At its former location, just off the Eldoret- Malaba highway – at the base of that last dip as you rise towards Kanduyi from Sikata – Sarasa Cottages and Campsite Bungoma, wasn’t the bustling Western town’s biggest secret. In plain view and within earshot of heavy truck traffic traversing the northern corridor, that spot was devoid of charm. Unlike the new location – a couple of kilometers off the Sikata- Kimilili road with a faint dirt road winding up to it’s majesty atop a rock outcrop.
Sarasa Cottages and Campsite: The Restaurant
Mid year, mid month, midweek, late afternoon and it is understood why aside from us, the only other patrons are a nuclear family of four. We sit at what appears to be a mini lounge area – at a setup somewhat similar to the waiting area in those expensive restaurants within purposely limited table sitting space. Only that the restaurant at Sarasa Cottages and Campsite Bungoma is an expansive affair. Not exactly exquisite, but like the whole shebang, exudes a strong feel of work in progress.
The view from inside the restaurant
Sarasa Cottages and Campsite: Lounge Bar
First off, the beer is cold. Secondly, beer and spirit prizes are extremely fair- averaging 200 bob for beers and a 30-50% markup on supermarket prizes for most Whiskeys and spirits. Sadly, for a cocktail lover like myself, I didn’t see a cocktail menu or offering. Still, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the impressive menu of drinks from Gilbey’s to Single Malt Whiskeys as the best part. But wait! Not so fast….
Now, the reason why I term the alcohol prizes at Sarasa Cottages and Campsite Bungoma as extremely fair comes up next. My take is that this is what makes Sarasa Bungoma’s best kept secret. And probably also why it could be the choicest piece of real estate in Bungoma. Well the layout of the property reminds one of Pablo’s or Mandelin cartel’s castles as depicted in Narcos , the design serves only to prop up the real MVP i.e the stunning views.
Sarasa Cottages and Campsite Bungoma = Breathtaking views from the throne
They say the best things in life are free and that’s the feeling one gets as they enjoy the sweeping panaromic views of the property, Bungoma town beyond and its environs from various vantage points that Sarasa Cottages and Campsite offers .
I have been to places designed purposely for view- like Kerio Valley Resort in Iten- or situated intentionally to embrace nature – like the Naiberi campsite off Eldoret-Eldama Ravine road. Sarasa reminds me of the experience in Naiberi campsite. At Naiberi, the seats are simple and constructed from locally available materials.
However, Naiberi provides light blankets and throws and often lights bon fires for patrons. Sarasa isn’t there yet as it seems to be a fairly new establishment. Nonetheless, I dare say Sarasa matches Nairberi in achieving that sense of freedom so effortlessly.
The feeling of freedom here reminds one of the one you’d experience as young lad herding cattle. It’s one of those stay-with-you-for-life moments when life caresses and tucks you in to a nice place. Like, when herding, you find that favorite spot on the green where you just seat and get calmed by the peace of cattle grazing on lush grass. Whilst getting nourished by the gentle breeze blowing by; carrying your wandering thoughts of a better life into the horizon.
Sarasa Cottages and Campsite: Lush Gardens
Goats graze. Kids play. Adults picnic on the green. If Blankets and Wine ever came to Bungoma, it would have to picture itself here. Not only is the garden at Sarasa Cottages and Campsite expansive, but it is also gently manicured.
Mulwanda- Standing on a rock!
Not only did the builders of Bungoma’s best kept secret find a way to integrate the raw beauty of the rock outcrops in the final product, it surely must have been an engineering feat constructing and transforming such ‘wild’ land into hospitable.
Bungoma town lies in a valley surrounded by several rock outcroppings in nearly all the directions that make up the cardinal points on a compass. Unlike our brothers in Eburakori whose ingenuity has seen their share of rock outcrops steadily decline from cottage mining, Bungoma’s lwandas remain largely untouched. Aside from the marvel that is Sarasa Cottages and Campsite.
Sarasa Cottages and Campsite: A Sculptor’s Heaven
The only place known to naturally host wild animals in Bungoma, Mt. Elgon National Park, is tens of kilometers away. While setting up a zoo or conservancy is no child’s play. What to do? Well, what about art instead?
Meet the king of the jungle
How to get to Sarasa Cottages and Campsite Bungoma
From Nairobi by road
- Self-drive- Take the turn at Sikata just before Kanduyi on the Eldoret-Malaba highway. Head towards Kimilili town. Sarasa Cottages and Campsite is a right turn just a few kilometers on the road to Kimilili.
From Bungoma town
- By public transport- Take a TukTuk to Kanduyi junction. Take a matatu to Bokoli/Kimilili and ask to alight at Sarasa. Enjoy the hike up the winding dirt road past humble rural homesteads.
Things to do next time am in Sarasa Cottages and Campsite Bungoma:
- Try out their food
- Camp
- Hopefully swim too
This was a great write up, quite nice to know that there is such a cool place in Bungoma. I do wish you had given the accommodation costs though. Otherwise thank you for sharing this.