Cranes Haven

Looking for a sweet hideout? This is the spot. Don't let the roads put you off, just keep going.

The setting is pleasant, a little forest surrounded by farmland, and the rooms were nice. You can tell the staff put effort in, especially the lady who seemed to care. Still, at this price I expected a lot more. It felt like a cheap hotel in Central London cost-wise, and we stayed at several cheaper places in Kenya that we enjoyed more. The place looks as if a lot of money went into it a couple of years back, but it's been slipping since. I wouldn't return on another trip to Kenya. I'd choose a hotel in town instead. A few practical things made the stay disappointing. There was no WiFi and the mobile signal wasn't great. Breakfast service was average, with what looked like leftover chicken, egg, and sausage. Half the dinner choices and some cold drinks weren't available. In one room there was no hot water; we were told to let it run for 25 minutes first. The bathtub plug didn't work, and when I mentioned it, they said they already knew. The room chair had a huge stain. We came for a nature setting, but loud music from one speaker in the afternoon made it hard to sit quietly and watch the birds. I tried to report these issues when we left, but the staff didn't seem to care.

The atmosphere is warm and the staff are engaging, and the local food was cooked well. You leave with house blend coffee and House Honey, which make nice gifts, especially for those of us in diaspora. The views of Mt Elgon are beautiful, almost close enough to touch. It's a bit pricey compared with My Kitale Club, though the atmosphere is completely different.

It's so peaceful here, with lovely birdsong and a really hospitable team. If you want the kind of quiet that only nature gives, this is the place. I was there on 12th September and it rained, so I missed the nature trail. I'll have to come back for that, and for the pool too. I definitely want to return again and again. 😀