Hotel Cathay - Menengai Crater

Discover Hotel Cathay, a welcoming retreat situated near the dramatic Menengai Crater within Kenya

Location
Menengai Crater, Rift Valley Lakes, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-0.288632, 36.066635
Elevation
1,839m
Website
http://hotelcathay.co.ke
Activities
hotel

PlnrScore: 39/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

599 species observed within 20 km, 46 mammals, 354 birds.

  • Great White Pelican (Aves, 390 observations)
  • Olive Baboon (Mammalia, 364 observations)
  • Impala (Mammalia, 299 observations)
  • African Buffalo (Mammalia, 266 observations)
  • White Rhinoceros (Mammalia, 264 observations)
  • Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 234 observations)
  • Marabou Stork (Aves, 232 observations)
  • Augur Buzzard (Aves, 225 observations)
  • Northern Giraffe (Mammalia, 219 observations)
  • African Fish-Eagle (Aves, 213 observations)

Monthly Climate

MonthHighLowRain
Jan25.6C13.9C57.8mm
Feb27.3C14.4C28.5mm
Mar27.5C14.8C64mm
Apr25C14.8C159.2mm
May24.2C14.2C93.5mm
Jun23.9C13.5C25mm
Jul23.3C13.2C56.5mm
Aug23.7C13.1C55.1mm
Sep24.5C13.4C74.2mm
Oct25.3C14C57.6mm
Nov24.1C14.3C122.5mm
Dec25.2C13.8C40.5mm

Best Time to Visit Hotel Cathay

The best months to visit Hotel Cathay are February, March, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 17.35°C, rainfall 53.3mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 62.2%
  • February: Great, temperature 18.46°C, rainfall 28.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 57.2%
  • March: Great, temperature 18.65°C, rainfall 60.5mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 59.9%
  • April: Poor, temperature 17.34°C, rainfall 209.6mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 74%
  • May: Good, temperature 16.95°C, rainfall 138.4mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 74.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 16.6°C, rainfall 41.4mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 68.4%
  • July: Good, temperature 16.13°C, rainfall 99.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 69.8%
  • August: Good, temperature 16.14°C, rainfall 109.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • September: Good, temperature 16.64°C, rainfall 125.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 70.3%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.14°C, rainfall 103.8mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 69.5%
  • November: Good, temperature 16.47°C, rainfall 166.8mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 74.7%
  • December: Great, temperature 17.08°C, rainfall 39.5mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 65.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to experience the Menengai Crater from Hotel Cathay?

We love starting our days with a guided hike or a drive right up to the rim of the Menengai Crater. The views are absolutely breathtaking, especially in the early morning light. Hotel Cathay can arrange these excursions, and we highly recommend booking one to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of this natural wonder.

Beyond the crater, what unique activities does Hotel Cathay offer?

While the Menengai Crater is the star attraction, Hotel Cathay offers a surprisingly rich experience right on its grounds. We enjoyed exploring their gardens, which are a haven for local birdlife, and the lodge itself feels luxurious and timeless. They also have a small cultural center where we learned about the local Rift Valley communities.

What should we pack for a stay at Hotel Cathay, considering its location near Menengai Crater?

Given its altitude near the crater, evenings can be cool, so we recommend packing layers including a fleece or light jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the crater rim. While it's not a traditional wildlife safari lodge, bringing binoculars is still a good idea for birdwatching around the hotel grounds.

Is Hotel Cathay a good base for exploring the wider Rift Valley region?

Absolutely. Hotel Cathay serves as a comfortable and convenient base if you're interested in exploring more of the Rift Valley's geological wonders. We found it to be a peaceful retreat after days spent visiting nearby lakes or hot springs, offering a touch of classic comfort.

What is the general atmosphere and dining experience like at Hotel Cathay?

We found Hotel Cathay to have a wonderfully relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, a true retreat. The lodge feels luxurious and timeless, with attentive service. The dining is hearty and delicious, focusing on fresh, local ingredients – we particularly enjoyed their traditional Kenyan dishes served in the elegant dining room.

Other Safari Lodges in Menengai Crater

Parks in Rift Valley Lakes

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya