In the early 1900s thick forests covered the area north and west of the area which later became known as Nairobi. The forests continued all the way up to the Kinangop mountain range. Dense bush or grassland covered the southeastern part of the district, where the ridges slope down toward the Athi Plains. The Kikuyu people (more correctly Agikuyu) lived in and around this area in the late 1800s
Maasai pastoralists also wandered through, leading their cattle to drink from a river they called 'Engare Nyorobi' meaning 'cold stream'. The Maasai called the swampy area around the stream 'Nakuso Intelon,' meaning 'dancing treetops,' for the wat the sun shimmered through the acacia trees. The Maasai came and went in their search for good pasture for their cattle.
In 1897, Sir George Whitehouse, the chief engineer for the Uganda Railway, chose this spot and called it 'Enkare Nairobi' upon hearing the name of the river from the Maasai. He decided that supplies and base camps could be organised on the flat plain by the Nairobi River before tackling the construction across the Kikuyu escarpment and the drop into the Great Rift Valley.As the railway took shape, the new settlement grew rapidly, and more people referred to the town as 'Enkare Nairobi,' rather than 'Nakuso Intelon'. By 1899, the name 'Nairobi' had become better known, and its original name faded into history.
As the British arrived with their railroad in the brackish swamp land of Nairobi, they saw uncultivated land covered in thick forests. In 1902, the British Government began leasing 640-acre lots of land to European Settlers. The settler farmers found kikuyu labourers and together they cleared the forest and bush. At first, they tried growing maize, wheat, barley, English vegetables, tobacco and fruit trees, while some started dairy farms. Farming in those days was not at all easy and nothing was too successful until they tried coffee. As the railway and colonial offices continued to spread, trees were cleared as British settlers began farming the land, with many pegging their hopes on coffee. One of the forests that were partly cleared for coffee farming was the Karura Forest.
The Karura Forest Reserve is the second largest urban forest in the world. Nairobi residents find refuge from the fast-paced city life, visiting the quiet forest to bike, walk, jog or sit quietly and soak in the beauty of the trees. During the pre-colonial period, a private family owned Karura Forest. The family surrendered the forest to the British Government on the condition that it remained forest land. After independence, the forest stayed under protection, but in the late 1990s it came under threat from land-grabbing, and Green Belt Movement Founder and 2004 Nobel Prize Laureate, Wangari Maathai, led a successful campaign to protect the forest. In addition to the groves of indigenous and exotic trees, Karura Forest has a waterfall, several rivers, caves and a variety of animals and birds, which are enjoyed by those who take the time to visit.
As all this was taking shape, buried amidst the towering trees on the edge of Nairobi's Karura Forest, a small house held her ground in the heart of what was Colonial Kenya. Although small in relation to its vast surroundings, the power of the grey-stone walls of this 1950s home kept her residents safe and comfortable. As Kenya's economy grew and some surrounding trees were cleared to make way for the rise in coffee plantations, the little home faced major challenges to remain relevant. It was then that she grew into a guest house, larger in size, but without losing her homely charm as she provided a safe home and harbour for the numerous travellers of the day.
By growing from a small colonial home to an upscale boutique hotel, Kwetu provides a perfect fusion of old colonial charm and modern contemporary design with a blend of homely comfort and luxury.
Kwetu is located on the edge of the Karura Forest in what has become a high-end residential area, away from the fast-paced lifestyle of the city, but still in close proximity to Nairobi's Central Business District. Despite being so close to Kenya's cosmopolitan city, guests can easily forget where they are – be it lost in the peace of her lush greenery and quiet breezes, amongst her tantalising dishes on offer or the pampering of her relaxingly wonderful spa treatments, or even a refreshing dip in her pool followed by a relaxing sundowner at one of her bars. Providing premium services and amenities to cater for the needs and comfort of every type of traveller as well as the surrounding community, Kwetu stands on a grand level of her own. She comprises of five individual, but interconnected blocks, each containing 20 rooms of varying sizes, themes and designs that leave guests with a sense of timelessness and history. All the blocks overlook the peaceful forested landscape, each with their own private butler to cater for the needs of the guest, ensuring complete comfort and instilling a feeling that Kwetu is truly their 'home away from home'.
Feel at home as you are welcomed into the homely and charming reception where you can immerse yourself in history whilst sipping a drink from the 1893 Brew Bar or just take a moment to revel in the serene ambience, distracting yourself from the day-to-day problems of life. Choose from a wide range of cuisines at one of our multiple restaurants. The relaxed atmosphere of the Cool Waters Pool Bar offers heavenly pizzas, refreshing cocktails and other quick bites. The world-class cuisine of Meko can be enjoyed in an elegant timeless indoor setting, or in the tranquil wind on the outdoor veranda overlooking the spectacle of the poolside area. Experience a high-energy rooftop lounge like no other at Upepo, or indulge in a range of stunning cocktails, expertly crafted by our skilled mixologists at Zabe. In a novel twist, Nomad will change its theme on a six-to-twelve-month basis, providing food, decor and wine from a selected country cuisine. This will be the first restaurant of its kind in the region.
After a hard day's work, relax by the serene poolside soaking in the sun or cooling off in the water under the gently swaying trees or let Kwetu's first rate spa therapies melt your worries away. For those interested in keeping up their healthy lifestyles, why not try our gym with breathtaking views as you sweat your stresses away.
Kwetu's exceptional banqueting and conferencing facilities are also open for both local and international guests. Distributed over two floors, these areas transform from dynamic conference rooms, each with their own retirement and breakout areas, to exceptional banqueting areas for small parties or weddings, complete with its own private tropical garden and an amazing 6-metre waterfall.
Finally, when all is said and done, fall asleep in Kwetu's arms, surrounded by the forest and under the stars as the peace and tranquillity of her room envelopes you as you drift into a most pleasant sleep ready for whatever the outside world has to throw at you the next day.