Rose Muthoni

At the heart of Sagana in Kirinyaga county is a hotel gem unknown to many. Maya Gardens not only offers a cool ambience but mouth-watering African cuisine as well.

Just for a little indulgence and to escape the hustle and bustle of the ever noisy and hot Nairobi City, I recently packed my bags for an overnight stay at the resort after hearing praises about Maya from friends.

I boarded a matatu to Kirinyaga at Accra bus stop in the central business district. As soon as I waved goodbye to Nairobi, I was already in the mood for a treat. 

Many roads in and through Kirinyaga are lined with trees upon trees, offering a cool atmosphere and the freshest of air.

Rice lovers are at home in the county as you bump into not one, but tens of shops selling fragrant and authentic pishori rice from the rice-growing region of Mwea. 

Maya Gardens is located approximately 10 minutes from Sagana town along a murram road.  I was welcomed by the chirps of a dozen birds and a cool breeze emanating from the many trees in and around the resort.  

The lawns were green, lined up with diamond-shaped walkways and divided into segments by plant fences. The hotel has incorporated nature in its structure, with the stand-alone buildings taking on earth-coloured tones.

I was welcomed by the hotel owner, Charles Mathai, who built the resort to serve Kenyans seeking a place to rejuvenate from long, working hours.

“This was my weekend home where I used to come to rest after hours of politicking in the city.

My visitors, who came to enjoy roast goat ribs every other weekend, convinced me to turn it into a resort where they could be coming to rest more often,” he said.

I was escorted to one of their 16-standalone cottages, complete with their own private yard. Nice place for couples to visit, I thought.  The view from the room was breathtaking too. Trees dotted the well-trimmed and maintained lawns.

I had a choice to dine in the open restaurant or the indoor one, but being a Nairobian used to confined places, I, of course, chose the outdoors. A refreshing glass of apple juice was presented to me as I waited for my mukimo and chicken order. 

The one thing that made the resort stand out was their tradition to cook meals from scratch. After a short wait, my meal was served. The kienyeji chicken went well with the pan-fried mukimo.

The mukimo tasted exactly like what my grandma’ used to make. The day passes quicker than I would want and at 10pm after a sumptuous meal of goat and ugali, I retired.  That night, I heard bits of laughter from groups of revellers enjoying drinks at bonfires while chatting through the night.

The spacious room, at Sh3,000 a night, is furnished with a king-sized bed, a flat screen TV, a spacious wardrobe designed for guest wishing to stay for longer, and an en suite bathroom. For those who prefer sleeping under the stars, I was told, the resort offers tents at Sh1,000.  

For families, a separate, self-contained house complete with a thingira (Kikuyu traditional hut) is available on advance booking at Sh7,500 a night.

After a restful sleep, I enjoyed a cup of brewed Kenyan tea and snacks while enjoying the chirps of birds and a cool breeze on the secluded courtyard. Someone splashed into the pool, which I thought was too early. 

Later, I went for a bike ride and attempted to learn white water rafting and kayaking. This is the place for adventure, I thought. 

There was even a trekking lane available for those who enjoy long walks, but I was already worn out.