An hour from Nairobi. A world away. Free breakfast on stays over 3 nights. Book direct →
The Hills Above Machakos

Kenya Slows Down Here

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.

1hrFrom Nairobi
24Rooms & Suites
4.9Guest Rating
Why La Sponda

Four reasons guests return

Small enough to feel personal, well-run enough to feel effortless.

Direct Booking Rate

Book directly with us and always get our best available rate — no third-party markups, no hidden fees.

Comfortable Rooms

Every room opens to green views over the Machakos hills. Wake up slowly, the way a holiday should feel.

Bar & Kitchen

Cold drinks, hot food, and a menu that changes with the season. Our bar is the heart of the lodge.

Free Wi-Fi & Parking

Stay connected when you need to, unplug when you don't. Secure parking for every guest.

La Sponda Lodge
15+ Years of
Hospitality
Our Story

The kind of quiet you can't find in the city

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 Rooms
Rooms & Rates

Choose the room that suits your stay

Each 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.

Standard Double KSh 6,500/night

Standard Double

Cosy double bed, garden view, en-suite bathroom, and workspace. Ideal for solo travellers and couples.

  • 2 Guests
  • 1 Bed
  • Wi-Fi
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Standard Twin KSh 7,200/night

Standard Twin

Two single beds, garden access, and a bright reading corner. A quiet favourite with friends travelling together.

  • 2 Guests
  • 2 Beds
  • Wi-Fi
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Garden View KSh 7,900/night

Garden View Double

Larger double room opening onto the lawn, with a private terrace and outdoor seating.

  • 2 Guests
  • 1 Bed
  • Terrace
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Deluxe Suite KSh 11,500/night

Deluxe Suite

Separate sitting room, king bed, and a large balcony overlooking the gardens. Our most popular room.

  • 2 Guests
  • King
  • Lounge
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Executive Room KSh 13,000/night

Executive Room

Top-floor room with a private workspace, king bed, and quiet garden views. Built for longer stays.

  • 2 Guests
  • King
  • Desk
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Family Room KSh 14,500/night

Family Room

Two connected bedrooms, one bathroom, and a shared lounge. Sleeps up to four comfortably.

  • 4 Guests
  • 3 Beds
  • Family
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Honeymoon Suite KSh 18,500/night

Honeymoon Suite

Four-poster king bed, freestanding bath, private terrace, and champagne on arrival.

  • 2 Guests
  • Bathtub
  • Welcome
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Presidential Suite KSh 24,000/night

Presidential Suite

Our finest room — full lounge, dining table, kitchenette, and panoramic garden views.

  • 4 Guests
  • Dining
  • Premium
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Garden Suite KSh 20,000/night

Garden Suite

Two-room suite opening directly onto a private garden with an outdoor shower.

  • 2 Guests
  • Outdoor
  • Garden
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The Restaurant

Food that tastes like someone's home

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 Menu
Restaurant Dining Food
The Bar

Open till late, every night

Cold beers, well-made cocktails, and a short wine list. Our bar is where guests gather after a long day — live music on weekends, quiet corners on weekdays.

Mon–Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri–Sun: 12pm – 1am
The Bar
Things To Do

Explore Machakos & Beyond

Plenty to fill your days — or nothing at all, if that's the plan.

Iveti Forest
Iveti Forest Walk

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.

Machakos Town
A Morning in Machakos Town

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.

Kyamwilu
Kyamwilu Gravity Hill

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.

Guest Reviews

What our guests say

"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."

Wanjiru M.Nairobi, Kenya

"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."

David & Grace K.Nairobi, Kenya

"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."

Tom R.London, UK

Ready to slow down?

Weekends fill quickly. Pick your dates, and we'll do the rest.

Book Your Stay

Get member rates, early access and quiet-season offers

Join our list — we send two emails a month, never more. Room discounts, bar events, and the occasional sunset shot.

Chat with us La Sponda