Cabins & Facilities
Cabins
Rutundu has two log cabins, each rustic but comfortable and with open log fires which keep them snug and warm during the cold mountain nights. The main cabin has a sitting and dining room, verandah, kitchen and a large bedroom with a double bed, bunk bed and en-suite bathroom. The smaller cabin is detached from the main building and has a large bedroom with a double bed and two single beds, and an en-suite bathroom.
Rutundu sleeps four people comfortably but larger groups can be accommodated if guests are willing to share rooms. The cabins have been built along the lines of an Alaskan log cabin, using large cedar logs found in the forests around the mountain. Moss fills the cracks between the logs.
Facilities
Rutundu is taken on a self-catering basis, so guests are required to bring all food, drinks and firewood and to take away all rubbish at the end. There is a gas oven and hob and an ‘outdoor’ fridge, but no deep freeze. It is advisable to bring bread and pre-prepared dishes (that just need to be heated up) as the oven is slow due to the altitude.
Very good food is available from Barney’s Restaurant at Nanyuki airstrip (+254 (0)723310064), Frontiers Coffee Bar at One Stop opposite the Nanyuki airstrip (+254 (0)745452162 / (0)797874522 or Cape Chestnut restaurant in Nanyuki 254 (0)722768068 but should be ordered in advance.
There is a well stocked farm shop at One Stop called butterbean (+254 (0)742188255), with many basic supplies, treats, wines and spirits as well as some fruit and vegetables and delicious frozen meals and fresh juices.
The tap water at Rutundu comes from a spring and is suitable for drinking. All bedding, towels, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils are provided. Our fabulous team of staff will help with cleaning and cooking, as well as being experienced fishing and hiking guides.
Electricity: We have solar power for lighting and charging. Not suitable for heavy charging.
Communication: There is no phone signal in the cabins although there is a spot about 25 minutes walk away, from where Safaricom signal is good.
Rutundu Hot Water System: The hot water system at the Rutundu Cabins is a combination of pure magic and state of the art technology. It runs on a heat pump powered by a battery that's charged by solar panels. This system is environmentally friendly, but it's important to use the hot water wisely as it isn't unlimited. Each cabin has a system that holds 250 litres of hot water, enough for three good baths if used carefully. Once you've used up the 250 litres, it takes four hours to heat up another 250 litres. If you don't use all the water, it heats up again to full capacity in about half an hour, depending on how much is left. In simple terms, you can have three good baths per cabin. Once the water is used up, please wait four hours for it to refill. We hope you enjoy the lovely walks, fishing, and exploring in this beautiful part of Mt. Kenya, and top off your day with a nice hot bath.