On my second visit to Kenya, I wanted to explore an area I had never visited before. I went to a safari at Masai Mara, the most famous reserve, traveled to the coast, explored Nairobi, and visited western Kenya and Lake Victoria. This time, I wanted to explore somewhere different. And that’s how I came across Laikipia County! After searching extensively for the most amazing place to stay, I stumbled upon Olepangi Farm, just in the location I needed and it looked beautiful and relaxing.
Olepangi Farm
I expected our visit to this lodge to be lovely, but it far exceed my expectations! The relaxed vibe, the countless activities, the beautiful views, and the delicious food were unmatched. There is even a crackling fire every night in the main dinner house and a well stocked library. The food is all organically grown and is the definition of farm to table! Check out their website to learn more about this amazing place.
Activities
Although this is the perfect place to spend a quiet, relaxing evening far away from everything, they also offer some amazing options of activities. There is so much to do without even leaving the farm! They are even building the most beautiful pool area with views of Mount Kenya, the river, and the sunset that should be finished before the year ends.
Horseback Riding
One of my favorite things in the world is horseback riding. It was on my list of requirements when looking for a place to stay. Fortunately, Laikipia County is famous for its horseback riding options, with Olepangi being among the best. They have 16 absolutely beautiful horses on their farm that can be taken for a short ride around the farm, a longer walk in the surrounding area, or a small safari in the conservancy nearby. I did the farm walk and the ride in the surrounding area where we even got to see elephants, canter through the fields and had yet another amazing view of Mount Kenya.
Milking Jersey Cows
I don’t know about you, but I love the countryside life and I was so excited to be able to channel my inner farmgirl here. You can the option to join the workers in the twice a day milkings of adorable pedigree jersey cows. When I was there, one of the cows just gave birth to a little calf and I saw them running around the fields together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen cows living a better life. When milking time came around, they entered their normal milking area and waited.
Although it certainly wasn’t my first time milking a cow (I worked for six months in a cow dairy), it was my first time hand milking a cow and it was such a unique experience. What is even cooler is that the milk from their two jersey cows is what they use to make homemade butter, ice cream, and all their milk products! And they are all so tasty!
Farm to Table – Picking Organic Vegetables
Waking up a little early, around 8am, we joined the workers in their daily picking of organic vegetables from the garden. Almost all their food used to cook is produced within the farm, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and more. Early in the morning is the best time to catch a view of Mount Kenya as the clouds cover the tip later in the day. It was so rewarding to see the vegetables that we picked early in the morning appear in our delicious meals throughout the day.
Check out the full post on this handmade jumpsuit: KENYA – THE 2 OUTFITS I DESIGNED JUST FOR MY FIRST TRIP TO AFRICA | FASHION DESIGN
Bread Baking
On theme with their organic and healthy outlook, I learned to bake oat bread with the local chefs. I was a bit skeptical as I never really enjoyed oat bread, but this was incredible. Slightly sweetened with maple and not sugar, and leavened to the healthiest potential, it was incredible.
How to Get There
Getting to Olepangi Farm is a bit of a treasure hunt, in a fun way! You drive to the town of Timau (they are famous for their flowers) and then you have to follow a few pages of instructions to find the farm entrance. It really felt like a scavenger hunt, a real hidden treasure!
Do not use Google Maps for navigation as they have not updated that a bridge is destroyed and unpassable so Google Maps will lead you in the wrong direction! If you still happen to get lost, there are plenty of friendly people in the area to help with directions. Be aware though that you cannot reach the farm without a 4 wheel drive vehicle!
Things to Do near Laikipia County
Laikipia County is an incredibly beautiful region with many conservancies and enormous ranches. Besides just visiting the farm, there are so many incredible things to do in Laikipia County and neighboring Meru County.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa, only 910 meters shorter than Mount Kilimanjaro. There are so many options for treks, day hikes, horse back rides and more if you are interested in visiting. Of course the mountain can be seen from the farm and from just about everywhere in the region, but if you want a closer look here is a long list of things to do there.
Ngare Ndare Forest
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to in Kenya is Ngare Ndare Forest. Ngare Ndare is the Masai (tribe in Kenya) word for “Waterfall of the Gods” and it’s understandable why! The water is a stunning blue and green color and is one of the few places in Kenya where you can actually swim safely in the pure waters. Full post coming soon with details on this incredible place!
If you have any questions about this amazing stay or other places to visit in Kenya, let us know in the comments below! Be sure to also check out some of our other posts for tips, tricks, and places to visit in Kenya.
View the full post: WATERFALL OF THE GODS – NGARE NDARE FOREST | KENYA TRAVEL
Have any questions or concerns about traveling to Kenya? Check out our: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TRAVEL IN KENYA | TIPS & TRICKS FOR FIRST TIME TRAVELERS
Lots of love and safe travels,
Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters