Kitengela Glass - Studio
Know Before You Go
Quick IntelEstimated Cost
Entry is approximately KSH 500 for adults; workshops and overnight stays cost extra.
Best For
Perfect for creative souls, families, and couples looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path day trip or weekend getaway.
Access & Logistics
M-Pesa is widely accepted, but ensure you have a reliable vehicle for the final dirt road stretch; signage is sparse, so keep your GPS active.
Operating Hours
Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Editor's Review
Kitengela Glass Studio is a whimsical, artistic oasis hidden on the outskirts of Nairobi. While it offers a truly magical atmosphere filled with recycled glass sculptures and vibrant mosaics, visitors must be prepared for a challenging journey. The final approach involves a dusty, rough road that can be tricky to navigate, so allow for extra travel time and consider using a vehicle with decent ground clearance.
For those looking to keep costs down, you can spend hours simply wandering the grounds, exploring the museum, and walking across the iconic suspension bridge, which offers spectacular, quiet views of the valley without needing to book a paid workshop.
The Cost: Entry fees are approximately KSH 500 for adults and KSH 250 for children, though specific workshop experiences like glass blowing or bead making require separate bookings at higher rates. Overnight cottage stays are priced individually based on the unit size and season.
The Experience: Visiting feels like stepping into an eccentric wonderland. The terrain is largely unpaved and natural, meaning you should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking between the workshops, the glass furnaces, and the bridge. It is an interactive, tactile environment where you can witness the intense heat of the furnaces and the physical labor behind the art.
What you can see: Highlights include the signature suspension bridge, the sprawling outdoor art installations, unique glass-blown vases and chandeliers, and the resident artisan workshops. Don't miss the cafe, which serves exceptional homemade ice cream and fresh croissants that are highly rated by visitors.
Ultimately, Kitengela Glass is a must-visit for its sheer creativity and peaceful atmosphere. While the logistical hurdle of the final road stretch requires patience, the reward of seeing such unique Kenyan artistry and enjoying the serene valley views makes it a memorable Nairobi experience.
More Details
Explorer Ken's Advice
"Book the 'Catching Light' experience in advance to craft your own glass art, and don't skip the homemade ice cream and croissants at the cafe."
Things to Consider
The final stretch of road is unpaved, extremely dusty, and rough; expect the drive from Nairobi to take at least two hours despite shorter estimates.
Feedback
Top Google Reviews
Rolf Jost
A wonderful place to be, exceeding our expectations. We did not look so much for the glass manufacturimg but took time for the museum and walking in the compound. The exhibition is great, the view into the valley from different positions is great. Also we crossed the bridge and enjoyed this adventure having a spectacular view all through this quiet and untouched area.
Doctor Bruun
Kitengela Glass Studio is a beautiful and unique place to visit, with friendly staff and a truly magical atmosphere. We chose the package where you make two glass objects and shared it between the two of us - such a fun experience! We ended up making two really nice vases. Be prepared for the journey, though. Although it says 1 hour from Nairobi online, it took us over 2 hours. The last stretch of the road is very dusty and quite rough, and you may encounter traffic and even cows along the way. It’s absolutely worth the trip, but plan extra time and go with a bit of patience. All in all, a memorable experience and definitely recommended despite the challenging road.
Thi Mbi
Glass furnaces are way hotter than I thought. Absolutely fun times. The “scary bridge” is more like “bridge” Food was great. Especially the croissant. Access from Rongai will have you questioning every instruction you receive from Google Maps but we made it there eventually.
Sylvia Mbaabu
Our experience at the Kitengela Glass studio was everything we expected and so much more. Please make sure you book the catching light experience so you can make your own glassware, best time spent there. A visit to the wonderland illuminates the owners passion for art. Even better, book for an overnight stay and enjoy their hospitality. The cherry on top for us were the cocktails and the home-made ice cream!!! 🍦 😋 Heavenly!! Highly recommended as a must-visit in Nairobi. I'd definitely go back. Shout out to Elizabeth, Simon and Petronilla for the awesome service. You guys rock! PS: signage to the place could be better, easy to get lost.
Benedetta Vezzoli
Most amazing place ever. Enjoyed every second, the products they sell and produce are so cool and unique. Strongly advise you all visit them!
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