Here is a recommendation for anyone visiting Kenya who wants to do something during the day other than shop, visit the animal orphanage and eat game meat.
Kitengela Glass Factory is a little bit out of the city, but you can make a good day out by combining it with the Elephant Orphanage, Rothschild’s Giraffe Breeding Centre and some crafts in Karen, on the south side of the city. I’ll put some info about those things on here in the weeks ahead.
The great thing about Kitengela is you can see the whole process of glass making. Want to know about slumping, blowing and Dalle glass furniture? This is the place to see it all. Ask the staff and you’ll get a tour and a live demo – and it’s worth it. Then, you can buy examples of finished work, from gorgeous wine glasses that will make a centrepiece to your dinner table, to windows, squashed bottles … and, well, just about anything.
The factory employs many local people, is a thriving business and a good day out – but the owners (the Croze family) don’t take themselves too seriously. Indeed, the whole place has a whimsical, brisk air. Organic architecture emerges from the savannah as though it was meant to be there, and there is sculpture everywhere you turn. Look out for the car that fell from the sky on the way in (our kids’ favourite) to the sea monster in the swimming pool. It all betrays a great sense of humour and a love of African artistic styles.
Be warned; the road out from Nairobi is a difficult muddy track. It’s not hard to get lost. In the wet season it’s not hard to get stuck. The glassmakers carry all their items into town to sell using this road and a large flatbed truck, but you’ll be thankful for a good 4wd and a certain amount of panache in your driving if it’s been raining. There’s not much traffic to worry about, though, and plenty of parking.
There’s no charge to get in, and it’s rarely crowded. Snacks are available, but for a good meal you might look elsewhere. And keep an eye on your small children; this is a glass factory, remember!
There’s always the chance of seeing wildlife, as Nairobi Wildlife Park is right nextdoor. For the brave, a wire bridge crosses the rocky ravine between the park and the factory – it was put up for the Maasai workers who walk to work, but it’s worth 50 bob (less than a dollar) to walk over it. Keep your eyes peeled for rock hyraxes sunning themselves, baboons and some wonderful birdlife. Here’s a tip – you won’t miss the peacock, geese and ducks, but ask to see the ostrich and pig, too.
If you really like the place too much to leave you can rent some of Kenya’s most unusual guestrooms for the night.
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