few memorable days, pursuing your hobbies as a butterfly collector, beetle specialist, frog fancier, spider hunter, tourist or bird watcher. The roads are in fairly good condition, however traffic may be quite heavy on the main roads. Please do observe speed restrictions for the sake of safety and to av

oid any run ins with the men in blue! Turn left at the old “Burnt Forest” junction, now called Nabkoi onto the Lessos road (C36) which joins the Eldoret/Kapsabet road after 48.3 km. Proceed to Kapsabet and pass through the town for a further 19 km. This brings you to the Chepsonoi police post. You will find a sign to Rondo. Turn right on to the murram road which leads you through the forest for 9Km to Rondo Retreat. Note that travelling time from Nairobi is approximately 6 hours, depending on speed and traffic, and more if you make a stop in Nakuru. Alternatively there are flights from Nairobi to Kisumu. The flight takes less than one hour. A taxi may be arranged for your transfer to Rondo. This will take approximately 1 1/2 hours. Roads are also in good condition. Alternate Route To Rondo
An alternate route, for those who do not mind a slightly longer and more scenic route, avoiding the many trailers and buses on the Eldoret Road, is through Eldama Ravine. Head towards Nakuru. Turn right onto the B4 just before entering Nakuru (before
heading under the railway bridge). After 26.7 km take the left turn to Eldama Ravine
(C55). Remain on the road for 32.7 km. You will rejoin the Nakuru - Eldoret road at
Makutano. Turn right onto the Al04 heading towards Eldoret for 40 km. Turn left at Nabkoi (formerly Burnt Forest) onto the C36. Drive for 48.3 km which brings you to a junction (Eldoret - Kapsabet road). Turn left, proceed through Kapsabet and continue for a further 19 km, which will bring you to Chepsonoi Police Post. There is a sign to Rondo Retreat. Turn right onto the murram road which leads into the forest. After 9 km you arrive at Rondo. If you want to make a stop in Nakuru, you can join the B4 from the roundabout near the mall, rather than retracing your steps. Bon voyage! Alternate Route Map: Click Here

ARRIVAL:
Please confirm time of arrival. Lunch is at 1pm. Supper is at 7pm. It is important to arrive and check in before dark. MENU: Rondo has a fixed menu of good Western cuisine. In case of any dietary requirements – vegetarian e.t.c kindly inform us in advance. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT

Originally, Rondo was owned by a sawmiller who, in 1948, built a house at his wife’s request at the base of what was thought to be the biggest tree in the Forest, an Elgon Olive, the stump of which still stands today. The sawmiller left Kenya in 1961, leaving the property to the Christian Council of Kenya. Rondo officially came into the hands of the Trinity Fellowship in 1966 which was headed by the Reverend and Mrs. Cuthbert (Cubby) and Mathilde (Thilde) Dawkins. The Trinity Fellowship first used Rondo as a youth centre and orphanage. It was also the setting for the filming of “The Kitchen Toto”. Rondo has facilitated serious research such as that undertaken by the Kenya Indigenous Forest Conservation Project (KIFCON) and the Kenya Wildlife Service, resulting in their book, “Kakamega Forest, The Official Guide”. There is even a picture of Rondo in it. All visitors should obtain a copy, it is the best exhaustive introduction to the Forest, and is available at our Front Desk. Today this peaceful place has been “opened to the public” and is run by the Reverend and Mrs. Godfrey and Elisabeth Dawkins. They invite you to take time from the rush of your busy life to come and contemplate – nature, yourself, the world, the work of God…

Funds and personnel permitting, Rondo related projects will include: Community Outreach, Environmental Education, Eco-Tourism, and Regenerative Agro Forestry.

11/02/2025

Our Rondo dining experience in not only a delight to the palate but is also a feast for the eyes, with gorgeous views of the gardens. A truly exquisite experience!

🇰🇪

05/02/2025

Forest Nightlife...
When creatures come calling...
The Marsh mongoose, a nocturnal creature, is a frequent visitor to the verandah (and in the gardens) looking for snacks - bugs or such - found around the lights. He does his rounds and then heads back to see what else he can find - but on this occasion, he made himself quite comfortable on the mat for a few moments, obviously feeling quite at home!
Interestingly, these little creatures keep the snake population down!

29/01/2025

Amazing Eagle Antics - Only at Rondo!
Georgie, the 4th successfully raised African-crowned eagle, right in Rondo's garden, has enthralled and enlightened us with her antics. Fairly frequently she can be found basking in the sunshine on our lawns. But it is more than just basking, we are reliably informed by our friend and guest, Steve Collins, butterfly expert! This behaviour is called 'Anting'... a maintenance behaviour - helpful in the removal of parasites from the feathers, and more, it is suggested. And all of this happens right on our doorstep!

21/01/2025

By day or by night, Rondo Retreat has its own unique foresty ambience... misty mornings or moonlit, starry skies.

14/01/2025

The De-tail is in the Tail - The Red-Tailed Monkey

Despite the charmingly good looks and shy nature, its Tail is certainly what defines it. Catch this rare & unique beauty frequently visiting Rondo’s environs and entertaining our guests.

08/01/2025

Nature surrounds your every moment at Rondo Retreat.
Enjoy the Natural sights, Natural air, Natural sounds from the Kakamega Rainforest.
Start your adventure by calling 📞+254 733 299 149 or emailing 📧 [email protected]

31/12/2024

In 2024, we appreciated and value of every moment with you,
As our guest, visitor or customer
Online as our follower, fan or critic
You have all played a great role in making the year worthy.
Hope for more in the coming year.
Happy New Year!

