Kitonga Garden Resort (KGR) has been on my bucket list for a while. There is something about its reputation that kept calling to me. On the 5th of April, while on a leisurely drive toward Kangundo, a small signpost caught my eye: “Kitonga Garden Resort 11 km.” That was all the convincing I needed to take a detour.
The Road Less Traveled (For a Reason)
We stopped at a local shop to grab some bottled water and asked the shopkeeper how far the resort was. “Ni mbali sana,” she replied with an expression that should have been a warning.
What we didn’t realize was just how punishing the road to this “gem” would be. The first kilometer was manageable, but then the murram road narrowed and turned into a battlefield of ruts and rocks. Let’s just say driving a Nissan Note on this terrain was an act of bravery. Thanks to some “pro” navigation and sheer willpower, I managed to dodge the crater-sized potholes and keep us moving. The drive was scenic, but unless you’re in a sturdy 4×4, I wouldn’t exactly recommend it.
Kitonga Garden Resort Entry Fee
Upon arrival, my initial excitement hit a bit of a speed bump. We were informed of a Ksh 1,500 per head entry fee. I was taken aback—I’d driven all that way specifically to spend money at their establishment! However, I soon gathered that the management uses this as a “gatekeeper” policy to keep away idlers. The good news? The fee is fully redeemable for food and drinks.
The Views: A Slice of Heaven
To say KGR is beautiful is an understatement; the scenic vistas of the Yatta Plateau are simply breathtaking.
The restaurant is split into two levels:
The Ground Floor: A “dry” zone (no alcohol) with a balcony offering incredible views.
The First Floor: The place to be if you want to enjoy a cold Tusker while soaking in the landscape.
Despite the rough road, the “pilgrimage” is popular. The first floor was packed, and almost every empty table was already marked as reserved.
Kitonga Garden Resort Menu: A Major Letdown
If the views are the “Good,” the food is unfortunately the “Ugly.” We ordered the Junior Platter for Ksh 2,500 (note: accompaniments and soup are sold separately).
The platter was a mix of goat, chicken, what I think was beef, and a disproportionate amount of pork. Honestly? It was underwhelming. The quality simply didn’t match the price point. We ended up leaving most of it behind. The only saving grace on the menu was the coffee, which was excellent. If you visit, stick to the caffeine and perhaps skip the buffet.
The Rooms: Rustic Romance
Though our visit was impromptu, we couldn’t help but scout the accommodation. The rooms are a masterclass in rustic architecture blended with modern comfort.
The Vibe: Tastefully designed with balconies that offer a front-row seat to the stars.
The Price: Rooms go for Ksh 28,000.
The Verdict: It’s a perfect, secluded spot for a romantic getaway or a memorable honeymoon.
Service & Activities
The staff here are the resort’s greatest asset. From the guards at the gate to the receptionists, everyone was welcoming. A special shout-out to our waiter, Sam, who handled the heavy Sunday crowd with impressive grace.
Due to time constraints, we didn’t get to try the outdoor activities, but they are on the list for our next visit (perhaps in a bigger car!).
| Category | Rating |
| Rooms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| Staff & Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| Views | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| Food | ⭐ (1/5) |