Ndili’s Place is a family run hotel in the Eastern province of Kenya, Mutomo District ( formerly known as Kitui District) It is situated 40km from Tsavo east National Park – Ithumba gate and some 76km from Tsavo West – Mtito Andei gate on Mombasa Nairobi road.
Ndili’s place is constructed with variety of ideas in mind. (1) to develop and promote village tourism, by offering quality accommodation and access to Kenyas beautiful National Park. Ndili’s place is convenient for travelers and/or over Landers and campers. (2) Ndili’s place is suitable for those tourists who love to experience different cultures and traditions. Built in the remotest part of Kenya where Kamba is the main tribe and world famous for carving and handcrafts, tourists are guaranteed an experience of lifetime.
Ndili’s place consists of a large hall which operates as a conference hall and dining room. There are 12 self-contained rooms. 6 rooms have 2 single beds whilst the other 6 have one king sized bed. With relaxation, privacy and comfort in mind, all rooms are en-suite and a varander.
Solar energy provides approximately 98% of the electricity used at Ndili’s Place which is clean, renewable energy. The remaining 2% is supplement from a generator as a back up charge to the battery bank.
All of Ndili’s Place water is supplied by local villagers using their donkey’s as carriers. The water is collected from Tiva River which is approximately 3 miles from Ndili’s Place and its dry most of the year. Ndili’s Place uses approximately 100 x 20l Jeri Cannes per day.
In the rooms you will notice that there is hot water. Ndili’s Place have an eco-heater (known in Swahili – kuni jiko). It heats water by burning anything – for example all wood remnants, cardboard boxes, saw dust and cow and goat dung.
Village Life
Ndili’s Place offers the unique experience of traditional village life in Africa. You can visit the local market which is the hub of the town where anything can be purchased from fruit to live animals. Haggling is all part of the experience!
You can join the local women and children walking down to the river with the donkeys to fetch water. You can worship in local churches and experience the wonderful traditional gospel music. You can join local school children in their learning environment.
Goat and cattle farming are one of the main sources of income in the area, they are precious, valuable animals and if a goat is slaughtered for you it is a demonstration of great honour. You may see women sitting cooking on three stones or breaking up rocks by hand in order to make hard core, carrying water on their heads and babies in their backs. Other daily tasks for women are basket weaving, or traditional hairstyling.
On the other hand men tend to do very little. They are mainly seen sitting drinking local brew and discussing community issues. However men do most of the traditional carving of African art in wood. You can order wonderful carvings from a local craftsmen while you watch, anything from animals to traditional African masks.