30/12/2024

The Décor, the Profiles, the Views
The Charm that is in Rondo’s rooms
Even on the inside, the adventures of the forest stay with you!

24/12/2024

23/12/2024

You have just had an adventure filled day, in the Kakamega Rainforest
The calm & charming atmosphere sets the mood right for a sumptuous meal.
Together with the detail and delightful ambiance of the dining hall setting.
Enjoy your dinner, as our chef and dining stewards take care of your every need.

03/12/2024

What a Gem and what a Gift!
The Emerald Cuckoo can frequently be heard singing "Hello Georgie" from the treetops, but is infrequently seen. Quite tantalizing! On this particular morning though, right in Rondo's garden, this beauty swooped by. A brief hunt led us to the nearby tree where it was perched - carrying a delectable morsel - quite possibly for its mate. What a treat to see this beauty, whether you are a serious birder or not! And there are more treats of other kinds to be had at Rondo, so we invite you to come and experience them for yourself.

26/11/2024

Rondo In The Rain,
Delightful garden views from verandahs.
Delightful refreshing rain... much to the delight of our guests!
And with special holidays approaching - why not experience some of Rondo's unique delights!

🇰🇪

19/11/2024

There is something for everyone to do and to enjoy during their stay at Rondo Retreat - and time to indulge in your favourite forest fancies... family times, relaxing times, foresty times, adventurous times and fascinating times!
The birders found a new nightjar species - and right in our garden. Exciting times can be had by all.

17/11/2024

Your Daily/Weekly/Monthly/Yearly efforts require the ideal rest & recovery.

Rondo Retreat offers a destination that will guarantee your rejuvenation & refreshment from its beauty, cottages, meals, activities and exemplary service.

Plan your weekend or Xmas holiday by calling 📞+254 733 299 149 or emailing 📧 [email protected]

09/11/2024

Silent Nights, Rondo Sights, Beautiful Lights, in a Natural Site 💚💚

03/11/2024

The cool, calming experience of the Rainforest rain at Rondo Retreat, the sights, the sounds, the freshness in the air, whether you are in or out, you'll just love being there!

29/10/2024

Rondo Retreat - A place for ALL - no matter the age or interest! A place for rest and recreation! A place for the serious - and less serious birder or walker or whatever! A place to enjoy!

🇰🇪

22/10/2024

Feel the forest! Enjoy its enchantment! Spend time in its timeless space! Enjoy all its moods and marvelous moments, its mighty and miniscule! And all of this from the comfort of an equally enchanting place - Rondo Retreat! Whatever the occasion - it makes for a delightful escape from everyday life!

Address

P. O. Box 2153/
Kakamega
50100

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 13:00

Website

https://www.rondoretreat.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rondo Retreat Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Rondo Retreat Centre:

Videos

Merry Christmas from Everyone here at Rondo Retreat Centre. From the Chirping Birds and Howling & Clattering Monkeys. To the Majestic Trees Rustling and Stunning Fauna. And our Amazing Staff and Management. #Christmas #rondoretreat #holidayseason #birdwatchers #birdwatching_wildlife #destination #Holidays #enjoyRondo #forest #relaxation #KakamegaForest #tropicalholiday #holiday

The cool, calming experience of the Rainforest rain at Rondo Retreat, the sights, the sounds, the freshness in the air, whether you are in or out, you'll just love being there! #holidays #tembeakenya #RondoRetreatCentre #retreat #birdlovers #forestcreatures #birds #tropicaholiday #birdwatching #vacation #Kakamega #tranquility #birdwatchingtours #summervibes #naturelover #relaxing #serenity #forestlife #tropicalparadise #naturelovers #rainforestadventures #nature #destination #relaxation #KakamegaForest

Wonders of Rondo Retreat While enjoying the beauty of Rondo’s gardens and lawn, and the usually shy and highly placed African Crowned Eaglet comes down for a closer look.👀 #tropicaholiday #forestcreatures #birdwatchers #birdlovers #birds #birdwatching #RondoRetreatCentre #vacation #Kakamega #birdwatchingtours #africancrownedeagle #birding #birdwatching_wildlife #africancrownedeagle #naturelover #relaxing #serenity #RondoRetreat #forestlife #tropicalparadise #naturelovers #rainforestadventures #nature #destination #forest #relaxation #KakamegaForest #tropicalholiday #kakamegaforest

Tales of the Unexpected! 🐍 Dominic, one of Rondo’s yard workers, together with a colleague, spotted a stationary Rhinocerous-horned Viper near Rondo’s fish pond. Unusual that it was not moving. After a while and a prod – still no movement. The workers continued with their chores. Shortly thereafter, out of the undergrowth emerged a large Forest Cobra. A brief check of its quarry. Definitely dead! The Cobra circled to the head and – believe it or not – started to swallow the snake, head-first, pulling it out of sight in the process. Extraordinary! What a feast the Cobra had. It won’t need another meal for quite a while! 🎥Video courtesy of Dominic Savala #tropicaholiday #rondoretreat #visitkenya🇰🇪 #tranquility #KakamegaForest #relaxation #tropicalholiday #holiday #naturelovers #forestcobrafeeding