For many Kenyans, the world of royal families, castles, and horse-drawn carriages exists only on screens, in books, and in imaginations. And while some travel to Europe to experience the grandeur of its castles, a taste of that world can also be found right here in Kenya.
Nadia Ng’ayu first tasted it in August, when she visited Lord Egerton Castle with her parents and younger sister. The family was on a short getaway from Nairobi, and the castle came up when Nadia searched for things to do in Nakuru. Having never visited a castle before, the prospect appealed to two of her interests: medieval dramas and nature.
‘I watch medieval dramas and movies featuring a royal theme, but I am also a big fan of nature, and from the TikTok videos, there was a lot of greenery there,’ she says. ‘We also decided to go because it’s a hidden gem. We knew it wouldn’t be too crowded.’
Built by an English aristocrat in a bid to impress a woman he hoped to marry, Lord Egerton Castle has a romantic history, albeit one that did not end as he might have hoped. Nadia had done her research before visiting and arrived expecting a glimpse into this past. She was not disappointed. The castle had retained its old-world character, with its historic interiors seemingly well preserved and maintained.
‘They haven’t modernised it,’ she says. ‘You can tell that the things there are really old, but they’ve been kept well.’
Although a guide was available, the family chose to tour the castle on their own, relying on the information displayed in the rooms to understand what they were seeing. Nadia estimates it took about an hour to explore the castle, moving from room to room and taking in the furnishings and displays.
While some rooms have been left largely untouched, preserving the character of the space, others feature photographs of different parts of Kenya. Among Nadia’s favourites were the ballroom, the grand piano room, and the master bedroom, which, she says, looks as though the owner had just stepped out and left it that way.
Given the chance, Nadia says she would go back. And while she enjoyed experiencing the castle with her family, she says she would bring her peers next time.
‘There is a really long driveway with trees from the gate, which opens up to a really large estate with well-kept lawns,’ she says. ‘There was a group having a team-building retreat on the grounds, and while we didn’t do it, I’ve also seen a girl having a picnic with her friends there. I would like to experience that with my friends.’
Nadia would recommend the castle to travellers who enjoy historic and scenic destinations. Those looking for a more action-packed outing, however, might find the experience less appealing.
‘There’s not much else to do but look,’ she says.
Faith Wambui had spent years seeing the grand halls, sweeping staircases, and flowing gowns in period dramas and imagining what it might feel like to be surrounded by the trappings of royalty. On July 5, 2026, she got to experience a little of that fantasy.
‘It was my friend’s birthday, and we wanted to experience somewhere unique and different from the usual places we go,’ says Faith, an English Literature teacher. ‘We saw people advertising Tafaria Castle on TikTok and got interested. We thought, if there is something like this in our country, it would be good to go and see what happens there.’
The pair booked a Sh3,800 package through a tour company that took care of the transport, activities, and photography, and off they went on their royal adventure.
‘It was my first time seeing a castle, and I must say, it was quite different from the usual Kenyan destinations,’ she says. ‘The design and even the atmosphere were very distinctive. We had views of Mount Kenya, the Aberdare Ranges, and the Laikipia plains, and the air just felt so fresh and calm.’
Faith got to ride in the horse-drawn carriage, take a dip in the heated pool, and enjoy a birthday picnic with her friend on the castle grounds. Her only regret was that the day trip was too short to experience everything Tafaria had to offer.
‘If I get another opportunity, I will spend more time there and stay even if it’s just one night,’ she says.
According to Faith, couples and families would enjoy visiting Tafaria the most.
‘I don’t think a solo traveller would enjoy it as much, seeing as there is so much beauty and you need someone to show it to and appreciate it with,’ she says.
She encourages Kenyans to explore the destination but advises visitors to check prices before set-ting off.
‘If you want to have coffee or do a certain activity, make sure you confirm how much it costs so you can plan your budget right.’
For Mitchell Luciana, a birthday weekend presented the perfect opportunity to get a taste of royalty.
‘I went with my family to Tafaria Castle for my birthday last year,’ she says. ‘The three of us stayed for a weekend.’
After getting over how far the castle was from the main road, Mitchell says the scene that unfolded before her was a feast for the eyes. The entrance, she recalls, was ‘literally like Bridgerton style’. Beyond the gate, a pathway lined with art led towards the castle, with different displays building anticipation along the way.
‘There is so much art in this place, and they’re done so well they feel like they’re actually coming alive,’ she says.
During their stay, Mitchell and her family tried their hand at archery and horse riding, explored the art section and museum, and visited the farm. Of these, horse riding and the museum stood out the most for her.
The accommodation, too, lived up to her expectations. From the names of the rooms – the Lord’s Court, the Queen’s Room, and the Knight’s Quarters – to the period-style furnishings, the rooms helped make the royal fantasy feel a little more tangible.
For the family of three, the two-night stay cost nearly Sh100,000.
Was it worth the money?
‘Yes, it was. I have no regrets,’ she says. ‘It was actually one of my favourite experiences. I would definitely go back and maybe stay longer so I can explore all the activities I wasn’t able to try.’
With activities for children and different experiences to explore, Mitchell believes Tafaria can appeal to a broad range of visitors. The only catch is its relative isolation. Those hoping to use the castle as a base while exploring other attractions outside the property may find this difficult, given the distance.
‘You have to come and enjoy everything in the castle,’ she says.
Cornelius Ndeche had his Tafaria experience on October 3. Not one to watch movies, he was drawn to the castle’s luxurious look and feel.
And the reality did not disappoint.
‘The castle, heated pool, carriage, all of it fit my expectations perfectly,’ he says.
Cornelius went on a day trip organised through a tour company, arriving at noon and leaving in the evening. In the few hours he spent there, he managed to go horse riding and swimming, but it was the food and underground disco that made the outing memorable.
The trip cost him Sh4,500, inclusive of transport, meals, activities, drinking water and photography, and for him, it was well worth the money. He is already planning a return visit, this time with an overnight stay.
‘It’s a very nice place, especially for families, children, and young people,’ he says. ‘There’s a lot to do.’