An hour from Nairobi, the road climbs into cooler air, and everything gets quieter. La Sponda Lodge sits in those hills — comfortable rooms, a lively bar, and a kitchen that cooks with the season. You will come for a night. You will want to stay for three.
Small enough to feel personal, well-run enough to feel effortless.
Book directly with us and always get our best available rate — no third-party markups, no hidden fees.
Every room opens to green views over the Machakos hills. Wake up slowly, the way a holiday should feel.
Cold drinks, hot food, and a menu that changes with the season. Our bar is the heart of the lodge.
Stay connected when you need to, unplug when you don't. Secure parking for every guest.
Machakos was Kenya's capital before Nairobi was even a town. You can still feel that older, slower rhythm — in the market, in the hills, in the way the evenings cool down. La Sponda sits right in the middle of it, close enough to town for a good coffee, far enough that the only thing you'll hear at night is the trees.
We have kept things simple on purpose: comfortable rooms, honest food, a well-stocked bar, and a team that genuinely enjoys hosting. Whether you are escaping the city for a weekend, bringing family together, or just need a quiet week to work — you will find your pace here.
Explore Our RoomsEach of our rooms has its own character. Tell us how you like to stay — quiet, sunny, close to the bar — and we will match you to the right one.
Cosy double bed, garden view, en-suite bathroom, and workspace. Ideal for solo travellers and couples.
Two single beds, garden access, and a bright reading corner. A quiet favourite with friends travelling together.
Larger double room opening onto the lawn, with a private terrace and outdoor seating.
Separate sitting room, king bed, and a large balcony overlooking the gardens. Our most popular room.
Top-floor room with a private workspace, king bed, and quiet garden views. Built for longer stays.
Two connected bedrooms, one bathroom, and a shared lounge. Sleeps up to four comfortably.
Four-poster king bed, freestanding bath, private terrace, and champagne on arrival.
Our finest room — full lounge, dining table, kitchenette, and panoramic garden views.
Two-room suite opening directly onto a private garden with an outdoor shower.
Our chef cooks with what the season offers — vegetables from farms down the road, local meats, and fruit from the surrounding hills. Kamba cooking has always been generous, and we cook the same way: plenty, seasoned well, shared at the table. Breakfast from 6:30am, lunch from noon, dinner until 10pm.
Guests can charge meals directly to their room. Walk-ins are welcome, but for dinner we recommend reserving a table in advance.
See The Full MenuPlenty to fill your days — or nothing at all, if that's the plan.
A two-hour guided walk through the Iveti Hills, minutes from the lodge. Tall indigenous trees, birds you won't hear in the city, and a local guide who knows every story worth telling. Bring proper shoes and a camera.
Kenya's first capital was a small hillside town — and it still feels that way. Wander the old streets, stop at the market, and end up at the People's Park. Give it a morning. You'll come back with something to tell people about.
A ten-minute drive from town, where water appears to run uphill. Nobody can quite explain it, and everyone who visits tries to. Ten minutes of pure bafflement — the kids will love it.
"The most peaceful weekend I have had in years. The rooms are spotless, the staff treat you like family, and the food is genuinely excellent."
"We booked for two nights and stayed for five. The bar is lovely in the evenings, and the team went out of their way to make our anniversary special."
"I came for a quiet week of work and got exactly that. Fast Wi-Fi, great coffee, and a garden that makes you forget about deadlines."
Join our list — we send two emails a month, never more. Room discounts, bar events, and the occasional sunset shot.