Ambitious facelift for State and safari lodges

By Harold Ayodo

The Government recently approved a number of projects including renovation of presidential official residences that will cost Sh239 million. State House Mombasa and State Lodge Sagana will consume Sh100 million and Sh67 million respectively. The renovations in Mombasa will mainly target the perimeter fence and main buildings while the Sagana refurbishments will involve various civil works.

Another Sh192.8 million has been set aside to renovate the Prime Minister’s private home. It will start with Sh33.4 million this year with a cumulative cost of Sh192.8 million by 2012.

The Government last year announced intentions to refurbish State House Nairobi, constructed in 1907, at a cost of Sh400 million. The official residence of the President stands on an estimated 741 acres of prime land, which valuers estimate to be worth Sh37 billion (for the land alone).

A wave of reconstructions and renovations is sweeping across commercial and state lodges at various holiday destinations in the country. Most of the lodges under refurbishment have hosted dignitaries, domestic and foreign tourists for over 40 years.

State House Nairobi. [photos: martin mukangu /Standard]

The hospitality sub-sector has taken a cue from the Government initiative by setting aside colossal amounts to refurbish their establishments. Architects reveal the makeovers are advantageous because they preserve the architectural history of buildings and are cheaper than constructing afresh.

At the Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks, which cover an area of 21,812 square kilometres, private investors have constructed camps in surrounding areas. Lodges are the main developments in this region as tourists who troop to the parks prefer going for game drives and spending the night at the same location.

Revenue collections from Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks average slightly over Sh300 million annually. Last year’s statistics from Tsavo West National Park show the game reserves generated an average of Sh140 million, three times less than Tsavo East over the same period.

Residential real estate is, therefore, not a main target for private developers compared to most towns countrywide. Voi Safari Lodge in Tsavo East National Park is among the antique premises undergoing renovations. The lodge’s manager Frederick Odhiambo says the management has invested Sh27 million to overhaul the establishment.

"Our renovation programme started early this year and is slated to be complete by the end of October," he reveals.

The reconstruction entails fixing of clay tiles, introducing modern ventilation systems, new doors and full size windows that will allow natural light and help save electricity costs.

"This lodge was opened in 1969 and it has undergone minor renovations over the years. This year we resolved to do a major overhaul," says Odhiambo.

The renovations incorporate modern designs and dÈcor synonymous with the styles found in international lodges. The architects say the new buildings will reflect improved technology, structural integrity.

Ngulia Safari Lodge situated deep inside Tsavo West National Park recently underwent an overhaul that included the construction of a breathtaking rock building, which faces the ten-kilometre square rhino sanctuary at the park. The rhino makuti bar was also renovated. It first opened its doors on May 22, 1969.

"We have to keep abreast with international developments as most of our guests are widely travelled," explains Stephen Katambani, Ngulia Safari Lodge’s assistant manager.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is also renovating its lodges and guesthouses. KWS Tsavo West National Park’s senior warden Daniel Woodley says the Komboyo Guest House is scheduled for a total overhaul.

"Komboyo Guest House was constructed in the early 1950s and was the house of a former warden until 1992 when it was converted into what it is today," Woodley says. "The plan is to transform it with modern architectural designs so that it doubles as a museum, thanks to its rich history."

At Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, a new suite was recently constructed.

"We increased our suite blocks from one to five to target VIPs. All the suites have modern furniture and architectural designs," says the lodge’s assistant manager, Michael Mwami.

Poor infrastructure

The lodge, which is proud of its rich history, also plans to renovate 26 of its standard rooms. Already, it has installed an inverter system in its three generators, which run for six hours each. The batteries are rechargeable on demand when energy is low.

Lions Bluff Lodge at the Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary has renovated its 12-tented camps complete with furniture made from olive trees. The lodge’s managing director Ian Leckie says change in presentation was important to remain relevant in the hospitality industry. The lodges may be ingesting colossal amounts of money for developments but development is being hampered by poor infrastructure around the park.