Sandai Farm

Top choice in Kenya


Fourteen kilometres northwest of town (ask locals for directions), Sandai is run by the effervescent Petra Allmendinger, whose enthusiasm and warm welcome make this a great escape for those looking for something a little more personal than what's on offer elsewhere. Accommodation is either in the extremely cosy lodge or in self-contained cottages that can accommodate up to six.

Both are pleasantly eccentric, and you'll feel like part of the family if you stay at the lodge. Horse riding, nature walks (the farm’s guide, Sammy, is an excellent birdwatcher) and wildlife drives can all be organised here. It's also a good base for Solio Game Reserve.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kenya attractions

1. Solio Game Reserve

4.94 MILES

This family run, private 71-sq-km reserve, 22km north of Nyeri, is Kenya's oldest rhino sanctuary and an important breeding centre for black rhinos. The…

2. Baden-Powell’s Grave

8.52 MILES

The scoutmaster’s grave is tucked behind St Peter's Church, facing Mt Kenya and marked with the Scouts trail sign for ‘I have gone home’. His more famous…

3. Baden-Powell Museum

8.88 MILES

Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scout Association, spent his last three years at Paxtu cottage in the Outspan Hotel, where this museum is…

4. Ol Pejeta Conservancy

19.19 MILES

Ol Pejeta Conservancy was once one of the largest cattle ranches in Kenya, but is now a 365-sq-km, privately owned wildlife reserve. It markets itself as…

5. Mt Kenya National Park

19.67 MILES

Africa’s second-highest mountain is also one of its most beautiful. Here, mere minutes from the equator, glaciers carve out the throne of Ngai, the old…

6. Aberdare National Park

21.56 MILES

Herds of wildlife thunder over an open African horizon, elephants emerge from a thicket of plants and the mysterious black rhino munches tranquilly on…

8. Chimpanzee Sanctuary

21.71 MILES

Home to 39 profoundly damaged chimpanzees rescued from captivity across Africa and further afield, Ol Pejeta's Chimp Sanctuary encompasses two large…