This historic hotel, undoubtedly, offers a unique emotional connection to the past. It is a chance to walk in the footsteps of history, to feel the weight of time and to appreciate the enduring beauty of a bygone era.

From the moment we were collected from our house and driven the four hours to the idyllic retreat of the Fairmount Mount Kenya Safari Club, we knew we were being welcomed into the world of exceptional.

Stepping through the grand entrance, we were greeted by strutting peacocks fanning their spectacular, iridescent feathers and Fairmont’s signature service of being genuine, intuitive and refined. This warmth and high standard continued throughout our stay.

I felt honoured by the care that went into making my short time there so special. The thoughtfully crafted itinerary ensured that every moment of my stay would be meaningful and guaranteed that I experienced every aspect of this magnificent property.

Embracing the art of gracious

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is an award-winning 5-star luxury hotel, named Africa’s Leading Hotel by the World Travel Awards for four consecutive years and invited us to escape and be entertained in a wonderfully warm Kenyan manner.

For over half a century, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club has remained a symbol of elegant escape and purposeful hospitality. From its origins as a private retreat to its standing as Africa’s Leading Hotel, it has continuously evolved, yet its commitment to excellence, conservation and timeless charm has remained beautifully unchanged.

The first impression I had of the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club was of timeless elegance, luxury and serenity, with a rich history of hosting celebrities. The hotel is gorgeous and is defined by its breathtaking natural setting at the foot of Mount Kenya and its impeccable, personalised service. Situated in the shadow of Africa’s second-tallest mountain,

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club rests elegantly frozen in time. White-washed walls stand sentinel over the rolling green hills and manicured gardens that await exploration, while stately fireplaces and polished parquet floors bring a touch of classic luxury to the indoors. There is something for everyone, and it felt more than just a hotel; it is a full experience with a wide array of activities.

A room with a view is enduring special

The hotel is built on a ridge facing Mount Kenya with a clear view of the imposing jagged spires, soaring towers and the immense colossus of the mountain itself. The grand main building gleams white against the green sweep of the surrounding lawns, and there are dramatic views of the foothill forests rising to the peaks of Mount Kenya.

The main building and cottages feature a grand, colonial-era design that is well-maintained and elegant. The accommodation covers a wide range of styles: the rooms and suites in the main building have a sense of elegance and history, while the cottages tucked away down by the river are tranquil, and the mountains never leave your sight.

The large stone fireplace in our riverside cottage crackled with a welcoming wood fire and warmed us after dinner each night. Being so close to the mountain and at 2135 meters (7000ft), the nights were very cold, so this delightful cosy fire in our room, as well as hot water bottles placed in our beds, was so very welcome.

Luxury accommodations consist of 100 ensuite rooms, villas,12 cottages, garden suites, as well as the 35 rooms in the Club building. Every accommodation option is designed for comfort and blends history with contemporary luxury.

Illustrious past

Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club traces its origins to a story of passion and adventure. The original manor house was named Mawingo, and the club was born of an unforgettable love between an elegant woman and a daring aviator, with Africa as their playground. Their idyll ended with World War II, leading to a series of ownership changes.

In 1959, friends William Holden, Ray Ryan and Carl Hirschmann, a Swiss banker bought the property and transformed it into one of the most unusual and exclusive Clubs in the world – The Mount Kenya Safari Club, making it famous for luxury and exclusivity and shaping the property’s legacy. Holden attracted the likes of Winston Churchill, Lyndon B. Johnson and Bing Crosby for its spectacular location and verdant local wildlife.

The rich and famous still retreat to the Mount Kenya Safari Club for relaxation, and guests still feel a sense of classic Hollywood glamour, colonial-era charm and a storybook atmosphere.

Every name has a story

The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is called a “club” because it was originally founded in 1959 as an exclusive retreat for the wealthy and famous, a status maintained through its history by one of the owners, film star William Holden. Its name reflects this history and the exclusive, members-only atmosphere it cultivated, attracting the “who’s who” of the jet set and royalty. The club was created to be an exclusive members’ retreat, and the name “club” reflects this status rather than being a standard commercial hotel.

