A visit to Panari Resort near Thompson falls, Nyahururu

Eye soothing lush green lawn at Panari Resort

Nakuru is a place which is advantageous in terms of location. I have seen various development in Nakuru in the last 7 years. Be it business or infrastructure development, Nakuru is undoubtedly the fastest growing town in East Africa. A comparatively newly built resort near Thompson  Falls, Nayahururu developed by Panari group was our destination this weekend. As I told you that I am a great travel freak, any place recently visited by me never misses my travel column.

 

Map wing the way from Nakuru to Nyahururu

                             

From Nakuru, it’s 49 km. The straight road from the highway by the left side of the flyover under construction will lead you to Nyahururu. We were not too early but somewhat between 9 am and 9:30 am we were ready with kids, bat, shuttle, balls, and water. The main places covered in this route are- Mawanga, Bahati, Subukia and ultimately Nyahururu.  While you are passing near Subukia you will get a pole which reads ‘you are near the equator’. We took some photos and thereafter carried on with our journey. We reached Nyahururu in another 25 minutes. Nyahururu is famous for Thompson Falls. Thompson Falls was named after David Thompson, the British explorer in 1809. The 74 meters waterfall originates from the Aberdare Mountain; it is a great place attracting tourists both local and International. Nyahururu town located in Laikipia County is a small place with some food joints and a large resort. There are various excursions that could be planned in case I had a day or two in hand. Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy is the home to almost 2000 elephants, which migrate between Mount Kenya and Samburu region. There are some finely striped zebras too. There are a hippo pool and Lake Ol Bolossat which is home to several birds.


                       

Entrance Panari Resort

A cannon at the entrance 

Kids play area 

Activity for kids 

                       
                      

The First glance: Sprawling over 20 acres of land, Panari resort is like an oasis in a desert. This 5-star luxury resort was completed in 2016. So, we were one of the early birds here. There are 22 cottages and 4 rooms in each. The rooms are cozy and have state of the art décor. Each room is equipped with English style fireplace and wooden flooring. The view of the Thompson Falls is a marvelous site from the rooms. Nothing is more charming than waking up to the chirping of birds and the sound of the waterfall which relieves you from all worries.  This could be a very much desired honeymoon destination for the newlyweds. The area outside the cottage is a mind boggling green lawn which is maintained every hour. There are various activities to entertain the guests. Apart from a modern gym, swimming pool and yoga hall there is an attraction for kids like swing, slides and a trampoline. We saw some people cycling across the area. Some kids were enjoying the quad bike ride. There are a pool bar, silky oak bar and a restaurant named olive brown.

The restaurant

                            
                        
                  
                                                               
Service: The olive brown restaurant was a great place where you can hang out with friends. The sitting arrangement can easily accommodate 200 people at a time. There is a special arrangement for seminars and conference. The venue could be booked for the wedding and other events. The hotel staff was warm and hospitable. The menu had the wide choice of continental, Indian and Pan African cuisines.

                                                           

Indian cuisine

                                               

Butter chicken

                                   

Food: We had opted for Indian cuisine. Chicken dishes were awesome, so was the naan. The 5 star rated restaurant was basically an all rounder which specializes in all types of cuisine. Indian lunch would cost (2500 -3000) Ksh per person.

Verdict:  If you are looking towards a special weekend for two or might be with friends then  Panari resort will be your desired destination. Have a quick view of the Thompson Falls, wildlife tour and the bird watching tour. Enjoy the resort, get rejuvenated at the spa, and enjoy swimming or the mouth watering meals. I say that a night stay is really worth the money spent. Although the rates are comparatively high but justify the luxury of a 5-star facility. The food is good and the area is awesome. Wake up to the mild roar of the waterfalls, listen to the chirping of birds or enjoy cycling around the area of the resort. You will definitely be pampered amidst the well-facilitated resort.  My overall rating of the resort is 4.5 / 5 stars.