“We stayed as a group of friends in Dodo’s Tower over a long weekend. The place is stunning inside and out, and it is matched by an extremely high level of service. The attention to detail, the care taken by the staff, and the personal touches are all amazing. We enjoyed early morning walks with a guide, breakfast served on the lawn overlooking the lake, a nice swimming pool, delicious and healthy lunches, more game walks and game drives, and sundowners organized in different places giving different perspectives, and finally candle-lit dinners on the lawn by the lake surrounded by grazing hippos and other game. Having spent 30 years working and living in Africa and Asia—this place is among the best experiences.”

MJ, UK

One of East Africa’s most gorgeous and unusual private retreats, Dodo’s Tower is a stunning 8-story, 120-foot, cypress-clad folly that blends in perfectly with the surrounding acacia trees and lighthouse scenery. Decorated and furnished in a lovely, harmonious, and sophisticated style, it features European turn-of-the-century furniture, antique Russian linens, polished floorboards, wooden paneling, and beautiful original artwork.

In addition to four double bedrooms, one single bedroom, and their four bathrooms, the Tower contains a dining room and kitchen, a spacious drawing room with an incredible wrap-around balcony, a writing room, a meditation room, and, at the very top, a small viewing room more than 100 feet above the ground.

Dodo’s Room, the spacious master bedroom on the 3rd floor, is spectacular with an encircling balcony and wonderful views—making it the perfect honeymoon suite. It has a lovely private bathroom just above for long soaks in the cool early evenings. Two double bedrooms, the Blue Room and the Red Room on the 2nd floor, both have views of the lake—these two rooms share a bathroom with a shower.

Michael’s Room, the fourth double room, is heavenly and sits on the 1st floor and has a private bathroom with a bathtub. This room has a view out onto the fantastic forest of acacia trees, and by cracking open your window at sunrise, you will be bathed in gorgeous dawn light. There is also a single bedroom on the ground floor—the green room—with a separate bathroom.

“I am lost for words for how beautiful and magical this place is. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, we were treated like royalty. We had the whole place to ourselves, and everything was perfect—the food, the service, and the accommodation. It’s one of the best places I have ever stayed. I am a passionate wildlife photographer, and Berna, our guide, was so helpful and worked tirelessly to ensure I captured as many species of birds and other wildlife as possible during our stay. He was so knowledgeable about the names of all the birds and animals. Thank you, Bernard! The food was absolutely delicious—we had breakfast by the lake, and I felt I was in heaven, and dinner up at the mansion was so beautiful. I just want to thank the manager, the chef, our butler and housekeeper, and all the staff for taking such good care of us during our stay.”

PM, UK

Friendly and discreet staff are always on hand to assist in any way they can, and guests can choose to dine in a variety of different settings – by the swimming pool, under the trees by the lake, on an overlooking hill, or in the inside dining room. There is no set plan or compulsory schedule of activities, and guests can spend their days doing as much or as little as they want. Many will simply wish to luxuriate in the Tower or relax around the lovely large pool (which is occasionally shared with guests at Hippo Point Manor House).

Hippo Point is a beautiful and secluded private sanctuary with a population of 1,200 animals roaming freely over 500 lovely acres—a pristine bridge of land between Lake Naivasha and Oloiden Bay shaded by a forest of towering “yellow fever” trees. The conservancy is not fenced and shares boundaries with a neighboring game reserve, so it is abundant with wildlife. Enjoy the feeling of being at one with nature on a guided game walk with an experienced guide, or explore the nocturnal animal life of the sanctuary on a night game drive.

As well as the pods of hippo in the lake, the conservancy is home to giraffe, zebra, warthog, buffalo, colobus monkey, hyena, antelope, gazelle, and many more—and leopard and even lion are occasionally sighted. The estate is also an ornithologist’s dream, home to several hundred species of birds—most of which you can spot from the comfort of one of the Tower’s four viewing balconies.

“The Tower (‘Dodo’s Folly’) is a one-of-a-kind structure and stands on an isthmus between the two lakes. It is elegantly furnished, and the second floor is a wonderful gathering place open to a veranda completely encircling the tower—from here we were able to enjoy afternoon tea and observe the animals that run freely on the property. Staying at Hippo Point is referred to by the owners as a ‘slow safari,’ as one can view many animals on the property without needing a vehicle. Walks are guided by Bernard, who is extremely pleasant and accommodating and has a wealth of information about all the flora and fauna. The bird watching is superb and walks around the estate, yielding endless up-close-and-personal viewing opportunities of giraffes, zebras, hippos, warthogs, monkeys, and more. Our excursions to Hell’s Gate and Elsamere were worthwhile, but the real joy of Hippo Point is remaining on the property and being taken care of by the amazing staff. The meals were delicious and healthy and served with a gracious elegance that made the experience truly wonderful. Sundowners and lunches are served in various locations around the property, which made every meal and cocktail hour an adventure.”