KENYA: Giraffe Ark Game Lodge, Hidden Tourism Gem Deep In The Forest Of Aberdare National Park

Do you want to own a piece of the Giraffe Ark Game Lodge, a hidden tourism gem nestled deep in the forest of Aberdare National Park in Nyeri?

The game lodge made news this month when it offered deep-pocketed patrons a “Night of 1,000 Dreams” package worth Sh1.2 million. All with a complementary seven days guaranteed holiday every year for the next 99 years.

What you probably do not know is that this beautiful haven on the slopes of Mt Kenya can be your investment, rather than your holiday package. You can be part of the crew earning from the “Night of 1000 Dreams” package.

“We want Kenyans and people all over the world to be fractional owners of the lodge,” said the proprietor, Mr Peter Mahu, “One is entitled to buy a minimum of one week’s share that will enable him or her to enjoy that one week for a lifetime.”

By buying shares worth Sh750, 000, you can own a room that guarantees you a seven-day holiday every year for 99 years. You can then earn rental income from this room when not using it.

‘’For example, the deluxe room’s current rate is Sh112, 000 for the seven days’ occupancy per year. In about six years, you will have earned back the worth of your initial investment,” said Mr Mahu.

You, as an investor, will, however, be required to pay the minimal yearly fractional service charge, which covers security, electricity and water.

“Once you pay 50 per cent of the actual share price, you can start enjoying our services,” explains the proprietor, adding that you will also be required to pay for foods and drinks, though at discounted rates (about 40 per cent discounts).

“Kenyans spend lots of money during holidays, why not enjoy your yearly holiday every year for a one-off price?”

Mr Mahu, adds that should you buy a room, you are not saddled with it for the rest of your life, since you can always transfer your shares to a potential buyer at the existing market rates.

“The company projects the price of the units to double or triple in the next three years,” he said.

This type of hotel ownership is called fractional ownership – you get to own a prime property which would be almost impossible to own individually. This concept has been adopted by hotels in the more developed markets in the US, London, Dubai, South Africa and Asia.

There are 60 rooms to choose from, including deluxe suites, luxury suites, executive suites, royal suites and premier suites, which are a blend of Pan African, Western, Oriental and Arabian themes.

All rooms have balconies with a view of Mt Kenya and flat screen TVs connected to satellite TV.

The lodge also has a classy conference facility with 24-hour back-up power and free WiFi.

At the heart of the lodge is a Chinese restaurant where you can catch all the latest sporting events on mounted big screens. Also on offer at the hotel is horse riding, chess, game drives, hiking and cycling. If you enjoy jogging, the spacious outdoors will be the perfect place for a morning or evening jog.