How do you celebrate International Women’s Day?
Do you choose to celebrate with your fellow women, alone or with your significant other?
International Women’s Day is a special day that is celebrated on the 8th of March annually to celebrate the resilience, strength, and determination of women.
It is also an opportunity to celebrate your achievements and those of other women and to support each other.
On this special day, women choose to mark the occasion by pampering themselves, escaping routines and schedules, and just celebrating themselves.
In this piece, I will take you through how Adequate Safaris, one of the best tour companies in Kenya, ensured this day was remarkable as we celebrated International Women’s Day at one of the best safari lodges in Naivasha, the Sawela Lodge.
Let’s dive in!
Location
Before we discuss our experience at Sawela Lodge, let’s first understand where it is located.
The Sawela Lodge is a serene lakeside retreat nestled on the southern shore of Lake Naivasha on Moi South Lake Road, just 90 kilometers from Nairobi and 13 kilometers from Naivasha town, offering spectacular views of the stratovolcanic Mt. Longonot, Lake Elementaita, and the famous Lake Naivasha.
History of Sawela Lodge, Naivasha
The Sawela Lodge was established in 2009, with the main goal of blending luxury and comfort with the natural surroundings of Lake Naivasha.
The name Sawela means comfort in a bird’s nest. A peaceful haven where travellers can escape, relax, and enjoy a different environment from the chaos of the city.
Booking Process with Adequate Safaris
Doing research and booking a hotel on your own can be overwhelming at times, and the only thing you are always looking forward to is a memorable experience without having regrets and doubts.
The only way this getaway would become a success is by reaching out to a tour company that will do the booking for us and also tailor our 4-day itinerary to suit us in the best way, so that we will enjoy ourselves as women and feel valued and celebrated.
That is when we decided to consult Adequate Safaris after seeing the incredible work they have been doing online in giving women travel groups explendind experiences who are travelling all over the world.
One thing that stood out for us is the exceptional and professional experience that we got during our booking, taking us step by step, from the moment we inquired, how we wanted it to be, the dates, activities, and meals till we finally made our payment. They really made it easy for us and also affordable, since it was per person sharing.
Before the close of business, the quotation and a very detailed itinerary were shared with us, which we went through to understand what our trip would look like and also how every coin was broken down.
It was perfectly done, and we were only left to show up and have an amazing experience at Sawela Lodge, Naivasha.
We were very excited!
How to Get There
The day of travel was finally here!
Our itinerary had indicated that we would leave Nairobi at around 11:00 AM, and my girls and I ensured we were at the pickup point at least 30 minutes earlier.
An Adequate Safaris driver and guide was also there on time. He was very friendly and professional. He greeted us, and we were ready to kick off our trip.
One thing about me, before I start any journey, a prayer must be said. I led the prayers for us to have a safe journey till the day we return.
We had two options to pick from either to go by road or by flight. We weighed the options that would be more fun, and we went with the road option.
By Road
The journey to Sawela Lodge from Nairobi is only 2 hours on a good day, but 2 and a half hours incase there is traffic along the way.
Our first stopover was at the Great Rift Valley View Point, where we admired the beauty of Kenya’s landscape and, as usual, women making memories, we had to take photos and videos that would remind us of this unforgettable trip together.
On the ways we laughed, told stories, and enjoyed our snacks and refreshments as our driver guide spotted for us some of the major attractions in Naivasha along the way, like the Hell’s Gate National Park, the Crescent Island Game Reserve, etc before arriving at the destination that we will visit later during our 4-day tour.
The journey was worth it, and we were finally at the Lodge.
By Flight
On the other hand, if you decide to go with the flight option, it also works perfectly to Naivasha airstrip by private charters from the Wilson Airport in Nairobi, taking the shortest time possible, about 30 minutes, then there will be a pickup to Sawela lodge.
Therefore, whichever your top choice is, Adequate Safaris will organise perfectly for you.
Sawela Lodge, Naivasha Accommodation
On arrival, the tranquil, serene, and lush green environment left us in awe! We stood outside for a few minutes to soak it all in.
Afterwards, we saw smiley faces from the lodge coming towards us. They welcomed us as they helped us carry our luggage to our executive suite rooms that were booked for us.
The rooms were to die for! They had everything as we had imagined. From the ambience, to the beds, the views, the hot showers, etc.
Rooms & Suites
Sawela Lodge rooms and suites are divided into different categories as follows:
Superior Rooms
Sawela Lodge offers 24 superior rooms that are cozy, well-furnished, spacious, close to the reception area, and have a relaxing ambience for travellers that feels like home.
Business Deluxe Rooms
Just as the name says, these Business deluxe rooms at Sawela Lodge are for business purposes only after a conference.
These 18 business deluxe rooms in Sawela lodge also offer a balcony with a view of the Sawela serene environment.
Business Suite Rooms
On the other hand, in business suite rooms, you can combine your business trip with a family getaway.
The rooms have a sliding door dividing the living room from the bedrooms.
