The Cliff: Our full report

Perched dramatically on the edge of a 100-metre (330-foot) rock face, The Cliff in Lake Nakuru National Park ...

... is a unique luxury tented camp offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding escarpments. Located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, soda lakes, and diverse wildlife.

Lake Nakuru National Park is home to four of the 'Big Five' (there are no elephants here), with an impressive population of southern white and eastern black rhinos, and more than 400 species of birds of which the most famous are the greater and lesser flamingoes. Lake Nakuru was formerly famed for drawing massive flocks of lesser flamingos, which once numbered in their hundreds of thousands. Over recent years, the lake level has risen hugely, causing the flamingo population to largely disperse. There is no longer any guarantee of seeing huge flocks, but it is usually possible to see some of the blush-coloured beauties in reasonable numbers, along with pelicans and dozens of other species of birds, on the water, around the plains and in the bush.

Opened in 2018, sister of Entim and Ilkeliani, both in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, The Cliff is a great base for a day or two exploring the park.

The Cliff has 10 identical guest suites raised up on wooden decking. Inside, through the large sliding screen doors, the rooms are very spacious with a comfortable king-sized bed, chunky wooden furniture and ample storage facilities for clothing and luggage. The en-suite bathroom features a separate toilet and shower, twin wash basins and a large free standing bathtub. There is also a hairdryer and in-room tea and coffee making facilities.

Each suite has a wide private verandah at the front offering unobstructed views over the lake. A member of staff will roll up the tent flaps just before dawn so that you can watch the sun rise over the lake from the comfort of your bed.

The camp's central areas are located behind the guests suites. There is a good-sized, dining room with a separate lounge-bar area, where you will also find a number of comfortable sofas, leather armchairs and coffee table books to browse. The bar has a wide selection of drinks on offer and we found this to be an equally relaxing location for a coffee after lunch as well as a pre-dinner cocktail. A little further along there is a pool with sun-loungers and a small gym with cardio equipment and free weights. Next to the gym is the popular spa which offers a variety of treatments and massages from around $40.

Activities at The Cliff primarily focus on game drives, usually departing twice a day, at dawn, and again in the late afternoon. Most guests booked with Expert Africa arrive with their own private guide and safari vehicle and so their timings are flexible. It is also possible to organise boat safaris on the lake. For an additional cost, the property can arrange this through their sister operation Cliff Boat Safaris. Their boat takes a maximum of eight passengers and guests are accompanied by a local Nakuru naturalist. It has set departure times throughout the year, with the morning cruise service with breakfast and sparkling wine a popular choice. Private boat charters can also be arranged with a little advance notice.

Our view

The Cliff is a really high-quality lodge with incredible views, friendly staff and excellent food. And it's very well located for spending a day or two exploring Lake Nakuru National Park.

Jessica Plumb

Kenya expert

Geographics

Location: Rift Valley, Kenya
Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights
Directions: The Cliff is approximately fours hours’ drive from Nairobi. There are currently no scheduled flights into Nakuru, but a 40 min private charter plane or helicopter transfer can be arranged into Naishi airstrip.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: We were highly impressed with the quality of all of the food served during our two-night stay at The Cliff. We thought that the choice, using fresh, local ingredients, was varied, and all the dishes were exquisitely presented.

At breakfast you can expect to find a buffet with a choice of freshly baked bread, cakes and pastries, along with fruit and cereals, and a selection hot items cooked to order and served at your table.

Both lunch and dinner usually consist of three courses, served a la carte with a daily changing menu. For the starter there was usually a choice of two dishes, and a meat and fish dish and two vegetarian choices for the main course.

With advance notice special dietary restrictions and allergies can be catered for.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: On Request

Children

Attitude towards children: The Cliff welcomes children over 12 yrs only.
Property’s age restrictions: Children under 12 years are not allowed to stay at The Cliff.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: For older, mature children 12 years +
Notes: Please note triple rooms are not allowed.

Communications

Power supply notes: 24 hour electricity supply with charging facilities in the rooms
Communications: WiFi throughout
Water supply: Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There is a first-aid kit on site for minor issues. For anything more serious the nearest medical facilities are in Nakuru town.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: The camp is fenced, and there is on-site security.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Not included.
Money: Safes are provided in the rooms.
Accepted payment on location: Cash (USD and KSH) and most credit cards accepted.