Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

The bird feeders bring in lots of different birds, close enough to photograph, which makes this a great choice for birding. The rooms are spacious and well appointed, and the buffet breakfast has a very good selection. I spent a night here and found the service very good, with an extremely courteous staff.

A small mention of my wife's birthday turned dinner into a full celebration, complete with a beautiful, delicious cake. The staff were friendly and professional, every detail was thoughtfully handled, and everything was immaculately clean. The location was perfect for Nakuru wildlife. This was the best lodging experience of our two weeks in Kenya, and we’d definitely come back.

Lake Nakuru’s scenery is stunning, with lovely flora and likely sightings of giraffes, zebras, and flamingos, though the wildlife isn’t nearly as abundant as in Samburu or Maasai Mara. At the resort, the grounds are beautiful, with gardens, an archery range, volleyball net, lookout point, and attractive buildings. Service was stellar, and we enjoyed buffet meals that ranked among the best we had in Kenya. The bar stayed open until midnight and showed the Liverpool match while we played cards. The lodging felt more like a three-star resort, but was still nice. There were quite a few children left to run around the dining area and eventually the bar. Maybe that was just our experience, but keep it in mind for a more romantic trip.

The evening dance troupe performance felt a little out of place in this tourist lodge, which is why I’ve given four stars. We did two game drives and saw plenty of wildlife, including a lioness getting ready for her evening hunt. The birds were spectacular, though flamingos are becoming fewer as the lake level rises and its chemical composition changes. The lodge itself is beautiful, just above Lake Nakuru, with extensive, well-kept gardens. Each room is a clean, comfortable chalet with a lake view. Service was high level, although I found the ties with the uniforms a bit dated. The buffet food was excellent.