Aberdare Country Club

The rambling clubhouse has a wonderfully inviting lounge and bar, with comfortable couches around a magnificent open fireplace, and an elegant main dining room. Traditional colonial furniture, polished timber floors and exposed roof beams add to the interior's nostalgic country-inn feel. Outside, the wraparound covered terrace offers a second dining venue overlooking the lawns and the heated swimming pool beyond. Pop into the delightful gift shop for some mementos – including Kenyan crafts, and book a massage at the spa.

Charming stone cottages are well spaced throughout the gardens, varying in size and decor from old-fashioned country simplicity to the modern luxury you might expect from a large hotel. Nineteen cottages have two bedrooms, one has three, and the largest is a rambling five-bedroomed family cottage with a private veranda. All have en-suite bathrooms and every facility you need. Some are set higher on a slope, so if you find steps troublesome, book accommodation nearer the main building.

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the nine-hole golf course, two tennis courts, heated swimming pool and the fully equipped gym, with its steam bath and sauna. Beauty treatments and massages can be enjoyed in the spa, and for outdoor types there is horseriding, trout fishing, mountain biking and hiking within the private sanctuary. Guided activities further afield could include a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, or a guided game drive in Aberdare National Park.