- Executive Deluxe Rooms
The executive deluxe rooms are positioned near the main block with a fully equipped kitchenette, a private safe, king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms with a bath tab, and a balcony with perfect views as you unwind.
Honeymoon Suite Rooms
Honeymoon suite rooms are located on the final block, whose main agenda is to provide a 5-star honeymoon experience for honeymooners with extra room decor to give that honeymoon feel.
Sawela Lodge, Facilities & Amenities
A luxury lodge is not a lodge without the facilities and amenities to enhance the comfort of travellers.
Below are some of the facilities and amenities that Sawela Lodge offers.
Dining
Sawela Lodge offers exquisite dining that is inspired by the rich bounty of local farmers from Nakuru County, an amazing farm-to-table experience in a luxurious manner.
With my girls, we enjoyed every meal to the letter, the chefs ensured our stomachs were always full.
Here are the timings of meals at Sawela Lodge:
- Breakfast: 6:30 am to 9:30 am
- Lunch: 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
- Dinner: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
These timings were perfect, making us have enough time to bond, laugh, and have quality time as we had our meals. Interestingly, the meals were served in buffet-style, giving you the freedom to add more to your satisfaction.
Lounge & Bar
If there’s something that Sawela Lodge knows to offer its some good wine, depending on how you like it. For us, it was the red wine. They say, “Where there is no wine, there is no love.” We ensured it was allover the air.
If you want to unwind at the lodge, Sawela Lodge has a classy lodge and bar where you can have a drink after dinner before going back to your hotel room.
Swimming Pool
This was always one of our best places to have a good laugh, especially when the sun is out. It made us relax and unwind and feel energized again.
Other amenities that the lodge offers are:
- Fitness & Gym
- Movie Theatre
- Free Wifi
- Parking Space
- Bonfire
- Spa
Sawela Lodge, Naivasha Events
Are you looking for a perfect destination that is event-friendly? Sawela Lodge is the place to be.
Some of the events that can be held in Sawela Lodge are:
a) Weddings
b) Corporate Meetings
c) Team Building activities
Best Things To Do When You Visit Sawela Lodge, Naivasha
One reason why Naivasha is a destination of choice to many travellers its because Naivasha is blessed with several attractions that you cannot miss out on. When staying at Sawela Lodge, here are some of the activities that you can engage in, whether as a solo traveller or with a group, as we did.
- Hiking at Mt. Longonot
- Visit the Hell’s Gate National Park
- Visit the Geothermal Spa
- Boat Safari at Lake Naivasha
- Explore the Sawela trails for Nature Walks
- Engage in Sports like volleyball and football at Sawela Lodge
- Visit the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
- Visit Lake Baringo National Park
- Visit Lake Nakuru National Park
- Naivasha Night Life
Tips For A Great Holiday in Naivasha
- For a great holiday in Naivasha, it is always good to keep in mind the outdoor activities you can engage in rather than just staying in the hotel. Have a balance of both adventure and relaxation.
- Visit Naivasha during the dry season from June to October or December to March to enjoy most of these outdoor adventures without challenges.
- Book your holiday in Naivasha with the best tour company, like Adequate Safaris, that will make your stay worthwhile.
- Your accommodation or hotel should not be too far from the main road, preferably near Moi South Lake Road, for easy access to National Parks and other sites for outdoor activities.
- Avoid large waterbodies at night, like Lake Naivasha, to avoid being attacked by the hippos. If you really want to go for a boat ride, consider going during the day.
- Naivasha has a mild climate, yes, you can carry with you light clothes and also do not leave behind heavy clothes tho wear them in the evenings when it gets cold.
Conclusion
To wrap up, our women’s day getaway at Sawela Lodge was one of a kind. All thanks to Adequate Safaris for making this trip incredible and memorable. This trip made me and my girls learn the importance of a support system in your life, and also having a group of women that I can do life with.
Are you looking forward to going on an incredible getaway with your group of friends?
Book with Adequate Safaris by contacting +254768555444 or email de***@*************is.com, and thank me later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of accommodation is Sawela Lodge?
Sawela Lodge is a luxurious Lodge located in Naivasha near the world-famous Lake Naivasha with various options of rooms from superior suites, to business suites, or executive deluxe rooms, depending on your preference.
2. What type of food does Sawela Lodge offer?
Sawela Lodge offers various cuisines of your choice, like:
- Local Kenyan Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Indian Cuisine
- French Cuisine
Note, you are open to exploring other cuisines.
3. What are the check-in and check out time in Sawela Lodge?
Check-in: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Check out: 12:00 Noon
However, early check-in and late check-out are available upon request.
4. Is Sawela Lodge Pet-friendly?
No! Sawela Lodge does not allow pets at the lodge since some guests are allergic to pets, making them uncomfortable.
5. Is Sawela Lodge a safe place for a holiday getaway?
Sawela Lodge is one of the top-rated lodges in Naivasha, and security is a priority here, offering a safe environment with 24-hour security. Also, note that only registered guests are allowed in the hotel.
