Mukutan Retreat – Laikipia Hotels
A unique refuge and the most private of all resorts in Kenya, overlooking the spectacular Mukutan Gorge on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. The Retreat is situated on the extreme west of the Laikipia plateau on Ol ari Nyiro, the 100,000 acre Laikipia Nature Conservancy, a biodiversity hot spot and home to conservationist and author Kuki Gallmann.
Mukutan means “the meeting” and it is here that the fingers of surrounding hills meet. A staggering amount and variety of wildlife, including black rhino and over 470 species of birds make of this one of the most extraordinary destination for people seeking total exclusivity.The conservancy is run holistically and the spirit of the land is very powerful and healing.
The unique setting, the silent and the evocative sounds of Africa, make the Mukutan Retreat an exclusive hideaway for discriminate travellers, in simple yet extremely sophisticated comfort. Built in elegant African style, using local stone, native woods and papyrus thatch, each cottage is original in layout and décor.The Mukutan Retreat featured in Architectural Digest, when just opened, May 1995.
Three traditional dwellings perched at the edge of the gorge, offer accommodation with double beds, a spacious bathroom, a fireplace and private verandahs. A central lounge and dining area has the atmosphere of a private home, furnished with rare antiques, sophisticated Africana, individually selected items.
An infinity pool – like a natural pond overlooks the valley.
The Wilderness Education Centre (LWEC)
Childhood impressions last for a life time. It is the children that must be taught environmental responsibility, and the ways in which they will personally benefit as adults from a wholesome ecosystem sustainably managed. A seed of interest planted in a young mind, will germinate to bear invaluable fruit in the future.
With this in mind, years ago we built The Wilderness Education Centre- that honours the memory of Emanuele Pirri- Gallmann who died at 17 from the bite of one of the snakes he was studying.
There we host free of charge, thousands of Kenyan school children to see their first wildlife ever, to walk in the wild, to remember their cultural wealth, to get to know and understand the environment of their country and why they, as individuals, should be its caretakers.
Young people have responded with enthusiasm to this opportunity. Over 50.000 (or about 2000 a year children to date) have benefited from the Centre and learnt first hand about their own country’s fragile and marvelous nature.
Each of this children have become an ambassador to the cause.
The LWEC can at present accommodate thirty people, including our education officers. It is composed of two dormitories with bunk beds, for ten children each, – separate bathrooms and showers- divided by two twin rooms, and three twin cottages with showers and toilets en suite.
There is a spacious verandah for meetings built in traditional style, a basic kitchen, an office, a reception room and a store. A simple art pavilion built in local materials, for plays, crafts, music, and recreational activities is part of the set up.
In recent times we have expanded this scheme to involve underprivileged children from Nairobi populous slums, handicapped children and abused girls, who need assistance from volunteer doctors and nurses. We believe that nature, its peace, colours and sounds have a strong influence in the healing process. We have involved local musicians who play and sing with the children. The combination of the natural setting, the wildlife experience, and creativity and imagination have brought extraordinary results.
