Over the weekend (11/04/2026), I decided to take a drive down to Olunana Gardens to spend some quality time with my daughters and nephew. I had made a quick stop here before and was really impressed by their ‘kid zone,’ so the plan was simple: let them loose on the bouncing castle, trampoline, and swings while I took in the scenery.
The Gardens
This is where Olunana Gardens truly shines. The first thing you notice is the massive, pristine green lawn that looks like it’s been maintained with a pair of scissors—it’s that neat. They have four gazebos, and we sat in one that had a really comfortable lounge set with light frames and grey cushions. If you’re the kind of person who loves being outdoors, you’ll appreciate how much effort they put into this space.
The gardens are divided into two sections. If you’re looking to host an event, you can rent the first garden (right as you enter) for Ksh50,000. The second section, which is separated by the kitchen area, goes for Ksh100,000. It’s clearly a popular spot for team building; in fact, there was a group in the middle of a session during our visit.
For those looking for photo ops or wedding venues, they have a nice white metal archway that stands out against the greenery. The whole perimeter is beautifully lined with shrubs, small trees, and a variety of succulents and flowering bushes that give the place a lush feel.
Bar & Restaurant
The interior has a very open, airy feel to it because of the floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s bright and gives you a great view of the lawn even if you’re sitting inside. The seating is a mix of relaxed grey armchairs and formal dining tables. Some tables were set with black linens while others had white covers and red sashes, likely prepped for an event.
The decor is clean and modern, with wood-look floors and white walls. There’s a wooden partition in the centre decorated with “home” signs and stuffed animals, which makes the place feel a bit more family-friendly and less like a stiff hotel lobby.
However, here is where the “hidden gem” loses some lustre. There is a nice-looking bar counter with a stocked cooler, but the coffee situation was a letdown. They have a coffee machine, but it’s currently not working. If you’re looking for a latte or cappuccino, you’re out of luck—the only option is instant coffee. They do have a wall-mounted TV if you want to catch the news or a game while you eat.
The Food
I’ll be blunt: I was very disappointed with the food. This seems to be the “curse” of many hotels along Kangundo Road—the places look world-class, but the kitchen can’t keep up. We ordered fries and sausages for the kids, but the fries were so underwhelming that the children barely touched them. It’s a shame because the setting is so beautiful, but the food just doesn’t match the environment yet.
Kid Zone
The playground is definitely the highlight for the little ones. It’s an expansive, colorful area set on a gravel surface. They have a solid setup with:
-
Two curved slides and two swings on a single frame.
-
A climbing wall (the kids spent a lot of time here).
-
An enclosed trampoline and a seesaw.
-
A classic Merry-Go-Round and a bouncy castle.
The best part? Access to all these activities is only Ksh 200 per child, which is great value for the amount of energy they burned off.
Accommodation
They are currently in the middle of constructing guest rooms. If they can get the rooms right—and more importantly, fix the kitchen—this could easily become the best hotel on the Koma-Kenol route.
| Category | Rating |
| Garden | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| Kid Zone | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| Food | ⭐⭐ (2/5) |