The Club’s reputation for exclusivity has been maintained throughout its history by subsequent owners and, more recently, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, preserving its unique identity as a private club. It has hosted many notable figures throughout its history.

Location and Unique wildlife experiences

What makes this iconic and magical retreat at the foothills of Mount Kenya so special is that it is integrated into the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, providing opportunities for guests to combine adventure, nature and luxury all in one unforgettable journey. Mount Kenya straddles the equator and is 175 km north-east of Nairobi. This is a 3-4-hour drive from Nairobi; however, there are scheduled flights to Nanyuki airstrip or a 45-minute flight from Wilson Airport to the hotel’s private airstrip.

Flavours beyond the plate

Food is more than just sustenance; it is a language that is a feast for our senses and brings people together with the pleasure of shared meals and the elegance of a luxurious experience.

We found that dining at the Mount Kenya Safari Club was a daily adventure from a gourmet fine dining restaurant where exquisite creations were crafted by talented chefs, to organic farm-to-table experiences. We could dine under the stars with an open-fire riverside dinner, toast to twilight with sundowners at numerous beautiful venues, or enjoy breakfast with the endangered mountain bongos; every bite was a celebration of flavour and place. From intimate fireside dinners to elegant al fresco lunches, each experience was uniquely unforgettable.

Historic Rose Garden

This was a very special experience for me, and in a space that is a time-worn sanctuary where the air is thick with the history of generations, not just roses. The gardens are enclosed by high stone walls, offering a sense of protection and privacy from the outside world, which creates a secret garden feeling. Just as the ancient rose garden courtyard was more than just a collection of plants, it was a symbolic landscape, a place of serenity, romance and spiritual contemplation.

Our exceptional dining experience was in the Rose Garden for a unique dinner and was one of the highlights of my visit. Co- incidentally, it was our wedding anniversary, so being surrounded by vibrant blooms made the occasion even more special. This Idyllic setting radiated romance and elegance, creating an ideal atmosphere.

As only one reservation is allowed per venue for this dining experience, we enjoyed the services of a private chef and a dedicated host who served us throughout the evening. The table was beautifully prepared with a vase of delicate garden blooms, which highlighted the exceptional open-fire four-course dinner, each course presented on an artfully arranged plate with a vibrant mosaic of colours.

As food so often tells a story, ours was indeed so: we were seated in a very special place according to local folklore; with the power of the ancient fig tree behind us, sitting directly on the line of the equator that bisects the property and runs directly to the majestic mountain to the ancient gods of the mountain.

Sitting directly on the line of the equator created an amazing chance to capture photos as we were seated in both the southern and the northern hemispheres. The meal concluded with the arrival of the kitchen team, singing and dancing as we were presented with a trio of delicate velvety cakes drizzled with raspberry coulis.

The evening was a multi-layered taste experience with an atmosphere and location that created an unforgettable evening.

A wide range of activities

The facilities are as exceptional as the service, with carefully considered comforts providing something for everyone.

Melt into a holistic massage in the signature spa located in a separate, tranquil villa overlooking the river.

Sip a cocktail in the Zebar lounge and patio while enjoying breathtaking views of the mist lifting over the mountain.

Enjoy eco-safaris, the animal rescue centre and a pristine golf course.

Cycle along the forested trails, enjoy a horseback safari through the wildlife conservancy or yoga by the pergola; a game of tennis or archery, then relax in the heated swimming pool. Each moment encourages physical renewal and inner peace.

Every stay is a chapter of enduring legacy

The hotel’s legacy as a social and cultural hub is still palpable today. This iconic hotel with breathtaking views has hosted numerous events throughout its history and remains a symbol of relaxed elegance, a retreat where all are welcome to come to enjoy unparalleled luxury amid the natural beauty of Mount Kenya.

Treat yourself to an escape from the world of ordinary to a splendid haven of unrivalled tranquillity and elegance with sweeping views and a place where memories are made.

T: + 254 111 135 666 /+ 254 111 135 600
W: Fairmont Hotels Mount Kenya Safari Club
E: Reservations
A: P.O. Box 35 Mount Kenya, Nanyuki, Kenya

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Written by Diane McLeish for Luxuria Lifestyle International