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A unique, eco-friendly hideaway with walls that open to the savannah, allowing safari wildlife viewing from the comfort of the living room.

Photo gallery for A unique, eco-friendly hideaway with walls that open to the savannah, allowing safari wildlife viewing from the comfort of the living room.

exterior twilight, wine by the outdoor fire
comfy sofa, wood stove door to main bedroom
Dining table, door to bathroom on left
Main Bedroom
Guest Bedroom

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View map
Naivasha, Nakuru County
  • Place, Crescent Island Widlife Sanctuary
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Lake Naivasha
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Hell's Gate National Park
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A unique, eco-friendly hideaway with walls that open to the savannah, allowing safari wildlife viewing from the comfort of the living room.

Discover the magic of Mabati House, a sustainably designed retreat set in the heart of Sanctuary Farm’s 450-acre wildlife conservancy. Its adaptive design allows the entire north side to open, so you’re surrounded by zebras, giraffes, and antelope right from your living room.

Enjoy a cozy lounge with a wood stove, a fully equipped kitchen, and flexible bedroom setups for families or friends, fire pit, private lawn, views of the lake, and daily cleaning services. Laundry available for a fee.


We are a family-run conservancy and live on the farm, so one of us will always be around to help out. We share our phone number during check-in, and guests are welcome to call or send a message at any point of their stay with us.

Sanctuary Farm is located on the shores of Lake Naivasha, in the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Guests can explore:
🌊 Lake Naivasha — enjoy boat rides, birdwatching, and hippo sightings just minutes away
🦓 Sanctuary Farm Conservancy — zebras, giraffes, antelope, and more roam freely across 450 acres
🍴 Kijiko Restaurant — our on-site farm-to-table dining experience, serving fresh, seasonal meals made from locally sourced ingredients
🛶 Nearby activities — horseback safaris, night game drives, cycling, and more, all available to book at Sanctuary Farm
🌋 Hell’s Gate National Park (5-minute drive) — dramatic cliffs, gorges, hot springs, and cycling among wildlife
🏞️ Crescent Island (5-minute boat ride) — a walking safari where you can stroll alongside giraffes and gazelles
🗻 Mount Longonot (30-minute drive) — hike an extinct volcano with panoramic Rift Valley views


Guests enjoy full access to:
🏠 The entire Mabati House
🦓 The 450-acre private wildlife conservancy (daytime only; no walking at night due to hippos)
🚤 Lake Naivasha’s shoreline, just a 5-minute walk away with boat rides available

Kitchen: fridge/freezer, drinking water dispenser, cooker, toaster, full set of cookware and utensils
Living/Dining: large open-plan space with dining table, lounge, and wood stove; north wall fully opens to nature
Bedroom 1: double bed with mosquito net
Bedroom 2: two single beds (configurable), each with mosquito nets
Bathroom: shower, vanity, WC

The easiest way to reach Mabati House is by car. Taxis and boda bodas (motorbike taxis) are available locally for shorter trips, but we recommend private transport for comfort and convenience.

By Booking our accommodations you automatically get free access to our 400 acre wildlife conservancy. (usually1000 KES per person)

Please note that this is a family-run farm, not a hotel; we ask you to treat the house and grounds with respect.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks available at on-site restaurant, Kijiko.

Beware of wild animals especially at night!

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Neighborhood quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10PM-8AM;
Parties / events, lack of decorum and disruptive noise will not be tolerated;
If the neighbors are disturbed, Kijiko Holdings reserves the right to ask the tenant to vacate the premises with no refund;

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Naivasha

Located in Naivasha, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Longonot Satellite Earth Station is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Crescent Island Widlife Sanctuary and Hell's Gate National Park - Elsa Gate.
View more Holiday homes in NaivashaOpens in a new window
Map
Naivasha, Nakuru County

What's nearby

  • Crescent Island Widlife Sanctuary - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Lake Naivasha - 9 min drive - 5.2 km
  • Hell's Gate National Park - Elsa Gate - 20 min drive - 14.3 km
  • Hell's Gate National Park - 21 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Olkaria Natural Health Spa - 32 min drive - 29.2 km

Getting around

  • Nairobi (WIL-Wilson) - 122 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pyramid Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Leyian Grills - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Palling Point - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Party Island Lounge - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Sopa Restaurant - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A unique, eco-friendly hideaway with walls that open to the savannah, allowing safari wildlife viewing from the comfort of the living room. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at A unique, eco-friendly hideaway with walls that open to the savannah, allowing safari wildlife viewing from the comfort of the living room.?

As of 7 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A unique, eco-friendly hideaway with walls that open to the savannah, allowing safari wildlife viewing from the comfort of the living room. on 1 Sept 2026 start from AU$257, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at A unique, eco-friendly hideaway with walls that open to the savannah, allowing safari wildlife viewing from the comfort of the living room.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A unique, eco-friendly hideaway with walls that open to the savannah, allowing safari wildlife viewing from the comfort of the living room.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A unique, eco-friendly hideaway with walls that open to the savannah, allowing safari wildlife viewing from the comfort of the living room.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A unique, eco-friendly hideaway with walls that open to the savannah, allowing safari wildlife viewing from the comfort of the living room. located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is steps from Crescent Island Widlife Sanctuary and within 9 mi (15 km) of Lake Naivasha and Naivasha District Hospital. Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute and Hell's Gate National Park - Elsa Gate are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

Reviews

From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

AudreyP

Just incredible

It was truly incredible to stay at Mabati House. The surrounding are charming, there are animals everywhere and the house was just so lovely. Our only regret is we only stayed one night, there was 4 of us and for all it was the most magical moment of our trip.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Tabitha

Mbati House

An amazing house - such a cool design. The outside fire with animals all around was a highlight. 100% would recommend.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

SorchaF

A real Sanctuary

Sanctuary Farm is one of the most special places i have stayed in. This was out 5th visit back and we have stayed in Mabati House, Rose Cottage and Yellow house. All are unique experiences, beautiful designed, simple but so elegant and full of little touches like fresh milk in the fridge, the fire places lit in the evening and of course all of the beautiful animals freely roaming around. The restaurant has great quality food - with a lovely view and the boat trips are very special. Thanks to all who makes SF a real 'sanctuary'. We will be back.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jörg I.

