Tumbili Cliff Lodge
Know Before You Go
Quick IntelEstimated Cost
Mid-to-high range; contact lodge for seasonal full-board rates.
Best For
Perfect for couples seeking a quiet, intimate getaway and serious bird enthusiasts.
Access & Logistics
Located at Lake Baringo; 4x4 vehicle strongly recommended for the final approach; M-Pesa is widely accepted.
Operating Hours
Open daily for guests; advance booking required.
Editor's Review
Tumbili Cliff Lodge is a serene, eco-conscious retreat perched above Lake Baringo, offering an escape into the heart of the Rift Valley. While it is a premier destination for nature lovers, travelers should note that the lodge is primarily focused on resident guests, and access to facilities like the swimming pool is restricted to those staying on-site, so plan your trip as an overnight stay rather than a day visit.
For those looking for a budget-friendly alternative or a day trip activity, the nearby Lake Baringo boat tours are excellent. You can easily hire local boat operators at the main jetty for a fraction of the cost of a full lodge package, allowing you to get up close to the hippos and crocodiles while supporting the local community.
The Cost: Rates vary significantly by season and residency status. Expect to pay premium rates for full-board packages which include meals and exclusive views. It is essential to contact the lodge directly for current citizen and non-resident pricing as they do not publish a standard day-entry fee.
The Experience: Visiting Tumbili is about slowing down and disconnecting. The terrain is natural and rugged, featuring unpaved paths around the cliffside that require comfortable walking shoes. The environment is quiet and intimate, perfect for relaxing, reading, and wildlife observation from the comfort of the lodge grounds.
What you can get: You can expect a high-quality, personalized service with spacious, clean rooms that offer stunning vistas. Highlights include expert-led bird watching tours, private boat cruises on Lake Baringo to spot hippos and diverse avian species, and high-quality, freshly prepared meals in a secluded, peaceful setting.
Ultimately, Tumbili Cliff Lodge offers a spectacular, high-end nature experience for those willing to navigate the challenging road access. It is a place built for tranquility and birding, provided you respect the lodge's policy of prioritizing in-house guests to maintain that peaceful atmosphere.
More Details
Explorer Ken's Advice
"Book a room with a lake view to enjoy the sunrise and hear the unique bird calls right from your private terrace."
Things to Consider
The access roads are notoriously rough and often require a 4x4 vehicle to reach the lodge safely.
Feedback
Top Google Reviews
Alison Whitaker
We loved our stay here! So unique! The service, food, and drinks were outstanding! Our room was beautiful, spacious, comfortable, and very clean. We had birding guides and saw an outstanding number of species. We enjoyed a boat ride on Lake Baringo. We enjoyed our evenings in the lodge relaxing with a drink before dinner. Thankful for the chance to stay at this beautiful place
Sharlet Ngaruiya
A hidden gem indeed! If you like quiet, bird watching , warm pool, nice cool breeze, sunrise and sunset views etc this is your hideout. The staffs are really kind and present to support, they have a great chef so the food was surprisingly very good, a great intimate couples getaway destination 💖💖
Mathew Mengech
Very excited after meandering through the worst roads ever only to be denied access to the swimming pool because we were not “residents”… Our kids were extremely traumatised of how management treated us and we can NEVER come back and will actively encourage anyone not to patronage this lodge… The manager Elijah was extremely rude and couldn’t wait for our younger family to leave …. Could have spent our hard earned Kenya Shillings there but I guess they preferred dollars and white skins over real Kenyans… we go and sponsor other places instead!!!!!!! Zero stars if possibles!!!
BRIAN BAISWIKE
It’s one of the best Eco lodge around lake Baringo. The staff is so caring and willing to serve. The rooms are spacious and clean. The silence at this place enables you to hear very well the nature sounds like those for the birds. Activities like bird watching and boat cruise can be organized for you on request.
Lucy Mayer
Great place to stay on a beautiful lake. Absolutely exceeded our expectations. The bedrooms are spacious and have fantastic views whilst being secluded from each other. The beds are super comfortable, and bathrooms are good. Birds were plentiful. The staff are super friendly and really bend over backwards to ensure that your stay will be excellent. The food was tasty. The boat trip was excellent. We saw so many birds. We will definitely come again.
Community Insights
Become a pioneer
Be the first community explorer to share an insight.