Monday 1 May 2017

Getting sun soaked and pampered amidst nature while being at Sentrium Lodge, Nakuru

                       
View of the sleeping warrior while approaching Elementita
                                             

Staying at Nakuru has various advantages, one of those being living quite close to nature. Coming up as the fastest growing town in  East Africa, I have seen significant development in a span of 6 years. While industry and other urban development get a thumbs up, it’s a place which has areas of tourist interest like Nakuru National Park and Lake Elementita at stone throw distance. Weekends here is truly exciting ; you might travel to the resorts here where good food, spa , drinks and other awesome facilities  are available within a 30 minute drive from the town. Visitors from surrounding towns and cities prefer this place and it’s been a popular weekend gateway. While making your way to the rugged and bumpy road you may have a look at the crater set in between the lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru called as ‘sleeping warrior’.

                            
The Sentrium Lodge


Room arrangement in Sentrium Lodge


The first glance: Situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city, sprawling over few acres of land this resort is one of the preferred places of interest for nature lovers. Quite close to Kariandusi museum, Gilgil, this 4-star resort borders the shoreline of Lake Elementita. You will have to travel some uneven bumpy road while entering the resort from the highway. The ruggedness of the road gives you a feel like you are entering the interiors of an African village. You will be directed with signboards and arrows and will ultimately arrive at the desired venue. The very first of the place looks bears a rustic appearance and some traditional African décor. The warm, comfortable nature of the hotel staff will give you a ‘feel good factor’. There are total 86 guest rooms, a swimming pool area, a mini bar near the pool, dining area and a great arrangement where guests can enjoy the mysteries of The lake Elementita while chatting and sipping hot coffee.  What attracts a visitor is a serene atmosphere, the chirping of the birds and mild roaring of sea breeze. In one word it’s the most desired place to be sun soaked and pampered amidst the lap of nature.

                              
Dining area



Comfortable sitting arrangement


Service: A day out here will be interesting to your family and friends. Get yourself rejuvenated in the spa, take a chilling dip at the swimming pool or enjoy the nature- this place will definitely fascinate you. The dining area is a large area with an arrangement for 200 people. We were greeted by the hotel staff with warm towels and then made our way into the culinary fantasies. There is some separate arrangement for people who come with toddlers and infants. They could find themselves equally comfortable. The food has African, Indian and continental variety. We found chefs who were preparing hot naans and serving- an act that is very much loved by food lovers. The arrangement was superb and the staffs were ready to offer a helping hand.  There were enough arrangements for both vegetarian and nonvegetarian preferring guests. The banquet area is given on hire for corporate and personal purposes.


                                       
Appetizer




Salad and sauces



Main course






Dessert



Food: The food is a 4- course meal which is a combination of continental and Indian variety. Apart from buffet serving, you can choose out of the menu card and order food of your own choice. Buffet starts at 1500 KSH per person and children below 12 are charged 750 KSH. You can choose your own sitting area and quietly enjoy your food- appetizer, salad, main course, and desserts. The variety of salads is quite intriguing.  You may choose any variety of meat or fish with boiled vegetable and mashed potato or any other combination of your choice.  But to my opinion, there should have been some more variety of vegetarian preparations. My rating for the food is 4 out of 5 stars. 

                               
Elementita lake from the lodge

Verdict: For nature lovers, this is the ultimate place. If you are staying in the surroundings of Nakuru or might be other cities, then definitely make a weekend plan over here and enjoy the natural beauty over Lake Elementita. You can make a plan for visiting the Nakuru National park, Hyrax hill, Menengai crater and return to the resort in the evening thereby enjoying the warm fireplace and the sumptuous meal.   The rooms are a bit pricey but depend largely on the seasonal fluctuation. If you are fond of bird watching and enjoy a stay beside the water side, then this resort will be the most desired of your choice. My ratings for the place are 4.5 stars out of 5.



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