Dream retreat close to the lake

Mabati House is an unique hideout on the shore of Lake Naivasha. Watching game from the spacious open living room. Plus:Very nice restaurant on the premise. We'll definitely return!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

LuanaD

we LOVED it!

Thanks for everything, it was perfect - we really enjoyed our stay. The vibes are amazing, now I am dreaming to stay there for 1 month and just do nothing or try writing THAT book I am dreaming of :) Thank you!!
From a partner site

8/10 Good

ClementR

You won't regret staying at the Sanctuary!

Stayed with my family of 6 people for just 1 night (unfortunately). The house, kitchen and bedrooms are not "posh" but clean and comfortable and when you open up all the big swinging doors towards lake Naivasha it is a stunning setting where you are looking out on beautiful lawn and forest with giraffes, zebras and other animals intermittently grazing just 30 - 50 ft away. We had an excellent dinner and breakfast at the Sanctuary restaurant and enjoyed a boat ride and walking safari on Crescent Island. Felix, our host was helpful and available and check in and orientation very easy. We enjoyed a great bonfire the staff had prepared on the lawn in front of the house, Would highly recommend this for a couple or small family. It was good value for the rates charged,
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Fantastic stay, we'll be back!

We spent 2 blisfull days at Sanctuary Farm and look forward to our return. An idyllic oasis to wander amongst myriad animals and birds. The accomodation was perfect, homely and relaxed and suited our group of young and old. Amazing food and staff, we're already plotting our next trip. Thanks Sanctuary
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Liz P.

Wonderful

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay . The farm is stunning and the house is a great base to explore from and very comfortable . Felix & his staff were very helpful
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jordi A.

Really worth

It may be the best place we have been hostelled in Kenya. Clean, silent, and well-equipped. Stunning view of the wild animals walking through the garden. The activities that this place offers are also exciting.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Mrs

We absolutely loved our stay at sanctuary farm. Super comfortable, wonderful food and Jsut breathtaking to be so surrounded by wildlife (and hippos!) we cannot wait to come again. Thank you. (And really lovey and knowelagable staff).
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Mrs

We absolutely loved our stay at sanctuary farm. Super comfortable, wonderful food and Jsut breathtaking to be so surrounded by wildlife (and hippos!) we cannot wait to come again. Thank you. (And really lovey and knowelagable staff).
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Mrs

We absolutely loved our stay at sanctuary farm. Super comfortable, wonderful food and Jsut breathtaking to be so surrounded by wildlife (and hippos!) we cannot wait to come again. Thank you. (And really lovey and knowelagable staff).
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

DeepaliG

Adventure Calling

The place is an oases of calm. The team made us feel very comfortable and welcome. The house was clean and well-catered for, and we absolutely loved that we just had to light a match for the fire. Kids loved riding bikes with the wild animals :)
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

SorchaF

The perfect escape from it all

Sanctuary farm is the perfect place to get away from it all and connect with nature, your book and the great hosting of Sanctuary! Mabati house was such a unique experience, the place is very comfortable, fully functioning kitchen, outdoor fire and the constant sounds of birds and garden visits from Zebra, impala and other animals on the farm. The boat trip was a very special experience. This was our second time at Sanctuary and we are already looking forward to the next visit.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Denise B.

Outstanding

This place could not be more beautiful. The pictures do not do it justice. I hope in my lifetime for the opportunity to return. Denise, from Canada.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

PerisJ

Mabati magic

A very pleasant stay- grounds of Sanctuary are huge and stunning. We stayed here some years ago before the flooding, and now since , and Sanctuary have done a remarkable adaptation adding lovely cottages since the Stables were ruined by flooding. Mabati is one of these, and was very comfortable and had all the facilities needed and lovely outdoor area. To hear the hippos outside your window late at night was awesome. The only drawback with Mabati is that there are no windows on the garden facing side- but otherwise you get used to opening and closing the mabati (i.e iron sheeting) doors that open up to the garden. Overall, totally recommended, with plenty to do if you dont want to just gaze at the animals and take in the wonderful sounds and sights!
From a partner site

8/10 Good

SamuelB

Wonderful Farm in a perfect setting!

We loved our stay at Mabati House in the Sanctuary Farm! The house is very charming and cosy. We had a very comfortable stay and well: nothing beats the wildlife just around the cottage on the farm. Your neighbours are Zebras, Wildebeests and Impalas and in the night you can spot Hippos - a unique experience. We had dinner and breakfast every morning in the Kijiko restaurant: the staff is lovely and the food decent. But as we read on the website about the local sourcing of the food and seasonality etc. we were a bit disappointed about the menu that consists of Western dishes only, we expected something more local. The price of the food was rather high, especially for Kenyan circumstances. So unfortunately the food offer was a bit disappointing for us and had a bit a bad taste in our overall impression.

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