Looking for a Diwali Getaway this Weekend? Consider visiting Machakos. It's a 90 minute drive from Nairobi. Machakos was the first capital city of Kenya in 1887 and was established as a trade and administrative protectorate on behalf of the British by Sakshi Shah an Indian merchant. This was a decade before the British decided to move the capital to Nairobi.
Machakos, though under-rated as a tourist destination, has lot's to offer. The county boasts an array of attractions such as the Fourteen Falls, Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park, The Magnetic Hill Anti-Gravity Site, The Masinga Dam, Iveti Forest Reserve, the Komarock shrine, Machakos People's park, Lukenya Hills and many more. The County's hilly terrain and breathtaking scenery is perfect for camping, hiking safaris and ecotourism.  
Here's where you can stay in Machakos for your weekend Getaway
Kilima Kiu Manor 
This boutique hotel in Malili Machakos once belonged to Sir Frank Joyce, who arrived in Kenya in 1911. The ranch grounds on which the hotel sits have changed ownership over the past century and now belong to an international hotel chain.
Kilima Kiu recently underwent an extreme makeover and now offers exquisite lodging in their tastefully furnished rooms. They also have an olympic-sized pool and you can engage in activities like ostrich riding at the ranch and get to see how they make their cheese from scratch.
Maanzoni Lodge
This was once the private home of the late Senator Mututa Kilonzo. Now a fully fledged hotel with 360 rooms, Maanzoni has a game sanctuary on site. They have 28-acres of sprawling land with scenic views of Lukenya hills. 
Gelian Hotel
Gelian is located 5 minutes from Machakos Peoples park and the rooftop has an 18 M long swimming pool and bar offering panoramic views of Machakos town.They offer buffet meals thrice a day. This November, they have a double bed & breakfast offer for Ksh 7500/night. 
Kyaka 
A stones-throw away from Machakos Golf Club,  Kayak has 98 Hotel rooms and 8 furnished apartments. They have a pool and bar on site and offer valet parking. They also offer room service if you're feeling extra fancy and want to spoil yourself. 
Starling Bird Resort
Located at Maanzoni Conservancy, Off Mombasa Road in Machakos, Starling Bird is a pet-friendly resort. A boutique-style hotel nestled in the Maanzoni conservancy. Visitors can enjoy bird watching and game drives. They offer buffer breakfasts and dinners.  
*Image: Kilima Kiu Manor

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Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

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