Outback Kenya Lodge

Breakfast was great, and we enjoyed the day, though it was too cold for us to try the swimming pool. The setting is peaceful with lovely views, and the drive slowly up from the main road is beautiful. Food service was frustrating: it took a very long time after we ordered, and by the time the meal came it was cold. We were so hungry we couldn’t really judge its quality. The beds are good and built into the structure, but the concrete headrest is rough enough that you could scratch yourself on it. We might give the place another try, hopefully after they improve service times.

We came away from Outback Lodge at Maanzoni Conservancy feeling restored, after ten lovely days from 24th December 2025 to 2nd January 2026. My daughter and I had needed a place to slow down after a hard year, and this stay gave us rest and a sense of wonder again. We booked full board, and the meals had plenty of variety, flavor, and care. The owners mixed freely with guests, so it felt like being with family rather than being treated as clients. The staff were kind and thoughtful throughout, and our room and the pool area looked out over beautiful hills. Birdsong marked the mornings and evenings. The welcome began before we arrived. Nicholas at reception made booking warm and easy, and being given Room 105 felt like a thoughtful welcome home. The route through the conservancy was a treat in itself, with rolling hills, thickets, and wildlife appearing along the way. Although the lodge is only about a 20-minute drive from the Maanzoni Conservancy gate, we took much longer because we kept stopping for photos and to take it all in. It sits quietly at the end of the road, like a secret. The game drives led by Olempayei were well organized and let us see the ranch’s wide open beauty. We made friends with other guests and conservancy residents, and some of them warmly invited us into their homes. Christmas and New Year were a highlight too, with shared meals, music, laughter, bonfires, and fireworks. Robert’s attentive, gracious service made a big difference. He treated us with real care and made us feel remembered. The staff’s good manners felt natural, from housekeeping through to service. The bed, room, and atmosphere were restful and elegant. The food is a real part of the experience, and the staff’s warmth and attentiveness are what hospitality should feel like. We arrived tired and left renewed with memories we’ll treasure for years. For anyone wanting quiet, authentic comfort surrounded by nature, this is a lovely place. Written with joy and fulfillment. Dr. Becky Isanda & Annika Isanda

The surroundings at Outback are quiet and peaceful, great for unwinding if you’re used to crowded places. My husband and I had a wonderful stay, especially thanks to the service team and Robert, who looked after us and suggested places to visit and things to do around the resort. When we got a flat tire during our outings, he helped us fix it. A 5+++ for Robert. There are lots of walks and hikes nearby, with two small lakes or dams and a little hill. Zebras and antelopes can be seen if you walk or drive around, and the neighbors in the village were friendly and happy to chat as long as you respect their space. The rooms are standard, very clean, and well organized, and housekeeping is top notch. Breakfast was perfect for me since they always adjusted it to my needs. The food overall could include more vegan choices, though. There’s lots of meat on the menu, and after two days of it, I’d have loved a proper vegan option like githeri. I love githeri. The pool is large, with places nearby to chill if you don’t want to swim, though it was too chilly for us. More simple activities on the property would be nice for guests who stay at the resort the whole time, maybe darts, archery, board games, or something cozy. We’ll be back.

I was there at Christmas. The rooms had leaking washrooms, no ventilation, and the food took ages to arrive. It came cold and wasn’t good, just basic. The pool is nice, though.