Champagne Ridge in Kajiado County lay abandoned for years after the pastoral Maasai communities left the area deeming it too dangerous.
The area earned its 'too dangerous' tag for its sharp escarpments which discouraged the development of residential dwellings as neighbouring Kiserian and Ongata Rongai towns were reaping big from the real estate boom.
The Maasai herders had also vacated the land after years of counting losses due to accidents that resulted when their cattle fell off the ridges to their death.
For years after the departure, the ridge, located a few meters from Kona Baridi near Kiserian laid bare despite being surrounded by robust developments.
However, the small village has now become a picturesque estate attracting wealthy developers who are putting up world-class vacation homes and serving views that would give the Maasai Mara a run for its money.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, an investor who runs a recreational center at the ridge explained that expatriates have increasingly been buying the land at a throwaway price to build retirement homes.
"Many developers have resorted to building holiday homes targeting Nairobians who are looking for a quiet getaway," he explained.
The new developments have made the area a new competition for holiday homes in Naivasha.
Some of the popular vacation establishments include; The Castle, The Dhow, Olohoro Onyore and The Cave have constructed lodges whose popularity has been growing steadily.
The ridge spots scenic and picturesque views made off mostly vegetation and deep ridges with a few buildings scattered around.
The interest for quiet holiday homes in the villages has also been driving up land prices in the area with an acre now retailing for between Ksh3.5 million and Ksh10 million, a sharp increase from initial Ksh 200,000
For a 45-mins drive, the ridge is strategically located in an estate of wellness villas overlooking the Great Rift Valley.
They can be accessed from Galleria Mall junction along the Nairobi National Park fence, or from Karen Road through Ngong and Kiserian.
Once at the lodge, guests have access to the Ngong Hill, Nairobi National Park and Olgersaille pre-historic site with plenty other sites for biking and motorsport activities.
The demand for the ridge, which had been a lot more dormant before, was raised after President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered a lockdown of Nairobi in the first quarter of 2020.
