Little-Known Makueni Resort Named as Coolest Hotel in Africa

A collage image of Chyulu Club resort located in Makueni county.
A collage image of Chyulu Club resort located in Makueni county.
Chyulu Club

Chyulu Club, located in Chyulu Hills in Makueni county, has been the coolest hotel in Africa.

In rankings released by Travel Noire on Wednesday, July 13, the Kenyan resort was recognised for its policy on carbon emissions. It was listed among nine other hotels from across the world.

The hotel - according to the ranking - had registered zero carbon emissions and was recognised as an ideal destination for family vacations.

A collage image of Chyulu Club resort in Makueni county.
A collage image of Chyulu Club resort in Makueni county.
Chyulu Club

"This wilderness resort is situated in Kenya‘s heart of the Chyulu Hills. The resort takes a lot of pride in it’s is carbon-negative (it replaces more carbon than it emits) and zero-emission credential," read the statement in part.

Additionally, the resort was recognised for involving its guests in tree planting initiatives.

"Guests are encouraged to participate in wildlife preservation and reforestation projects with the help of specialists from the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, to learn, assess and help solve the planet’s conservation challenges."

Travel Noire explained that the ranking was aimed at encouraging more hotels from across the world to adopt various initiatives in addressing climate change.

Other hotels named alongside Chyulu Club include Two Bunch Palms in California, Sani Resort in Greece and Alohilani Resort in Hawaii. 

Chyulu Club was built in 2020 and became the first carbon-negative property in Africa following its renewable energy initiatives.

"The club is fully-powered by solar energy and uses photovoltaic panels for electricity and hot water. We recycle all waste and treat grey and black waters with ecological techniques. 

"All kitchens are powered by induction and all Land Rovers are retrofitted with an electric motor. The carbon negative is achieved through an afforestation program funded by a Swiss Boarding School - Le Rosey," read a statement on the resort's website.

The resort is famed for its tents that accommodate guests who visit the getaway for a fee of about Ksh124,000 per night.

A collage image of Sani Resort, Greece (LEFT) and Alohilani Resort in Hawaii (RIGHT).
A collage image of Sani Resort, Greece (LEFT) and Alohilani Resort in Hawaii (RIGHT).
Travel Noire